Sorry, I haven't updated this in a while!

I don't own Star Wars.

Chapter Seven

Leia refused to talk. Not to answer any questions. Not to thank anybody. The entire ride home, she had her back facing her father. Tears came to her eyes when she thought about the family she was leaving behind. Beru, a mother figure to her. Luke was practically her brother. Owen was, well, Owen. But she would even miss him.

At nineteen years old, she had been caught. It was a miracle that she hadn't been sooner. Deep down Leia was thankful for that. But she would be even more grateful, if she wasn't found at all. Back at the palace, Leia was poked by med-droids and questioned by her father. When he finally lost his patience and gave up, he ordered some a her old nannies to ask her about what had happened. Leia still refused to let out a word.

That night, Leia was finally left alone. She laid back down on her old bed, memories from years ago returned to her. Everything was in the place that it had been before she'd run away. The same old dolls on her shelves. Even when she was fourteen, Leia didn't play with them. It was still nice to have them close by her. Just in case. With a smile, Leia let her mind wander to memories of her with Han. Her cocky lover. Now what would he think? Knowing that he had kissed the emperor's daughter. Fell in love with the princess. Not only that but, what was going on with her adoptive family? Were they alright now?

When Leia woke, the first thing she did was look on the holonet to see if her arrival had been broadcasted to the public. Fortunately, her father hadn't told anyone else. Yet.

Someone knocked on the door. Leia got up from her bed to answer it. Dasha, an old nanny that Leia remained close to, was there. A nervous look was in her eyes.

"Your father told me to inform you that your arrival will be broadcasted to the public in one week time," she said.

Leia nodded. "Thank you, Missy Dasha."

Dasha bowed. "Of course, your highness."

Just how was her arrival to be told to the public this time was what Leia wondered. For the first time in years, she was Princess Leia. Not Ember. If she were to be honest, Leia somewhat missed being called Ember. To her the name had a spark to it. Giving her hope.

The next weeks passed in a blur. Her father came in everyday and questioned her. Leia didn't answer any of his wonderings. At night, she was scrubbed of the dirt that seemed to always cover her on Tatooine. One good thing about being home was being able to take hour long baths that Leia was extremely guilty of.

Before the welcome ceremony, Leia was dressed in a floor length white dress with half sleeves. It was made from silk. Leia spun around in front of the mirror. This was the dressed she picked out when she was seven. Leia planned to wear it on her coronation day, but Vader thought it fit to have her wear it today. The day the galaxy welcomed their princess home.

Leia was put next to her father on an altar. Before the camera's started rolling and the public got their first glimpse of the returned the girl. Leia looked forward. Not at her father.

"I know you're mad, but I am sorry for what I did. Please forgive me," said Vader.

Now he was begging for her forgiveness. When Leia thought about it, it was because of anger that her mother died. He didn't want to lose her either. Leia ignored him.

"Please, Leia," he continued, turning to face her.

"How could I?" Leia hissed.

"Five seconds, Emperor Vader!"

"Five."

"Please, Leia. I'm sorry."

"Four."

"And how does sorry do those innocent people any good?"

"Three."

"Let it at least change the way you see me now."

"Two."

"I'm afraid that can't happen anymore."

"One."

"Leia-"

The wall in front of them was removed. Thousands of people were facing them. Cheering for the lost princess. The daughter of the galaxy that had been missing for five years. Now she was safe. Stormtroopers surrounded the two of them. Making sure no one would try to harm Leia.

Leia, knowing her duties, waved to the people. A fake smile was spread on her face. A group of children were in the front. Orphans, who's caretakers were only able to get them tickets to such an important event. Leia blew kisses to them. Everyone tried to ignore it, but they saw the hurt in their leader's face. His rejection.

After the crowed died down, Vader stood upstage to make his speech. Leia wasn't far behind him.

"A week ago today, my daughter, your Imperial Princess returned home," Vader began, "We would like to celebrate her return. There was festivities planned for later. But first, who would like to know who kidnapped my daughter?"

No. This couldn't be happening. If Vader was planning to kill the Lars, the family Leia had grown so close to… Please, no. Leia looked around, panicked. The crowed cheered. Most of them wanted to see human suffering. Especially to "these villains".

Owen, Beru, and Luke came out. Each had a stormtrooper on their back. Making sure they didn't escape their chains. Vader's eyes were turning bright red. The Lars were going to die. Leia couldn't let that happen to them.

"No!"

I would be lying to say that I didn't enjoy writing this chapter.

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