Chapter XXVII: The Skywalker Castle In Coruscant
The blazed green eyes glared fiercely at Han. The young girl, though significantly smaller than the Corellian, had the ability of making Han nervous. He thought of looking away, maybe that way she wouldn't go to him, but it was useless. She was already descending the steps on her way to meet him.
Han artfully reached for his blaster—just in case.
"Oh Lady Jade!" C-3PO said, "Is the princess going to be all right?"
The redheaded nodded without looking at the droid. Her eyes fixed questioningly on Solo.
"Ah, Lady," Han said, his tone having more irreverence than he intended. "So you're the Lady of this castle?"
"I will be the one to ask questions," she said, brusquely. "Who are you? Why was Princess Leia with you?"
"So is it really the princess?" a man, uniformed as an imperial appeared and said, his voice filled with incredulity. "Lady Jade, we should probably wait till we have clarification."
"I have no doubt it's her," Jade said. "I saw her with my own eyes. Plus this droid was with her when she first left. It's Princess Leia."
"You don't sound particularly happy at having her back," Han said in an insolent tone. "Suppose you're not gonna be the one to give orders now—"
"Listen you—!" Jade raised her voice in anger but soon put herself together. "I didn't particularly enjoy welcoming her in such a terrible state. I don't know what you did with her, but you're in big, big trouble," she threatened.
"Oh where's the Princess?" 3PO asked, worriedly.
Jade's face almost softened. "She's in the bacta tank, Threepio. Don't worry, she'll be fine."
"Can we see her?" Han asked.
Jade scanned him and Chewbacca scathingly. "No. I don't think it would be appropriate."
"I don't understand why you haven't had them arrested," the imperial man said.
"Arrested?" 3PO cried, shocked. "But they've been flying the Princess all this time while she looked for the young Prince."
"Really?" Jade and the Imperial said at the same time.
"Threepio," Han calmly said, "I think you should wait for Leia—for her Highness to inform everyone of what she's been doing."
"You're right, sir. Forgive me."
"Who the hell are these guys, Threepio?" Jade asked.
"Oh they're—"
"Pilots," Han interrupted.
Jade narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "Is that true?"
"Yes," 3PO affirmed. "Princess Leia hired Captain Solo and Chewbacca to fly her here to Coruscant. That was a long time ago, actually; but we've encountered quite a few incidents which prevented us from arriving sooner."
"Well," Jade resumed. "Go and accompany the pilots, droid. For the moment, I don't think they should leave the castle."
"Oh I doubt they would go, Lady Jade."
"What makes you so sure?"
"Princess Leia hasn't paid them—I mean!" 3PO turned frightfully to Han, fearing he had blundered again, but Han grinned quite amused; happy to have an excuse to stay and wait for Leia.
"Just so," Han smiled. "Tell the Princess I'll be waiting."
With that, the two smugglers accompanied C-3PO into a drawing room. Mara Jade, quite angry with the whole situation, walked back to see the state of the Princess.
It was the strangest thing, Mara Jade was sure, to look at the Princess, usually so strong, put together and fearless, looking so weak and pale… this sickly girl couldn't possibly be Leia Skywalker… and yet she was. Significantly thinner, greyish skinned and faint—this was Queen Amidala and Darth Vader's young daughter.
Jade stood by the bed in the medical room of the castle, staring deeply with great sadness at the form of the unfortunate girl, at last defeated and scarred. Even asleep, with her closed eyes, Jade could see and sense the pain that emanated from Leia. What happened to her? She wondered over and over again. Who could've done this to her? It was remarkable to think there was a being in the galaxy who had bested a Skywalker. Damn rebels! Jade thought. They must've ganged up on her… no other explanation. A single person couldn't possibly have gotten Leia in this state… But what were those scars? Leia's white face had scratches all over, her thin shoulders and arms were covered in purple bruises, and she couldn't see them under the many layers and covers but Jade was sure the princess's legs were probably the same.
The redhead passed her hands across her face time and time again, trying to calm her nerves and convince herself things would be fine—yet she couldn't forget Leia's image when she first arrived to the castle. Dragged from a Corellian freighter by a strange, questionable-looking man and a Wookiee. Her clothes all dirty and ripped; her hair and body a mess. What happened to her?
And at every second she couldn't help wondering if he had encountered that same fate. The thought was so unbearable she had to push away tears. Suddenly the doors opened and she jumped, startled. The medical droid had comeback along with three doctors they brought from the city.
"We need to continue with the rehabilitation," the medical droid said.
"Now?" Mara shook her head. "Is it completely necessary? Can't she sleep for a little longer?"
"I'm afraid it's quite urgent, Miss. Don't worry, she'll barely be conscious of anything."
Mara shook her head, nervously. She bit at her nails and approached the princess, never pitying her more than at that moment. "All right," she agreed.
Two men stood at either side of the bed and forced the princess to get up.
"Careful!" Mara cried, terrified at the screams Leia released.
She got closer again and tried to help the princess sit up. Leia said nothing coherent and just cried out in pain. Mara helped brush Leia's long hair out of the way so she could put her a robe that could conceal her better before those strange men; passing a hand over her neck, the Princess screamed again. Mara Jade gasped and paled as she searched Leia's back and saw a terrible lightsaber wound. She could now see that one of her shoulders had also received a lightsaber attack, she just didn't notice before because it was hidden under the blackened, purple-bruised skin…
Taking a trembling step back, unable of looking at Leia in such state, Mara closed her eyes shut, and shed silent tears. She put both hands over her mouth to prevent any sob.
All she could do then was wait. She just couldn't speak to anyone right now. Just wait, and in vain fight herself to be convinced Luke hadn't suffered the same.
Minutes passed like hours, hours passed like days; at last, Mara heard a knock on her door, a servant informing her the Princess was better now, again resting in the bed of the medical room.
Mara left her own bedroom and raced to get to the other side of the castle. Passing by many large windows, she saw Coruscant's night sky already very advanced. The many city lights shone as during any other evening, completely careless of the tragedy and mischief the world was facing.
Entering the room, Mara took a deep breath, trying to prepare herself for what she was about to see…
The princess was up, she laid on the bed with her eyes staring at the ceiling, immobile and mute. Approaching her, Mara made an effort to smile at Leia, something the princess didn't return, which Mara also didn't expect.
Mara's smile grew as she saw the princess already looking much better. She sat by her side and took her small hand, white and without imperfection again. Her long arms were as thin as in the morning, but the bruises and scars were healing, making her not so hard to be seen.
"I see you're much better," Mara smiled softly, "I am so glad, Leia."
Leia didn't move, only her brown eyes, which Mara noted were incredibly different, melancholic and filled with sadness, moved to see her. "Are they," Leia breathed slowly, almost unwilling to ask, "here?"
Mara knew whom she meant. "No, my dear."
Leia sighed in relief. "And have they… been here lately?"
Mara nodded. "The Emperor stopped coming for a while… Then he and your mother spent a few weeks in, but then they heard—heard you were captured, and left. They haven't been here in a standard month, Leia."
"Both of them?" Leia's voice was chilling. "My mother left Naboo? She was here?"
Mara nodded.
A few minutes of silence later, Leia asked, "Do they know I'm here?"
"No, Leia. There have been a few false alarms to quite—terrible outcomes. So it was decided to not contact the Emperor until we were sure it was you. Don't worry, I'll let them know immediately—"
"No!" Leia screamed. "Please don't," her voice lowered to a whisper. "Do not, under any circumstances let them know I'm here. I beg you, Mara. Make sure no one tells them."
"I promise," Mara nodded, very confused.
"Where are my friends?" Leia asked in her tired voice.
"Uh? Oh the pilots… the Corellian and the Wookiee?"
"Those are the ones."
"They're here in the castle. They're guarded so they won't escape—"
"What? Where exactly?"
"In one of the drawing rooms."
"That's ridiculous! Is it night time now?"
"Yes."
"Show them to a room. They must be so tired. Have they eaten?"
"Um no… Leia I didn't think—"
"Send Chewie—the Wookiee, to Threepio's room. Give the droid an oil bath and send food for the Wookiee."
"All right." Mara nodded, standing up and walking to the door. "What about the man?"
"Show him to my room."
"What?!" Mara cried, scandalized.
"To my room, Mara. He can sleep there."
Mara stood still for a moment, wondering if the princess was delirious. At last, quite unwillingly, she followed Leia's orders.
Han kept pacing inside the drawing room, his face oddly nervous, his whole demeanor unlike himself.
It had been a horrible day. Kept inside that fancy room like prisoners. Unable to ask anything regarding Leia's health. He couldn't forget the last time he saw her… crumbling, defeated in his arms… the beautiful princess unrecognizable.
"We should go see what's happening," he cried. "Chewie, you can break that door. Come on, you've been useless all day!"
The Wookiee growled, telling him to sit down.
"Captain Solo, that would be vandalism." C-3PO cried. "Lady Jade would be very angry."
"To hell with her! Who does she think she is? What is she, like, a cousin or something?"
"No, sir."
"She a royal?"
"No, sir."
"Then why is she ruling this castle? Why does everyone follow her orders? Who the hell—"
The doors opened, and Mara Jade walked in.
Han stared at her with supreme dislike, the feeling being obviously mutual. He hated her scathing looks, observing Han as if he were the lowest creature in the castle.
"Threepio go to your usual room," she commanded.
Han snorted. "What, even the droid has his own room here?"
Mara ignored this remark. "Take the Wookiee with you, he can sleep in there."
C-3PO didn't look thrilled but he obliged.
"Captain Solo," she then said. "Come with me I'll escort you to… to a room where you can sleep."
"I am not tired. Where's Leia?"
"Princess Leia will spend the night in the medical room."
"Can I see her?"
"No. She didn't request your presence so that's out of the question."
"She didn't? Well… maybe she wasn't well enough to speak. I am sure she wouldn't mind if I enter for a few minutes—"
"No," Mara roughly denied. "Come with me. Silently, if you please."
Han nodded, sulkily, deciding it was better than being shut in this room all night.
He walked inside the room she indicated him, and, quite viciously, shut the door in her face. Without thinking, he threw himself in the bed. And though he had not realized before, he was really tired, and in seconds he fell asleep.
Morning arrived all too soon. Han moved around the spacious bed, hating himself for how well-rested and comfortable he woke up feeling. Removing the soft, warm covers from his body, he sat up in the delightful mattress and passed a hand over his face; rubbing his eyes and trying to remember everything that had happened the day before.
He was in a castle.
The realization finally dawned on him. He was in one of the Emperor's homes, in what he was sure was one of the most stunning rooms. He looked around the surroundings, taking them all in; the fancy, lavish feel startled him. It was so different than what he was used to—especially the last few months flying one of the most hated women in the galaxy.
Leia. Suddenly she appeared to take over his mind. He felt she was with him, the room smelled sweet and feminine. He rose and walked around, and in a matter of seconds, he realized with the happiest and satisfied mind, that this was Leia's bedroom in the castle.
The large ceiling had a few chandeliers, the architecture was nothing like the futuristic and technological feel Coruscant always had; it was that classical beauty ancient planets like Naboo and Alderaan usually held. The walls, pink and purple were splashed with trophies, papers of recognition, everything she had earned in her short life. Many moving images also caught his attention. Most showed Leia as a little girl, small and always dressed in soft colors like white, as she got older her robes changed to black. By the nigh table, reflecting with a strange effect in front of the mirror, was a more recent holovid. Startled, Han felt sudden hate, watching what he assumed was a sixteen or seventeen year old Princess with a blond boy, richly dressed. That must be Luke Skywalker…
He turned his back on the moving image, instead, he walked to inspect the rest of the room. Opening a few drawers, he found one filled with nothing but weapons. He casually picked up a few. Moving on, he found her closet. A gigantic space that was an entire other room on its own. He walked around, the clothes started moving by themselves, he didn't know how he had started that, so he couldn't imagine a way of turning it off. Then he heard a knock on the door, but the person outside didn't wait, and just entered.
Han cursed and left the closet to return to the bedroom; he was ready to be scolded by Lady Jade. And indeed, there stood the stern red-headed young girl that seemed to dislike him so much, but next to her, stood Princess Leia.
"What were you doing back there?" Jade demanded. "Don't you try to steal anything, I swear—"
"Mara, stop yelling," Leia said in a muffled voice, softly closing and opening her eyes. "It's too early for that."
Han smiled. A large smile. He couldn't help it—he was so happy to see her again. It felt like a lifetime had passed since they were together, though it was only less than a day.
"Perhaps he was looking for some clothes…" Leia gently said. "Do me a favor, please. Get him something to wear."
Mara Jade's mouth dropped.
"Right now," Leia pressed. "So he can have a shower—he rather needs one."
Mara had no choice. She nodded and quite unwillingly, left them alone.
"Seriously, though," Leia said, approaching the bed, "what were you doing in there?"
Han cleared his throat. "Got lost, Princess. This room is huge. Is yours… isn't it?"
"Yes," she nodded and sat on the bed.
Han watched her deeply, the confirmation of having slept on her bed making him suddenly very… nervous. He watched her, on the bed where just before he'd been sleeping and joined her there.
But no more words could pass between them, a crowd of servants broke into the bedroom unannounced and uninvited.
"Oh thank you," Leia said, her face showing no gratitude as two handmaidens walked her to the fresher. "Ahh!" she screamed.
"What? What?" Han cried, running to her. "What—oh…"
The handmaidens had taken Leia's clothes off; Leia stared abysmally at her reflection on the many mirrors. "Don't look!" she cried, in distress.
"I'm sorry," Han said, turning his back and gulping.
"Goddamn it, I look terrible," Leia sighed.
Han carefully and discreetly sneaked another glance. He was of another opinion.
"That bacta tank is a wonder," he awkwardly said. "You're healing very fast."
"I should've killed him!" Leia whispered as the handmaidens walked her in her naked state.
Han then again heard her whimper, crying that the water was too cold, then too hot, and then she just said nothing and showered for a long time, kicking everyone out.
Han remained sitting by the bed, unwilling to leave her again in spite the servants' comments. When Leia returned in a white towel, she looked almost sweet, if it weren't for the pain her eyes still carried.
"Your turn," she said shyly. The handmaidens stared at each other. "He can do that alone," Leia said, looking down.
Han entered the fresher, and when he went back again, Leia was gone, and a ridiculous outfit laid on the now made bed.
"Damn Lady Jade," cried the smuggler. He wouldn't be seen dead on those clothes… but it's not like he had a choice.
When dressed up, he left the room and descended the stairway, trying to find Leia or Chewbacca.
It was a different treatment he received now. When he passed by a guard he wasn't scanned as if thought dangerous; when he accidently met a servant they would bow to him. He asked for C-3PO and the Wookiee and was immediately shown to the dining room.
At the farthest corner, sat Leia, and Han thought she had never looked more like a princess before. A soft, long black dress graced her lean figure; her hair was almost loose, a braided crown of her own hair revealed her pretty facial features. She wore no jewelry but it was not necessary because her look was sweet and simple. Next to her sat Chewbacca, and standing with them was the protocol droid.
The Wookiee immediately cried out something loud when he saw Han.
Han's cheeks turned slightly crimson. "Shut up, it was all the clothes they could give me."
Leia laughed softly. "I think you look handsome, actually," she said.
Han sat by her side. "Don't get used to it, though."
A great banquet was served for them. Leia stared at it with as much awe as Han and Chewbacca. She had forgotten such luxury even existed. There was so much food, only delicacies that she loved. She wanted to devour everything and at once.
"Careful." Han advised. "Little by little. Otherwise you might get sick."
She didn't want to hear that. She looked at the banquet fearing it would at some point disappear. She grabbed great chunks of everything. She tasted every soup. Many glasses. Every plate. And just like Han had warned, she started feeling very badly. Her tummy ached. Her head was dizzy… How horrifying. Was there anything she'd ever enjoy again? Life would forever be tainted by the latest experiences?
Never a young face looked so saddened. The Princess stared down at her lap, her hands clasped together. Not a word escaping her.
"You alright, Leia?" Han asked, getting closer.
There was no point in lying, after all, he knew everything that had happened. She didn't answer.
"Are you done?"
She just nodded, very low energy.
"All right… hey that garden outside looks very pretty. Why don't we go around for a walk?"
"No thanks—"
He had already stood up. He was beside her, offering his arm in the most gallant of ways, gaining a very faint smile from the Princess.
"You guys stay here," Han said to the Wookiee and droid.
He wrapped his arm around the Princess, providing warmth and comfort. Leia laid her head on his broad shoulder, and she herself threw her arms around his waist. Han laid a few kisses to the top of her head, just as they passed by a bewildered Mara Jade.
"L—leia?"
"We're taking a stroll around the castle," Han smiled in a way he knew would make Mara hate him more. Leia said nothing, she cuddled and took refuge in his arms. When they were by the front door, Mara heard the Princess whimper and scream; but it was in—Jade could hardly believe it—a very giddy and happy way. Han had picked Leia up as if she were no heavier than a small doll, and he carried her outside as the Princess laughed.
Mara Jade madly shook her head. She ran to her room, trembling at every step, unsure of her own actions, hating herself and life. This needs to be done, she told herself. Her own anxiety at an all-time high; she resisted the urge to bite her nails, and felt her thumping heart jump, almost bursting from her chest when she saw, amidst the blue image of a hologram, the Emperor's face. His cold, hateful voice cooling her skin, as he asked, "What is it, Miss Jade?"
Mara took a deep breath, and only after making sure her voice would be steady and without tremors, she said, "Your Majesty, Princess Leia is here in the castle."
Author's Note: I was originally going to introduce Mara Jade back in chapter 6, but since she wasn't going to have any importance in the story yet I decided to wait. If you're confused about her role in this universe don't worry, it will be explained :)