"You look beautiful, mama."
Rey slid one final pin into her elaborately coifed hair before turning to smile at her oldest daughter. "Thank you, sweetheart."
"Can you do my hair like that too?"
She shook her head, gesturing for Leia to turn so she could fix her sash. "You're still a bit young, sweetheart."
"But I look like a baby with my hair like this." Her daughter pulled at her braids dejectedly.
Rey thought for a moment, then reached for a few more hairpins. "Hold still. I think I have an idea…"
"There," she said with satisfaction as she finished. "What do you think?"
Her daughter rushed to the mirror, eyes widening when she saw her reflection. She carefully touched the braid crown wrapped around her head, then ran over to hug her delightedly.
"I love it, mama! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"You're welcome, sweetheart. That's how your Grandma Leia wore her hair when she was younger, you know."
"Really?" Leia asked excitedly. "She was a princess, right?"
"Yes, but she was also a fearless Resistance general and a wise Jedi master who taught me almost everything I know of the Jedi path."
Leia was once again in front of the mirror. "So, this is a princess hairstyle?" She whirled around, admiring her new adornment. "Do I look like a princess too, mama?"
Rey couldn't resist a smile. Her daughter would learn of the strength, sacrifices, and sufferings of her grandmother someday, but for now, it was alright for her to simply enjoy the innocence of her youth.
"Yes, darling." She kissed her tenderly on the forehead. "You're the most beautiful princess I've ever seen."
"Mama!" Luke burst into the room. "There's a giant Wookiee and a golden droid at the door! They said they want to take us on a tour of the city!"
"I've never seen such a complex droid before," Han said wonderingly. "Whoever programmed it must have been a genius."
Rey smiled as she smoothed her youngest son's hair. "That's Chewie and C-3PO. Remember how I told you about them?"
"So, can we go?" Luke asked, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Well, I suppose it's fine, as long as—" She froze as Ben entered the room.
He took in her expression, then glanced down at his navy blue, ceremonial robe. "Is it that bad?"
Her mind couldn't even begin to form an answer. It was as if she had just fallen out of a tree onto her back, leaving her dazed and out of breath.
"Rey?" Ben's voice sounded incredibly distant. "Are you alright?"
She managed to shake her head numbly before her knees gave way and she collapsed into
his arms. "What is it?" He shook her lightly. "Talk to me, love."
"What's wrong with her, daddy?"
The worry in Leia's voice was enough to draw her out of her state of shock. Looking up, she found that her husband and children were all staring at her with varied expressions of fear and concern.
"Sorry, darlings." She smiled weakly as Ben helped her back to her feet. "Mama's alright—just a bit tired, that's all."
"You should stay here and rest, mama," Luke said with unusual seriousness. "We can tell you about everything when we get back."
"No!" At the surprise on her children's faces, she softened her tone. "No. I'm sorry sweethearts, but I think it's best if you stay here this time. I don't want you out there on your own."
"But we wouldn't be on our own," Luke protested. "Chewie and C-3PO will be with us, and daddy could come too if he wants—"
"Luke Anakin Skywalker," she said sternly. "No arguing, please."
He stuck out his lower lip in a pout. "Yes, mama."
Ben put a hand on his son's shoulder. "Why don't you invite Chewie and C-3PO in? They have some stories about your grandparents and Uncle Luke that I think you might like to hear."
Luke's eyes brightened at the mention of his personal hero. "Really?"
"Yes." Ben glanced at Rey. "That's alright, isn't it, love?"
She nodded tiredly. "That's fine."
The children bounded out of the room, leaving her and Ben alone, and not a moment too soon. Her final bit of strength deserted her as she sank shakily into a nearby armchair.
Ben was instantly at her side. "Tell me what this is about, love."
"I couldn't let them go," she said in a rush. "I can't lose them, Ben. I don't know what I'd do if they—"
"Rey." He took her hand in his larger one. "Slow down, love. What's going on?"
She locked fearful eyes onto his. "Your outfit," she whispered hoarsely. "I've seen it before. All those years ago, in my vision where we were sitting on the Sith throne…that's what you were wearing."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes. Don't you see?" she said almost hysterically. "It all makes sense. This is why I've been having those nightmares—it's because my vision is about to be fulfilled."
Her eyes widened in horror as a new thought occurred to her. "The ball! That must be when it's going to happen. All of the heroes of the Resistance will be there—it's the perfect time for Palpatine to attack."
He shook his head dubiously. "Palpatine and the Sith are gone, Rey. You know that as well as I do."
"I know," she said in frustration. "I know, but…"
She cradled her head in her hands. What did it all mean? She knew what she had seen. She didn't know how, but she could feel in the depths of her being that it was going to happen.
"Hey." Ben tipped her chin up gently. "Look at me, love. The Sith are gone, but even if they did somehow come back, we would find a way to defeat them again. We will never sit on their throne and rule."
She wanted desperately to believe him, but she knew herself too well. Ben might be safe
since he was in the vision with her, but if her children were hurt or worse….
Her thoughts were interrupted by a pounding on their hotel door. She gripped Ben's hand tightly as she went to open it.
"Rey!" Her heart seized with fear when she saw the frantic expression on Finn's face. "You have to come with me, now!"
Author's Note: Sorry for the cliffhanger, but the next part will be up tomorrow, I promise. Thanks so much for reading, and please take a moment to leave a quick review!