The Arcadia Chronicles

Arcadia surveyed herself in the mirror. Her long dark hair was weaved and piled on top of her head. She wore a long white dress that followed the curves of her body. It had a scooped neckline and a low back. A gold belt that sat on her hips emphasized her small waist. Her neck was adorned with an intricate gold neckpiece that harboured a multitude of gemstones. On her wrist was clasped the matching bracelet and her ears glittered with the earrings that completed the set.

Queen Cassandra entered her daughter's room and strode up behind Arcadia. She stood there for a moment looking at the images of her daughter and herself reflected in the full-length mirror. She caught her daughter's eye in the mirror and smiled.

"You look radiant,” she told her. Arcadia smiled at her mother and smoothed her dress. "But there is something missing." Arcadia critically looked at her reflection again but failed to see what was missing. She turned to her mother.

"What's missing Mum?" She asked perplexed.

Cassandra turned to an aid and waved her over. She was carrying a large jewellery case, which she held out towards the Queen. Cassandra smiled at her daughter and opened the case. Inside sat the most beautiful headpiece that Arcadia had ever seen. It was designed in gold, Arcadia's metal of choice, with brilliant gems of every colour worked through the fine webs. It reminded Arcadia of her favourite constellation and twinkled just as brightly.

"Oh, Mother its beautiful,” whispered Arcadia.

"Happy Birthday my darling." Cassandra lifted the magnificent piece of jewellery from its casing and expertly positioned it in Arcadia's hair. "There, now you look perfect.”

Arcadia turned to look in the mirror again and gasped at the sight. The headpiece was beautiful and it complimented Arcadia perfectly.

Bail stood in the doorway of his daughter's dressing room, looking at the reflections of the two women in the mirror.

"Two women. What happened to my little girl?" It seemed like yesterday that Arcadia was running around the palace in pony tails, driving her nanny crazy, getting into all sorts of mischief. Yet, there she was standing before him all grown up and looking every inch the Princess.

"Bail." Cassandra spotted her husbands reflection in the mirror and turned to look at him. Bail walked over to his wife and daughter smiling brightly at them. He leant down and gave Cassandra a kiss before taking Arcadia's hands.

"Let me look at you Cadi." He said looking his daughter over.

Arcadia smiled at him and turned around on the spot.

"You look lovely my dear." he stated proudly. "As do you Cassandra".

Cassandra bowed her head to the side and said "Thank you."

Both Bail and Cassandra where dressed for the occasion. The Birthday lunch they were hosting in Arcadia's honour would be filled with dignitaries from a number of worlds, all eager to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Princess Arcadia.

"Come Arcadia” Cassandra held her hand out to her daughter. Arcadia stood with her back to her mother as she clasped the long cape to the shoulders of her dress.

"Its time."

Cassandra and Bail connected arms as they strode from the room. Arcadia followed behind them. As she walked through her door, Zac and his team of royal guards met her. They too were in dress uniform for the occasion. Zac offered his arm to Arcadia who blushed slightly at his appreciative gaze before accepting. The remaining guards formed up behind them and together they strode to the banquet hall. The palace staff lined the corridors to see the procession, bowing and curtsying deeply as the royal entourage passed by. Arcadia acknowledged them with a smile and a slight nod of her head as she strode along.

The doors to the banquet hall were closed when they reached them. The royal party stopped and Arcadia took a deep breath. Zac looked down at her "Are you alright Princess?"

Arcadia looked up at him and nodded. On the other side of the doors, the official fanfare was being played. Arcadia took another deep breath to centre herself, adjusted her dress and adopted her most regal of smiles. Bail turned to his daughter, "Ready?" he asked.

Arcadia nodded. He turned back and indicated to the guards at the door. The massive banquet doors silently slid opened and the room unfolded itself before them. The long corridor was lined with red carpet and flanked by large round tables, occupied by dignitaries from numerous allied worlds. The table at the far end was for the royal party. The King and Queen's chairs in the centre of the long table, the two Princesses’ chairs either side and then a number of smaller chairs flanking these for the lesser guests at the main table.

Everyone in the room was standing in anticipation of the royal family's arrival. A loud echoing voice boomed around the room.

"Honoured guests, it is with great pleasure that I announce the arrival of the royal family of Alderaan. Please welcome Her Royal Highness Queen Cassandra and her husband Senator Bail Organa."

Queen Cassandra, escorted by Bail entered the room to loud applause. The booming voice continued.

"And without further ado, the moment you have all been waiting for. Please raise your glasses in honour of the birthday girl herself, Her Royal Highness, Princess Arcadia Organa, escorted by Captain Zac Terran and her personal guard."

The applause was deafening. Arcadia silently counted to ten, and then strode out into the room to receive the adulation. She radiated warmth and dignity as she walked down the red carpet to the main table. The crowd was in awe of her beauty and charm. Whispered compliments could be heard throughout the room. Arcadia smiled and took the entire room in with her gaze making everyone believe that she looked directly at them as she walked past. Finally, she reached her chair at the main table. She remained standing waiting for the room to fall silent. When it did, her father picked up his glass and turned to his daughter.

"Princess Arcadia, on behalf of the allied worlds whose representatives are present here today, I would like to wish you a very Happy Sixteenth Birthday."

Everyone in the room echoed the sentiment and drank from their glasses. Arcadia beamed at them, waiting for the room to settle. She indicated for them to sit down then addressed them.

"Thank you. I am honoured by your presence here today. I would like to thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my birthday celebrations. The palace staff have prepared a wonderful meal and entertainment for us. I am sure that everything will be to your liking. Thank you and enjoy."

Arcadia looked around the room again as everyone applauded then finally took her seat next to her mother.

The banquet hall was buzzing with noise as the royal table was served their meal. Once that was done, immaculately dressed waiters attended every other table serving meals and beverages to the guests.

Zac leaned over to Arcadia, "How long have you been rehearsing that speech for?" he teased.

"Why, what was wrong with it?" Arcadia gave him a pointed look.

"Oh, nothing." Zac said unconvincingly.

Arcadia pointed her butter knife at him. "Watch it Zac. I have already picked out a nice little spot on the palace tower for you."

Zac laughed out loud his emerald eyes gleaming.

"I'm not kidding Zac." Arcadia insisted, making Zac laugh even harder.

After the meal was eaten and the dishes cleared away, a huge cake was brought in for the birthday girl. The crowd all joined in singing Happy Birthday to Arcadia who stood there regally until it was time to cut the cake. With the official part of the afternoon over, the dancing began. Bail escorted his daughter out onto the dance floor and whirled her around the floor. Arcadia was a talented dancer and her father was very proud. Queen Cassandra had the first dance with Zac but was soon in the arms of her husband.

Zac approached Arcadia and bowed low. "May I have this dance?" he asked offering her his hand.

"Certainly," Arcadia took his hand and Zac pulled her close to him as he led her around the room.

"Don't they make a perfect couple?"

Arcadia looked up but failed to see the person who had made the comment. She was intrigued by the idea. Arcadia had never thought of Zac in a romantic way. He was like a big brother to her. Always teasing her, playing tricks and arguing over the pettiest of things. He was her bodyguard, her training partner and her teacher. Arcadia looked up at Zac and tried to see him with a critical eye, tried to see him the way a stranger would see him. She looked at his chiselled features, at his green eyes, his dark hair. She felt the strength in his body as he pressed up against her. She looked at him and was surprised by what she saw. He was in fact very good looking.

As they danced around the room Arcadia caught sight of herself in the mirrored walls. She watched as Zac spun her around. She saw what everyone else in the room had seen: a beautiful Princess dancing with a handsome man.

"Princess, what's wrong? You look puzzled." Zac looked at Arcadia with concern.

"Wrong, no nothings wrong Zac. In fact everything is just perfect."

Arcadia danced with a number of other young men, being charming and gracious with each of them. While she danced, she gave them her undivided attention and conducted herself as befitting a Princess. She chatted with dignitaries and joked with princes but all the while her bodyguard never let her out of his sight. Arcadia looked up, her eyes locked with Zac’s bright green eyes, and he smiled. Arcadia brushed a stray curl from her face and blushed, a warm glow rushing through her. She excused herself from the mining baron and his son whom she had just been talking to and walked across the room, out onto the balcony. She made her way to the railing and leaning on it she surveyed her kingdom.

Alderaan was a beautiful world with wide blue oceans and expansive lands. The planet was home to a number of unique species that only thrived in the moderate climate. Unlike Coruscant, Alderaan was not completely covered in high-rise buildings and packed with masses of people. There were numerous areas of open space covered in lush vegetation. Pristine beaches surrounded the continents and islands, all protected by laws that were passed and upheld by the royal family. The cities were all aesthetically beautiful, carefully planned not to encroach too far into the natural environment. The people of Alderaan lived in perfect harmony with the planet, balancing technology and nature in such a way that made them the envy of the galaxy.

The soft breeze caressing the Princess was a welcome relief from the warmth of the early afternoon sun. Arcadia looked out across the city, admiring the architectural brilliance.

“Mummy look, its Princess Arcadia!”

Arcadia looked up to see a young girl pointing at her from a balcony of an adjacent building, clearly excited at seeing royalty. The little girls mother seemed embarrassed by her outcry and was trying to silence her. Arcadia straightened and smiled at them, “Hello there, what’s your name?”

The little girl beamed, “Naraya, your highness.”

Arcadia’s smile widened, “Naraya, that’s a lovely name. It suits you.”

The little girl clung to her mother’s leg smiling up at her. “Thank you, Princess,” she replied. “Are you having a party?” she asked.

“Yes, it’s my birthday,” Arcadia answered.

Naraya’s eyes widened, “It’s my birthday too,” her voice was full of wonder. Suddenly she looked down, her little face darkening, “But I won’t be having a party. Mummy says we can’t afford it this year.”

Arcadia’s heart sank at the sadness in the little girl’s eyes. “Would you like to come to my party?”

Naraya’s face brightened and she turned to her mother jumping up and down excitedly, “Can we Mummy, please?”

Her mother looked surprised at Arcadia’s hospitality, “Oh no your highness, we couldn’t possibly impose on you like that.”

Arcadia shook her head, “Don’t be silly, you’re not imposing.” Naraya’s mother still looked unsure. “Please, I would like you to come. Naraya will enjoy it.”

The little girls mother looked embarrassed but nodded her head, “Thank you your highness. You don’t know what this means to her.”

Arcadia smiled, “I’ll send someone over to get you.”

Arcadia turned and saw her father and Zac standing on the balcony just out of sight of Naraya and her mother. Zac smiled at Arcadia’s questioning look and said, “I’m on it Princess.” With that, he turned and re-entered the ballroom, disappearing out of sight. Arcadia approached her father who put an arm around her shoulders.

“That was a really nice thing to do Cadi. I am very proud of you.”

Arcadia smiled up at Bail, “Thank you Daddy. I just hate to see my people suffer.”

Bail smiled at his daughter, “Compassion is a great asset to have my darling, but it needs to be tempered with wisdom. It is not always possible to help everyone. Sometimes the individual must be sacrificed for the greater good of the whole.”

Arcadia nodded, “Perhaps Father, but I would only take that option as a last resort.”
Bail laughed softly, “You are going to be a wonderful Queen Arcadia. Come, let us go greet your new guests.” Bail escorted his daughter into the ballroom.

The main doors slid open and Zac and another royal guard escorted Naraya and her mother into the room. Zac surveyed the room looking for the Princess. He spotted her being escorted across the room by her father, stopping to talk to Queen Cassandra. Zac caught Bail’s eye who indicated for him to bring the newcomers over.

Zac nodded, “Come, I’ll introduce you to the royal family.”

Naraya and her mother were overawed by the splendour, their eyes continually darting around the room trying to take in all the sights. Zac encouraged them on their way, smiling broadly at them. They stopped in front of the royal family; Naraya’s mother curtsied, gripping her daughter’s hand tightly.

Zac formally introduced them, “Your highnesses, May I introduce you to Lilliana and Naraya Creedon.”

Lilliana straightened trying to control her shaking, she addressed Cassandra. “This is a great honour, my Queen.” She then turned to Bail bowing her head, “Your Highness.”

Bail and Cassandra acknowledged her, “Lilliana, Naraya you are both welcome here.” Bail knelt down in front of Naraya; “I understand that it is your birthday today.”

Naraya nodded, “Yes sir it is.”

Bail smiled, “How old are you Naraya?”

Naraya looked up at her mother then back at Bail, “I’m five.”

Bail looked at Cassandra out of the corner of his eye, “Five, my you are a big girl.”

Arcadia motioned to a handmaiden, who came over and handed her a small parcel. She handed the parcel to her father, who held it out to Naraya, “It would be an honour if you would accept this gift from the royal family of Alderaan.”

Naraya’s eyes twinkled as she took the gift. She quickly opened it. Inside was a small diamond heart on a delicate gold chain. “Oh, it’s beautiful. Thank you.”

Bail took the chain from her and clasped it around her neck. The diamond snuggled in the hollow of her throat, sparkling as it caught the light. “There, it’s perfect.” Bail stood up.

Arcadia leaned down to Naraya and kissed her on the cheek, “Happy birthday Naraya.”

The little girl threw her arms around Arcadia’s neck, hugging her tightly, “Thank you Princess Arcadia, this has been the best birthday ever.”

The Princess returned her hug, “It’s my pleasure, Naraya.”

Lilliana wiped a tear from her cheek, “I don’t know how to thank you Princess. I have nothing to give you for your birthday.”

The Princess smiled at Lilliana, “You have already given me a gift more precious than any that I have received today.”

Lilliana looked perplexed, “I don’t understand your highness.”

Arcadia looked down at Naraya, “You have allowed me to brighten the day of this precious child. Nothing makes me happier than helping my people.”

Cassandra and Bail exchanged glances, both gleaming with pride at the maturity of their daughter.

Lilliana fought back the tears as she took Arcadia’s hand and curtsied before her. “Thank you your highness, I am proud to be your humble servant.”

Princess Arcadia looked at her parents then helped Lilliana up. Bail took Lilliana’s hand and indicated for a handmaiden to come to him, “This is Kiara,” the handmaiden bowed. “She will show you around the palace. Please, help yourselves to some refreshments and enjoy the rest of the day.” Lilliana and Naraya thanked the royal family again and followed Kiara to the banquet table.

The Princess watched them leave then turned to her parents, “I would really like to do more for them mother.”

Cassandra placed an arm around her daughter, “It is always hard to know when to let go Cadi. You have given that child a precious gift, a birthday that she will remember all her life. You have also renewed her mother’s confidence in the universe and us. All we can do now is ensure that all our people have the best possible opportunities and laws to protect them. The rest is up to them. Everyone must choose their own path, Cadi. You know that.”

Arcadia knew that her mother was right but giving up was not her style. She nodded, “Yes mum, but it just seems so unfair.”

Cassandra knew what her daughter was feeling. She had to learn to deal with the same feelings as she was growing up. “Nobody said that being a Princess was going to be easy Arcadia.”