"…And so as the Galactic Empire crumbled and fell, so did their hold on the systems under their control. It was during this disorder I slayed my weak predecessor and claimed my natural birth right, my title as Majesty. There was a brief but bloody transition as I removed those who were still loyal to the previous Majesty from my court, and from the Regency worlds entirely, but Arkanis is stronger for it, my love. We are stronger." Hux has heard these words many times. It is a familiar bedtime story, his favourite.
"I have used the mistakes of the past to build a strong realm. I have worked hard, Hux to take care of my people. It has not been easy. Nothing is easy these days. Not with The New Republic smothering us. They speak of peace but leave us to rot." His parent growls, the Republic a bitter word on their tongue.
"We do not need them. We have each other. From Empire's ashes we rise, better and stronger. A new order, The First Order. We are just beginning. Still growing. But still they fear us. For they know we are right." Hummed his parent stroking his head as he lay safely curled up in their strong arms.
There were still many hours to go until the ship reached their destination, a diplomatic conference of some sort on a planet Hux II couldn't pronounce properly without an extra mouth. It was an important trip, one young Hux considered himself extremely fortunate to be going on. He had spent the last several days learning as much about the other delegates and proper decorum and everything else a prince of twelve could be expected to learn in the time.
His parent had been in conference or else engaged in work for much of their time on board the ship and so there had been little for Hux to do but learn. But now it seemed, their Majesty had found a little time to spend with their youngest child, slipping into Hux's small room and curling up beside him on the bed. Despite the late hour Hux welcomes their presence, unable to sleep without the sound of the rain falling. The stars, no matter how beautiful in the viewport were not home.
"Do not worry about this meeting little one. It is important yes, but not as important as my plans for you." Long thin fingers slide through in his long red hair that flows down his shoulders. Drowsily, Hux curls into their warm touch as they continue to sing to him in their native tongue.
"Your plans for me?" Hux mumbles surprise clearing the desire to sleep from his mind.
"Hush Hux. All will be clear in time." They say petting him softly. "You are my favourite of all my younglings for you take after your father the most. You have his courage. His fight. He is fierce like thunder. That is why he appeals. Why I took him as my consort-."
"-Father is a failure. You quashed his coup d'état and took him as your plaything."Interrupts Hux accidentally switching from their mental communication to verbal as his small tongue slips back into standard as he repeats his father's foreign words. His father never sings to him. But then his father is human and cannot speak true Arkan let alone communicate telepathically.
"That is true love. His is a failure. Along with the other Empire Exiles. However failure is not always preventable, when you are part of a team. A single weak link and the whole chain is broken. It does not mean you surrender. Your father failed to take Arkanis for himself but he is still a gifted teacher, worthy of his position at the academy and my attention."
"You let all the Exiles stay though. Not just father." Hux replies before he can think better of it.
His parent pulls sharply at his hair dragging his head backwards painfully. Despite their slender appearance his parent was strong, with arms like steel, just one of the ways all Arkanis born were blessed.
"I am tactical not benevolent. Make no mistake, if they were not useful to me they would be starving in space." They hiss watching as Hux's face reddens. His small green eyes stare up into harsh cold orbs of eyes. "Remember that Hux."
Hux nods breathlessly and is released. Tears well up in the corner of his eyes and he chokes back a sob. His parent had forgotten themselves. Forgotten Hux was not as strong. Forgotten that human blood ran through his veins.
"Royalty does not cry." His parent reminds stroking his cheek softly.
"I apologise." Hux whispers burying his head into the jade robes his parent wore. He had been looking forward to this trip for so long. The others, his siblings had been so jealous. He had been so proud to be invited. To be able to spend time with his parent.
The thought of upsetting them, makes him feel sick.
"Your father spoils you Prince of Moons." His parent hums pressing a kiss to his forehead. "We must get ready. The ship will arrive soon and there is a gala we must attend."
