꓅he next day, it was the first day of the Highland games. Rey was grateful that she no longer had to wear the uncomfortable silk gown, she could wear the more comfortable simple dresses she was used to. She felt like she was free, free to move and free to be herself.

Rey walked into the throne room, and the crowd that had gathered their parted to clear a path for her to the throne. She sat down in the throne next to her father and tried not to slouch so that her mother wouldn't be cross with her.

The three lords stepped forward with their sons. Rey noticed that they were also dressed in more comfortable clothes for the games. Her jaw dropped slightly as her eyes landed on Ben, he was wearing a kilt just like Finn and Poe, but unlike them he wasn't wearing a shirt. The red tartan cloth of his kilt went across his right shoulder but the left side of his tight chest was exposed and his fair skin was decorated with blue war paint. She blushed and looked away embarrassed, couldn't he at least put on a shawl or something?

Rey's father stood. "Today will mark the first day of the Highland games. The first event will be archery."

Rey took a sigh of relief, archery was one of her best events.

Soon they reached the archery field, four targets had been sat up and her three suitors stood several meters behind them. As the princess, Rey had been allowed to sit in the sheltered podium with her parents until it was her turn.

Poe was first and as he knocked his arrow to the string of his bow, Rey could tell that he was unfamiliar with archery. He drew the arrow back, aimed then released. The arrow struck the target with a small thud, hitting the outer ring.

Rey smiled, this was going to be even easier than she thought.

Next was Ben. He drew his bow back with a little more ease than Poe had and Rey could tell that he had practiced archery, but wasn't very experienced.

With the bow drawn back fully, he held it for a few seconds longer than necessary, attempting to show off his strength to Rey, but she was not impressed. She only thought that he was being arrogant and pigheaded...and foolish given the fact that he was just tiring himself out which could throw off his aim.

Finally he released the arrow and it hit the ring just outside of the bullseye. He screamed in anger and frustration, striking the ground with his bow.

"Well that's attractive," Rey whispered sarcastically to her father.

He chuckled quietly then touched his hair. "And such lovely, flowing locks," he whispered back in a joking tone.

Rey's mother glared at him, trying to get him to shut up.

"At least you hit the target, son!" Lord Solo said pointedly at both Poe and Lord Dameron.

Lord Dameron glared at him.

The three lords seemed just as competitive as their sons.

Now it was Finn's turn. He stepped forward and readied his bow, Rey could tell by his stance that he was a more experienced archer than the others.

Finn took a deep breath, his sister Jannah was a fine archer as well and he knew that he would never hear the end of it if he missed.

He let loose his arrow and it struck the bullseye. Finn smiled at his victory.

Lord Calrissian cheered. "Ha I told you my son was the best!" he told Lord Solo and Lord Dameron.

"It's not over yet," Lord Solo reminded him.

Rey stood, now it was her turn and it was time that she proved herself a worthy competitor.

Her father smiled. "Good luck darling."

"Thank you," she smiled in return.

"Be careful," her mother cautioned.

"I will," Rey promised.

She grabbed her bow and made her way down to the remaining target. She selected an arrow from her quiver, then knocked it to her bowstring and drew back in one fluid movement. She took a deep breath, bringing the fletched end of the arrow to her mouth. It only took her a few seconds to aim and loose the arrow. It sailed quickly and smoothly towards the target, slamming into the bullseye. She'd put so much force behind her draw that her arrow was buried deep into the wood, only the fletched tip protruded from the scarlet circle in the center of the target.

Her father cheered and Rey turned to give her competitors a haughty look. They all looked at her both surprised and amazed.

"I told you that your sons were no match for my daughter," the King told the three lords.

The Queen bumped him, attempting to silence him, but it didn't work and it was too late.

"We'll see about that," said Lord Dameron.

"Besides, my son and your daughter are tied!" Lord Calrissian pointed out.

"Not for long!" the King replied.

"Aye, because my son's going to beat all of you," said Lord Solo.

The Queen stood and cleared her throat. "My lords, instead of arguing why don't we let fate decide? Why don't we continue and see who can prove themselves in the games?"

The king and the three lords all looked embarrassed.

"But of course my lady," said Lord Dameron.

"My apologies, your highness," Lord Calrissian added.

"We'll try not to let it happen again your majesty," said Lord Solo.

The Queen nodded in thanks and acknowledgment.