The Fan Fiction Archive updates with four new stories this week. In the second story, "The Handmaiden's Gift" by Gina, on her Fifth Lifeday, Princess Leia receives a special gift from a mysterious member of the Organa household.

The Handmaiden's Gift by Gina

Excerpt

The solitary figure stood near one of the large arched windows overlooking the immaculate gardens of the Organa palace, peering out at the many guests gathered under the starlit sky. Partially hidden by the hood of her garment, the young woman's kind but tired face held an echo of a once regal beauty.

Two other handmaidens giggled pointedly as they passed by her, their voices echoing in the cavernous corridor, causing the young woman to glance in their direction. She stared after them for a moment then sighed as she turned her gaze once again to the garden.

Cassiel knew the others disliked her.

She heard the remarks and rumors, always whispered just a bit too loudly, regarding the strange, sad handmaiden. But Cassiel didn’t care. Some of it, she knew, was fueled by jealousy. Being a personal handmaiden to the Organas' only child was a coveted position, and the others could not understand why this honor had been given to someone with less years of service to the family. It did not help matters that the Organas gave Cassiel a freer rein than they allowed the others. Read more here.

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