Surprisingly, Leia felt refreshed the next morning. Though she couldn't quite remember them, her dreams had been comforting somehow. Nevertheless, she couldn't quite bring herself to face Han…not yet, anyway. She occupied herself with tasks for the mission and indulged in a long, hot water shower. Unfortunately, her attempts at distraction did not keep her mind from reliving the fight, nor did the blissfully warm water wash away all of her sadness. The pain had dulled considerably, however, and she could view the events in a more rational manner.

The truth was that she couldn't really blame Solo for thinking she was cold. Was it his fault that the façade she had created worked so well? Also, she was hardly an innocent bystander in their ongoing battles of will, attacking everything from his clothes, to his ship, to his very character. Admittedly, this fight went well beyond the bounds of a friendly conflict, but she could think of at least two occasions in the past when she had crossed that line herself. Besides, he had apologized, which was a first for him as far as Leia knew. If this mission were to be successful, she would simply have to adopt a businesslike attitude and learn to take things less personally.

Her mind clear and ready for the task at hand, Leia dressed quickly and headed to the galley for a late breakfast. Upon entering the room, she encountered a clearly miserable Han Solo. He was seated at the table with his head clasped firmly in his hands, and he looked like he hadn't slept in a week. Leia immediately felt nervous, but managed to stand her ground. She also felt somewhat vindicated at the sight of him in such poor shape. Maybe I should let him suffer a bit.

When he heard Leia approach, Han lifted his head so that he could see her face. Their eyes locked for a moment, generating a powerful emotion in both of them. Wracked with guilt, however, Han could not hold her gaze. "How are you, Princess?" Han asked tentatively.

"Oh, I was a little cold last night, but I'm feeling much better, thank you."

Han visibly winced at her reference to his words, but he was heartened to see that her spirit had returned. Maybe she is OK.

"Well," he ventured. "We can't have our princess feeling cold…" Would you like me to warm you up? No, Han, resist…be nice. "Would you like some hot kaffe?" Whew!

Amazed at his restraint, Leia accepted his offer and helped in the preparation of breakfast. As they ate together, Han tried to fill the silence by talking about the sights on Ord Mantell. Leia seemed to relax a bit, especially when he told her they would be arriving in four hours.

"Good," she said. "The sooner we start this mission, the sooner it will be over with."

Han was again plagued with fears, though he didn't show them. Does my company bother her that much?

"Aw…c'mon, Princess. I just know you are dying to spend some quality time with a good looking guy like me."

Leia smiled inwardly as they fell into the familiar pattern of banter. "Please, Solo…I'd rather spend time with tauntaun. At least they smell better."

"Whaddya mean, Your Worship. I just had a shower last week. Is this your subtle way of inviting me to join you in the 'fresher?"

Rolling her eyes, she replied "Fat chance, flyboy. You'll just have to settle for cold water." Smiling, she turned on her heel and walked out.

Cold water, indeed.


An hour before they were scheduled to arrive, Leia returned to the lounge in her civilian attire. It was sheer heaven to wear something other than fatigues or that dreaded snowsuit. She almost felt like a real woman again. As she sat down, however, she was attacked by a case of the nerves. What if everyone saw how much she and Han hated each other? It could compromise the mission. Could she really convince people that she was in love with him? You are, aren't you? her traitorous mind crowed. Shocked at her own thoughts, Leia quickly buried the idea. She didn't even like Solo, much less love him. This is entirely too complicated, she thought as she fidgeted with her handbag.

At that moment, Solo chose to make his entrance from the cockpit. He had not seen her hair in anything but severe braids, and this new, relaxed style made his heart skip a beat. This was not the Leia he was used to, as the hardened rebel leader had been replaced by a woman of grace and beauty. Against his better judgment, he walked up to her slowly and put his arm around her shoulders. Startled, Leia seemed to accept his touch for just a moment before pushing him away.

"What are you doing, Solo?" she shouted.

"I'm preparing you for the mission," he stated, with more confidence than he felt. "Do you really think anyone is going to believe our cover if you don't loosen up? You are supposed to be in love with me. Lovers on their honeymoon do not glare and push each other away. Instead they…"

With that, he sat down next to her and pulled her close. He then took his free hand and cupped her chin, turning her to face him. As their eyes locked, Han felt like he was drowning. He couldn't believe how soft she was, how good she felt in his arms.

For her part, Leia became dizzy with emotion as she looked into his gorgeous hazel eyes. Her pulse was racing as she felt the heat of his touch. As they inched toward each other, time seemed to stop. They were both searching, both yearning for that touch, that kiss. Their lips came just short of meeting and then Han, terrified by what he felt, blurted "and that's how you've gotta act if you want to pull this off."

Leia, slightly embarrassed, jerked out of his embrace. "Captain, don't you have to get landing clearance?"

"Sure, Your Worship. I was just on my way."

At the cockpit controls, Han had to struggle to make his shaky hands follow his commands. What am I doing? This mission is going to be worse than I thought.