Title:  A Christmas Wish

Author: Anaika Skywalker

Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au

Rating: PG 13

Disclaimer: It's all owned by George Lucas, I just like to play in his universe once and a while.

A Christmas Wish

Chapter Two: Secrets revealed

Luke found Amelia had fallen asleep on the sofa when he came into the sitting room the next morning. Remembering their discussion. She was going to have to make a decision. However what caught his eye was the datapad on the table, it wasn't the same one with the Royal Crest, this was a different one. This one showed a holograph of two men both in Jedi attire and robes.

Sensing his nephew outside, he opened the door before he could touch its door chime. He put his finger to his lips, gesturing him in. Shutting the door when he had. Wondering if he should tell Jacen or wait and see if Coren. Amelia did. Until then he'd have to remember to call her Coren.

Jacen saw Coren asleep. She looked beautiful; her hair tussled around her face. Asleep the worry was gone from her face.

"Don't stare, it's not polite," Luke whispered, amused.

"Sorry Uncle Luke," he said quietly.

Luke patted his shoulder. "Go wake her up," he insisted, then headed into the kitchenette.

Jacen knelt beside the sofa. He had this incredible urge to kiss her. It was almost overpowering. No other woman had this effect on him. It was mystical. Magical. It was as if fate had brought them together - fate or the Force. He believed the second.

Amelia woke, looking into Jacen's brown eyes. It took her a moment to realize where she was. "Good morning."

He smiled. "I'm positive Uncle Luke offered you the spare bed," he teased.

She sat up, pulling her robe around her legs. "I couldn't sleep, so I came out here to read."

Jacen had picked up the datapad as he preached on the sitting room table. "Is this Naboo?" He asked referring to the surroundings, not the two men.

Amelia nodded. It was obvious Luke hadn't told his nephew about their conversation. "They were the two Jedi Knights sent to negotiate a settlement between Naboo and the Trade Federation, who blockaded the planet," she revealed. Getting up she sat beside him on the table. "The Jedi on the right is Master Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn, his Apprentice or Padawan as he called him is on his left. Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Luke came in, over hearing the name. "Obi-Wan Kenobi was on Naboo?"

She nodded. "He and his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn rescued Queen Amidala and eventually got her to Coruscant after the Trade Federation invaded."

"Eventually?"

Amelia grinned. "The story is all there. I'll get dressed and leave you two to read it," she announced, standing she hurried into the bedroom. Grabbing her bag she pulled out clothes and dressed. Then shoved everything back into the bag, including several datapads, which had fallen out. One in particular held the Royal Crest; she made sure that one was tucked away. Slipping her shoes on, she fastened the bag and left the room.

Luke had the datapad. "Coren, where did this information come from?"

"The Royal achieves. Why?"

He handed her the datapad. On it was a holograph of a young man, twenty standard years old in Jedi attire. Beside him in a white gown was a beautiful young woman. "Who are they?"

Amelia looked, she knew who the woman was but she had to access information on the young man. "It's a wedding holograph of Senator Padme` Amidala and Jedi Apprentice Anakin Skywalker," she looked up, seeing those same blue eyes as Luke's. "Your father?"

"I believe so," he answered. "My mother and father."

Amelia sat beside Jacen. This was becoming a little unnerving. She hadn't remained on Coruscant to find Amidala's descendents. She'd only stayed because of her son. Now she realized she'd should have taken the risk and gone home. Letting the doctors on Naboo treat Jolie.

"What's wrong?" Jacen asked. He could sense the turmoil going on inside her. Then it was gone, she had regained control.

"I have to get to Jolie, he's properly worried by now," she dismissed it.

"We're ready to go when you are," Luke informed, knowing she was disturbed by it all.

Leaving his apartment they went directly to the Medical center, Luke excused himself going to see his wife and son. Jacen went with Amelia.

"Your Uncle suggested taking Jolie to Yavin 4, to the Force healers there," she revealed. "I'm not sure what to do."

"They could help Jolie," he said gently. "Master Cilghal is one of the best."

She hugged herself. "You both putting a lot of faith in a person you don't know," she stated, stopping she faced him. "There's so much about me you don't know and yet you're willing to keep helping Jolie and I."

"You'll tell me when your ready."

Would she? She wondered. She felt drawn to him, the tenderness in his brown eyes. She stepped closer and uncharacteristic of herself, she kissed him, directly on the lips.

Jacen gathered her in his arms, parting her lips, deepening the kiss. He shouldn't have been doing this but he couldn't stop himself.

Amelia pulled away. "I'm sorry, that was wrong," she muttered, confused and unsure, before hurrying inside her son's room.

Jacen stood there just as confused, the taste of her remaining with him. The kiss wasn't wrong and he was going to prove it to her one way or another.

Jaina looked over Anakin's shoulder. "They're the same person," she said astonishment lacing her voice.

He nodded. "I had a feeling she was hiding something last night. I just didn't realize it was something like this," he declared then paused for a moment, studying the image. "There's something in her eyes, Jaina."

His sister agreed. "She's been hurt."

"We have to tell Jacen," Anakin said firmly.

"They'll be at the Medical Center," she divulged. "Aunt Mara and Ben come home today."

"Then we're going there," he decided and cleared the screen, standing. Following his sister out.

At the medical center they found Jacen sitting two doors down from their Aunts room. Seemingly in deep though, glancing at a datapad.

He sensed his sibling's arrival, looking up. "What are you two doing here?"

They sat with him. "There's something you should know about Coren," his brother confided in him. "She isn't who she says she is."

"No. She's Queen of Naboo," he answered and saw there surprised looks. "Uncle Luke told me," he held out the datapad. He hadn't been going to, but his Uncle Luke had seen them kissing and had felt he should. Jacen didn't regret knowing, it made sense. He handed his brother the datapad. "It's all here."

Anakin looked it over and then passed it to his sister. "Does she know you do?"

Jacen shook his head. "No."

Jaina moved to sit the other side of her brother, smiling. She knew what he was feeling. "You've gone and fallen in love with her. In less then twenty-four hours," she remarked and saw him smile.

"I suppose I have," he admitted.

Inside her son's room, Amelia noticed Jolie was happier then she'd seen him in days. She knew it wasn't from the treatments he was receiving. It was because of Luke Skywalker. Because she had for filled his Christmas wish, two months before Christmas.

"Mamma, what's wrong?" Jolie asked innocently.

"Nothing sweetheart. I'm just tired," she reassured, managing a smile.

"Mamma, can we go home?"

She took his hand in hers. Her son wasn't getting any better, not this way. Perhaps Luke had been right, maybe she needed to look at letting the Force healers try to heal her son. "We will honey, after one more stop. Would you like to see Master Skywalker's Jedi Academy on Yavin 4?"

His little eyes lit up with excitement. "Could we? Can they help me?"

Amelia smiled at his enthusiasm. "I'll ask Master Skywalker but I think they can," she answered. "I'll be back in a moment," she told him. Getting up she kissed his forehead, then left the room. Finding Jacen, his sister and brother. She knew by the look on their faces. They know. She thought to herself. They know who I am.

Jacen stood; he took her hands in his. "Uncle Luke told me. Anakin and Jaina did some checking on their own."

Jaina came up beside her brother. "I was worried Jacen was going to get hurt, Your Majesty."

Amelia felt tears in her eyes. "I wouldn't hurt your brother, Jaina."

Luke and Mara came down the corridor to them, their son asleep in his mother's arms.

"Master Skywalker," the young Queen addressed him with a regal tone. " If the offer to help my son still remains, I would like to take him to Yavin 4."

"It does, Your Majesty. We'll leave whenever you're ready."

"Thank you Master Skywalker," she turned back to Jacen. "I'll need to contact Captain Jenda and inform him of my plans. He'll want to bring my decoy to Yavin 4."

He glanced at his brother. "Anakin can you get a channel open to the Captain?"

He nodded. "Give me five minutes and the Queen's help."

"You have it."

"There's a com unit in the doctor's office. Last door on your left," Luke told his nephew.

Amelia went with the youngest Solo.

Mara was impressed. "I can see why they elected her Queen. She's strong, even in stressful situations," she remarked and glanced at her husband. "Reminds me of you. Are you sure you're not related?"

He shook his head. "Very funny," he said. Then addressed his niece. "Jaina can you contact your parents. We're going to need a fast ship."

She nodded, grinning as she left. Knowing whose ship her Uncle meant.

Jacen moved closer to his Uncle and Aunt. Looking at his sleeping cousin. "Will you and Ben be coming with us, Aunt Mara?"

"Of course, trying to stop me?"

He grinned. "No. I'm glad you are."

She ruffled his hair. "Well someone has to look out for you lot," she teased and saw him blush shyly.

When Anakin and Amelia returned, a doctor was with them. The man wasn't happy.

"Master Skywalker, I have been informed my patient is being discharged."

"It's his mothers choose, Doctor," Luke responded.

"Yes and as Queen of Naboo, I respect that. I just hope you'll be able to deal with the consequences," he remarked, and then left.

Jaina also returned. "Dad said he's ready to go."

"Lets get Jolie. We'll stop at our apartment, then head for the Falcon," Luke ordered gently. "What is the word from Captain Jenda, Your Majesty?"

"He's organizing the travel arrangements to Yavin 4. So they meet us there. He's also having my decoy inform my people I am meeting with a delectation of Jedi Knights," she reported.

"Which you will be, Your Majesty," he stated. "Jacen will help you with Jolie."

Amelia bowed her head. "Thank you Master Jedi," she went with Jacen into her son's room.

"Are we going mamma?" The little boy asked excitedly as they came in.

"Yes we are sweetheart," she told him. "This is Jacen Solo."

"Master Skywalker's nefhew?" Jolie asked.

"Nephew, Jolie," she corrected.

Jacen smiled. "It's nice to meet you Jolie. Now lets get you ready, we're going to Yavin 4."

Amelia had put her sons things in his bag. "Ready Jolie?"

"Ready."

Jacen gathered the little boy up in his arms, blanket and all. "We're all set,"

She smiled and went with them. Jacen introduced Jolie to his family before they left.

They made one stop, to retrieve bags and supplies, and then headed directly to the landing platform where the Millennium Falcon waited.

Jolie was wide eyed with excitement by the time they arrived. His excitement turned to fear at the sight of the Wookiee standing near the landing ramp though.

"It's okay Jolie," Jacen guaranteed, feeling the little boys arms loosen around his neck. "This is Chewbacca. He's my dad's co-pilot and best friend."

Attentively Jolie reached out a hand and touched the gingery haired Wookiee, then smiled. "Hello."

Chewbacca growled a greeting and questioned the little boy.

"No, he's not frightened any more. Thank you Chewbacca," Amelia answered him. Much to everyone's surprise. She merely smiled.

The Wookiee ushered them inside the Falcon, closing the ramp, and then hurrying to the cockpit.

Leia bowed slightly to Amelia. "Welcome aboard, Your Majesty."

"Thank you."

"Lets get Jolie settled. Jacen use mine and your dad's cabin."

"Sure mum," he agreed, going past her with Jolie.

The Queen followed.

Leia looked to her brother. "She's too young to have such worries."

"She's a strong young woman, Leia. Her son's worries though are the least of her concerns at times."

"I have a feeling our young Queen is going to have those worried lifted," Mara noted and saw her sister-in-laws questioning glance, smiling. "Jacen is in love with her."

"How can you be so sure?" she queried.

"Well, the fact he was kissing her at the medical center was a good indication," her brother revealed casually.

"He's definitely in love with her, mum," Jaina, announced.

"Hopelessly," Anakin agreed and followed his sister to the cockpit.

Leia sighed. "Could be worse I supposed. He could be courting her like his father did me."

Luke laughed. "Or kidnapping her."

Leia groaned. "Don't remind me," she remarked and they all laughed.

Baby Ben work up with questioning eyes. Only to be soothed back to sleep by his mother.

The Millennium Falcon left Coruscant making the jump to lightspeed, on course for Yavin 4. Three days, eight hours away. The Falcon's hyperdrive engines taking two days off the trip.

Amelia found the way she was approached and treated changed; she was no longer Coren Zhan to them. Now she was Queen Amelia, ruler of Naboo. Even Jacen was different with her, distant.

After checking on her son late one night, she slipped out of the cabin. Making her way through the ship. Luke had been tutoring her in the ways of the Force. So she'd used it to find Jacen in the cockpit. They hadn't been alone since Coruscant. She moved quietly.

He sensed her presence, looking back. "Hi."

"Hi," she sat in the co-pilots chair. "It's quiet in here."

"Yes, Your Majesty it is," he agreed.

Amelia sighed. "I though you were different, Jacen," she said as little disappointed; then stood. "I though you could forget about the title, even for a few minutes."

As she went to walk passed him Jacen grabbed hold of her, tugging her down onto his lap. Kissing her before she could comment, feeling her relax in his arms. "I can forget the title, Ami," he said affectionately. "It's just hard sometimes to find the woman behind the Queen."

"They're not so different," she assured. "You showed me that. For the first time in a long time, I feel I can trust someone with my heart."

"It's not just your heart I want," he informed honestly.

"I know," she whispered, resting her head against his shoulder. "I don't know how much more I can give at the moment."

"I can wait," Jacen told her. "I promise, Ami, when you're ready. I'll be there. I'll know."

"I hope so," she said tenderly.

Jacen continued holding her. He would make her forget the harsh way her innocents were taken from her. He would show her love and tenderness. Show her he loved her.

Amelia lifted her head. Seeing the passion for her in his eyes. She ran her finger over his bottom lip before kissing him, exploring his mouth with her own and her tongue. Pressing her hand against his chest, feeling his pounding heart. The contours of his upper body though his shirt. His touch, the feel of his body, melted her barriers and turned her body into hot lava.

Jacen pulled away, breathing hard. "I'm only human, Ami. If you keep doing that, things might progress faster then you think."

She blushed hard. "I'm sorry,"

"Don't be," he insisted and then grinned one of those famous lopsided grins. "But I think I need a cold shower."

She blushed even harder. He wasn't the only one she knew how he felt. She was sitting on his lap after all, she wasn't that native. "I should get some sleep."

Jacen groaned inward, briefing shutting his eyes as she wiggled off his lap.

Amelia felt herself blush again, swallowing hard. "I'm sorry," she whispered and hurried out.

Resting his head against the chair, Jacen fought the erg to run after her. Groaning out loud. They still had another thirty-two hours left together before they reached Yavin 4.

"A cold shower doesn't help much, kid," the strong masculine voice of his father remarked.

"Thanks dad," he moaned looking up.

Han popped into the co-pilot's chair. "Well I damn well took a lot of them when your mother and I first met."

Jacen laughed. "Mum said the same thing about you."

His father chuckled to himself. "We were a pair," he smirked. He glanced at Jacen and saw a lot of himself. Wondering when his boy had become a man. When did the little boy he use to sit on his lap, turn into a twenty-year-old man. He expected about the same time as his daughter started flying with Rogue Squadron and dating an Imperial officer. Even though he had to admit he liked Jag Fel. Must be the Corellian blood in him. Jag was Wedge Antilles nephew after all.

And Anakin. His youngest son was usually so intent with his Jedi studies, but of late a pretty little blonde had caught his eye. Tahiri Veila was a fellow student, younger then Anakin but totally head over heals in love with him.

His children were growing up. They were adults. They weren't his kids anymore.

"We'll always be your kids, dad," Jacen told him. He stood, patting his father's shoulder before he left.

Amelia's worse fears came to light as they were landing on Yavin 4. Jolie started convulsing violently.

Jacen held her back as his Uncle used the Force to ease the convulsions. As soon as they landed, Luke scooped the boy up in his arms, leaving the Falcon. Amelia and Jacen running behind him.

Cilghal and her healers were waiting, taking the boy from Luke. Ushering the Jedi Master out of the cubical. 

He went over to Amelia. "They'll do everything they can, I promise."

She nodded. "Thank you Master Skywalker. For everything."

Luke felt he hadn't done much but given her hope. He just prayed it wasn't false hope. Nodding he left them at the infirmary. He sensed Mara in their quarters; going into the bedroom he sat beside her on the bed watching as she fed their son, Ben hungrily nursing at her breast.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

"Yes and no," he answered. "I can't even guess what Amelia is going through."

She took his hand. "She's strong, Luke. She'll handle it."

He managed a smile. "And she has Jacen."

"They are a perfect match," she mused.

Luke ran his finger over his son's head; Ben's soft golden red hair was smooth under his touch. "He looks like you today."

"He's all Skywalker, farm boy," she mused.

"Amelia has a data pad with a holograph of my parents, of their wedding. Dad was Jacen's age. My mother, Padme` Amidala was a Senator of Naboo. She'd been Queen when they'd first met."

"What is it with your family and royalty?" His wife asked.

"I have no idea, I never got to date royalty," Luke smirked.

"I don't know whether to be insulted or not," Mara decided, and then saw him smile. "Tease."

He sat quietly watching his son feed. Seeing Ben born had been amazing. Seeing him, holding him for the first time. A tiny innocent life that he and Mara had created; it had filled him with a fear he expected every father experiences.

"Hey, you awake?" Mara asked, seeing his expression.

Luke smiled. "I was just thinking," he smirked and saw his son had finished feeding and was asleep.

Mara laid him in Luke's arms, doing up her clothing. "We'd better get some sleep ourselves. I have a feeling it's going to be a long couple of days."

"I agreed," he got up and laid his son in his crib, covering him.

Mara came up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Come on farm boy."

Nodding he followed her.

To be continued…