Chapter Text
The ballroom was noisy with music and chatter, the stomping of feet from many dancing bodies. It was stifling hot, heightened by the peak of summer and the lamps lit to illuminate the room. Rey surveyed the crowd. She saw some familiar faces but didn’t see her uncle, who’d dragged her here under the pretense of finding her a rich husband, no doubt more for his own benefit than hers. She was not pretty nor rich enough to lure a wealthy and well-connected man her way, especially when Plutt seemed insistent that he be paid for her hand.
She took the absence of her chaperone as an opportunity to slip out into the wondrous gardens of the large estate. She was relieved to find that the air was cooler, fresh with the scent of pine and honeysuckle. She breathed in, sweat cooling on her brow. She looked around the courtyard just outside the ballroom, there were a few people milling about, couples strolling in the torch light, groups of friends chuckling and joking.
However, there was something that drew her curiosities much more than any ballroom could, which was the labyrinth that butted up to the courtyard. The looming green walls excited her, the idea of slipping off into the dark confines of the maze and losing herself just for a little while. She looked behind her into the ballroom, hopefully her uncle was playing cards and deep enough into his cups that she could disappear for an hour. Not that it really mattered, the guest of honor had yet to show his face and there were more ladies than gentlemen present.
She ventured closer to the living walls of the maze, she’d seen a replica of it in the library and she hadn’t thought that it looked overly complicated, certainly she couldn’t get lost. Glancing around, Rey checked to be sure nobody’s particular attention was on her as she slipped away, slippers crunching lightly on the gravel, lifting her skirts to keep them from getting dirty. She turned back and looked at the grand residence of the Organa Estate before walking through the threshold of the hedgerow.
There were lamps lit around the corners, not enough to see thoroughly but enough to see where one should turn. She turned left, the sound of music muffled but ever-present and she couldn’t help but walk to the rhythm. Rey let herself enjoy the tranquil peace that the dark and relative silence offered.
She walked slowly, careful not to miss any hidden paths as she progressed towards the center of the maze. The torches flickered, casting eerie shadows that might have spooked someone less steadfast and the music played hauntingly through the shrubs as they bristled in the evening breeze. She took another turn, winding her way, occasionally having to double back, moving towards the center when she heard the hushed voices and giggles of others come her way. She ducked into an alcove, hiding behind a pillar, topped with the bust of some noble Greek.
“Did you see her gown? And she thinks she’s going to marry some rich Lord? If she thinks she’ll land Lord Solo? She’s out of her mind.”
A cackle of laughter fell on her ears, while shame colored her cheeks. She told herself the chatter could have been about any lady present.
“Her uncle is penniless, everyone knows it. The audacity in her even attending.”
The voices turned a corner and died down, Rey swallowing back her shame, even as it wetted her cheeks. She’d never even laid eyes on the man and she was being accused of trying to hunt for fortune. She hadn’t even been offered a dance. Not that she wanted to, let alone with some spoiled Lord who acted too good for anyone’s company.
She stayed in the little alcove a while longer before crawling out and making her way back towards the exit. She was no longer in any mood to explore, returning to the house with a sullen expression. She loathed the idea of returning to the ballroom and instead entered into a quiet hall where she could retreat to the sanctuary of the library.
Except for the music filtering in from the open windows it was still and calm. She threw a surreptitious glance at the replica of the maze before going to look at the spines of books along the shelf near the windows. However, she didn’t read any of the titles, too lost in her own thoughts to focus on much of anything except the color of the spines.
“You didn’t like it?” A deep voice came from behind her.
She jumped, startled by another’s presence when she’d been so lost in her own self-torment.
“Pardon, I didn’t mean to startle you,” the man said, his voice softening.
Rey turned to find one of the tallest men she’d ever met, broad of shoulder, with dark hair and strong features. “Silly of me to assume I found the one empty room during a ball,” she said, glancing away, biting her lower lip to quell her embarrassment.
“So, the Labyrinth,” he said, continuing his earlier line of questioning. “You didn’t approve?”
She looked up at him in question and his cheek dimpled for a brief second before stepping forward and reaching for her hair. She felt something be plucked from it and was almost horrified by the leaf that was pinched between his fingers.
“You have a memento,” he said, holding it up in front of her.
“Oh,” Rey gasped. “I— I.” She took it as if it was an offering.
“It usually draws two types of crowds on nights like this, Miss–?”
“Niima.” She answered, uncertain who he was and if she could even begin to deny such a man her name. His clothes were crisp and new, every buckle and button glinting in the lamp light.
“Miss Niima,” he said with a nod, his eyes flicking over her form, making her feel self-conscious. “Gossips and lovers seem to be drawn to share their secrets with it on nights such as these.”
“Fortunately, I am neither of those things,” she replied, finding her voice.
“No, you strike me as quiet and curious, seeing as this is the second time you’ve appeared in my library tonight.”
“Yours?” She repeated, realizing with sudden dread who she was talking to.
“Lord Solo,” he said with a polite bow.
Rey dropped into a low curtsey, finally finding her manners.
“There’s no need to put on such airs. I don’t enjoy them anymore than you do.”
It was then that they were interrupted again. “Ben, you can’t hide away in here all night. This ball is in your honor.”
To Rey’s horror Lady Organa walked in, chastising her son, her eyes falling on Rey. “Oh, Miss Niima, if I remember correctly.”
“Yes,” Rey said with a curtsey.
“It seems you’ve met my son,” Leia looked between them, her brow arched at Lord Solo.
“Just now, yes,” Rey said, realizing it may look improper seeing as there were no others.
The older woman looked at him with a discerning gaze. “Well, either way you still need to go make an appearance.” The matron of the house gave him a stern look. The Lord gave Rey a stiff bow before turning on his heel, his mother following him out the door.
Rey was relieved at being left alone but was at a loss for what to do, her mind and body restless with the events of the evening. Placing the leaf in the small reticule attached to her wrist she returned to the ballroom. She could see that Lord Solo was being introduced to some of the most eligible ladies there, women of fortune and title. She found herself skirting the ballroom, hoping to find a quiet corner where no one would notice her.
Her conversation with Lord Solo echoed in her mind, curious as to how he knew her purpose for going to the labyrinth. She turned looking out the open garden doors towards the looming darkness that was the hedge maze, wondering about the secrets it held.
“Miss Niima.” She turned to see Lord Solo looking at her rather expectantly, every eye in the place turned to look at her.
“Yes?” She asked, eyes wide in surprise, heart racing in her chest.
“Would you do me the honor of giving me the next dance?” He asked with a slight bow.
“I–” Her mouth went dry, gaping like a fish as she tried to find an answer. She couldn’t deny such a man a dance. “Yes.”
He gave her a bow, offering her his arm as he led her out to the floor.
“I'm pleased you left the library,” he commented as they stood in wait for the reel to start.
“Are you?”
“Yes, at least this way I could dance with someone who could tell me about a good book,” he looked around them rather haughtily.
“I'm afraid I don't get much of a chance to read,” she commented honestly, books were expensive and her uncle had expectations about how she should spend her time.
“Perhaps not, but you didn't scoff at the idea of it.” His expression was almost teasing.
Rey couldn’t help the light smile as they started, joining hands with their neighbors.
“I'm afraid you'll bring a whole round of gossip upon us by making me your first dance,” she retorted.
“Hmm, yes. I'm told your uncle is attempting to find you a husband.”
Rey's cheeks burned and she glanced away, grateful for a moment to turn away from him.
“Don't feel so terrible. My mother is having her own sport tonight,” he said with a slight frown in her direction.
“Ah, is that why you were hidden away this evening?”
“Perhaps it is why I have excused myself away from every ball that has been held in this county.”
Rey chuckled. “Well, I'm happy to give you a chance away from all of the huntresses.”
“You're not actively pursuing your own sport?” He asked, disbelieving.
“I'm afraid I'm not allowed to make my own choices, Lord Solo.” Her gaze flicked to the circle of guests around the floor, blanching when she saw her uncle looking upon them rather lecherously.
Mr. Solo seemed to notice her expression, turning to see what had soured her mood.
“Ah. Your guardian, I presume.”
Rey's mind raced, fearful of what her future would bring.
“Yes.” She answered as the song ended, Lord Solo escorting her to the refreshments table, far away from her uncle’s presence. “You'll want to find your means of escape before he comes over here,” she told him even as he offered her a cup of punch.
He glanced at her and turned to see her uncle shoving his way through the crowd.
“Can I ask you something,” he said, turning back to her. “Do you have any attachments?”
“What?” She asked, shaking her head.
He gave a decisive nod and turned to face the man she feared most.
“Lord Solo, it appears you’ve met my ward.”
“I have. It appears that she’s quite accomplished.”
Plutt looked surprised, glancing at Rey like a dog who’d finally learned a trick. “Good. Yes.”
“I think my mother would like to have tea with her tomorrow,” Lord Solo commented with ease.
“Tea?” Plutt asked, stroking his chin.
Rey practically choked, glad she hadn’t taken a sip of her drink, and watched in awed panic as the conversation continued to volley between the two men.
“Quite right, I think my mother took quite a liking to her up in the library.”
Plutt’s expression shifted, uncertain if the man was speaking plainly. Rey, trying not to give anything away but also knowing that if Lord Solo was trifling with her affections, as it were, she’d be paying the largest price.
“She’ll be here at three then,” Plutt agreed, throwing her a glare.
“Perfect. I’ll let my mother know.” Lord Solo turned to her, giving her a courteous bow before disappearing into the crowd. Rey didn’t know whether to thank him or hate him, but she was certain she’d find out sooner or later. Although, judging from some of the expressions that were thrown her way she may not live to find out.
“It seems you were doing something useful for once,” Plutt grumbled, eyes still fixated on where Lord Solo had disappeared.
“We can go then,” Rey commented wearily.
“No. You’ll stay, I’ll not have a big fish be hooked by another worm,” he growled, glaring at her.
She lowered her gaze and nodded. However, it seemed Lord Solo’s attention only seemed to garner more favor in her direction. She was obligated to suffer through the next three songs with all manner of gentleman partners and when she was finally allowed a moment of reprieve there were suddenly women who were interested in being in her presence.
She bristled, frustrated with the hand that had been dealt to her and was relieved when she was finally able to go home. She struggled to fall asleep, her mind restless, half excited and half filled with dread for what was to come.