Hello everyone! It's really good to see you all again, and welcome back to A Journey Through the Stars. Well, here it is, chapter five, and I really hope you all like it. I won't say too much here, it's getting late and I'm about to head to bed. Please review and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All things Star Wars are not mine!

Chapter Five: Flowers in the Garden

ArielPOV

Ariel stared out into the vast night sky which was scattered with millions upon millions of bright, twinkling stars, smiling as the cool breeze gently stroked her face while she rested her arms on the railing of the balcony. Late-meal ended a while ago, and now she was resting in Leia's room until it was time for the two of them to go to bed. Leia had brought her to her room, which was a lot like Queen Breha's, where the two of them sat talking in a couple of armchairs close to the balcony. They spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other better, although Leia did most of the talking. Ariel was perfectly content to just sit and listen as Leia told her of many things, such as the charity events her father held, her dream to become a senator when she was old enough, and how sometimes she dreamed of exploring the far reached of the galaxy to discover new worlds. Soon after, the two girls had gotten changed into their night dresses and then Breha had come in to say goodnight. Ariel made sure to thank the queen once again for allowing her to stay for the night. She couldn't believe her ears when Leia had asked her parents if she could, and she was even more surprised when Bail and Breha agreed to it. For royal figures such as themselves to take in a scrawny little kid from the streets, offer her food and a comfortable place to sleep, was beyond kind. Their actions warmed her heart, and she would never be able to explain her gratitude in words. Even though she was only there for one night, the compassion she received from the royal family and the beginning sparks of friendship she was developing with Leia was well worth it.

"It's so beautiful here," Ariel called over her shoulder to Leia, who was sitting in front of her vanity. "You're lucky you get to see this every day, Leia."

"I suppose, but it's different when you see the same thing every single day," Leia pointed out as she ran a brush through her hair. "But I understand what you mean—I love my home, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. What about you, Ariel ? Were you born on Alderran?"

"No," Ariel replied, shaking her head as she moved away from the balcony and went over to sit on the massive canopy bed made up of soft blankets and pillows. "I came here when I was six with my guardian."

"Really? What is your home planet?" Leia asked.

"I'm from Lothal," Ariel said taking one of her wavy strands of hair and playing with it.

"Lothal?" Leia said in surprise as she turned around in her seat. "I think I've heard of that planet. Wasn't it…I mean, I heard the Empire took it over some time ago."

Ariel grew quiet at this point, still playing with her hair as she stared down at the sheets, that familiar feeling of sadness watching over her. In her mind's eye she could see the grassy plains of her old home, see the stone wall that stood tall over her tiny frame, along with the smoke that consumed her home, and hearing the sound of thunderous roars as the Imperial ships landed not far from her farm.

"Yes," she whispered. "Yes, it did."

Something in her voice must have tipped Leia off, because within the next minute, she felt the bed shift next to her and she looked up to see the princess sitting beside her, her eyes sad.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"It's okay," Ariel muttered.

"I won't ask, but you can talk to me if you want," Leia told her. "Sometimes it helps if you talk about it with someone."

"I'd rather not," Ariel said. Leia nodded in understanding before asking what Ariel 's guardian did.

"He was a carpenter," Ariel explained, a tiny smile coming across her face at the thought of Mr. Kudo. "He had jobs making things for well-paying customers, like wardrobes, carts, and even fixed up a speeder here and there. He would work all day, but he would always have time to spend with me at night. We would plant flowers outside our home, he would teach me how to make simple meals, and on his days off we would meditate together in the forest outside of the city."

"Meditate?" said Leia.

"Yes, Mr. Kudo would teach me all kind of things to help me sooth and clear my mind," Ariel said. "We would sit by the pond for hours, and he even taught me how to fight a little. When we got home he would always let me have a piece of my favorite fruit for dessert."

"He taught you how to fight?" Leia asked, deeply impressed. "No wonder you were able to fight off that Elom and Khommite!"

"That was just simple maneuvering," Ariel said. "Mr. Kudo was going to teach me more advanced stuff when I was older, but…"

"I see," Leia whispered. "How did—um, Mr. Kudo die?"

"He was old, and he got really sick," Ariel replied. "My neighbor just said it was his time. Ever since then I'd been on my own, except for Snow, of course."

"How did you get her?" Leia asked as she stroked said creature's back as Snow was curled up on one of the pillows, fast asleep. "I've never seen a creature like this on Alderran."

"She's native to my home planet, on Lothal," Ariel said. "She was being trafficked in one of the markets by a horrible Del Korr a few months ago. He wanted to sell her to someone who wanted her fur. I just saw her and I couldn't leave her there. I managed to break open her cage and get her out of there while the Del Korr wasn't looking. She was hurt so I nursed her back to health and she's been with me ever since."

"She's very lovely," Leia commented with a smile.

"And very stubborn," Ariel giggled. "But she's been my only friend ever since Mr. Kudo died."

"Not anymore," Leia interjected confidently.

"What?"

"Ariel, you're really nice, nicer than other kids my age, and you're not afraid to be yourself around me. Most people I meet feel like they have to act a certain way around me, and I don't like it. I know that I'm a princess but I don't like it when people don't even take the chance to get to know me. You're brave Ariel, and you proved it when you saved me yesterday. You didn't know who I was, did you?"

"No," Ariel affirmed, shaking her head. "Even if you weren't a princess I still would have done it."

"And that's what I'm talking about. Name and rank doesn't matter to you, and there are not many people like that," Leia said.

"Mr. Kudo told me to think of people as flowers," Ariel admitted with a small smile. "There are so many different kinds—tall ones, red ones, blues ones, ones that bloom in the valleys and even rare ones that you see on the edge of a desert. They're all different, but they're still flowers."

"It sounds like he was very wise," Leia noted. "But Ariel, what I'm trying to say is, that I…I would really like for us to be friends."

"Really?" Ariel said, her eyes going slightly wider at the princess' request. "You want to be my friend? I've never had friends before."

"Well, you have one now," Leia proclaimed. Ariel smiled at that, her whole face lighting up. Leia wants to be her friend, and that sounded like a wonderful idea to her. The two girls stayed up for a little while longer talking together until the night's events started weighing down on them. They crawled under Leia's thick blankets and made themselves comfortable. Ariel, never sleeping in such luxurious comforts before, snuggled her face deeper into her pillow while holding Luna close to her heart, her hazy mind filling itself with the pleasurable memories of the day. She shared a meal with the royal family, was invited to spend the night in their palace, and even made friends with the princess. Ever since Ariel was left to fend for herself, there have been plenty of bad days, but it was safe to say that today was definitely one of the best ones.

….

The next morning, Ariel and Leia were awakened early by Leia's two aunts, one of them having no trouble flinging the curtains wide open while the other set to work on getting the girls out of bed. Corela, the older of the two, brought out two of Leia's dresses for them to wear while the younger sister, Leisel, gushed over Ariel's beautiful hair. In next to no time, both Ariel and Leia were dressed in lovely attire, with Leia wearing a pretty cloud-white dress and Ariel wearing periwinkle blue. Unfortunately, Leia was due to start her lessons after morning-meal was finished, and so Ariel found herself a little down as they walked back down to the dining hall together.

"Good morning girls," Queen Breha welcomed as they entered the room and took a seat at the table.

"Why the long face, Ariel?" Bail asked, looking at them from over a news hologram.

"I have to go to my lessons today, and I might not be able to see Ariel before she has to go home," Leia explained, looking a bit sad herself. "I don't want her to be by herself."

"I understand dear, but you know how important your studies are," Breha said to her daughter. "And there is no need to worry about saying goodbyes so soon, Ariel doesn't have to leave right away. I was actually thinking about taking a nice stroll through the garden after we eat. Ariel, would you like to join me?"

"Really?" Ariel said with a smile. "Oh yes please, your majesty!"

"Maybe I can show you the history gallery in the south wing," Leia added with enthusiasm. "May I, Mother?"

"After your lessons," Breha said, taking a sip of her tea. "Now eat up, girls."

This meal was just as pleasant and wonderful as the one from the previous night, with different kinds of food that Ariel was still not used to, but enjoyed immensely. She mostly talked with Leia while the queen and her husband spoke amongst themselves, and after some time had passed, Bail stood to his feet, informing them that he had some business to attend to with the high council. He gave Breha a gentle kiss on the head and did the same to Leia as he passed by, and Ariel could hear him whispering softly not to give her aunts too much trouble, to which the princess merely grinned. Soon enough it was time to bid farewell to Leia as well, and to Ariel's great surprise, Leia gave her a quick yet tender hug before dashing off, promising to see her later. When they were finished with their meal, the maids took their dishes away and Breha walked over to Ariel and took her hand, helping her to her feet and the two of them left the dining hall together.

"Did you sleep well last night?" Breha asked her.

"Very well, thank you," Ariel replied. "You can see the stars so brightly here, just like at home."

"At home?" Breha inquired.

"Yes," Ariel said after a moment. "I used to live on Lothal."

"Really?" Breha said. "I've heard many good things about that planet, although I've not yet had the chance to see it for myself. I hear it's quite beautiful at night."

"It is," Ariel agreed. "Sometimes there would be an aura in the sky, too, even though it wasn't cold where we lived."

Ariel and Breha continued to make small yet nice chatter as they walked through the corridors of the palace. Once in a while Ariel would ask a question about certain things they passed, such as the trinkets and artifacts that were displayed on pedestals, or the holo-pictures of former rulers of Alderran. Breha didn't seem annoyed by her questions at all. In fact, she seemed more than happy to answer, explaining everything to Ariel in a way she understood, and Ariel found the history behind these small treasures fascinating. Eventually they finally made their way outside and Breha led her through one of the courtyards that went around towards the south end of the palace. They passed by underneath an ivory archway with high walls on either side of it, covered with lush green ivy. The moment they passed through it, Ariel's mouth dropped open and her eyes widened at the beautiful sight before her.

Beyond the archway was a breathtaking, lively, colorful and vibrant garden that left the little girl completely speechless. They stood at the entrance to what could be described as a large clearing that had yet another archway that seemed to lead into the deeper sections of the garden, with a stone walkway at their feet. Right in the middle was a large fountain that shot out jets of clear blue water that sparkled like diamonds as the sun hit it, and all around the base were gorgeous flowers of every shape and color. So many different scents filled her nose, creating a pleasant sensation in Ariel's stomach, and she smiled brightly at the wonderful sight. Feeling suddenly very giddy, she hurried over to the fountain without thinking and leaned over the edge, gazing at her reflection in the water.

"It's so pretty!" she breathed in delight. "How do you take care of so many flowers?"

"Our gardeners take very good care of them," Breha replied with a smile as she came to stand next to Ariel. "And I also like to tend to them as well, and Leia usually helps me."

"This is the most beautiful place in the galaxy," Ariel stated, staring around. "What are these flowers here? These white ones?"

"Lunas Lotus," Breha answered, bending down to the flower Breha was pointing at. "There are two different kinds. You see the green diamond designs on the petals? That means this one has nectar that can be used for medicine and healing. But if you ever come across one that has purple designs, then you must leave it be. Those ones have deadly poison."

The next hour or so was spent with Ariel walking around the huge garden area with Queen Breha, asking new questions every time they came upon a new section, which held different batched of flowers in them. Breha was glad to answer as best she could, and after asking for permission, Ariel would gaze around each section with keen interest and pluck a single flower from each one, wanting to make a small bouquet. Time went by very fast, and when they started making their way out of the gardens, Ariel was holding a small cluster of flowers to her chest, closing her eyes as she inhaled the mixture of lovely scents. Breha took some time to show Ariel the rest of the grounds surrounding the palace, From their viewpoint, Breha showed Ariel the spaceport that was off in the distance, used for the royal family's and their security's private ships and shuttles, as well as the building that stood off to the west of the grounds. Breha explained that it was used as a training facility for new members of the guard as well as an armory. While they continues on their tour, they made their way back into the palace only to run into someone just inside the doors. It was Torten, the head of security, and the man who had accompanied Bail when he went to see Ariel in her home. At the sight of him, Ariel's smile faded and she stopped her movements, shrinking behind Breha a little. No matter what Bail said to assure her earlier, she still couldn't help but feel frightened by the elder man's stern and gruff presence. The very sight of him made her feel uneasy and her hands trembled slightly as she gazed at him, falling silent almost immediately.

"Your Majesty," Torten greeted, bowing deeply to the queen.

"Torten," Breha said with a smile. "I hope my husband didn't send you off again?"

"Not this time, Milady," Torten replied. "I'm actually in the process of training this young lad, here."

It was only then that Ariel realized there was someone else accompanying Torten. This person turned out to be a young boy, not much older than Ariel herself. He stood maybe a couple inches taller than her, with dark hair that had been cute short with matching eyes that seemed a little big for his face. He stood at attention next to Torten, his hands clasped behind his back, posture straight, and wearing a similar uniform to Torten's, only his was a bluish grey with black boots on his feet.

"This here is Xander, Milday," Torten explained, gesturing down to the boy. "Started at the training facility not too long ago. I was mapping out the ground to him, as he's going to have to memorize it."

"Indeed he will," Breha agreed, smiling kindly down at the young boy. "How are you, Xander?"

"Very well, thank you. Your Majesty," Xander added quickly at the fierce look Torten gave him.

"That is good. Just make sure you mind Torten, even if he seems a bit rough around the edges. He is the finest soldier we have, and you will learn a great deal from him."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Xander said. Breha smiled at him before looking back at Ariel.

"It's okay dear, there's no need to be so shy. Xander, I would like you to meet Ariel, a special guest of my daughter's. Ariel, this is Xander," Breha introduced. "And you already know Torten."

Ariel simply nodded and then looked away from Torten's stern face to gaze at Xander. The boy didn't smile at her or hold his hand out for her to shake, seemingly wanting to copy Torten's movements and gestures. Although his dark brown eyes held mild curiosity as he stared blankly at her. Ariel had been around plenty of boys who lived close to her house, but Xander was by far the most fascinating and odd to say the least. He held himself a bit stiffly, trying to copy his mentor, and even though he was trying to keep his expression neutral, his calculating eyes gave him away. Not quite sure what to say, she settled for giving him a small wave of her hand. Breha and Torten spoke for another minute before it was time for them to part ways, with Torten saying he and Xander had to return to the training facility. As they both walked away, Ariel looked over her shoulder to watch them go.

"Do the guards learn how to fight in the training building?" she asked Breha as they continued walking.

"Yes, they receive special training by our commanding officers, under Torten's supervision," Breha replied. "The boys start rather young, usually a small group of twelve or thirteen year olds, and only a few of them are made members of our own personal guard. Torten himself was made to be my father's bodyguard years ago, and then moved to look after Bail after we were married."

"Oh," Ariel mused. "They must be really special."

Ariel spent the majority of the day with the queen, having a wonderful time walking around the palace and learning so many new and interesting things about it. Eventually they ended up back in the library, where Ariel took the time to look at all the holo books in awe. Breha had asked her if she wanted to read any of them and Ariel was delighted at the idea. While they searched through some of the many isles, Breha had one of her maids take Ariel's bouquet of flowers and go put them in a vase, to be taken to Leia's room. After the maid left with the flowers, Ariel resumed her search until she came upon an interesting guide to the inner rim planets. Besides traveling to Alderran, she had never had any experience in space travel and has always wanted to learn about other planets, whether near or far. Soon enough she and Breha were joined by Bail, who had finished up with whatever business he had to attend to and had come to see how they were doing. Ariel was positively gleeful as she told him everything she and Breha had done, and she thanked them both over and over for their kindness and generosity. While doing this, a sudden thought came to Ariel and she became nervous, not sure how to ask her question.

"Um, Senator Organa?" she said timidly. "Your Majesty?"

"Yes, Ariel?" Bail said.

"I know that I have to go home soon, but, may I…may I come to visit once in a while?" she asked, picking at the hem of her sleeve. "You've all been so nice to me, I can't ever thank you enough, and I would really like to come and play with Leia, if that's all right."

"Of course you may," Breha replied cheerfully. "I don't think we'd have it any other way."

"I agree," Bail said with a nod. "We would most certainly be happy to have you."

"Really?" Ariel said, her face lighting up.

"Really," Bail answered with a chuckle. "Although Ariel, there is something that we'd like to discuss with you, first."

"What about, sir?" Ariel asked.

"Well Ariel, you see Bail and I don't feel very comfortable with leaving you on your own to fend for yourself," Breha explained.

"Oh, it's okay Your Majesty, I'll be all right," Ariel said, shrugging it off, although she was touched that the Organas seemed genuinely concerned for her. "I'll have Snow with me, and I've been doing okay."

"But that doesn't mean it will always be okay, sweetheart," Breha said. "You are still a child, and you can't be left all alone. We were thinking that you need a safe and secure place to stay were you will be looked after."

"There's nowhere for me to go except home," Ariel told them, shaking her head. "Mr. Kudo and I lived in that house ever since we came here, it's the only place I know."

"Mr. Kudo? Was he your guardian?" Bail asked.

"Yes, sir," Ariel replied with a nod. "He's the only one who really cared, and I don't have any family here, not that I know of."

"But if you wanted, you could have a family," Breha said with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Ariel said, not sure where the queen was going with this. "I'm very sure I don't have any family members. My mother didn't have any brothers or sisters, and there are no Castors here in the city either."

All of a sudden, Ariel saw that she must have said something wrong because at that moment, Bail and Breha's demeanors instantly changed. Breha gasped ever so quietly, her eyes going wide and her mouth opening slightly as shock and surprise fell across her face. Bail went completely silent, his smile vanishing from his face and his eyes expressing his immense surprise and confusion, as if he wasn't sure he heard her right, and Ariel noticed that his shoulders tensed a little.

"Castor?" he repeated.

"Yes," Ariel said, puzzled. "That's my name—Ariel Castor. Why? Do you think I might have family here, sir?"

Bail didn't answer, still staring at her quietly with an intense gaze that Ariel didn't like. It was as if he was looking at her in an entire new light, and he carefully kept his face indifferent, making the little girl nervous since she couldn't guess what was going on in his mind. Breha was looking back and forth between the two, swallowing her shock and clasping her hands tightly together in front of her, looking completely unsure of what to do or say. It confused Ariel to no end as to why they were acting this way. What did she say that made them start behaving so oddly? This uncomfortable silence lasted longer than Ariel would have liked, and she was about to speak again when she heard the sound of her name being called.

"Ariel!"

Ariel turned around to see Leia entering the library and striding over towards her, beaming. Walking behind her were her two aunts, Leisel and Corela, the both of them frowning in disapproval.

"Leia, do not take such quick, hazardous strides, you're not a Wookie!" Leisel scolded. "A princess moves with grace!"

"I'm sorry Aunt Leisel," Leia said, not sounded the least bit apologetic. "Ariel, do you still want to see the gallery?"

"Oh, yes, please," Ariel said, wanting more than anything to escape from the terribly awkward situation she was currently in with her friend's parents. "I'd really like that."

"Come on, let's go," Leia said happily, taking Ariel's hand and starting to pull her towards the doors. "Aunt Leisel and Aunt Croela will join us, they knew everything about the gallery."

"Now really, Leia…"

"Go ahead, Corela," Breha urged with a small smile. "I'm sure the girls will have a good time with you two."

Corela sighed at this but nodded all the same, abiding her sister's wishes. Without another word, the two aunts left the library with Leia and Ariel following close behind them, with their hands still linked.

"There are so many things in the history gallery, child, I'm positive you will have a great appreciation for them," Corela said.

"Decades of valued knowledge and tradition greater than any treasure," Leisel added. "It all started with our ancestor, General Burro, who came to Alderran with nothing but a handful of credits to his name…"

"And here I thought my history lesson was over," Leia whispered to Ariel, making her giggle. "Did you like the garden?"

"I loved it," Ariel whispered back. "I made a bouquet, and your mother had a maid put it in a vase in your room, and—oh no."

Ariel suddenly realized that she was still holding the holo book that Breha allowed her to borrow, and she wasn't sure is she was allowed to take it outside of the library. What if something were to happen to it? After all Leia and her family had done for her, she didn't want to ruin something that belonged to them. She had been taught to treat other people's property with respect and care.

"What's wrong?" Leia said.

"I'll be right back Leia, I just want to put this back in the library," Ariel said, turning around and starting to walk back down the corridor. "I'll come back to read it once we're done. Go on ahead, I'll catch up to you."

"Okay, see you soon," Leia said. Ariel made her way back down the long corridor quickly, clutching the holo book to her chest. The door leading back into the library had been left adjar from when they left, and just as she was about to open it, the sound of her name made her pause in her movements. For a second she completely forgot that Bail and Breha were still together in the library and they were speaking to one another in low tones, obviously not wanting to be heard. Ariel hesitated outside the door, unsure of what to do. Eavesdropping was rude, and she didn't want to listen in on their private conversation like some sort of spy, but hearing her name spoken had peeked her interest and, without being able to help herself, Ariel leaned in closer.

"Bail, this has to be a coincidence," Breha was saying, her voice anxious. "There's no way Ariel could be…I mean…"

"You and I both know there are no such things as coincidences," Bail said, and Ariel could hear the sound of his boots as he paced back and forth. "She could very well be."

"But how?" Breha said. "You said yourself that Karina —it just couldn't be possible!"

Ariel froze where she stood, the holo book almost falling out of her hands as she heard her mother's name. How did the senator and the queen know her mother's name? Did—did they know her? But how was that possible?

"It was never a garauntee," Bail countered. "The risks were too high, and the possibility so low. I never in my life would have imagined this to happen."

"But couldn't it be someone else?" Breha said.

"How many Castors do you know, Breha? As far as I know, Karina's husband was the only one. I can't believe I didn't realize it earlier…she even looks like her. She has her eyes. I thought she looked familiar when I first saw her, but I didn't realize. And the age is just right, just under twelve years ago."

"Karina went into hiding right after it all happened," Breha said slowly. "No one would have known she had a child. Do you really think that Ariel is her daughter?"

"As much as I might not want it to be true, it appears so," Bail muttered. "Her age, her physical features, no family record…it all makes sense."

"Bail, Ariel is an orphan," Breha said, her voice quivering. "That—that would mean…"

"Yes," Bail confirmed, his voice grave. "Karina is dead."

There was a moment of silence after this and Ariel barely moved from her place outside the door, her heart beating rapidly in her chest as she digested everything she just heard.

"Maybe we should have our doctor run a test?" Breha suggested. "Just to be sure?"

"It wouldn't make much of a difference," Bail replied. "She's Karina's child, I'm sure of it."

"What do we do, Bail? I know that we talked about having her stay here, but after this…I don't know. It could be dangerous."

"I know. Having her here would create a bigger risk than we already have with everything else going on. At first I just wanted to repay her, give her something she's probably never had before in her life. But things have changed, now, especially with her becoming friends with Leia. I can't do it, Breha…I can't."

At this point, Ariel had tears streaming down her face in rivers, her lips trembling and the holo book hanging loosely from her fingertips as she backed away from the door, not sure if she could bear hearing any more. The joy she had felt over the past twenty-four hours completely disappeared, replaced with the deepest sorrow and despair she hadn't felt since Mr. Kudo passed away. She was hurt in such a way that she couldn't put into words, and a quiet whimper fell past her lips. Bail and Breha knew her mother based on what she just heard. She didn't know how that was even possible—surely her mother would have mentioned being acquainted with a queen and senator? However, figuring out who she was left a serious impact because now it seemed they wanted nothing to do with her. They said that her being here was dangerous, a risk, and that things have changed. And it sounded as if her becoming friends with Leia was now a bad idea. Why? What did she do wrong? It seemed like they were going to ask her to stay with them…to have her, a scrawny little poor girl stay with the royal family in their palace! The idea was scary and exciting at the same time, and Ariel wasn't sure how she would take it. Yet at this moment, she was sure that any possibility of her staying with the people she came to trust had been tossed out the window.

Was being a Castor such a terrible thing? Was there something about her family that made the Organas changed their opinion of her? What if she was just another one of Bail's charity cases? Taking in a helpless orphan with nothing, giving her everything and being seen as a martyr to the people? He wouldn't do that! He wouldn't get her hopes up like that…would he? So many more negative and heartbreaking thoughts such as these were spinning through her mind, and Ariel's tears doubled, rolling down her cheeks.

"They don't want me," she thought to herself. "Everyone leaves me…everyone leaves…"

Before she could be discovered, Ariel turned around and started walking away, the holo book slipping past her fingers and falling to the ground. Her heart was hurting so much she couldn't stand it and the tears continued to fall as she made her way through the corridors and towards the entrance to the main lobby. Once she was there, she wasted no time in hurrying through the main doors and out into the sunlight, running away from it all. Away from the hurt, the sadness…and the hope.

BailPOV

"I can't do it Breha…I can't."

Bail turned to look at his wife, his face set and his resolve swelling in his chest. After what they had just learned, there was no way he could possibly act any differently.

"I can't leave her alone," he said slowly. "There no possibly way that I will leave that poor girl to fend for herself in a world where her very life could be at risk. If this is true, and she is Karina's daughter, than I can't turn a blind eye…not after everything she did for us. Ariel has already suffered enough."

There was a moment of silence after he spoke, both of them lost in their own thoughts. Bail himself would have never in his life believed that something like this would happen. When Ariel had told them her name, it was if something had snapped in his mind, and he could suddenly understand why she had seemed familiar to him when he first set eyes on her back in her home. Seeing her now, he could see bright traces of Karina in her face, especially her eyes. They were the same soft green, the same eyes that he had once known to look at everything with courage and pure, uncommon kindness. Ariel was eleven years old, and if the timing was right than that would make her birth very close to a year after…after it all happened. After the Empire rose to power, and his precious Leia was reaching her first year of life. The thought sent his mind racing—what kind of life did Karina and Ariel live? The last he had heard, Karina went into hiding, never to be seen again. In a way he understood, because after all she went through, he could see a need to escape.

Yet now, after all this time, something had brought Ariel to him and his family. His old comrades would say it was the will of the Force. He wasn't sure of that, but whatever it was, it was no mere coincidence that this girl, more than likely the daughter of his old friend, had come across Leia—Leia, of all people—and entered their lives. Ariel had touched them all in some way, despite being with them for such a short period of time, and he recalled the previous night, when he and Breha had discussed the matter of Ariel's living conditions. They had both agreed that Ariel should not return to her old home, with no one there to take care of her. Breha suggested the possibility of maybe having Ariel stay at the palace with them, maybe under Gherta's training, or even to work in the kitchens. It would a safe place for her that was in the palace, and so she and Leia were capable of seeing each other quite often. Bail agreed to the idea, but he stressed that the decision was ultimately Ariel's to make. They wanted to help her and find a solution that was best for her, but he didn't want to force her into something she's not comfortable with. She and Leia have become fast friends already, and she seems to like them, but asking her to live in their home was something completely different. If Ariel decided not to stay, then they would come to some sort of compromise.

Now, after all this, the answer was so very clear to him. Karina Castor was a wonderful and strong person who he had the pleasure of being friends with so long ago. Knowing that she was now dead saddened him greatly, and not knowing the extent of her suffering for all these years was even worse. But now he had a chance to help in a way that he couldn't before. After all Karina had done for him in the past, the least he could so was help her child.

"I agree with you, Bail," Breha said softly, her eyes very bright. "I owe much to Karina. But how can we do this safely? We knew the risks with Leia, but this is different, and you know that."

"Yes, I do," Bail muttered. When he and Breha were blessed with Leia, they knew she would be completely safe as well as loved with them. He would stop any kind of threat that dared to come after his daughter, in any shape or form. Her name alone would hopefully guarantee a secure future. However with Ariel, he knew that he had to tread carefully.

"We can do as you suggested, and have her work here," Bail mused. "Whether it be in the kitchens, a handmaid, whatever would suit her best. That way we can watch over her and keep her safe."

"But Bail, what about her last name?" Breha said. "If the wrong people were to find out—"

"I know," Bail said, a frown coming onto his face. "I think we may have to consider the possibility of having it changed."

"What?" Breha said. "But Bail, how could we ask her to do that? Her name is all she has."

"What other choice is there?" Bail countered. "You said it yourself, if the wrong people knew than her very life could be in danger. I don't like the idea either, love, but it could be the only chance she has."

"Oh, how I wish you were wrong," Breha sighed sadly. "How should we handle this? What do we tell Ariel?"

"As much of the truth as she can handle," Bail replied. "She is still a child, and I will not put the burden of the past on her shoulders if I can help her."

Breha nodded as she stood to her feet, walked over to Bail and enveloped him in a tender embrace. Bail closed his eyes as he encircled his arms around her, breathing in the scent of her hair and relishing her warmth.

"Everything will be all right," Breha said, sounding as though she was trying to convince herself as well as him. "When should we talk to her?"

"After she and Leia return from the gallery," Bail answered. "Hopefully it will give us enough time to figure out exactly what to say."

After another minute the two released each other and Bail smiled softly as he gazed into his wife's eyes.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Just thinking about something an old friend said to me once," he said. "He said that something like this doesn't happen just by chance. This would have to be the will of the Force."

"The Force," Breha breathed out with a shake of her head. "Could it really be so cruel and so fortunate at the same time?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that for myself," Bail said. "But whatever it may be, we'll just have to face it together."

Bail and Breha spent a while together in the library, just talking and trying to wrap their minds around what they've learned and what they were planning to do. The senator wasn't sure how long it had been but he was sure a decent amount of time had passed when the shadows from the surrounding furniture started growing. He turned his head as he caught the sound of quickly approaching footsteps coming through the cracked door to the room. He shared a brief glance with Breha, who nodded her head in encouragement. He sighted to himself before holding himself up straighter with his hands clasped behind his back, trying to hide the nervousness he was feeling. No matter how many times he tried to think of what to say, he still wasn't sure how to explain this to Ariel. He was cut off from his thoughts as the doors opened and Leia walked into the room. There was a look of puzzlement and slight worry on her face as she stared around, as if she were looking for something she lost.

"What is it, Leia?" Breha asked.

"I'm looking for Ariel," Leia replied, still looking around the room as if she half expected for her friend to come leaping out from behind one of the shelves.

"Ariel?" Bail said.

"Yes," Leia said, turning her gaze to him. "After we left earlier she realized she forgot to place her holo book back on the shelf, so she came right back to return it. She said she would catch up with us, but she never came back. I think she may have gotten lost, because I can't find her anywhere."

Leia's words hit Bail right in the stomach and his eyes widened as he instantly realized what happened. If Ariel had come back to the library and overheard him and Breha talking, especially in the beginning…oh no.

"Bail," Breha said, her expression close to horror-struck as she came to the same conclusion he did. "What if she…"

"Breha," Bail said, thinking quickly as he started moving towards the doors. "Tell Gherta and the other handmaids to help Leia continue searching the palace, as well as the guards."

"Where are you going?" Breha said.

"If she's not here, there's only one place she could have gone," he replied.

"Mother, what's going on? Where's Ariel?" he heard Leia say as he walked out of the library and hurriedly began making his way to the main entrance. Once he reached it, he came upon the front doors to see Milo Elvenore standing at his post.

"Senator Organa?" Milo said in surprise as he turned to see Bail rushing towards him.

"Milo, I need your assistance," Bail said, taking the man's shoulder and leading him outside where the clouds have suddenly turned very dark, and in the distance Bail could hear the roll of thunder overhead. "I need you to fetch us a speeder. We're going into the city."

"The city?" Milo said. "But sir, I should probably call Torten—"

"There's no time, son," Bail said. "We need to get going."

Milo looked incredibly confused as to what was going on, but instead of arguing he simply nodded and then went off to get them a speeder. While he waited, Bail looked off down the path that led away from his home and back towards the heart of the city, a worried frown set into his face. Ariel had a good lead, and with this oncoming rain, it might be even harder to spot her in the crowds.

"Please be safe, Ariel," Bail whispered.

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