Star Wars_ The New Jedi Order 11_ Dark Journey - Elaine Cunningham [58]
“She’s my daughter,” he admitted, “and I’m an idiot.”
His eyes held apology for all he’d done and said in the months following Chewbacca’s death. Leia manufactured a shaky smile. “Don’t be too hard on yourself.”
“Yeah, well.” He fell silent, and his gaze shifted slowly, reluctantly toward the draped sled.
“I hope Anakin saw things the same way Jaina does,” he said at last. “I’d hate to think he judged me—or worse yet, himself—by the stupidest three or four things I’ve said since this war started.”
“He knows,” she said. “And he doesn’t.”
He looked at her, his expression wistful. “You sound so sure. You’re sure about Jacen, too, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
Han considered this, nodded. “That’s good enough for me.”
Leia’s heart overflowed. She went into Han’s arms—the last sure haven in the galaxy—and turned her face into his chest to hide the tears she could no longer contain.
FIFTEEN
Jaina’s pace quickened as she left the docks at a dead run, as if she could outpace the memory of her father’s face when he’d realized that both his sons were gone. Before she knew it, she was churning along, weaving mindlessly through the turmoil of ships, overworked officials, and confused refugees. She paused only long enough to duck into one of the public refreshers most docking areas provided as a convenience to pilots—and then only long enough to sonic off the worst of the grime.
Feeling somewhat calmer, she set a direct course for the palace. Its labyrinthine marble halls were the best place she could think of to lose herself for a while.
Ta’a Chume’s efficiency confronted her at every turn. Palace guards ushered her through; servants offered refreshment and then quietly withdrew when she waved them away.
Moving on autopilot, she found her way into a courtyard garden and down shaded paths that seemed designed with solitude and secrecy in mind. She slumped down on the moss-covered rocks artfully piled beside a carved bench and finally allowed herself to feel.
What she felt, mostly, was numb.
Since leaving Myrkr, her path had seemed clear. The first order of business was to survive, to finish the task Anakin had passed to Jacen, to bring the other young Jedi to a place of safety. And after that, to rescue Jacen.
Jaina hadn’t allowed herself to think of anything else, to feel anything that might distract her from these goals. Her headlong progress had been stopped short, and she felt as dazed as if she’d flown a landspeeder into a tree.
She felt the approach of a powerful presence, and glanced up as a tall, graceful woman emerged from the shadows of a fruit arbor and glided purposefully down the path toward her. The woman wore a softly draping gown, and her russet hair gleamed above the scarlet veil covering the lower half of her face. Feeling resigned but not at all surprised, Jaina rose and dipped into a bow.
Ta’a Chume waved away the formalities. The former queen mother settled down on the bench and motioned for Jaina to join her. She removed her veil, revealing a still-elegant face distinguished by fine, sharp bones. “It is good to see you alive and well, Jaina. I heard about your brothers.”
Jaina took the offered place beside Ta’a Chume and braced herself for yet another round of meaningless condolences.
This response seemed to amuse the former queen. “I take it you’ve had your fill of platitudes and exhortations?”
“You might say that.”
“Then let’s get to the heart of the matter. Your brothers are dead, and those responsible still live. The only reasonable question is, what are you going to do about it?”
There was something refreshing about plain speech, and even an odd sort of comfort. “That’s the question, all right.”
The older woman patted her shoulder. “You will find your way to an answer soon, of that I am certain. And tonight will be an excellent time to start. There will be a diplomatic dinner at the palace, and you would do well to attend. Now, then,” she said briskly, “I suggest