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Chapter 12

Finally on his way home after a long day spent with politicians and military personnel, Han Solo was ready for a chance to get to sit down and relax. But what he found instead when he entered his home was his wife Leia collapsed on the ground and in tears.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Looking up at Han, Leia simply shook her head.

Sitting down on the floor beside her, he took her hand in his and wrapped her in his embrace. "Please, tell me. Whatever it is, it can't be that bad."

Leia looked up into her husband's eyes, "Han, I went to see Cilghal today."

"Why? Are you sick?"

"I wasn't sure. I hadn't been feeling well for the past couple of days and I thought that maybe I had caught a virus or something."

"Well? What did she say?"

Resting her head against his shoulder, the tears continued to come. "Oh, Han. She said I'm pregnant."

They sat in silence for a moment as this sunk in. A smile gradually came across his face. "Is that supposed to be a bad thing?"

"Han, I'm forty-nine years old! We can't have another child. It isn't safe. I've already lost one of my babies and I don't think I could handle loosing another."

"But Luke and Mara just had another kid."

"Mara is younger than me and Ben isn't an adult like our children. Plus, what will Jaina say when I tell her? She wants a baby so badly but can't seem to get pregnant, yet her old mother can? That will kill her!"

"Jaina is strong. She'll be fine with this."

"I don't think so, Han. She is already drifting on the edge, and I think something like this just might push her over."

Getting frustrated, Han asked, "Then what do you suggest we do?"

Leia closed her eyes and leaned against him. She couldn't believe the words that were about to come out of her mouth. "Maybe I should have the pregnancy terminated."

"What!"

"I already talked to Cilghal about it. It's the easiest and safest option. That way we would never have to tell Jaina."

"Leia, I can't believe what you are saying! We lost our son, and now by the graciousness of the Force we can have another child. This is a gift, not a curse!"

"Yes, but is it a gift I'm meant to receive?"

Jacen and Tenel Ka were still asleep in their bedroom in the Fountain Palace when a soft knock on the door awoke them. Brushing the sleep from his eyes, Jacen rose to go see who was at the door. Pressing the unlock panel, the door swished open and revealed a handsome male servant.

Bowing deeply, the man spoke, "Her highness Ta'a Chume requested that I bring you and her majesty the Queen Mother breakfast in bed on this glorious morning."

Jacen smiled at the servant and beckoned him inside their rooms. "That is very kind of you. Place it over there on the table if you don't mind."

"Anything, your highness."

That brought a goofy grin to Jacen's face. He still wasn't used to being royalty yet. Despite all of Tenel Ka's complaints over the years, this lifestyle really wasn't all that bad.

The man gave one last bow before exiting the room. Jacen took this opportunity to wake his still sleeping wife. "Good morning, precious."

Smiling slightly at her husband, Tenel Ka inquired, "What was that all about?"

"Your grandmother had breakfast sent for us. Here, let me bring it to you." Jacen walked over to the small table and brought Tenel Ka one of the trays.

"Are you not going to dine with me?"

"Sorry, sweetheart, but I can't right now. There are some calls I must make and first, and then I'm in serious need of a meditation session. But maybe I can catch you for lunch."
"You should still eat something, my love."

"I will get some fresh fruit for breakfast, how about that?"

"If that is what you wish, my Jacen."

Several hours later Jacen returned to their suite to meet up with Tenel Ka for their lunch date. When he entered, he found her shockingly still lying in bed. " Tenel Ka, are you alright?"

"Yes Jacen, I'm sure I am fine. I do not feel so well though."

"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No, but I'm afraid I will not be able to join you for lunch now."

"That's fine. I just want you to feel better."

"I am just going to get a bit more sleep. I am sure I will feel better in the morning."

"I hope so sweetie," Jacen said while stroking her hand. "I hope so."

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