Reflection of Fire

Part III Chapter 4

Rey was almost grateful for the size of the building, since it gave her a chance to walk and calm down. Had she really said those things? It had become clear to her over the last month that he meant quite a great deal to her. And maybe she was foolish to hold out hope, but he was so similar to her. There was a connection from the first time she saw him, and she couldn't give up on that. Not easily, anyway.

The rest of the building did not seem to be so empty as the first part. Or perhaps it was just good timing. The men did not look at her in a particularly friendly fashion, so she moved quickly and hoped to see someone she knew. There!

"Finn!" she called, hurrying over. He looked quite startled to see her but smiled.

"What brings you here?" he asked, glancing toward the others.

"You forgot this." Holding out the document, she was pleased at the look of relief on his face.

"Thank God! We were just figuring out how to stall until tomorrow night. You're a lifesaver, Rey," he added, grinning.

"You're welcome," she replied, beaming.

"Ah, yes, so glad to see the Opposition as prepared as usual. I thought women weren't allowed here?" a sardonic voice interrupted them.

Rey turned to see a redheaded man looking at her like she was something unpleasant stuck to his shoe. Her eyes narrowed as she clenched her fists to her sides.

"What are you doing over here, Hux?" Finn growled, stepping forward.

"That's a question I've wanted to ask you for a long time. Just because your master allows you to tag along doesn't mean we have any interest in the opinion of... someone like you," he sneered.

Finn didn't need to hear any more, and he strode toward Hux with a look in his eyes that Rey could only remember seeing once before. Before he could reach the other man, however, an imperious voice rang out.

"That is quite enough. Gentlemen, I think you'd all best get back to work," stated a short woman, whose regal gown was at odds with her commanding tone.

Hux didn't look impressed by her, but he did look relieved that Finn had stopped to gaze at the woman with clear admiration.

"Apologies, Ma'am. Looks like the break's over, gentlemen" he said and led the others through a set of doors.

The woman watched them go, shaking her head slightly. "I think we would be better served by women being involved in this process, don't you?" she asked, turning to face Rey.

"Yes," she offered hesitantly, certain it was the correct answer but surprised such a person would address her.

"You're a friend of Finn's?"

She cleared her throat under the strength of the woman's gaze. "I am a governess, Ma'am. I work for his master."

"Ah! The girl I've heard so much about. My goddaughter speaks very highly of you. You may call me Leia," she offered, holding out her hand.

Struck dumb by this revelation, Rey automatically shook her hand and continued to stare. The Princess wasn't at all what she was expecting. In the stories, princesses were always tall and fair and beautiful. And it was clear that Leia had never been the first two – her hair was liberally streaked with grey but still obviously dark brown, and she was several inches shorter than Rey. In any case, Leia carried herself like a person used to giving commands and expecting to be obeyed, which was also not something conventionally princess-like.

"Hmm, Poe did say you were a quiet girl. Would you like to see how the sausage gets made?"

Rey blinked at her. "What?" she managed to say after an overlong pause.