Adelaide stirred in her sleep, when she felt someone's back press against her side. She shifted over, allowing them to sit comfortably on her bed. He accepted her invitation by running his bare hand through her strawberry blonde locks. She released a happy sigh, he knew she always favored someone playing with her hair. A left over guilty pleasure from her childhood. In her home there was little affection given, just as it was for him. But there was a mutual understanding, those lives were led by those who were now considered dead, but yet – she groaned favorably – there was something that kept them rooted in the past. Her eyes fluttered open, repeatedly trying to focus her tired eyes on her visitor.

Ren.

He wouldn't face her directly. He didn't want her to witness him teetering on the edge of uncertainty. His brown eyes were muddled with thinly veined rage, their color bordering toward a murderous black. His countenance was haunted with conflict and failure, and now, he craved reassurance, just as Rey had.

"Why are you here Kylo?" She grimaced, the tender caressing turned suddenly to a sharp jerk.

"Do not question your Supreme Leader," he commanded, displeased at her audacity for questioning his intentions. She could feel the invisible hand grip her neck in warning. She didn't panic, or take the bait, instead Adelaide simpered. The white of her teeth and the pink of her flushed lips were dangerously playful and mocking.

"Armitage was right." She chuckled, she had doubted her brother's embellishments of what had happened prior to their humiliating defeat on Crait, "you usurped the throne." She hadn't fathomed then, that he had been telling her the truth.

"Yes." He answered, like she had accused him. But she nodded, he had confirmed her suspicions outright. He, indeed, was the one to murder his predecessor, not the girl as claimed. She shook her head; his trust was misplaced in her and in the Jedi Rey.

"She turned you down." He didn't correct her assumption, "And that's why you've sought me out?" He relaxed his grip through the force, trying not to react to her tone. She was too sure of herself. She had no right to oversimplify his emotions, although her words were factually true.

"You mean nothing," he emphasized by tightening his grip once more. But to her, the statement seemed more dogged than the rest, as if he was angered to say those words aloud.

Perhaps, she thought bitterly. Her eyes snapped directly at him, "but I'm here in a time of vulnerability, the only being you can seek refuge in. Also here I am, wanting to ease your suffering, your torment, even if it feeds mine." No one wants to be second place, she thought bitterly again. She knew she was nothing compared to the other girl, Rey. Kylo had spoken on many occasions of the girl's unyielding strength in the force. All Adelaide could offer was her reputation and physical presence; she had no understanding of the mystical abilities of the ancient religions. Her gods were strategic alliances and underhanded political maneuvers, while Kylo held power that only gods and legends were blessed with.

She sighed, when he finally looked in her direction with ardor, rather than contempt. He had heard every one of her thoughts, and didn't rebuff her insecurities, but stared at her in awe. He sympathized with her worries, and nearly smirked at her jealousy. He released his grip entirely. She smiled, patting the space beside her. Another invitation.

Without bothering to be considerate, he laid down beside her with a dishevel uniform and boots, pulling her tight into his grasp. Neither spoke about their arrangement. Tonight, he would focus on the heart within his arms, the heart whom only beat for him. And in return, tonight he would forget the girl, whom had slighted him.