Jacen walked around his parents' new apartment. He was amazed by the simple beauty of everything. Han and Leia Solo had recently moved into the penthouse and Jacen could see why as he gazed out the window.
"So what do you think of the place?" Han Solo handed his son a glass of Corellian brandy.
Jacen sipped the drink, the alcohol burning the back of his throat. "It's great, Dad."
"Your mother was in charge of the decorating. The only thing I care about was this view. But your mom said she had a perfect vision of what it should look like so I let her go nuts. You have to give the lady what she wants or there's no living with her."
Jacen laughed. Over the last few years so much had changed but his father had always been the same. For this stability Jacen would always be grateful. "So what have you guys found out about the kidnappings? Any leads?"
"No, nothing that I've been told anyway." Han sighed. "I had always hoped that you kids wouldn't have to go through this stuff, things that your mother and I went through. I fought my whole life to make sure that you kids would be able to grow up in a safe place." He looked into Jacen's eyes. "Felling like you're unable to protect your child is the worst feeling in the world."
I understand that all too well, Jacen thought. "I'm sure Tenel Ka would agree."
"How's she handling all this?"
"It's a very scary thing for her. Allana is everything she has. She's lost without her."
Han nodded. "Have you seen her?"
"Only when she was very young. Why do you ask?"
"Well you know, Tenel Ka has never shown her daughter in public. This makes some people think that maybe she has a … deformity or something. Not that I would believe anything like that."
"No it's nothing like that." Jacen sat down at the dining room table. Han sat down across the table from his son. "Tenel Ka had to hide Allana to keep her father's identity a secret."
"Well who is her, some space pirate or something? Or is he a fancy diplomat that wouldn't want his reputation tarnished? Yeah, I bet that's it. What a jerk."
"Dad." Jacen paused, knowing that he should have opened up to his father years ago. "I'm Allana's father."
"Uh, what? How?"
"It was at the beginning of all the Dark Nest issues. I went to Hapes to try and gain some military support. Tenel Ka asked me to spend some time, see the planet. One thing leads to another and a year later I find out that I have a daughter." Jacen shrugged.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Tenel Ka didn't want anyone to know. She thought Allana would be safer that way."
"Well we can see how well that worked. I mean, we could have helped her, protected Allana."
"I know Dad. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before." Jacen rubbed his eyes.
"We'll find Allana and the others in no time. Once the Jedi Order has a plan, whoever did this will be in big trouble. Shoot, once I find out who they are they'll be in even bigger trouble. No one messes with my family. I thought all of the scum in the universe would have learned that by now."
"I hope this room is to your liking, your highness. It's not much but I think it's cozy." Leia helped Tenel Ka unpack her things. They had left Han and Jacen to chat on the other side of the apartment.
"It is more than enough. Thank you. However, I mush ask that you do not address me by that title. I am no longer the Queen Mother of Hapes and so I would like very much to be called simply Tenel Ka again."
Leia nodded. "I had heard that you have left the royal house but I wasn't sure if it was true."
"It is."
"So then you know that your father announced that you were found dead in your chambers today?"
Tenel Ka was stunned. She had not believed that her father would go through with his threats. "I suppose I will never see Hapes again."
"Well you and Allana can stay here with us as long as you want. You've always been like family to Han and I."
"Thank you very much. Your kindness means more to me than you could know." A single tear rolled down her cheek.
Leia was surprised. She had never seen Tenel Ka cry. She hugged the girl tightly. "We'll get her back. I've been through this before. I understand the fear. But you just have to believe that we'll get her back." Leia wiped the tears from Tenel Ka's cheeks.
"I can not help but feel like I have failed her somehow."
"You can't let yourself think that. Allana knows you did your best to protect her."
"I hope you are right."
"Pardon me, but I have brought the tea you requested, Mistress Solo." C-3PO walked into the room, two cups in his golden hands.
"Thanks 3PO." Leia took the tea and dismissed the droid from the room. "Here, drink this." She handed the cup to Tenel Ka and sat down next to her on the edge of the bed. "It should help you relax."
"Thank you." Tenel Ka sipped the tea, feeling the warmth of the liquid flow throughout her entire body.
"Can I ask you a question, Tenel Ka?"
"Of course."
"Have you told Allana's father about what's happened?"
"Yes, he is fully aware of the situation."
"Will he be joining you here soon?"
"He is already here."
"I don't understand."
"Jacen is Allana's father."
The delicate cup fell from Leia's hand, breaking into tiny pieces all over the floor. She jumped at the sound. "Oh, I've just been so clumsy lately." She knelt on the floor, gathering the shards of porcelain.
Tenel Ka started to help her clean up. "I did not mean for you to find out this way," she whispered.
Leia stared at her. "What you mean is that I wasn't supposed to find out at all."
Leia's anger poured into Tenel Ka through the Force, nearly choking her. "I did what was best for my daughter."
"How was hiding her away from her family the best for Allana?"
"I …"
"When you claim it was best for Allana you really mean it was best for yourself. Jacen has missed out on so much of his daughter's life. How could you have been so selfish?" Tears were streaming down Leia's face.
Tenel Ka sprang up and ran through the door. She passed Jacen and Han as she dashed from the apartment. She jumped down the spiral stairs floors at a time. Outside, the cold air hit her face, chilling Tenel Ka to her bones. She continued to run, trying to escape. She dashed blindly into the forest. She let the Force flow through her, guiding her feet over rocks and roots. Her chest pounded as she ran faster and faster, but no mater how fast she ran she could not escape her guilt.