Taking the Throne

Getting dressed part 3

The great temple was filled from wall to wall with honored guests, politicians, galactic ambassadors, and even high ranking first order military officers. Leia suggested that they open it to the public, a public that was already so enthralled by the love story of their new emperor and his bride that they had crammed themselves inside, spilling out the massive carved doors down the front steps. They had begun to line the main promenade of the capital days prior, and people and creatures of all species had come from all over the galaxy just to get a glimpse of the secretive couple.

There were already whispers and gossip. Would he or wouldn't he wear a mask? And what did she look like? This orphaned homeless scavenger girl from a throw away planet? And then there were the other rumors, obviously spread by Hux's inner circle, accusing the girl of slaughtering their slain Supreme leader. Yet, despite all of the mud they tried to sling at the new couple, nothing would stick against the unlikely fairy tale

It was clear that the galaxy wanted to believe in love and nothing fueled Hux's utter disdain more for Kylo Ren. With every move against him, the young emperor had a counter move that was more calculated and prepared, as if he had been reading Hux's mind.

The sun was setting and the sky was filled with dark blue and purple clouds, with the moon already glowing in the sky. The entire temple was dark, illuminated only by the indirect lighting that lined the vast ceiling, and the foot of each pew, casting low ambient light against the carved statues and masonry. The massive stone interior was decorated with so many wild flowers that it had taken an entire week to harvest, arrange, and store them until the morning of the event.

Thick red carpeting trimmed in gold had been installed up the aisles, with the main aisle covered in white flower petals that obscured the scarlet pathway. The Emperor was adamant that it be decorated to his specifications, as it symbolized the snow that covered the ground when they met, and as only they knew, when they battled it to the death ending with him slashed open and her running for her life.

The fragrance was soft and sweet, with spikes of fresh cut green, married with the drifting smoke from the giant pedestals housing censers used to burn incense. The people of Naboo had many strange rituals and Leia had been very sensitive to ensure that every detail of the ceremony venerated their family ancestry. Of course nobody knew that he was her son. It was rumored that her son, Ben Solo, had died when Luke's academy had been destroyed by an unfortunate tragic fire that had wiped out the school and the majority of it's students.

Even Hux did not know his true identity. Snoke's manipulation to completely sever his mind from his born identity was relentless, and concealing his identity was an absolute. Giving Hux an edge over his apprentice was unwise, at least until it became necessary to fuel their rivalry further to divert their attention away from wanting all of the power for themselves.

For weeks the public was on edge, hearing reports that Leia's death was imminent, and with the sudden arrival of the young leader, she had miraculously been renewed. Maybe it was their uncanny natural connection, or the freshly drafted and delicate resolution ending the political strife between the order and the resistance, but for some reason Leia Organa Solo had risen to the occasion, digging deep to find the strength to carry on despite her failing veins. The damage to her body from the accident had deeply compromised her circulation and instead of opting to be supported by implanted machines, she chose to let the force decide when her time had come.

"Drink this." Leia commanded as she held out a heavy glass goblet filled with some sort of sweet and powerful liquid. "I promise, it will calm your nerves, it calms mine."

Rey listened to her, locking eyes with her while she gulped, trying to swallow her fear and terror with it. Coughing and choking, the heat from the drink spread through her chest and out her mouth.

"What is this?" She gasped in disgust. "Is it is safe for me to drink this?"

"Keep drinking, it's get better, I promise....and a little won't hurt." Leia laughed. "Child, all of this will be over soon and then all of us will be able to begin to live again." Her words trailed off, knowing that her future was unclear.

"I hope you are right." Rey whispered.

"Rey, this is our last chance to make all of this right. Just stay focused on the force and try to enjoy this a little bit. It's not every day that you become an Empress."

Rey smiled nervously. "Leia, all I want is- him," She caught herself, be so careful not to say his true name."None of this matters to me...I mean, it matters, everything is beautiful....more than I could ever dream of."

"I know it doesn't matter to you, which is why you are so worthy of it...which is why you need to do this, because it is for Ben, and you, and your children to come. It is the only way to ensure your continued safety."

Looking at the floor, Rey knew she was telling the truth. This was the only way.

"Now, are you ready to get dressed?" Leia smiled.

It took four attendants to steam, press, and prepare her gown, along with the countless round the clock hours it took from a team of craftsman to complete the it in such a short period of time. By her request, no droids were used to create it, even the fabric. Rey knew very little about gowns and fashion, but she knew that she wanted the train to be decorated in a specific pale purple flower embroidery and the satin to have a pale grey irridesence. She wanted to feel like she was wearing the gown on Ahch-to, given to her by the mysterious creature that lead the care takers of the island. She wanted to be comforted by their secret, that they had already stood together and without distractions committed themselves to their love.

Wearing her hair in a modified three bun style, woven with glittering gems, the buns were stacked and full. Opting to not wear a veil over her face, she continued to frustrate the team appointed to dress her, until they negotiated that she would have points of her veil pinned into her buns, allowing the sheer weightless fabric to drift behind her. In her hands she would carry an arrangement of grasses and flowers from Takodana, with seashells she had collected from Ahch-to concealed in the base.

Seated, to save strength, Leia oversaw the entire process as she continued to drink.

"Now, I have a gift. Please, get the box on the bed." Leia closed her eyes, taking a few deep breaths.

Opening the square velvet box, inside was a round halo-like adornment, just big enough to sit on her top bun.

"You will be crowned tonight, but until then, this was my mothers and I want you to wear it." Leia's eyes had filled with tears for the mother she had never met, the woman who had given her life for love, the love for her children and the love for her husband.

Rey touched the delicate metal with her fingertips, feeling the flash of impressions bound to it.

"She was beautiful, wasn't she, and kind." Rey said in a far away voice.

"That is what they say." Leia said sadly.

"Thank you, I will cherish it always."

"It is time. There is much yet to be done." Leia looked introspective and concealed her worry from Rey as best as she could. So many pieces needed to fall in place perfectly, sighing deeply, she felt herself let go and give it all to the force. Everything was set in motion and it was now out of her hands.