CHAPTER 18:

Leia yawned and rolled onto her back, immediately inciting a wave of pain that ran through her extremities and seemed to settle into her right side. She groaned and rubbed her eyes. Something didn't feel right, besides her body. She dropped her hands from her eyes and sat up. Han's hand slipped off of her stomach. Leia turned and looked at him, smiling to herself at the sight of his pillow-mashed face. Then Leia glanced over at Luke. She frowned. Although Luke was still asleep, she got a strong feeling that he was awake most of the night. She sighed. She made a mental note to talk to him about it when she had the chance.

As for now, Leia decided to get up and find Chewbacca. That uneasy feeling that woke her hadn't disappeared. If anything was wrong, Chewie would know. Leia scooted her bottom toward the top of the cushion in order to slip out from under the covers without disturbing her companions. Once free of the covers, she began to crawl toward the other end of the cushion, but intense pain gripped her body. She dropped to her chest, leaving the rest of her sticking up in the air. Her position only increased the pain, and she muffled her cry by burying her face in the blanket.

Luke bolted upright, "Leia?"

"I'm okay," she croaked, her face still buried in the blanket.

Despite her agony, Luke couldn't help but smile at her ridiculous position and even more ridiculous denial of her pain. "You don't look okay."

"No, really," she turned her head toward him but remained in the cramped up position. "I'm perfectly fine."

"Those painkillers probably wore off."

With her face still smashed against the blanket, Leia raised her eyebrow, "You think?"

A long, growling yawn interrupted their conversation.

"Good morning, Han," Luke greeted.

"I'm not sure it's such a good morning," Leia muttered.

"What time is it?" Han asked as he sat up. He raised his right arm to scratch the back of his head. "Aw!" He glanced down at his shoulder. Then he noticed Leia, "What are you doing?"

"Alderaanian morning prayers," she grumbled.

"The painkillers wore off," Luke informed Han.

"I'm fine."

Han raised his chin, "You are, are you? Why don't you get up and prove it?"

Luke shook his head, "Han…"

"How's your arm?" Leia challenged without turning her head toward him.

"Hurts like hell," he freely admitted. "How are your wounds?"

"I'm fine!"

"Prove it!"

Luke quickly pushed the blanket off himself, "I'm gonna find Chewie and see if he can get more painkillers."

"Don't need them," Leia grunted.

She then pushed herself up to her hands and knees, smiling at Han. Slowly, she sank back on her haunches and smugly smirked at Han. Han started to fold his arms across his chest, but the bite in his shoulder stopped him dead. The slightest grimace marred Han's face just for a second, but Leia caught it, and she raised her chin in triumph.

"Luke, perhaps you should get those painkillers for Han."

"You guys are ridiculous." Luke eyes widened and retracted. "Leia, we all know you're in pain. We saw your wounds. And Han? Why do you have to goad her the way you do?"

"Goad her?" he scowled. "We all know she doesn't do a damn thing I tell her to do. I'm not goading her."

"I'd do what you tell me if what you tell me to do wasn't so idiotic."

Luke sighed.

"When have I been idiotic?"

Luke buried his head in his hands.

"If I start naming them all we'd be here for at least a year!"

"You can't name them because I've never been idiotic!"

"We can ask Luke."

"No! No one's asking Luke!" Luke stretched his arms into the air. "It's way too early in the morning to be in the middle of one of your spats!"

Leia frowned, "How do you know it's morning?"

"Huh?"

"For all we know, we've slept through the morning, and it's the afternoon."

"Or it could be evening," Han threw out. "I am kinda hungry."

Luke's mouth dropped open as his head swiveled between his two friends. One minute they're at each other's throats. The next, they're teaming up against him. Before he had a chance to respond, the door to their room opened up.

Han instinctively reached for a blaster that wasn't there as he jumped in front of Leia. Luke jumped to his feet and ignited his light saber, and Leia froze like a hiti caught in the head light of a swoop bike.

"Good morning," the Imperial Commander greeted the rebels.

"It's not so good anymore," Han muttered. "Where's Chewie?"

"He's eating me out of house and home."

Han stood up, making sure he was still between Leia and the Imperial officer, "If you hurt him in any way—"

"Han," Luke cut him off and deactivated his light saber. "Chewie's okay."

Han turned his head slightly in Luke's direction without taking his eyes off his enemy, "How can you possibly know that?"

"He's not armed, Han," Leia reached out and touched his leg.

He looked down at her to find her large brown eyes gazing up at him. And as usual, that something in her eyes that he couldn't quite name melted his anger away. How did she do that?

"The princess is right," the Commander spoke up. "I didn't bring you here to turn you over to the Emperor."

"Why not?" Han narrowed his eyes on the man. "Get you a big promotion."

"I'm Jaleof, and Her Highness saved the life of my brother-in-law when she freed the aliens."

"You're married to a non-Human?" Leia whispered.

"My wife is a Mirialan," Jaleof explained. "You've already met her."

"But you serve the Empire," she accused.

"I do," he shrugged. "But I could not deny what is in my heart. Not that my superiors, or any Imperial at that, know about her."

If Leia could she'd jump up and strangle the man. "How could you still serve the Emperor with the way they treat non-Humans!"

"I cannot say I whole-heartedly agree with the Emperor's views," Jaleof moved so Han no longer blocked his view of the princess. "Some alien species are far more superior to others."

"How could you say that?" Leia blinked in disbelief.

"Leia," Luke's voice resounded with authority. "Despite his loyalties, Jaleof is helping us."

"How do you know?"

"If you don't want my help, fine," Jaleof clasped his hands behind his back and turned to leave. "I'm not sure risking my life for you rebels is worth it. But you won't escape this planet without my help."

"We escaped from the Death Star," Han boasted, "and blasted it to kingdom come. Gettin' off this planet should be a piece of cake after that."

"Suit your selves," Jaleof walked toward the door. When he reached it he looked back over his shoulder, "Oh. I thought you might like to know. Her Highness has been identified. Lord Vader is personally coming to supervise her capture."

Leia involuntarily shuddered. Luke walked over to her, sat down beside her, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He looked up at Jaleof who now faced the rebels once again. "We appreciate the help. Sorry for not readily accepting it, but I'm sure you can understand our distrust of Imperials."

Jaleof gazed upon the battered rebels and slowly exhaled, "Duly noted. You still have my help if you want it."

"We'll be in your debt," Luke inclined his head, and Leia stared at him.

"If Chewbacca hasn't eaten everything, there's a banquet in the other room waiting for you."

Han's mouth twisted to the side as his stomach grumbled. He was skeptic this Imperial Commander would help them, but if Chewie was okay with the situation then Han would go with it. He rolled his eyes. Chewie always put his stomach first. For all Han knew that Imperial scum was using food to subdue Chewie.

"Leia's in pain," Luke announced. "I was wondering if you have anything for her."

Leia dug her nails into Luke's side, but he managed to keep a smile on his face despite the pain.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, for forgetting your wounds. You must be in great pain. I will find the doctor," Jaleof bowed.

"Th-thank you, Commander," Leia quietly stammered as she released her grip on Luke.

"Please, Jaleof," he smiled.

"I'm Leia," she replied but did not return his smile.

Han glared at her, and once Jaleof disappeared, she narrowed her eyes and glared back at him.

Before the pair could launch into another battle of wills, Luke jumped in, "He obviously was responsible for the medical care for you and Leia, Han."

"I don't like this on bit."

Leia sighed, "What choice do we have? Stay here and wait for Vader?"

"Or be handed over to Vader by a promotion-lusting Imperial."

She placed a hand on his calf again and gazed up at him with her large brown eyes, "Either way, it ends the same."

"I'm not lettin' Vader lay a hand on you ever again," Han promised through clenched teeth.

Leia felt as if her blood stopped flowing through her veins, and her breath caught in her throat. The look in Han's eyes…she had never seen such fierceness and determination in his hazel eyes. And this fierceness, this determination was for her. Why?

"I think this guy can be trusted," Luke said, breaking the spell between Han and Leia.

"What?" Han put his hands on his hips. "You can feel it in the Force?"

Luke pressed his lips together and nodded.

Leia's eyes fell upon Luke who stared at Han. Her bottom lip slipped between her teeth, "That's good enough for me."

"It would be," Han muttered. He rolled his eyes, "Fine. But if you're wrong---"

"Luke has to be right," Leia whispered.

Han saw the fear in her large brown eyes. His chest tensed up. She needed hope, and here he was squelching it. He held his good hand out to her, "Come on. Let's get something to eat."

Leia took his hands and slowly stood up with his support. She hadn't looked at the damage other than to her right side, but it felt as if her legs and arms were wrapped in bandages. Still holding Han's hand, she took her steps with care. Han stole a glance at their clasped hands and bit back a smile. His eyes then sought out Luke to find him smirking. Han's brow lowered and he led Leia to the door.

Chewbacca growled and waved a fork in the air.

""Mornin', Chewie," Han drawled as his eyes fell on the table. "Leave any for us?"

Chewie grumbled with his mouth full. Luke's smile widened almost as much as his eyes when he saw the variety of foods spread out on the long table. His stomach grumbled at the sight of fentili cakes and bitin berry sauce.

"Whaddya mean it's the afternoon?" Han frowned.

"Told you, Luke," Leia sniped as she stared at the bowl of guana.

"Pardon me."

All of the rebels turned to find Dr. Ronajdi standing at the doorway.

"Good morning, doctor," Leia smiled.

"How are you feeling this morning, Your Highness?"

"I'm doing well," she answered but wouldn't look into his eyes.

"Liar," Han accused. "She's in a lot of pain."

"Not a lot."

"Okay. Enough."

"And you, Captain Solo?"

"My arm is almost back to normal," he bent his elbow and then extended his lower arm.

"That's good to hear," Dr. Ronajdi said. "Well, Your Highness, I'd like to check your wounds out, see how they are healing. Please follow me."

Leia released Han's hand and slowly followed the doctor. Han looked at the food on the table and then at Leia's back.

"Hang on, doctor," Han called out as he caught up with Leia. Dr. Ronajdi turned around. "My shoulder's kinda sore. I think I could use some painkillers, you know, to take the edge off."

"Sure," Dr. Ronajdi smiled and then headed down the hall.

Leia raised an eyebrow, "Thought your arm was almost back to normal."

He took her arm, careful not to touch any of her bandages, "'Almost' being the key word."

Leia suppressed a smile and shook her head.

"Your Highness," the doctor held out a gown, "please put this on. You can change behind the screen."

"Thank you," Leia took the gown and disappeared behind the screen.

"I have these pills that will take your pain away, Captain."

"Will they make me loopy?"

"Loopy?"

"You know," Han waved his good arm around. "Dull my senses."

"I can give you a local," he turned around and prepped a syringe.

The princess stepped out from behind the screen and her eyes widened.

"Don't worry, Sweetheart," Han winked as he slipped his shirt off. "It's for me."

Leia visibly relaxed.

"Your Highness," the doctor smiled at her. "Please, climb up on the table. I'll be with you in a minute."

Han walked over to her, "Let me give you a hand." He swept her up into his arms and gently placed her on the examination table. He turned his back to her, and grimaced in pain. Then he faced her, "You comfortable?"

She cringed, "You shouldn't have done that with your arm."

"The pain will be gone in no time," he smiled.

"He's right, but you shouldn't lift anything heavy with that arm."

"She weighs next to nothin'," he winked at Leia again, and she blushed.

"Okay, ready?" Dr. Ronajdi asked even though he didn't wait for an answer. He press the needle into the area near Han's wound. He then redressed the wound. "All finished."

Han examined his shoulder and then slipped his shirt back on without buttoning it up.

"Okay, Your Highness," the doctor moved to stand next to her. He placed a hand on her forehead. "No fever, which means no infection."

Han sat down and watched Dr. Ronajdi examine the scratches on Leia's legs and arms. He cringed at the sight of the long red lines that marred her alabaster skin. The doctor helped Leia roll to her stomach, and then he opened her gown to reveal her back. Leia caught Han's pained expression.

"It's not as bad as it looks," she gave him a closed mouth smile.

"I don't know," he gazed into her eyes. "Looks pretty bad."

"I've been through worse," she whispered.

"Then you shouldn't have to go through anymore."

"Life doesn't work that way," she sighed. "You of all people should know that."

"Her Highness is right," the doctor cut in. "These wounds are superficial. Now I'd like to get a look at the bite."

Dr. Ronajdi pulled the princess' gown closed and assisted her as she rolled over. He shifted the gown to expose the bite beneath her left breast. He then carefully removed the bandages. Han grimaced at the angry punctures marring her skin.

"The glue worked," Dr. Ronajdi smiled. "It's holding together just fine. Would you like something for the pain?"

"Yes," Han answered for her. She shot his a dirty look. His brow lowered, and his mien melted into a stern expression, "You'll slow us down if you're in pain."

"You don't know that!"

"I saw you get up this morning," he reminded her. "You could barely move."

"Fine," she mumbled.

Dr. Ronajdi turned away from her and retrieved a syringe. Leia's eyes widened when he moved to her side.

"On second thought," her voice slightly trembled, "I'll pass on the painkiller."

"You don't have any pills?" Han asked as he stepped closer to Leia.

"Nothing that's strong enough."

Han's eyes met Leia's. Her breathing became erratic, and she gazed up at him as if she expected him to do something.

"Your Highness?" the doctor placed a hand on her forehead, and his brow knitted in confusion, "You're cold."

"She's had bad experiences with needles," Han curtly explained.

Han placed a hand on her stomach. She was cold. He then took her hand in his and held it against his bare chest, "I'm right here, Sweetheart. You're not alone."

Leia watched Dr. Ronajdi tied a rubber tube around her bicep, her mouth forming a tiny 'o'.

"Hey," Han squeezed her hand. "I'm over here."

Leia pressed her lips together but returned her attention on Han. Still holding her hand against his chest, he reached up with his free hand and brushed the back of his hand against her face.

"I told you I wouldn't let anyone hurt you," he leaned close to her.

The princess' respiration slowed, but her heart pounded hard against her ribcage. However, she strongly suspected the rhythm of her heart had more to do with Han than the needle in Dr. Ronajdi's hand. His hand found her stomach again, and his fingers stretched and retracted in such a way that brought Leia comfort. He gazed into her eyes, and she felt as if she could see into her soul, making her feel vulnerable and safe all at the same time. Leia pulled her eyes away, and she stared at her hand that was pressed against his chest. She could feel the beat of his heart, the heat radiating off of him. At that moment, everything--- the doctor, Luke and Chewbacca, the danger they were in, the war, disappeared, and Han was the only thing that was real.

Han sported a lop-sided grin, "Like what you see?"

"What?" Leia met his eyes again.

"I know my rippling muscles would drive you crazy," he waggled his eyebrows.

Leia's eyes narrowed, "Hardly."

"Nah, you can't deny it. It's in your eyes."

She shook her head and pulled her hand out of his, "You are the most arrogant man I ever met."

Han's smile widened and he removed his hand from her stomach. Leia hid her disappointment with a diplomatic look of disdain.

"All finished," Dr. Rodanjdi announced.

Leia's mouth dropped and her eyes widened when she looked at her arm. She didn't feel the slightest prick.

Han slipped his hands into his pockets, "Told you I wouldn't let anyone hurt you."

Her cheeks flushed pink and lowered her head. "Thank you," she whispered.

"You'll be happy to know that the antibiotics come in pill form," the doctor held up a small bottle and shook it. "I want you to take one now, and then one in the morning and one in the evening."

The doctor gave Leia the pill and retrieved a glass of water. She obediently swallowed the pill and finished the glass of water. Dr. Rodanjdi started to hand her the bottle of pills.

"I'll take those," Han reached out and snatched the bottle before Leia could close her fingers around it.

"Han!"

"You can't even remember to eat. How do you expect to remember to take these?" He shook the bottle for emphasis. He put the bottle in his pocket, "I'll make sure she takes the, Doctor."

"Good," the doctor smiled at Han. "If you don't take them all, Your Highness, you could end up with a nasty infection." Then he reached out and shook Han's hand, "You are lucky to have such a good friend, Princess."

Leia folded her arms, "Some days I'm not so sure."

"Why don't we go see if Chewie and Luke left us anything to eat?" Han took her hand and helped her off of the table.

Leia disappeared behind the curtain and quickly changed her clothes. Han smiled at her and held his arm out to her. She regally raised her chin and accepted his outstretched arm, allowing Han to lead her to the feast.