Leia stormed into her room after meeting with her father. How could he? How dare he? she thought. She believed with all her heart that this would end in nothing but frustration and disappointment.
Of course, the princess wasn't surprised, thinking her father didn't believe that she could take care of herself. No matter how many times she'd proven herself to be skilled and highly capable, he didn't seem to get it. Like he'd completely forgotten her time training to fight with a personal instructor, then when she had gotten a data-tape to the rebellion right under the Empire's nose, and that she helped the Lothal rebels with relief aid.
Though apparently none of that mattered because he's assigning her a bodyguard. Leia could barely stomach the word. What can the bodyguard do that she can't do herself? She can fight, she can shoot, she can lie. When Bail had mentioned maybe getting her a bodyguard weeks before, she thought he was joking. Apparently not.
Leia vented her thoughts to her mother as she brushed Leia's long hair. Whenever the young girl was upset as a child, Breha would brush her hair. The action was soothing, like a security blanket. "Your father is simply protective," Breha explained. "Tensions are rising between the Senators and the Emperor, so he's worried. I know it seems like a hindrance, but at least meet who your father has chosen and get to know him. You two may actually get along."
She braided the dark hair down Leia's back and made her look like the princess she was supposed to be, not the warrior she knew she could be.
As Leia followed her mother out of the room, she squared her shoulders and raised her chin. It's what her father would want, and probably her real parents as well. She needed to hold herself like the princess she is, like the queen she will be.
Queen Breha and Princess Leia went to the foyer to greet their guests who they were told upon exiting Leia's room had just been escorted to a speeder after exitting the shuttle sent to pick them up from their estate. The girls entered the foyer together. Bail offered a gentle, sincere smile to his wife and adopted daughter.
"Thank you," he said quietly while looking at Leia. He knew her reaction to being assigned a bodyguard was not what he had hoped for, but Bail was happy for her civility.
In barely any time, the high doors of the estate opened wide allowing five people to enter: the three nobles from House Serrus and two of their personal guards. The Viceroy grinned wide at the sight of the nobles, holding his arms out wide. The duke and duchess stood proud as they glided across the marble flooring, their son following closely behind.
"Welcome to our estate," Bail greeted. He clasped hands with the duke and then the duchess. "It has been long overdue for a visit. How are you fairing in the mountains?"
Duke Garith bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you for having us, Viceroy," he returned. "The mountains hold no shortage of entertainment. They are quite beautiful this time of year."
"Glad to hear you aren't feeling too isolated," Bail replied, gesturing to the hall behind him. "Come, let us eat."
The group followed the Viceroy to the dining hall together, Bail spouting his usual greeting spiel for all guests. Leia could not stop staring at Asger. His stature demanded attention, one can be sure; however, the princess was more frustrated at him than she was impressed.
Bail took his seat at the head of the table. Duke Garith sat at the opposite end as the head of House Serrus. Queen Breha and Duchess Anselma sat to their husbands rights while their children sat to the left. The group was immediately brought drinks upon sitting.
"So, Viceroy," the duchess began, "I am curious as to what brought upon the request for potential suitors for bodyguards. Your initial letter of request and your invitation for dinner did not provide much in the way of explanation." Her voice commanded respect from across the table and she raised her chin and straightened her back.
Alas, the question Bail hated the most but knew would come. As the attendants began serving small appetizers, he answered her question. "As I'm sure you know, Alderaan is being targeted by the Empire as a potential hotspot for rebel activity because so many of our citizens join the Rebellion." He paused for a moment, glancing at everyone present at the table. Leia's jaw clenched as she noticed despair cloud her fathers eyes.
Bail continued. "I worry for every member of the noble families because if the Empire believes our system has any part in the Rebellion, we will be the first to be taken away, not the citizens. The Empire knows well how much our citizens look to the Houses for guidance and safety." Alderaan was well-known for being the soul of the galaxy, a place where citizens were well respected and cared far more deeply for others than many other systems.
"If they even suspect involvement in the other side from any of us, there is no telling how long Alderaan will remain peaceful. I worry first and foremost for my family as they are key to keeping Alderaan's future secure. The princess is next in line for the throne. That is why I asked to employ a bodyguard for my daughter. As Leia will be travelling without me quite often for relief aid and negotiations, I felt it necessary to ensure her protection. Your son, Asger, has displayed tremendous skill and diplomacy, and with your blessing, I would like him to be the bodyguard for Leia."
The nobles from Serrus understood every word perfectly. They understood just how much Bail believed a full-scale war would ensue, but they still had to be sure. "Viceroy, do you really think it will come to war?" Garith asked.
"Unfortunately, I do," Bail answered before picking up his glass and taking a sip of wine. "The younger members of the Houses are key to the future government of Alderaan, however, so we must do our best to make sure they carry on our legacy."
"We accept your request, Viceroy," the duke announced, raising his glass as a toast. "We will permit our eldest son to stay here and serve House Organa."
Breha was the first to return the toast, Anselma second. Leia was last, not pleased with having an official bodyguard, but not saying anything for the sake of her fathers sanity.
After dinner it was recommended that Leia show Asger where he will be sleeping, in the bedroom closest to hers. Truthfully, it wasn't even very close, in the same hall at least, but still not right next door. There was a huge closet, an office, and bathrooms in between, so Leia was appeased in the sense of not being next to a technical stranger at all times.
The walk was mostly quiet as Asger reminisced about the last time he walked through the halls with the princess when they were younger, a good seven years ago. Things had changed in the estate since then. Nothing drastic, but Leia definitely held herself differently, Asger noticed.
By the time they reached Asger's room, Leia was silently fuming. Not only is she forced to have a bodyguard, said bodyguard had not said anything for the whole walk. The silence had slowly been eating away at Leia's mind, letting her stew in her own thoughts, not a good thing to do when someone is mad.
When they reached the door, Leia turned to the taller man, reaching her limit. "Listen closely, Asger," Leia practically growled. "I don't want nor do I need a bodyguard, so stay out of my way while I'm on my missions. Understood?"
"Missions?" Asger repeated, confused. "What sort of missions is a seventeen year old Alderaanian princess going on? If you're referring to missions like the relief aid to Lothal a few years ago, I remember hearing that you got kidnapped by rebels and had your ships stolen. In my professional opinion, it sounds as though you do need help."
Leia narrowed her eyes and raised her chin. "I handled myself pretty well without aid, thank you."
Asger cocked an eyebrow, wanting to retort, but he returned to respectfulness, although tinged with sarcasm. "Your Highness, whether you like it or not, I am your new bodyguard. It would be preferable if we are civil with each other."
Leia's jaw clenched and unclenched a few times before she turned to the door, opened it, and proclaimed, "Welcome to House Organa." Leia then left Asger's side, going to her own room. Asger simply smiled at the young girl's actions, so stubborn in her own right, entering his new room, bags already placed on the bed. Welcome to House Organa indeed.