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Chapter 8: Some Rescue

The next day was filled with appointments of all kinds. Putting together a royal bonding ceremony and coronation in a couple of days was no small feat. The palace was filled with beings scurrying around taking care of this and that. Since they had both started early, Solo and Princess Leia had not seen each other all day. Their minds were inescapably occupied with each other, however. As discreet as the bonding planners and helpers were, they couldn't stop themselves from commenting on the excitement and romance of upcoming events or how the Han and Leia were completely suited for each other. To Han, they repeatedly pointed out Leia's beauty and how in love she seemed to be. Leia was told in quiet asides how handsome Han was and they all wished for someone as romantic.

In the late afternoon, Leia was expected to attend a small, informal get-together for the ladies of the royal court. Their gentlemen counterparts would join an hour or so later, after their own gathering was finished.

For his part, Han had a surprisingly good time. He made a point to talk to each of the men present to get a feel for their loyalties. Outside of the formal surroundings of the night before, Solo found them to be an unassuming group - for a bunch of royals, that is. They were not necessarily people he would choose as drinking buddies, but they were not as irritating as he would have guessed either.

Also, Han found out that they were very loyal to the head family and their system, indeed. A few drinks and stories later, Solo felt more assured that Leia's relative safety would remain intact as King Antropo had promised.

On the other hand, Leia was not exactly enjoying herself. She normally held disdain for these types of get-togethers. Usually, a full-blown gossipfest was all that ever seemed to happen. Unfortunately, this one was no different. While the Princess knew the intrinsic value of gossip, she held little regard for the time spent on it. And this time it was much worse, since the centerpiece of that gossip was Han and herself. The women had a million questions and comments, seemingly all at once. Leia did her best to be vague or sidestep the questions entirely, claiming modesty. Still, she knew she would have to answer some directly or there would be no end and suspicion might be raised.

The women weren't about to be deterred either. Lady Devvka was determined to get some answers and decided to take the direct route. "We heard the official version last night at dinner. Come on, Princess, there must be more. Tell us," came the plea that Leia knew was a thinly veiled demand.

Taking a deep breath, Leia promised herself to say only what she had to. "Honestly, that's how it happened. We met quite by accident. I looked up and he was there."

"I should say so. I know I couldn't miss a gorgeous man like that," Lady Museraa said with just a touch of jealously. "Where is he from?"

"He's Corellian," the Princess answered casually. Although Han could blend in on just about any planet, it wouldn't be hard to find that out, she supposed.

"Ooh, no wonder he is so good looking. Corellian men are known for that," Lady Yoontan knowingly admired. The others made a show of agreeing wholeheartedly.

Princess Leia had to smile inwardly. Actually, it was nice to hear the women clamoring on about Han and he was all hers. Easy, Leia, he's not yours, she reminded herself.

"But when did you two fall in love?" Lady Museraa asked and everyone went silent, waiting anxiously for the answer.

Leia just plastered a patient look on her face that she hoped didn't look overly patronizing while considering her answer.

Lady Devvka piped up in the meantime, "At first sight. It had to be at first sight. How could it not have been? Am I right, Princess?"

Unable to suppress a small genuine smile, Leia considered that she might as well tell them what they wanted to hear. The truth of the matter was not important here anyway, plus it might cease these unbearable questions a little faster. "I suppose you could say that. Although, we were rather caught up in the business at hand at the time."

When they saw that was all they were going to get in way of an answer, Lady Yoontan had another question at the ready, "We know he is certainly handsome and charming, but tell us what he's really like."

"Well…" Several words came to mind immediately: arrogant, irritating, incorrigible, all-around scoundrel. Then an opposing set followed right behind: loyal to his friends, good-hearted… funny… intoxicating.

While Leia was mulling over her options, the men came in totally unnoticed by the rapt group. Solo halted the men and shushed them, seeing Princess Leia at the center of the group looking obviously uneasy - obvious only to someone who had spent considerable time around her the last few years, otherwise she presented a front of cool control. Han had caught enough of the question to be anxious to hear what the Princess had to say. Seeing that she was stalling he decided to help her along. Mischievously, he came up behind her and lay his hands gently onto her shoulders. "Princess."

Feeling the strong warmth of the touch, Leia turned around and relief spread across her face. "Han."

Fully aware of her discomfort from the tension in her shoulders, Solo wasn't about to get her out of this predicament just yet. "Don't let me interrupt you, Princess. I think these ladies are waiting for your answer about my excellent qualities," he grinned innocently, gesturing to the women smiling behind her whom all were enjoying the way the couple was obviously affected by each other's presence.

Was she supposed to wax poetic about him while he stood there with his already inflated ego? Leia shot him a vicious glance before turning back around to face the group.

"Well as you can see, Captain Solo is quite the charmer and possesses incredible timing," she said with just enough sarcasm so the women would share her double-meaning.

That drew a good laugh from all within hearing range and Han's face dropped slightly at her barely affable answer.

"Now ladies, if you don't mind, I need to speak with Princess Leia for a moment before we eat. So, if you'll excuse us?" Han smiled, softly sliding a hand down Leia's back and leading her off to the side.

"I'll get you for that, Solo," she whispered, her voice full of revenge, while keeping a neutral look on her face, so as not to arouse any speculation of a tiff.

"Nice thanks I get for rescuing you from them," Han intoned indignantly.

"That was some rescue," Leia shot back.

"Yeah? Well, lucky for me there aren't any trash chutes nearby," Han quipped.

Leia couldn't help glaring at him, gossip be damned. "Don't you think we should get back to the party?" Without waiting for an answer, she quickly spun on her heel and walked back to the group as they were sitting down to eat.

Han followed a second later, amused by it all. He always got a kick out of annoying Leia whenever the chance presented itself. Too bad he couldn't have had a more informative answer, though.

Thankfully, the rest of the time was filled with inconsequential small talk. Leia and Han excused themselves early, claiming the myriad of things still left to do. Being the honored guests, this allowed the rest of the attendees free to go as well. The Princess took Han's arm quite naturally, leading the group as everyone took their leave.