The lost princess-on hold

A queen's wish

Prince Luke was rushed upstairs to the queen's chambers. He wanted to see his sister after being informed of her grave condition. While walking through the castle's corridors old memories began to cross his mind. His mother was constantly taking care of both him and Leia. They would spend most of the time with Queen Amidala while the king had other interests. His father wanted him to rule Birren and adopt the same ideals. Luke was nothing like King Anakin. That's why he renounced his rights to the throne. There was so much suffering and cruelty under his father's reign that Luke felt some guilt. It all happened on a rainy morning with King Anakin lying on his deathbed. The prince's refusal to rule over the innocent ones was the last straw making Anakin die. He planted a kiss on his dead father's forehead before leaving Birren for good. Now, it was his naive nephew who was adopting King Anakin's views. 

The chamber was lit by wax candles. As Luke approached the bed there were four handmaidens making the queen some company. They were in each corner of the bed trying to keep Leia awake. They turned to look at Luke. Their eyes were flooded with tears and let the prince know his sister was worse than ever. 

The young women curtsy to Luke before leaving the two siblings alone. Leia had a white nightgown on and her long flawless hair cascading into the crack between the cushion and her fallen shoulders. Her hair used to be of a light brown color but then turned greyish brown as the years passed. Luke walked a few steps forward and wasn't expecting to see Leia awake. She turned her head to look at him and a soft smile appeared on her face. 

"Luke," she said in a lower tone. "...You're back."

He sat beside her in bed. "Yes, I am. I was informed about your condition and couldn't have the heart of not returning."

"Oh, Luke. Things have gone terribly after Han's death." Leia told him. She coughed a couple of times before continuing. "And our son.."

"Leia, it's no good to bring up such negative memories again. What matters now is your health."

A corner of her mouth lifted, "I don't have too much time left."

"No, no, don't say that. You will make it." Luke consoled her but her expression say otherwise. 

The queen coughed again, "My lungs are infected. I've lost appetite too and fatigue is uncontrollable."

"But doctors are taking good care of it. Leia, there's always a solution for everything." Luke insisted on trying to make her forget about the consequences of her illness. 

Leia then held Luke's hand. Deep inside Luke knew she was dying sooner or later. "My only wish is to see my son again. My baby boy, how much I miss him." Luke's lip quivered listening to her. "I used to sing to Kylo to make him stop crying but also his nightmares would go away."

"He's been described as a warrior leading his own army into battles," Luke added. "Your son wants to rule this kingdom just like our father did."

"I know my son is gone, just like Han." Queen Leia admitted as tears rolled down her face. 

Luke kissed his sister's hand and tried to comfort her. "Nobody is truly gone, Leia. There might be still some light in Kylo."

"Stay, Luke. Don't leave your sister alone ever again." She said before two doctors entered the chamber. They were wearing weird-looking masks which creeped Luke out. 

It was time for the queen's checkup and Prince Luke retired to do their work for a moment. 

The carriage made an abrupt stop waking Rey up in the process. She adjusted her nightgown and disheveled hair after stretching both arms. She couldn't believe she slept for that long since leaving Stewjon. The sound of crickets in the background let her know it was evening. If only she could fool one of the guards and steal their sword. Sir Ren needed rescue and the only way Rey could help him was finding the knights of Ren.