Bloodline

by Claudia Gray

Even princesses could have fun sometimes

Stay calm. Do not freak out. Don’t say the name Han Solo unless you’re totally sure your voice won’t squeak.

See-Threepio,

But few sabacc players had learned the game from Han Solo and Lando Calrissian.

“Free intoxicants are among those gifts most welcomed by sentient biological life-forms,”

He leaned forward, smiling conspiratorially. “You’re a bad influence.” That made her laugh out loud. “Do you know, that’s the best compliment anyone has paid me in a long time?”

One day she would have to reveal all this to her son. The truth of Vader’s identity had shattered her; she could not imagine what it might mean to Ben.

Holy shit

Vader had, in the end, been redeemed.

Answer suffering with kindness.

Crying openly was considered a virtue on Gatalenta—proof of a caring heart.

“Sorry I’m late, sweetheart,” said Han.

You know I love you, too.”

“I know.”

Never had she considered that the turn might begin in a better place, out of the desire to save someone or to avenge a great wrong. Even if it led to evil, that first impulse might be born of loyalty, a sense of justice, or even love.

“The sun is setting on the New Republic,” Leia said. “It’s time for the Resistance to rise.”