Star Wars: Darth Nyx (Book 1)

Ch32: Ambush on Alderaan

Princess Leia's POV:

It's become a rare occasion for both Father and Mother to be at home at the same time as of late. It's even rarer for all three of us to be in the same room, yet as I plead with them to let me have my way neither seems in any hurry to leave. Rather, they prolong our conversation far longer than they have any reason to. It gives me hope that this time I might actually get what I want.

Me: Why can't I go and visit Aunty Nyx?

Bail: We've already talked about this. Firstly, she's not your aunt.

Me: But-

Bail: Help me persuade her, dear?

Breha: Why shouldn't she go and visit her?

Bail: I...you know why.

Breha: I mean, we still haven't thanked her for returning our daughter safely to us. 

Bail: Apart from the fact that there's no telling what they'd do to us, it would be political suicide.

Breha: Please...when has that ever stopped you?

Me: Please Dad?

Breha: Come dear, it's the only thing she's ever asked of us. Besides it might prove a good bonding moment for you.

Bail: I-

We're interrupted by the arrival of a guard who awkwardly clears his throat upon seeing us all here. Both Mother and Father use him to change the subject as though I'm not old enough to know what they're doing, saying that we'll continue the conversation at another time.

Sighing, I begin walking away when the guard starts speaking.

Guard: An Imperial Fleet has arrived in orbit, Your Majesty. They have already communicated ahead that they're sending a delegate-

The door closes behind me, cutting off the rest of his words. I'm mildly curious about why a fleet from the Empire would be in orbit but I'm more interested in my daily meet-up with my newest friend. 

Heading to my room, I politely nod at the guards stationed at the door before entering. Inside, I lock the door before quickly pulling out some rope I'd managed to smuggle into my closet. Using it, I make my escape through my window onto the balcony below before sneaking my way around the palace until I'm free, running through the woods towards our usual spot.

It was on a day just like this one that I found her lounging in a tree. I'd snuck out to go into the forest and having gotten lost because I strayed further than I should, there she was. At first, I thought she was someone sent to kidnap me as Father had only days prior told me that I could be in danger and as such should remain in the palace. Of course, I never listened but having encountered a stranger, my first thought was to run.

Laughing upon seeing my distress, she casually pointed out that had she wanted me captured or dead I'd never have seen her. As if to add to her point, she pointed at a turret she'd set up in another tree that was pointing right at my location. 

Terror initially filled my body, planting me in place but perhaps due to her constant jokes and otherwise harmless demeanour, I quickly found myself drawn to her. This was only further exemplified when she saved my life from actual kidnappers later on. It was during that occasion, however, that it finally dawned on me that she wasn't merely here because she was bored and when I asked her about it, though she avoided giving me a reply, I still eventually figured out that it was Aunty Nyx who had put her here to look after me. It's part of the reason I want to see her again.