His hand rested on his baby's foot. Or possibly elbow. Maybe even knee. He wasn't really sure, but it looked like it could be in no way comfortable for Leia, as the protrusion stretched her already taut skin even farther. He pressed gently against it, trying to persuade the offending body part to perhaps take it a little easier on her mother.

As the foot eased away, he felt Leia shift in front of him.

"Sorry."

"It's not you, it's her. She's apparently wide awake."

"So you're wide awake too."

"You don't have to be. I know you have that simulator training session in the morning. Don't let me keep you awake." She rolled over to face him, shifting back to make room.

"You got stuff tomorrow too. S'not fair you don't get to sleep."

"I'll just get up and do a little work now so maybe I can catch a nap tomorrow." She kissed his forehead, then started to move away.

"Nah, stay here, I'll keep you company." He caught her hand in his, thumb stroking her wrist, and felt her settle back down onto the bed.

Reaching around her, he kneaded her upper back, feeling the tension there ease a bit, before she tensed again as the baby seemed to somersault around. One of his hands slid back down to feel the movement under her skin.

"Can I ask you something? 'Bout the baby?"

"I think you've read more of the books than I have at this point, but if you've got questions-"

"Not technical like that." His hand ran over her, trying to be soothing as he searched for the words. "You're a Princess. Will she be one too? How's that work?"

Leia hummed a bit, stilling, and he knew she was thinking. "I...hadn't thought about it. Were you thinking about it?"

"More just curious. Not sure how the royalty thing worked. She's gonna get treated like one either way."

"Technically, yes, as the child of the heir apparent, any child of mine would be a princess or prince. I'm sure there are parts of the Diaspora who would be delighted to have that announced at the Blessing Ceremony, but I'm just not sure-"

"Blessing Ceremony?" He racked his brain, trying to recall being told about any baby ceremonies.

"It's Alderaanian royal custom. About a week after the birth, the baby is blessed by the eldest member of the ruling family, and their title and names are announced. It's the day that's publicly celebrated for them, rather than the actual birthdate, which is just for family."

Frowning, he studied her face as well as he could in the dim light. "Why am I just hearing about this now? Seems important."

"It was," she responded after a moment, her voice close to a whisper, and full of melancholy. "But I'm the only member of the ruling family left, and I don't think that titles are necessary for any children I have. There's no Alderaan for them to inherit."

"I thought you wanted to keep traditions-the holidays and the language and stuff. Fancy hair."

"I do."

"But you don't need her to be Princess Leia II to accomplish that."

He could feel her nod against him, moving closer. His arms closed tighter around her, feeling some of the tension ease out of her.

Abruptly she pulled away, studying him. "Do you want her to have a title?"

That was enough to make him laugh a little. "You know that doesn't matter to me. But if it matters to you…."

"It doesn't not matter, but I want our children to be private citizens first. If she decides one day that she wants to take up the cause of the Diaspora, or one of their Senate positions, and would like to be recognized as Princess, she can make that choice for herself."

He pondered that information for a minute, stroking her back and liking the sound of letting the kid choose for themself. "But how's that work? You just up and make up a title at eighteen or whatever?"

When she laughed against him, he could feel her relaxing. "No, it's always there. Understood by Alderaanians but unused. There are some Alderaanians, and Elder House members, who will address her that way whether we choose to use it or not."

"We gonna get some crazy baby tiaras as presents?"

"I've issued a notice that in lieu of gifts, I would like donations in the name of Baby Organa Solo to be made to the Alderaanian Orphans fund. Anything actually sent will be donated as well."

"What if Luke gets her a baby sized lightsaber?"

She actually giggled then. "You know he knows better."

He smiled, and kissed her forehead. "Anyone falling asleep over there?"

"I think…." Closing her eyes, she took a slow breath and assessed her situation. "I think the little princess may just be quieting down."

"How many more weeks of this?"

"Five. Then another eighteen years."

"Yeah but it's easier for me to share some of that. This you're kinda stuck with."

Twisting next to him, she lifted one leg over his, easing some of the pressure on her hips with a sigh. "You're up too. I appreciate it."

He splayed his hand over the small of her back, kneading gently. "Well I only got five more weeks of having you to myself. Gotta make the most of it. Maybe by sleeping with you." A yawn overpowered him, leaving the last few words mangled. She understood, anyway.

Closing his eyes, he smiled. "Goodnight, Your Highnessnesses."

He barely felt the whack of her hand on his bicep, but drifted off the the sound of her soft laughter.