Disclaimer: Not mine

Had to write up a timeline to keep events clear in my head, let me know if you guys want it posted.

Chapter 16

Luke woke slowly, automatically reaching out with the Force, feeling Cody's presence hovering nearby, obviously concerned. He opened his eyes and blinked up at an unfamiliar ceiling. He sat up and looked around the well-appointed bedroom before remembering where he was, the Palace on Alderaan. He felt a lot better now, his hands no longer shaking. He threw back the covers and stood, walking towards the refresher to clean up and he stared in awe, there was a bath! An actual water bath…even his rooms on Coruscant he only had the sonic version. He stripped off and sank into the warm water, letting it soak away the remaining aches and pains. After a while a knock sounded.

"Sir?" Cody's voice called and Luke smiled.

"Soaking Cody." He called and heard Cody chuckle.

"Dinner is soon."

"Alright." Luke got out of the tub and dried off before going back into the bedroom, not caring that he was naked and neither did Cody. Life in the military tended to do that. He looked through the clothes that had been sent down from the ship, what did you wear when dining with Royalty?

"Comfortable but classy." Cody offered and Luke nodded, pulling on black pants and a formal blue tunic with subtle silver highlights in thread. The great thing with short hair was he didn't have to do anything with it. He hesitated but then attached his lightsaber to his belt, just in case. He didn't believe the Royal Family would attempt anything, but assassins could strike at any time. He then slipped on his cape and turned for inspection. "Looking good." Cody smiled and Luke smiled shakily back. This was his first 'diplomatic' dinner alone.

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Leia sat still as Winter pilled her hair up in intricate braids. "I can't believe he's here."

"Nervous?" Winter asked as she fastened the last braid and then lifted a silver necklace to hold up for inspection. Leia nodded so Winter clasped it around her neck.

"I don't know…he's the enemy but he's my age too." And she had very few friends other than Winter. If only he wasn't the Imperial Prince.

"Be the pleasant and caring Princess but be wary." Winter counselled as Leia stood, white A-line gown flowing to the floor. It had a low scoop neck and no sleeves. Winter slipped the outer layer of sheet fabric over her head and settled the two wing-like sleeves into place before slipping a silver belt around Leia's waist to hold the two layers together. Leia picked up a bracelet and slipped it onto her right wrist. She slipped into her silvery shoes with low heels, giving her a little extra, needed, height. She was still holding out hope for another growth spurt. Winter's own ensemble was less elaborate than Leia's but also similar in design, showing her allegiance to House Organa. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be." Her head went up, shoulders back. They walked through the halls to the Family dining room, finding two Stormtroopers on guard outside the door who saluted her, opening the doors. Their presence meant the Prince was already within. She took a steadying breath and then walked inside, finding her parents standing with a young man who was considerably taller than her but still shorter than her Father. At his side was an older man… a clone! She'd never met one before. The group turned to face her and Leia dropped into a curtsey, feeling Winter do the same.

"Your Highness, may I present my daughter, Leia Organa." Bail offered and Luke bowed to her before taking her hand and kissing the back.

"A pleasure your Highness." He smiled at her and Leia swallowed but smiled back.

"Thank you." She took his offered arm and allowed him to escort her to her seat at the table. She sat at her Mother's right and he took the seat at the foot of the table, as visiting Royalty and outranking her Father who sat to the Prince's right. Winter sat opposite her and the clone sat opposite her Father.

"I hope your rooms are to your liking Prince Luke?" Breha asked and he nodded.

"They are wonderful, thank you."

The meal was spent in polite talk but eventually it was over and she could retreat to her chambers. She changed out of her formal dress and into a far simpler white gown before going out into the gardens to think. He had been nothing like she'd expected. There was something…sad about him. She sat on a bench and closed her eyes, enjoying the cool night air. Hearing a sound, she opened her eyes to find the Prince at the entrance to the courtyard she was sitting in.

"My apologies." He bowed and turned to leave.

"It's alright." She called and he turned back.

"I didn't mean to intrude." He moved into the courtyard and she realised she wasn't the only one who had changed into less formal wear. "The gardens are beautiful."

"Every Queen adds a section after her coronation. Every King adds a wing to the library." She smiled slightly and he nodded, gently touching a flower.

Luke wished they had sprawling gardens like this on Coruscant, there was a small garden attached to their living tour, one his Father made in memory of his Mother but that was it. He glanced at the Princess, sitting on a stone bench, still dressed in white. It had been a shock, seeing her at the dinner, though he had hidden it well. She looked so much like his Mother…or her handmaidens who he had seen images of. Leia Organa was adopted, that had been impossible to hide as she looked nothing like either parent, was it possible one of the handmaiden's had a child around the same time he had been born? "Is it true you plan to take your Father's place as Senator one day?" He asked.

"Yes. I've been preparing for years now." She watched him inspect the flowers. He wasn't overly tall and he was slenderer than she'd thought. He wasn't at all imposing or scary. "Do you enjoy politics?"

Luke chuckled and shook his head. "I prefer the military, much simpler."

"When you can shoot something?"

"Don't tell me you don't get a thrill out of shooting targets?"

"Princess' don't shoot." She answered.

"You're lying." He smiled softly. "Your parents would be foolish not to teach you to defend yourself and they do not strike me as fools." He sat on the bench opposite her.

"Thank you, I think."

That made him laugh and smile at her. "Your Father is the only politician I like." He admitted and she smiled at that. They both hesitated at the sound of footsteps and Cody stepped into view.

"Sir!"

"At ease Commander. Princess Leia, this is Commander Cody of the 212th."

"Your Highness." He saluted.

"Commander." She greeted.

"Sir, Medics orders." Cody warned and Luke sighed.

"Alright." He stood and bowed to Leia.

"Good evening Princess." Then he followed Cody away and she watched them go. Medics orders…. had he been injured? His trip here seemed to have been rather abrupt. But why would her parents be trusted with an injured Prince?

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Luke dove into the crystal-clear water, swimming across the lake, Spark and Boomer keeping watch from the beach. He'd been on Alderaan for three days and felt a thousand times better than he had when he'd arrived. It was so peaceful here, he'd spent his time in meditation and exercise, undoing the damage done by the Emperor as best as he could. He would not give in to him, he would not become a Sith. He wasn't a Jedi, he knew that, but he would not Fall as Sidious had. He would die first.

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Leia watched as Luke moved through some sort of kata, stripped to the waist and wielding a lightsaber. He was impressive to watch, so graceful and powerful. He turned and she smothered a gasp as she saw his back, he'd been whipped, that was the only thing she could think of that would cause such marks.

Luke spun, hearing a gasp and there she was, dressed this time in palest green, hidden in an alcove. She had seen…his hand balled into a fist. "Have a good look?" He demanded.

Leia could almost feel his anger, his shame and she stepped into sight. She knew this was dangerous, right now he was dangerous, she'd seen something she shouldn't have. She walked towards him calmly, she would not show fear. She stopped in front of him and stared him in the eye. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you…I've never seen someone fight like that."

"Liked what you saw did you?" He asked, forcing his emotions under control.

She took a deep breath, knowing this could still turn deadly. She reached out to touch his hand, near the hilt of his weapon. "You're incredible." She whispered, keeping eye contact, seeing something flicker deep within brilliant blue.

Luke's hand tingled where she was touching him. So, few ever touched him, his Father had gloved prosthetics so even when he touched it wasn't flesh to flesh. Cody would touch him but he was usually in gear which also meant gloves. Really, Kix was the most frequent touch he felt, whenever he was injured or ill. Why was she touching him? She'd seen… her hand moved up around to touch his back and he stiffened.

Leia felt the danger surge as she touched his back, slickened by sweat from his workout. His skin was warm and soft, except for the scar tissue. "I'm so sorry." She whispered. "No one should ever be hurt like that." She felt his hand grip her waist, tight in warning. "No matter what, you didn't deserve it." She felt his hand flex, the grip becoming gentler even as he shuddered slightly. She didn't even hesitate as she wrapped her arms around him, holding him and offering comfort.

Luke slumped against her, her words echoing in his mind, he hadn't deserved it. For just a moment he let himself accept comfort. But she didn't know him and he didn't know her. He pushed back and pulled his tunic to his hand, pulling it on. "You should keep your distance Princess." He warned. "My family isn't safe." Especially for the daughter of a rebel.

"Everyone needs a hug sometimes Your Highness." She knew that whatever that moment had been was gone now. "Even Imperial Princes'." She drew back and curtseyed before leaving, heart pounding. She made her way back to her chambers and collapsed on the bed. She'd hugged him! What had she been thinking? It as crazy! But she hadn't been seeing an imperial Prince or General…in that moment he'd been a teenager, just like her, who had needed comfort. He was dangerous…for more than one reason.

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Luke sat at his desk on the Avenger and smiled as he read the list of names from the Prefsbelt Naval Academy, Biggs Darklighter appeared as he had hoped it would. He'd been accepted as a cadet due to his excellent piloting skills. The door chimed and he opened it with the Force, admitting Commander Solo who saluted and then took a seat. Luke passed over Biggs' scores.

"He's good, rough round the edges but that can be handled. Who is he?" Han asked as he read the file. The kid was good, but there had to be another reason for his General to single him out. Blade squadron were the elite after all.

"He was my best friend as a child. I haven't seen him since I was twelve, I wasn't even sure he would still sign up." Luke admitted softly. Han was the closest to a friend he had outside of Cody. Cody though always maintained some formality while Han had tossed that aside once he realised Luke was fine with it, at least in private. They were friends, brothers almost and yet no one outside the 212th or Blade Squadron would ever guess it.

"I'll keep an eye on him and put in orders as soon as he graduates." They both knew it was safer for Biggs if Han did it, Squadron leaders were always stealing the top pilots before they could be assigned.

"Thanks." Luke smiled and got up to pour out some water, floating a glass over to Han who took it, not affected by the display of power.

"So, what was she like?" Han asked with a sly grin.

"Who?"

"The Princess. You know the tabloids are already hinting at a wedding."

Luke promptly choked on his water, cheeks flushing. "Wow, I have never seen you this affected by a female."

"I'm not! She…there's nothing there Han, there can't be."

"Why? Because Alderaan is suspected of Rebel sympathies? You could play that easily to anyone who asked." Something must have really happened to have the kid so ruffled.

"It's too dangerous, she wouldn't be safe with me." Luke denied and Han sensed the topic was closed, for now at least. He wanted to see his General happy and if she did it…. he'd have to enlist Cody's help.

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Vader as relieved to see his son step onto the bridge, they had been parted too long by their duties. He reached out to him and felt Luke immediately reach back but was surprised by how unsettled he felt. He would have to speak with Cody and see if the Commander had noticed anything different since their trip to Alderaan, he knew the Emperor was capable of the subtlest mental manipulations and he would not allow Padmé's son to fall to such things.

Luke stopped beside his Father, letting the view of Hyperspace calm him. He had been…unsettled, ever since leaving Alderaan and he didn't like it. How had she gotten under his skin like that? He had to put her out of his mind, he had a job to do. In a few hours, they would reach Dantooine, chasing rumours of a building Rebel fleet. Luke doubted the rumours, as did Vader, but the Emperor commanded them to investigate.

TBC….