The Legend of the Jedi Queen

44. The Last Waltz

In the suite, Nellith found a garment bag with a note attached. In her father's beautiful calligraphy, it read: I ordered this from Hapes. It was the sort of gown my mother always wanted Jaina to wear. Jaina never liked them much, but I thought you would. With love always, Dad.

Nellith found herself smiling at her father's handwriting. She unzipped the garment bag, curious at to what lay within.

It was a gorgeous scarlet, with gold and orange and amber accents in the beaded design that covered everything. The sleeves were several elaborate straps, and it looked like a web Nellith would have to somehow wear.

Before she could attempt it, however, there was a knock at the door. Nellith turned and opened the door to see Rey standing there in her own beautiful green dress, also in the Hapan style, wearing her hair in her iconic three buns.

"I thought I could maybe help you get in that dress and do your hair," Rey said with a sentimental grin on her face. She paused a moment. "You've grown up so fast."

"Thank you. . . I think," Nellith replied.

Rey shut the door behind her. She helped Nellith unzip and tie and retie and re-zip herself into the dress. Then Nellith sat on the bed as Rey began to braid her hair.

"I've heard you're heading negotiations tomorrow," Nellith said as she looked out the open balcony windows. "Thank the Force you're replacing Dad."

"Yes, I don't know why we thought that was a good idea in the first place," Rey admitted. "Where did you and Tallis head off to?"

"We talked with his father," Nellith said.

"His father?" Rey stopped. "Are you sure?"

"They're definitely related," Nellith said. "He just showed up out of nowhere with the Second Order."

"Were you both safe? Do we need more security for Tallis?" Rey asked.

"No, no," Nellith said quickly. "They're fine. They talked and sorted some things out. I think it should all be fine by now."

"Good," Rey said. She sounded as distant as if she were speaking from under the water. "I remember what it was like, facing my parents."

"Facing them?" Nellith asked.

"Their ghosts in the Force," Rey said. "I summoned them only once. To demand answers. To demand why they left me for Corellian Firewhiskey. . . But you don't need to hear this. The point is that discussions with bad parents. . . They can hurt you."

"I know that," Nellith said, thinking to Tallis and his father. She would never forget the expression on his face. Even if she shut her eyes, she would never stop seeing it.

"Parents screw us all up in one way or another," Rey murmured. "But I'm glad you're helping your friend."

"Me too," Nellith agreed.

"We should have a good time at the ball," Rey said. "Artorian dancing isn't as fun as others, but it's very romantic."

"So Dad likes it, then," Nellith said slyly.

"Your father is very romantic," Rey agreed, and Nellith didn't have to look to know that Rey was blushing and smirking.

Nellith rolled her eyes.

"Hold still," Rey said gently. "I'm almost done."

"Thanks for doing this," Nellith said. "I miss you doing my hair all the time."

"Me too," Rey admitted, sounding forlorn. "Things are different now, aren't they?"

"Very," Nellith agreed.