Finn was so busy stuffing his face with dried salamis and wedges of fruit that for once in his life, he wasn't playing twenty questions. Rey couldn't help but giggle as he swallowed another mouthful and moved to the tiny cakes that she had experienced the evening before.
Bebe was curled into her bed, half an apple hanging from her snoot. Despite her regal demeanor and beautiful coat, she was quite the pig, spending her free time sleeping or eating.
Rey was enjoying the silence, staring down at the city, marveling at her luck. That cloaked man, Kylo as she now knew him, was not only loaded, but was also kind.
And handsome. Oh, so very handsome.
She sighed and bit her lip, suddenly dreaming of a life where she could be with a man like that. But before she could even entertain such thoughts, Finn's voice distracted her.
"Oh, Rey, that was amazing," He groaned, before collapsing onto his own bed with a satisfied grin, "Do I even bother asking?"
She laughed and sat beside him. "I merely asked for something to eat. Even I did not expect such an assortment."
Finn moaned and glanced at the few remaining morsels of food. "I've never tasted such amazing food in my life. I shall miss it dearly."
She cleared her throat and began to play with her hands. "Erm, well, Kylo has asked me to return to the palace tonight."
The way Finn's eyes widened was remarkably funny, amplified by the gasp that escaped his lips. "Rey, you cannot be serious! You mustn't return!"
Rey scoffed and crossed her arms, immediately defensive. "And why should I not? He promised me food!"
Finn pursed his lips, not hypnotized by the thought of food in his belly. "And you expect him to offer such food with no request for payment?"
She rolled her eyes. "Please, Kylo knows I have no money."
Her best friend studied her. "I said nothing about money."
The implication turned her cheeks red. Truthfully, it hadn't crossed her mind that such a man may have other intentions. But with Finn's words in her head, she realized how silly she was being.
Of course, a man of his means would expect something in return.
Nothing was ever free. Rey learned that at a very young age.
This was no different.
But Kylo was different. He was kind, and caring, and genuinely enjoyed her company.
Rey frowned and began to play with her hair, unsure of what to think. "You think he'd want something from me?"
With a sigh, Finn shrugged. "I have limited experience with men of high status, Rey. I do not know. Perhaps he views you as a charity case. But I just want you to be careful."
She studied her long hair, thinking about Kylo's handsome face. Suddenly, thoughts she normally kept to herself, during cool, lonely nights, began to cloud her judgment. Thoughts of soft kisses, warm embraces, gasps of delight, skin on skin…
"Would it be so wrong if he desired me?" She found herself asking aloud, "I will never be married. Would it be wrong to want to enjoy a man who I am attracted to?"
Finn's mouth dropped open, even more surprised than the first time around. "Rey. You cannot be serious."
She merely shrugged. "It was just a thought. No need to get your knickers in a twist."
He frowned and nudged her softly. "You worry me. I care about you deeply, that's all." Finn jumped to his feet and glanced out the window, waving towards the endless parade of carriages leaving the palace. "I mean, look at all this…" He began, his voice sad, "The entire bloody Kingdom of Dulathia showed up!"
Rey followed his gaze, momentarily stunned by the beautiful horses, colorful carriages, and the general splendor of the kingdom's arrival. She glanced at Finn, suddenly sad.
"And all for what?" He continued, his eyes still locked on the street below, "For our Prince to maybe wed Princess Kaydel? Rey, that's his sixteenth state visit! Sixteen Princesses have been presented to him on a silver platter!"
Rey crossed her arms. "And so, what? What does the bloody Prince have to do with this?"
Finn sighed and looked back to her. "Your new friend is no different. He may not be royalty, but he is of high status just by virtue of his job and relationship with the Prince. He has access to virtually any woman he may desire."
Unable to help herself, she joined Finn by the window, glancing down at the departing parade. Her eyes landed on the Princess, visible in the grandest carriage, her blonde hair tied into two buns, flowers woven through. She was beautiful, regal, and just absolutely perfect.
Rey frowned and shrugged. "Kylo asked me to go to him. Whatever his intentions are, I'm going." She fell back onto her bed with a 'hmpf', before adding, "Even if just to fill up my sack with food and run!"
Finn laughed and joined her. "Very well. Just be safe, Rey." He shifted and yawned, "And make sure you bring enough back for the both of us!"
-x-x-x-
After his miserable day, all Ben could think about was the pending arrival of Rey. He couldn't wait to hear her laugh, watch her eyes sparkle at the sight of food, and just spend time with someone that wasn't employed by the palace or trying to woo him.
Because that's exactly how his day had been spent. The King and Queen of Dulathia had arrived with their daughter, Princess Kaydel, at sunrise, an entire bloody army of carriages and offerings for the people of Coruscant.
Ben was not blind. He recognized that Princess Kaydel was a beauty, perhaps one of the most attractive of the princesses brought before him. But while beautiful, she was a nasty woman, horrible to every member of his staff.
Surprisingly, even Lord Snoke did not like her or the potential benefits of a political alliance with Dulathia and was quick to vocalize such. With Snoke's disapproval, rejection was imminent.
Ever since his father's death, it felt as if every decision was also approved by his mother's trusted advisor. Lord Snoke was a smart man, but sometimes Ben worried about the man's influence on his mother.
But now that those visitors had retreated, he had another visitor to look forward to. He even took extra care with his appearance, making sure that his hair was styled in his preferred manner and that his clothes were perfectly pressed.
Poe entered his chambers and set down a tray, all smiles. "The wine you requested, my prince. It should pair excellently with the meal the kitchen brought up."
"And the bath?" Ben asked, glancing over the chalices of wine before sitting down, "Have you drawn the bath and provided the clothes I requested?"
His loyal footman nodded. "Everything is set for your guest. Are you sure there is nothing else I can provide?"
Ben smiled and nodded. "Quite certain. Please, enjoy your evening."
Poe offered a smile and bow before disappearing to his own quarters, allowing Ben a moment of peace. The night ahead of him would be busy. He was taught at a very young age not to lie, and given his blossoming interest in Rey, he knew it was time he came clean about his identity.
Then, if the right moment presented itself, he would ask her to become his mistress. He had spent all the previous evening, tossing and turning in his bed, wondering if he was going crazy. But his sleepless night of obsessing about her golden skin and hazel eyes confirmed his feelings.
He lusted after Rey. Very much so. And given her circumstances, the opportunity to become his concubine would be beneficial for them both. Ben would have someone to spend his evenings with, allowing him to be fulfilled emotionally and physically, especially when he surely would wed a woman he cared little for.
As for Rey, status as his mistress would elevate her in society. She would no longer have to steal and would never have to worry about going to sleep hungry again.
His thoughts of his offer disappeared as a figure appeared on the railing of his balcony, cloaked by the shadows of the moon. With a deep breath, he opened the doors, nearly falling backwards as Rey jumped through the opening.
Clad in her same attire, a soot covered white tank, a dingy pair of oversized brown pants, and what appeared to be discolored white linen wrapped around her arms, Rey looked positively beautiful. Her hair was tied back into a long plait, moving in rhythm with her. She offered Ben a massive grin.
"Kylo," She purred, her eyes shining in the dim light of his room, "Your guards truly are atrocious."
He gulped and nodded. "I… I will take note of that."
She shrugged and looked around, her eyes immediately landing on the large assortment of food the kitchen had previously delivered. While the evening before he had only been able to secure leftovers for her, he made sure to have the kitchens prepare a feast for the pair of them to share. There was an entire roasted piglet, his favorite boiled potatoes, hard cheeses from the Rylothian district, little pastries filled with sweet cream and fruits, soft breads for—
"Bloody hell," She whispered, her hazel eyes twice their normal size, "There's so much food!" She turned to look at Ben, her eyes teary, "You brought this for me?"
He bit his lip and nodded, a warmth flooding his chest. Seeing her so happy made him equally satisfied as it did excite him. He coughed. "I have wine as well. From the vineyards in Moraband."
His mention of wine made her frown, immediately catching his attention. "Is there something wrong? You mustn't drink any if you don't want to."
She shook her head aggressively. "No, it's just…" She bit her lip and looked down, "Surely a footman doesn't have access to wine. Will you be in trouble with the Prince? Did you steal for me?"
Ben cursed. He hadn't exactly decided how he was going to reveal his identity to Rey, but now seemed to be as good a time as ever. With a deep breath, he stepped forward. "Rey, I must be honest with you."
"What is it, Kylo?" She asked, her big, curious eyes staring into his.
He gulped. "Well, it's that actually. You see, my name isn't Kylo."
She let out a breath of relief. "Oh, marvelous. That was such a silly name."
He cleared his throat and shook his head. "I'm also not a footman for the Prince." He bit his lip and kept her gaze, before announcing, "The truth is, I am the Prince."
It was alarming, if he were honest, how quickly she moved away from him, her back now flush against the balcony doors. Her eyes, once filled with sparkles of delight, now were filled with fear. She began to shake.
"You're Prince Benjamin?" She asked, her voice clipped and her hands shaking.
Ben cleared his throat and nodded. "Please. Call me Ben."
She shook her head, unable to look at him. "Why am I here?" She managed, her voice soft, "Am I being punished for stealing?" Her lip quivered suddenly, and a fresh tear fell down her cheek, "Please don't hurt me."
He rushed forward and reached to touch her but stopped at the sight of her discomfort. He frowned. "Of course not, Rey. I would never hurt you." He sighed and rubbed at his eyes, saddened by her demeanor, "I wanted you to return because I enjoy your company. The truth is, our run in the city is the most fun I think I've ever had."
She sniffled and met his gaze, relaxing slightly. "Really? You like spending time with me?"
Ben nodded. "I do. I think you are clever and fun to be around. You showed and taught me more about my home in just mere hours than any tutor has taught me in my entire life."
Rey whimpered and nodded. "Why did you lie then? I would have accepted you."
He sighed and looked down. "Not everyone would have." He blushed, despite his best efforts not to, and added, "Perhaps that is why I enjoy your company so much. You are unlike anyone I have ever known."
Slowly, she stepped away from the balcony doors, only stopping when she stood a few inches from him. Then, with a smile so bright it nearly blinded him, she let out a soft giggle. "You are most certainly unlike anyone I have known before. Now, may we eat?"
Ben could only nod.
-x-x-x-
While he did enjoy the display of food, he was far too entranced watching Rey eat. And eat. And eat. Because to put it simply, the girl could eat. And what she couldn't eat, she stuffed into her sack or tossed to the little fox she called Bebe who sat at the base of his bed.
It was invigorating watching the faces she made at the taste of the salty pork or the sweet pastries. And during her first sip of wine, her cheeks turned a rosy pink that made Ben choke on his mouthful of potatoes.
She was an incredible specimen, one that after so much food, looked happier than he had ever seen her. But Ben knew their evening was not finished. Once satisfied that she was finished eating or hoarding the food, he rose to his feet and looked to her.
"Oh, Ben," She purred, her hands rubbing her stomach soothingly, "This was incredible."
He swallowed, unable to tear his gaze from her. "I'm happy you enjoyed your meal. I also wanted to um," He cleared his throat and scratched as his neck, "I would like you to experience one of our other luxuries."
She sat up, watching him curiously. "What could be more luxurious than delicious food and wine from Moraband?"
"Have you ever taken a warm bath? My footman adds lavender." Ben began, suddenly nervous by his offer, "You showed me how you live. Now let me show you how I live."
Rey continued to stare at him, eyes wide. "You're offering me the chance to take a warm bath? Do I stink?"
He gulped and shook his head. "What? No, it's just—"
She giggled and rushed forward. "I'm kidding, my Prince. I've never taken a real bath before. And the rivers are so cold. I would love to."
With flushed cheeks, he nodded quickly and led her to the side room of his quarters, pointing to the cast iron tub Poe had filled with warm water and lavender essence. Of all the frivolities a royal life offered, a hot bath after a hard day was certainly his favorite.
"It's all set. I'll step out while you—"
His words were cut off when his eyes landed on her. In mere seconds she had discarded her clothes, unabashed about her nudity. As she unwrapped the dirty strips of fabric from her arms, uncaring of her bare form, Ben could not look away.
Despite the few streaks of dirt along her arms and legs, he was entranced by her smooth, golden skin. Her breasts were small but pleasing, housing pink nipples that reminded him of a sweet fruit imported from Onderon. Even her hips were lovely, leading into a round ass that would fit perfectly in his massive hands.
He didn't allow himself to focus too intensely on the tuft of dark curls between her legs. He was already painfully hard as it was. And when he thought he would simply die, she finally lowered herself into the water, letting out a soft cry of delight.
"This is incredible," She gasped, rubbing the floral water on her exposed arms, "I feel like a Princess!"
And as Ben watched her play in the water, rubbing every inch of her skin and long hair, he wanted nothing more. For the rest of her bath, he watched with devout attention, hypnotized by her giggles of delight and her exposed skin.
He wanted her desperately. In fact, he was beginning to believe he had never wanted anything as much in his life.
When she was ready to leave the tub, he offered her a plush towel, crafted of the finest linen from Devaron, and watched with pure fascination as she dried herself. She still appeared to have no qualms about her nudity or his presence, chatting with him throughout the entirety of her bath, playing around in the water like a child with a new toy.
"I also have clothes," He began, his cheeks tinting pink, "They're made of linen. Excellent for the weather and practical for your daily needs."
Rey watched him curiously, but nodded, quickly accepting the clothing. He watched as she slipped into the attire—a white top, dark trousers, and a dark vest—before twisting her hair into another plait.
But as they padded back into his main quarters, she dropped onto one of his chairs, watching him curiously.
"I do hope that was enjoyable," Ben explained, suddenly disturbed by her quietness, "I love my evening bath. I expected you would as well."
They stared at one another for a few moments, until her voice finally broke through the tension.
"What do you want from me?" She asked, her voice somehow gentle yet firm, "You truly only want my friendship?"
Ben moved towards the balcony doors, staring through the glass at Coruscant City below. He sighed before turning back to Rey. "No. I would like more than that."
She cleared her throat and rose to her feet. "What type of woman do you take me for?"
"Strong and independent. Two traits I would most like in a lover."
Staggering back, her hazel eyes widened to humorous proportions. "A lover? You want me to be your lover?"
Despite mentally walking through this conversation with himself before Rey's arrival, Ben was still at a loss for words. He sighed and looked down. "Yes," He began, his voice hesitant, "Rey, I am expected to marry a Princess to ensure a new political ally for Coruscant. But I do not expect my wife to be a woman I am attracted to or desire sharing a bed with."
He bit his lip, watching her freckled face for any reaction. She simply stared back, eyes wide. He sighed and continued. "I am attracted to you. Very much so. I am drawn to both your body and your mind." Then, with an outstretched hand, he spoke the words that scared him so very much. "I would like you to become my mistress."
Rey continued to stare at him, her cheeks flushed. She cleared her throat. "You want me to become your mistress?"
"Yes. Very much so."
She looked down. "I don't… What does that even entail?"
Ben cleared his throat. "You would be a companion for me. A friend. A lover. You'd live here. I would provide for you. You'd never worry about food again."
Rey stared at the ground, clearly speechless. Ben swallowed and continued his nervous rambling.
"I don't mean to say I can buy your person with food. I merely mean to say that uh…" He cursed and looked down, "Well, if you were to accept my proposal, it would be advantageous for you as well."
She stood up and moved to the balcony doors, her back turned to him. "I don't know what being a lover requires," She whispered, before turning around to meet his gaze, "I know nothing of how to please a man, especially our future King."
Ben rushed forward and took her hands in his. "I have limited knowledge as well, Rey, but we would learn together." He pressed his lips to her knuckles and let out a pleasant sigh, "I would treasure your body."
"Tr-treasure my body?" She stuttered out, her hands shaking in his, "I don't—I've never—You would—"
He brought her hands to his face and kissed her delicate wrists, inhaling the essence of lavender, still sticking to her skin from her bath. "Let me demonstrate," He practically begged, before pressing another kiss to her wrist, "I've fed you and clothed you. Now let me show you what accepting my proposal would mean."
She flushed and gently pulled her hands away. "But… How is that proper?"
"I will keep my clothes on," He rushed out, his eyes frantically exploring her clothed figure, "You may undress, and I will demonstrate. Then you may take as long as you need to decide."
She stared at him, unmoving. Unsure what to do next, Ben finally followed the demands of his body. With a mere three steps forward, he pressed his lips to hers.
-x-x-x-
The sensation was unlike anything she had ever experienced. The feeling of someone else's lips on hers was new, and the moment Ben kissed her, she knew she wanted more. No, she realized as she returned his kiss, she needed more.
Intimate relations were not something Rey spent much time thinking about. She had watched animals mate. She had walked past the open doors of the local brothels, both seeing and hearing things she did not wish to repeat.
Those moments aside, she had no experience of her own. Street rats were not typically the object of anyone's affections. Perhaps in a different world, she and Finn would have become romantically involved, but Finn's romantic inclinations were for people of a very different variety than Rey.
Yet now, she was being kissed by the bloody Prince of Coruscant, being offered the chance to become his mistress. And if she were being honest with herself, she knew the opportunity was one she would be stupid to pass off.
Given her circumstances, becoming the mistress of the future King would be the highest possible role she could ever fulfill. It would elevate her status immediately.
She would never want again.
But she stopped thinking the moment her new linen pants were removed, exposing her legs and lower half to Ben's gaze. She was not shy about her nudity—she had lived with Finn for years, and as a child, half the time she roamed around nude in the summer, the heat in Jakku unbearable.
However, it certainly was a new sensation to have a man's gaze, a man she was so desperately attracted to, focused on her body. Earlier, during her bath, it never even occurred to her that he should not be in the room while she undressed.
The way he studied her in the tub still sent shivers down her spine. The crevice between her legs had grown hot and tender, an unfamiliar ache growing in her belly. In fact, that feeling had yet to disappear, and only intensified the moment his lips met hers.
Now, she laid on his bed, watching as he lurked over her, his eyes locked on the space between her thighs. She had no idea what would follow, especially since he vowed to keep his clothes on. So, she could only describe the noise that escaped her lips at the feeling of his tongue against her as a squawk of surprise.
Her hips jerked forward, her eyes locked on his head between her legs. She merely gasped and reached forward, grabbing a handful of his luscious hair. He groaned and gave her tender bits another thorough lick.
"Forgive me," He began, his voice hoarse, "My only knowledge is from books I have read. I will try my hardest to give you pleasure."
His words were followed with the return of his tongue on her core, this time his lips quick and ravenous. His tongue eagerly explored her lowers lips, before settling on the tiny nub that Rey knew to give great pleasure.
She was greedy, really, pulling frantically at his hair as his tongue and lips worked. His massive hands held her thighs steady, his mouth, nose, and chin working in unison to rub and nip at her drenched core.
Surprisingly, given their inexperience, it only took mere minutes before she began to shake, letting out desperate cries of pleasure. His lips sucked greedily on her nub, only breaking to allow his tongue to work at the pleasure spot as well.
With one final tug of his hair, Rey stopped convulsing, her legs dropping to the mattress, although soft moans still escaped her lips. Ben pressed soft kisses down her legs before sitting up, her essence streaked across his face.
He gulped and licked his lips, his gaze hazy. "Remarkable," He muttered, running his hands down her hips, "You are perfection."
Rey gulped and sat up, unable to meet his stare. "Th-thank you." She cleared her throat and grabbed at her pants, despite her skin being warm to the touch, "That was the most pleasure I have ever experienced."
With devoted eyes, Ben watched as she fixed her pants, before rising to her feet on shaky legs. He cleared his throat and grabbed her hands, his eyes filled with admiration. "Please, consider my offer. Take as long as you need to decide."
She nodded, still staring at the ground. "Will you punish me if I decline?"
He frowned but shook his head. "Of course not, Rey. I will respect your decision."
Rey let go of his hands and retrieved her bag from the ground, unsurprised to find Bebe fast asleep inside, only her fruit covered snoot sticking out from the opening. She glanced once more at Ben, before moving towards the doors. "I will return in three days with my decision."
He gulped and nodded enthusiastically. "I await your return eagerly." He pressed a kiss to her head and opened the balcony doors for her, "Please, take care of yourself Rey."
She allowed herself one final look at him, one additional opportunity to fawn over his beautiful lips and eyes and nose and everything, before climbing onto the balcony rail. She offered him a bow before swinging away, following the route she had discovered the previous evening.
Despite the darkness of the night sky, maneuvering around the palace was easy for Rey, the ocean generating quite a bit of light from the shining moon above. In fact, the pep in her step got her to the palace walls quicker than the previous evening, not a single guard slowing down her movements.
She had just nearly climbed the perimeter of the stone wall when a deep voice startled her. Rey didn't need to turn around to know her escape was foiled.
"Well, what a pleasant surprise," The sniveling voice began, its owner hidden behind one of the palace's majestic columns, "Remove yourself from the wall. I promise you will not be hurt if you follow directions."
Rey sighed and dropped down, cursing herself for getting caught. She was never this careless.
Perhaps Ben's ministrations had clouded her brain.
At any rate, what would she do now? Would she explain to the guards that she was a guest of the Prince? Was she even a guest of the Prince? Why didn't Ben have a guard escort her out?
Before she made herself sick with worry, the figure moved from the shadows. With hair the shade of copper and in clothes nearly as fine as what Ben and the handsome footman wore, the man intimated Rey.
He let out a low whistle, drawing the attention of two palace guards, their white armor also shining in the light of the moon. He offered Rey a menacing grin.
"The street urchin returns," He noticed Rey's look of surprise and quickly added, "My, you couldn't possibly think I didn't see you yesterday?" He let out a 'tssk' and smirked, "Perhaps you're just as dim as the other street rats then."
Rey bared her teeth at the man, causing him to let out an ominous laugh. "I suppose the Prince wants you to be his whore?" He looked her up and down and smirked, "Well, when he is bored of you, my guards will love a taste."
With a growl, she charged towards the nameless man, but was immediately intercepted by the guards. The man laughed again and strolled away, the guards carrying her close behind.
"Where are you taking me?" She shrieked, kicking and pulling at the guards hold, "Who are you? Wait until I tell the Prince!"
But the man merely laughed. "Oh, you'll learn soon enough, my street rat. Until then…"
Before Rey could respond, she descended into darkness.
-x-x-x-
It was only when her body was tossed into what she immediately identified as sand that Rey came too. With frantic movements, the sack over her head dropped to the ground, exposing her eyes to the desert. The sun was rising, a confirmation of the hours having passed.
Rey struggled to her feet, her eyes landing on the mystery man who had taken her. But he was not alone. By his side stood an older man, dressed in the finest silk she had ever seen. Behind him, flaked by two palace guards, was a horse and carriage.
She gulped. "Where am I?" She screeched, her body beginning to shake in fear, "Who are you people?"
The red-headed man opened his mouth to respond but stopped at the sight of the older man stepping forward. He offered Rey a soft smile.
"My child," He began, his voice soft, "I am Lord Snoke. Queen Leia's second in command."
Rey gulped, staring at the man with wide eyes. What did the Queen's top advisor want with her? "What do you want?" She nearly choked out.
He offered her a soft smile. "Your help, my child. Tell me, how fond are you of Coruscant as your home?"
"I—I love it," She stuttered out, unsure of his words, "Why?"
He took another step forward. "Your help will ensure your loyalty, my child. You see, I seek the Kaiburr Crystal from the Cave of Wonders," He watched her with an unfamiliar intensity, "These crystals will ensure Coruscant's continued power and success. Our survival as a Kingdom relies on them."
Rey had never heard of such a cave or the crystals he desired. "But why do I need to help?" She managed, still confused, and so very scared.
Lord Snoke held out his hands, a smile across his lips. "For you have the skillset we desire. You are worthy of entering the cave. For not just anyone can."
"I still don't understand…"
"The cave is full of temptation, my child," He cut in, his tone growing frustrated, "To retrieve the crystals, the worthy one may not touch or take anything else. And there are many temptations."
Rey shook her head. "I don't…Can't you find someone else? Why am I worthy?"
Lord Snoke took another step towards her. "My child, you will be rewarded greatly. All of Coruscant will offer you a hero's welcome. Think of how proud the Prince would be."
She froze, her mind drifting to thoughts of Ben. Would he expect her to help? Did he know anything about this? Weren't crystals relics of an old form of magic, a type that children were taught wasn't real, a type that Finn used to joke about during their runs in the city?
"What if I say no?" Rey whispered, staring at the men, attempting to stay calm.
Lord Snoke merely smiled at her question and waved his hand. To Rey's fear, the palace guards opened the carriage and pulled Finn out, his entire body tied up, his face covered in bruises and cuts, indicating a fight. "Simple, my child. You watch your friend reach a very unfortunate end."
Rey stared at Finn, tears growing in her eyes. "How did you—"
The red-headed man let out a growl. "You stupid street rat. You think we are incapable of finding you and who you spend your time with?" The man took a step towards Rey and bared his teeth, "You accept Lord Snoke's request for help and you both run free. You reject, and you both die."
She took one more look at Finn's bruised face before looking at Lord Snoke. With a deep breath, she held her shoulders up high, remembering what was at stake.
"Fine. Take me to this cave."
-x-x-x-
Rey stared at the small opening between sand mounds, the inconspicuous space looking more like a natural occurrence than a mystical cave opening. For a moment, she even wondered if this entire thing was some sort of elaborate hoax to trap her in sand, so she'd die a very miserable, very hot death.
But as she neared the opening, Bebe's head peeking out of her satchel, Lord Snoke's voice boomed in the silence of the early morning.
"Remember, my child," He began, his voice causing Rey's stomach to twist in agony, "You take only the Kaiburr Crystals and nothing more."
Rey glanced over her shoulder to meet the old man's gaze. "And you remember," She hissed back, "You leave Finn alone."
With a deep breath, she walked into the opening, everything around her shrouded in darkness. Bebe began to make soft noises that Rey recognized as distress calls, only calming when Rey scratched at the tiny animal's head.
She continued her movements in the dark, no ideal where she was or what she was doing. She glanced behind her, the light of the early morning gone, forcing her to gulp. Apparently, the opening of the cave was now closed.
There was no turning around.
And with two further steps, her body lurched forward, freefalling to what she assumed would surely be her death. But, as she whispered a final goodbye to any sort of maker above, her back collided with another sand mound, her eyes squeezed shut in fear.
Yet, when she opened her eyes, she was no longer enclosed in darkness. Instead, the enormous space glowed from an unseen source of light, along with the sparkling light of what Rey could estimate to be thousands of pieces of gold, silver, and different color crystals.
Rey now understood Lord Snoke's discussion of temptation. Her eyes immediately landed on a necklace of gold and blue crystals, a stunning piece of jewelry that looked like it belonged on the neck of a Princess. Beside it sat chalices and dishware of pure silver, as well as a singular crystal scarlet in color, probably the size of Rey's hand.
She wondered what such goods would fetch selling secondhand. She wondered what it would feel like to wear such beautiful pieces, to eat on such luxurious plates, to relish in the lavish goods that only money could afford…
"BEBE!" She shrieked, noticing her little fox perched on a mound, sniffling what appeared to be a bracelet of silver and blue crystal, "NO! Don't touch anything!"
The animal let out a yip of disappointment and backed away, still staring at the shining object with pure longing. Rey understood the disappointment. She wanted to take everything too.
But she was on a mission. It only took a few glances around the expansive area to locate the Kaiburr crystals that Lord Snoke requested. Sitting on the highest peak in the cave, the crystals glowed red, reminding Rey of the color of the sky at sunset. There appeared to be three of them, each no bigger than a single grape, those deliciously exotic fruit that Ben had fed her.
Rey gulped and stared up at them, knowing she'd have to climb to the top to retrieve the crystals. With a deep breath, she began to climb the rocky peak, her fingers immediately aching from the sharp edges of the summit.
As she climbed to the top, using every bit of muscle she had in her legs and arms, her eyes couldn't help but glance around the space yet again. The cave had more than simply jewels and gold—exotic carpets, silk gowns, leather bound books, and fancy machines she had never seen before also littered the rocky cavern.
Suddenly, she wondered how many people before her had failed such a task. What made her so worthy? Did she have it in her to avoid grabbing a crystal for herself?
A cry escaped her lips as she sliced her hand on one particularly jagged edge of the rocky peak, blood now spilling from the palm of her hand. She sniffled and continued her climb, whispering words of encouragement to herself.
Finally, when she thought she'd never reach the top, her eyes landed on the three crystals, locked together in a silver chain. "Oh maker, give me strength," She cried as she reached forward and grabbed the crystals, her bloody hand painting the silver.
She took a moment to relax on the peak of rock, delirious with exhaustion and relief from retrieving the crystals. But, Bebe's yipping quickly dragged her out of her stupor.
"Bebe?" She groaned out, clutching the crystals to her chest, "Where are you?"
From her elevated position, she managed to catch a glimpse of orange and white fur flying across the rocky terrain. Then, in horror, she watched her trusty partner nudge a sparkling blue crystal with her snoot, excited yips escaping her mouth.
"BEBE, NO!" Rey cried, watching in horror as Bebe locked her jaw around the jewel.
But her cries of horror were drowned out by the roaring noise of rocks falling, the entire terrain of the space changing. With frantic movements, she jumped from her peak to another one, using the descending heights as one massive staircase.
"BEBE!" She screamed, watching as her trusted fox jumped onto peaks, the blue crystal lost in sea of tumbling rocks and moving pieces.
Rey grabbed Bebe and settled the animal on her shoulder before beginning her climb up the cave walls, following only a glimmer of light that Rey assumed was the outside. Her arms and legs were screaming in pain, not used to such steep climbing. Her hand still bled, the crimson color soaking her new shirt and the crystals she held steady.
The interior of the cave seemed to collapse below them. When Rey glanced over her shoulder, all she spotted was dust and rubble, the destruction acting as encouragement to continue her climb to the top.
If she stopped, she died.
Finally, her eyes reached the light, and she let out a cry of delight, using her elbows to prop herself on the floor of the entrance. But, despite the thick adrenaline coursing through her veins, she was not strong enough to list herself over the rocky peak and onto the sandy floor of the opening.
Thankfully, Lord Snoke appeared, two guards behind him, holding Finn steady. Her best friend spotted Rey, his eyes blood shot but relieved.
"Rey!" He cried, desperately trying to remove himself from the guards' hold, "You're alive!"
Lord Snoke held up his hand, indicating for Finn to shut up. He glanced at Rey and grinned. "My child, you have succeeded. Hand over the crystals and this will all be over."
Rey gulped, her elbows digging into the rocky floor of the opening, the crystals clutched in her bloody hand. "Help me first!" She cried out, Bebe yipping anxiously on her shoulder, "Help me up and then they're yours!"
With a menacing grin, Lord Snoke stepped forward and stared down at her. "Of course, my child." He held out his hand, watching Rey curiously. "Take my hand."
She let out another cry and held out her empty hand, desperate to be brought to the floor. Lord Snoke took her dirty palm and held out his other, gently lifting her. Delirious with happiness, Rey offered her other hand, not realizing her mistake until it was too late.
The last thing she saw before she was thrown into darkness was the old man holding the crystals, his eyes widening in delight.
Then, she was falling to her death, Finn's cries seeming to follow her.
But as her body prepared to hit the rubble, she stopped, floating in midair, before gently being lowered to the ground. With wide eyes, she watched the same thing happen to Finn, his face reddened with tears and cuts.
"Finn!" She sobbed out, before rushing forward to hug him, "I'm so sorry!"
He sniffled and pulled her closer, shaking his head aggressively. "It's not your fault. They came in the night and took me. And when Snoke pushed you, he had them throw me over too," He gulped and pulled away, his eyes sad, "No witnesses, he said."
Rey dropped to the rubble, tears streaming down her face. "Well, now he has the crystals, and we're going to die down here."
Before Finn could respond, the pair watched as another figure descended from above, stopping just above the rubble. Both jumped to their feet.
"BEBE!" Rey cried out, before taking the fox in her arms, "I'm so happy you're okay!"
The fox let out a yip before rolling over, exposing the white of her belly. Contrasting with her fur stood the silver chain, three red crystals locked within.
Rey gasped. "Bebe, you did it! You got the crystals back!"
Bebe yipped and nuzzled into Rey's arms, thrilled with the attention. Finn dropped beside her, looking just as exhausted as Rey.
Unsure of what to do next, Rey cautiously removed the crystals from Bebe's belly, taking a moment to stare at the blood covered chain. She sniffled and rubbed her thumb against one of the crystals, wondering what was so special about the little rocks that had Lord Snoke throwing her and Finn to their presumed deaths.
"Retrieved the crystals, you have." A mysterious voice explained, echoing across the rocks of the collapsed cave.
