When Tenel Ka regained her senses, she opened her eyes to see a concerned Jacen Solo towering over her. Quickly squelching a cry of surprise, the young woman bolted upright so fast that her head began throbbing again. Falling back down to the bed, she let out a low moan of pain. She reached out and touched Jacen's face to assure herself that this was not a dream. Satisfied that he was indeed the real thing, she sighed happily.
"Friend Jacen, you have returned. I had thought you were dead."
The young man smiled sadly. "In a way, Tenel Ka, I was dead. But not anymore. It is as you have said, I have come back. You are the only one who knows."
Clearly astonished, Tenel Ka opened and closed her mouth several times before finally speaking. "Why Jacen? Why have you come first to me? To Hapes? Should not your family be the first to know?"
Jacen shook his head. "They will be informed, in due time. I have come here for one reason Tenel Ka: and that is you. During the year I was gone, I thought of you constantly. That is what has kept me alive and full of hope. Just to see you again. You complete me; I am not whole without you. I love you Tenel Ka. I always have, though I did not realize it until it seemed to be too late.
Those words effectively broke down the wall that Tenel Ka had built around her heart. Now, with no shields to hide behind, she wept freely. Jacen wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. Her muffled tears soaked the shoulder of his tunic but he didn't care. All that mattered now was that they were together.
Tenel Ka raised her head briefly and looked deep into Jacen's brandy-brown eyes. At long last, she truly was happy. She did not know how she had survived the past year. Having already lost Jacen once, she did not wish to lose him again. Her mind was made up. Tentatively, she spoke.
"Jacen, my love. I have missed you so much. When you were taken from me, I felt like I was dying inside. It was the most heartbreaking pain I have ever experienced. I know now that I never wish to let you go again. You are mine, Jacen Solo, now and forever, as I am yours. It would please me greatly if you would take my hand in marriage."
Jacen hesitated briefly, causing Tenel Ka to panic. Had she done the right thing? Did Jacen not say that he loved her? Then another trademark Solo grin split his face.
"Tenel Ka, my princess, it would be my pleasure to make you my wife."