As her family's speeder approached the banquet set-up on Mendello Street of Crevasse City, Leia tried to muster up some of that sacred patience her aunts always insisted she have. Before leaving for this meeting, she had decided that she would pretend to be trying. She would greet all the guests, talk with the other princes and Houses, display herself proudly and represent the House of Organa well. Then, she would go back home and laugh at all the dreaded, pathetic men her aunts were going to take delight in. Although, she did consider the possibility that her father might be right. Perhaps, this whole ordeal wouldn't be as mad as she was making it. She could chat casually, leisurely with Yeorg of the House of Alde, perhaps share a treat with Roumen of House Baliss. But, really, if she had to marry herself into another house, she'd prefer, perhaps even dream or wish, it be the House of Panteer.

Perhaps considered one of the most influential of Alderaan's Houses, the Panteers had been crowned queen and king more often than any of the other houses combined. They were a strong, proud house filled with years of tradition and hailed from Alderaan even before the Organas. Always loyal and supportive of Leia's own house, she knew that family best. They always made their negotiations together and remained allies. Besides marrying into their house for the reason of an even greater alliance, Leia might even be happy to marry their Prince Raal Panteer. The two had always been close friends and her first kiss, little did her aunts or parents know, had been with the Panteer boy. She had, when younger, often snuck out to see other boys, but Raal had always meant more to her than any of the other boys she would see. And that kiss, her only kiss, had meant something when it happened. It was a secret they shared, perhaps would joke about when they were married.

Alright, maybe this wasn't that bad.

The speeder driver stepped out and offered Leia his hand as she closed her own door behind her. "Good luck, my Princess," he said, kissing her hand softly as was custom and added, "And good day."

"You too, Valden," she offered, joining her family in greeting the other Houses. And to her pleasure, just as the Panteer House was next in line to say their hellos to the Organas, Raal was quick to kneel at Leia's feet and kiss the skin of her left hand delicately. "My Princess," he smiled up at her with dark blue eyes and she couldn't help but blush and smile back. "What an honor it is to see you again. I look forward to spending some extensive time together while the other young nobles make their choices. I have long awaited the year you would be up for the marriage market."

Leia curtsied, hoping her cheeks weren't as red as she suspected they were. "My Prince, as I should say, it is an honor to see you again. I've been looking forward to seeing you here as well. Although, I think my aunts have other plans with Houses Baliss and Ulgo." She cast a long look over her shoulder over to where her aunts were greeting the Baliss family, taking their time in greeting their young son Jevenno.

"And how do you feel about that, switching to one of the minor houses, an insignificant role-player in Alderaan's fare?"

"I don't think my aunts understand," she answered. "I'd much prefer to just not be here, but it's made my day at least seeing you here."

"Well," Raal comically frowned, dropping her hand as her father approached, his strong shoulders squared. "It is lovely seeing you again, Princess Leia."

"Prince Raal," Bail firmly shook his hand, putting some distance between his daughter and the prince.

He grinned at the viceroy. "Hello, sir. I was just speaking with your daughter about this year's court marriage arrangements. I'd love to see your family again while the market is still up."

"I'm sure you would," Bail responded, taking his daughter's arm and steering her away.

"I thought you wanted me to try harder," Leia grinned at her father, just waiting for his hypocritical response.

"That's what I was supposed to say! Do you not understand that I am your father and I refuse to just let you marry yourself off to anyone like that?"

"Prince Raal is not just anyone," the princess objected, thoroughly enjoying their lighter of arguments. "I'm sure my aunts will be very pleased at my enthusiasm. See? I'm turning my act around. How about that? You and Mother should begin making arrangements with the Panteer House. They often offer a wealthy dowry."

Bail stopped, turned to glare at his daughter and sigh in defeat. He closed his eyes, took a moment to regain his patience and shot back, "I think you should meet with House Thul. Prince Bornan is very kind, caring. I think you just might warm up to him if you give him a chance. Also, let us not forget there are also the nobles and princes from outside of Alderaan as well. I heard the Hapan Royal family might be visiting."

"Like that's likely," Leia chided with an unamused smile. "Raal's a good man. I know him well. Can't you trust that I'm mature enough to pick my own husband now?"

OoO

A long, heavy silence fell between father and daughter while Bail had no idea what to say next. Nearly appalled was he, even at the mere thought of his baby girl eager to marry herself into one of the other most powerful Alderaanian houses. How was it that he could feel like it was still just yesterday he had first brought the endangered, precious girl home? She was her mother's daughter, there was no doubt about that. Filled with a fierce determination, Leia refused to back down and this oddly reminded Bail of any political debate he used to dare have with Padmé before she beat him to a pulp. And Leia was no different. Fierfek! Bail silently cursed. Padmé, why does she have to be just like you?

When Bail still didn't say another word, Leia sighed, brushing past him to speak with other friends. "Just like her mother," he muttered aloud with a shake of his head before rejoining is wife. She was speaking with House Frayus and Cortess when he came up to her side. "Viceroy Organa," the older Princess Elsie Cortess greeted as her husband moved to shake his hand. "I noticed your daughter has come this year. Is she planning to marry this year?" she asked, cocking her head so her blonde tresses fell over one bare shoulder.

Rouge giggled over her wine glass and answered for her brother. "If we have anything to say about it."

"You know," the elder Prince Thieron began, watching the Organa Princess from afar. "She sure is an interesting young lady, your daughter, Viceroy. Perhaps . . . " he trailed off for a moment before an enlightening smile came to his lips and his wife laughed aloud as he turned his bright gaze to the Organas. "She would do well in our House?"

Celly, Rouge, and Tia all nearly choked on their wine while Breha's eyes went wide and Bail just barely managed to control his reaction behind a veneer. The sisters cleaned their mess, an excited anxiety causing their distress. "A-Are you, your family, I mean," Rouge stuttered, clasping Breha's shoulder in a tight grip. "Offering a dowry for Leia?"

Thieron chuckled lightly, taking another quick glance at the young princess. "We can't be the only ones. I'll tell you, Viceroy Organa, Queen Breha, our son Gram has had a longing eye on her for a while now. He has been talking about this for quote some time. In fact, he already has a dowry prepared for her hand."

Bail swallowed over a lump in his throat and glanced around the small group gathered about him, looking for the young man. "Then, where is he? Does he not have the courage to approach me and ask for my daughter's hand? You can tell him I am here, waiting. Then, we shall talk about this dowry."

"My, my. Bail, you must trust I have raised my own son with proper virtues," Thieron said. "You must know he has the courage of a barabel. He is speaking to your daughter now."

Bail swallowed over another lump. He looked to Breha who appeared equally surprised and startled. "Uh, Prince Thieron," she sputtered, slowly regaining her composure. "This is . . . well, I must say we weren't really expecting this and so quickly!"

"But, my Queen, your daughter is finely groomed and trained for the throne. I understand that most of the Houses have unanimously agreed Leia would be our best option to seat on Alderaan's throne. It would be an honor if House Cortess could call her our own queen."

"Queen Leia Cortess," Bail caught Celly murmuring and Breha, alarmed, slapped her shoulder. Breha turned back to Elsie and Thieron and informed them, "I'm not entirely sure that Leia is planning on marrying quite yet, though. As you said, she is a bit . . . different. I think she has her own plans when it comes to marriage."

"Well," Thieron hardly considered Breha's words and Elsie simply laughed. Again. "Bail, Breha, both our families have always been good friends. Imagine what an alliance it would be if your daughter united our houses. We truly admire her. She is the epitome of a proper princes-"

"Yes!" squealed Celly, Rouge, and Tia in delight.

"-strong, courageous, graceful, tender. Leia is just the princess we are looking for. Our family will watch over her, care for her, help her keep up the Alderaanian throne. I do hope she considers Gram's offer."

As well as Breha knew Leia wouldn't be happy about any offer, she had an interest in what they were at least offering them back. Turning to Elsie in hopes that the princess would be more considerate, she asked her "And what exactly is he offering for a dowry?"

"Just a few things I know you both and your daughter share an interest in," a new voice said. They all turned to see a tall man with brown, narrow eyes and the most blonde hair. He was strongly built, thick muscles decorating his arms and midsection and a strong, rectangular jaw. The young man was Gram Cortess of House Cortess, son of Elsie and Thieron and the man of question. On his arm, he carried Leia. Though, by the looks of it, Leia did not seem comfortable with the gesture as she was somewhat leaning away from him. "I understand that Leia especially seeks to publicly take opposition against the Empire and Lord Vader. In my dowry," he bowed deeply to Leia, taking a knee on the ground. "I offer my full support and the proposal to take Alderaan's fight to the enemy. And much, much more, my Princess." He kissed Leia's hand and she visibly cringed. "Sir Organa, I offer Alderaan's throne, our opposition to the Empire, weapons to defeat the Emperor and so much more . . . if Princess Leia Organa accepts my proposal of marriage.

OoO

"I can't believe you're both trying to force me into this!" Leia threw her overcoat to the floor, fuming where she stood. They had just gotten back from the meeting of the houses and Leia was furious with the outcome. Though she had not answered to any proposal, she was starting to feel the pressure weighing down on her shoulders. "You promised I'd get to choose and I choose no one."

"Leia, that isn't how it works," Bail insisted, his teeth gritted together. "You have to. The Great Houses and Alderaan are expecting you to take the throne. You must choose a consort now."

Leia had no more to say and so, tears of fury and frustration standing in her eyes, she shook her head and stormed off, up the staircase to her room.