Please see the first chapter for disclaimer and other info

A/N: Can you believe it's an update! I have one exam left and then all the time in the world. And since I've actually started Courtship of Princess Leia this will get better! A huge thank you to Toni for whipping this woeful chapter into shape. Enjoy :)

Chapter Five: Your Daughter's Hand

The Queen, Bail, Padme, Obi-Wan and Anakin were all waiting at the spaceport. It seemed that Prince Isolder was currently held up on board, communicating with the Queen Mother. His personal ship was enormous and Anakin couldn't help but feel a little jealous.

Jealousy is the shadow of greed.

Just as this ship is only a shadow of the pompous, rich, Han Solo replacement.

Anakin straightened up and unconsciously gripped his lightsaber. The Force didn't tell him there was any danger but his fatherly instincts were in full swing. Something told him that this prince wouldn't be much better than the scoundrel Leia was currently seeing. But of course, he would have to choose between the lesser of two evils. And the prince was already in higher graces. Anakin knew he wasn't seducing his daughter and he certainly hadn't beaten him in any Sabacc games.

The ship sprung to life and suddenly the main hatch opened. Anakin had to stop his own jaw from dropping. The man looked like a god! He had a well-defined body and long, luxurious blonde hair. Anakin's eyes travelled to his wife. She too looked amazed by the god-like appearance of her daughter's suitor.

Anakin grunted a little, suddenly feeling less than adequate. At least the great Anakin Skywalker could make Han feel stupid. This man hadn't even spoken and he was already making Anakin feel like he was two feet tall, grossly overweight and a hundred years old- like a human Yoda.

He would definitely be doing some push-ups when he returned to their bedchamber. Amongst other activities that would convince his wife not to give another thought to the Pretty One. Besides, he doesn't even have a cool robotic arm like me, Anakin thought. It can vibrate and everything.

"Welcome to Alderaan, Prince Isolder of Hapes," spoke Bail as the entire party bowed before the Pretty One.

"Thank you," replied the Prince in a thick Hapan accent. "It is a delight to meet you, Your Highnesses. And who may I address you three as?" he enquired with a touch of snobbery present in his voice.

That lightsaber is looking pretty good right now, Anakin thought.

"I am Chancellor Skywalker, Your Highness. This is my husband Anakin Skywalker and our dear friend, Jedi Master Kenobi. It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

Isolder nodded in understanding. "You are Leia's parents," he said bluntly, eyeing Anakin in the process. "Then it is a pleasure to meet you both as well. We will have some matters to discuss as soon as all formalities are underway. Hapes will be making your daughter an offer she will not be able to refuse," the prince said smugly. Anakin couldn't help himself.

"And what might this grand offer be, Your Highness?" he asked, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

Isolder smirked. "Me, of course.

Bail gestured for the group to walk towards the palace. The prince moved forward to the Queen, Obi-Wan and Bail while Padme and Anakin lingered behind.

"I don't like him," Anakin said bluntly, furrowing his brow as he grasped his lightsaber. Padme rolled her eyes and swatted his hand away.

"He's very…confident. He's rich. He's extremely good looking. He has impeccable taste…"

"Alright Mrs. Skywalker, let's not get a bantha worked up about it," Anakin grumbled.

From her spot next to her husband, Padme sighed. "All I'm saying is that we should at least give him a chance. What he's offering is priceless and could help solve a lot of problems. Sixty-three gifts, obviously including himself and all the Hapans want in return is a Queen Mother. Leia may very well take to Isolder. But then again, she might not. We can in no way influence her decision. Understand, Anakin?"

He nodded mutely.

A picture entered his mind. On one side of his beautiful daughter was the Pretty One, with his long, blonde hair. On that side was the image of thousands of Republican credits, mountainous worlds and a huge Hapan fleet.

Han Solo stood on the other side of Leia. All he had was the Millennium Falcon, a deck of naked-ladies Sabacc cards and a big mouth. But strangely enough Anakin found himself being more impressed with the image of the laser-brained pirate than the laser-brained, hair-flicking Hapan monstrosity.

Could it possibly be that Anakin Skywalker was getting soft?

A beeping from within his robes disturbed him. Realising he was now left behind he turned and made his way back down to the docks. Before he had even answered, a familiar voice came over the commlink.

"Hope you haven't missed me too much, old man. Chewie, Luke and I will be docking in at number ninety-six. Oh and bring some Alderaan wine on your way. We're all getting kinda thirsty. Solo out.

As the familiar irritation began to creep up his shoulders, he realised, that he was definitely not getting soft. He would let Leia meet Isolder and make her own decisions and he would not interfere. Maybe.

But a nagging feeling told the great Anakin Skywalker that it might take the combined strength of him and his greatest nemesis—Han Solo—to put the Pretty One back in his place.

Ignoring Solo's request for the ridiculously expensive wine, he put on his best welcoming face, although not much different from his get-out-of-my-sight face. Docking bay ninety-six was not far and he made it there just on time.

The Millennium Falcon docked smoothly. Probing the ship with the Force, Anakin was glad to feel his son's presence. He moved to Chewbacca who seemed very excited for some reason. He then went to probe Han. Han was…no, it couldn't be. It just wasn't possible.

Han Solo, the pirate, the scoundrel was actually nervous!

What in the name of Kessel did he have to be nervous about- the function? Pushing that thought aside, he felt another strange emotion from Solo. Amongst his nerves was a distinct sense of fear,of absolute dread and anticipation. Whatever it was, it was scaring the seven sithpits out of Han Solo.

Luke disembarked first and went to greet his father. Chewbacca followed and gave a hearty growl. For a moment, Anakin thought Han wouldn't come out while he was still there. But sure enough, he sheepishly emerged.

"Glad you could finally make it," Anakin remarked dryly.

Han nervously ran his hand through his hair. "Yeah, thanks Paps. But listen there's something I gotta talk to you about…"

Anakin nudged him to continue walking towards the palace. "Leia's not here yet, Solo. And no, I won't give you permission to sleep in her room. Have some respect!" he shouted, half jokingly.

"For once, that's not it," he said dryly and stopped midway, causing Anakin to stop as well. Luke caught eyes with Han and knowingly led Chewbacca away.

"Come on Chewie, let's get out of here before Mustafar erupts," he muttered and they swiftly walked towards the palace.

Anakin looked at the younger man quizzically. He looked like he was about to choke on his own words. "Spit it out, Solo. Something the size of a bantha is obviously clouding your judgement. You haven't insulted me once since you've landed!"

Han took a deep breath; it was likely to be his last.

"Anakin Skywalker, I want to formally ask you for your daughter's hand in marriage.

Anakin Skywalker's The Galactic Dictionary

Surprise: An unexpected event or action, to surprise- to inform someone of an event or to shock someone. To ask one's father (whom dislikes you very much by the way) for one's daughter's hand in marriage only what seems like moments after Mr. Perfect (who has caught said father's wife's attention- never a good thing) has also expressed the same intentions. Surprise- the action of NOT dismembering and/or disembowelling said suitors for said daughter by said father. Especially when said father's hand is gripping his lightsaber with such ferocity.