A Silent Party

Alone in the Nest

You do not feel in peace when the time for you to exit the room finally came.

In fact, you couldn't rest while you were there, but right after Hux left to manage the uninteresting conversations with the guests – when you just thought things couldn't get worse – your father approached, and once you've laid your eyes on his face, you knew something was wrong. You tried to look away so that he couldn't see the blush in your cheeks caused by your husband's last words, but you set your worries about yourself aside when you saw the uneasiness in his eyes. You were alarmed, but you waited for him to speak first; he would do it when he was prepared.

His first act before it was smile. None of this was easy for him, but you didn't understand how much it was costing to him until you saw that smile, the bright in his eyes, the wrinkles around them. Now he seemed so tired, so old, so unlike him that you barely recognize your father in that face.

Then his first words came.

- My child.

The sadness in these words made you believe he was aware of your thoughts. He approached and caressed your face.

- Maybe I do not have the right to call you like this anymore – his hand trembled next to your face – Not after what I did. And not after I do what I am going to do.

Now you were afraid. What was he talking about?

- I am leaving tomorrow, y/n – he says with no hesitating, and you had to suppress a scream.

- But I... I thought you were staying for one day or two...

- I wish I could stay with you at least for a few days. But I cannot. My presence is required in our planet since the treaty has been turned public and you are married. The Council needs to be informed of the minor details, and our people need to hear the official pronouncement a soon as possible.

Your father's tone was lower than usual. But it was not just because he didn't want the others to hear the conversation: you swear you sensed some fear in his voice. You also know that things were happening too fast if compared to similar situations you've witnessed in the past. It was like they didn't want your father to linger here, even if it meant an abrupt separation from his daughter. You can't help feeling some despise about the circumstances. The First Order rushes everything.

Your father perceived the direction of your thoughts and nodded. Indeed, he had as much reasons to be afraid as you, but you were together since the start. Now, you'd only count on yourselves. It was so cruel you couldn't put it into words.

As you always do when things get too difficult, you turned your attention to the practical aspects of the situation.

- May I at least say goodbye to you tomorrow?

- Of course.

You didn't answer. You looked around you, at the dark walls and the soft lights, at the officers, the Stormtroopers at the door, at the viewport and the wild landscape on the other side, and contemplated the perspective of being alone in this place for the first time.

You were going to be left alone in the nest, and that was your time to be afraid.

***

All the conversations and amenities of the party were over. You and your husband left the room behind, and not even the Stormtroopers followed you.

Now you feel glad for he is not holding your hand as you walk together towards the place you'll have to consider your chambers: instead, you have your arms entwined, and as long as you have your hand resting on his arm, he will not sense your anxiety even if he keeps his own hand upon yours, as he's doing right now. If he held your hand the traditional way, he would have already asked why you were so nervous.