( the hint of a threat just makes him smile. it's familiar, almost comforting. like being back in an old cantina with a bounty hunter breathing down his neck, han's always done his best work under the threat of violence. if anything, his posture gets more casual and relaxed. )

I didn't deny it because it's none of your business, Your Eminence.

( he'd called her that at first. he has no idea what her title actually is, but it seems to have stuck. but this, at least, he says blandly. he's dealt with enough nobility throughout his life that he knows blowing a gasket at them is going to get him in far more trouble than it gets him out of.

only a monster would abandon their child.

that could only have come from ben himself. it's like the twist of a saber in his chest. )

The only thing you need to know about my relationship with my son is that I love him, and I always tried to do what was best for him.