'Hold tight little Empress. We don't have stabilisers here,' Vicrul laughed.

Rey clenched her hands on the seat beneath her, glancing around the ship and its motely passengers.

The Night Buzzard was larger than Rey had expected. As a modified prisoner ship from Osseriton, the Knights had stuck to the original décor, favouring low lighting, filthy walls, and a general dingy atmosphere. She couldn't be totally sure, but she had grim reason to believe that the dark stains that covered the floor were dried patches of blood. Even the seat felt sticky beneath her fingertips.

It made Rey almost miss the pristine corridors of The Silencer.

Out of the corner of her eye she caught Kylo watching her, an apprehensive expression on his face as he surveyed the scavenger sitting adjacent to him.

She hadn't properly spoken to him since Vicrul's revelation about their night time soirée, nor had she wanted to.

So, did he enjoy himself in pleasure tents? And if, why did that bother her?

Rey's thoughts were uneasy as she shifted in her seat, studiously ignoring his gaze. She knew that it shouldn't bother her as much as it did, but she couldn't help but feel her stomach twist.

Through their bond, she felt him reaching out.

Don't shut me out.

His plea rang through their connection. She sighed, twisting her body away.

Why did she feel so hurt? Betrayed, almost. Kylo hadn't promised her, nor had he even hinted, at anything. With a sinking feeling in her stomach, she thought back to when he had offered her his hand. Clearly ruling together just meant being allies. That should be the end of that. He was free to do whatever he wanted.

She took a deep breath in as she felt the old ship sluggishly move away from The Silencer's hangers. Vicrul was right; there were certainly no stabilisers.

'Is this place far?' Rey asked, tightening her hold on her seat as the vessel lurched alarmingly. She didn't know what she'd do if they'd have to go to light speed.

'Why? Feeling sick yet?' Trudgen smirked from beside Vicrul, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he studied the scavenger.

When she had entered the hanger earlier, she hadn't recognised the waiting Knights. Gone was the armour, helmets and weaponry. Instead stood six men, roughly Ben's age, each heavily scarred but still very much human.

If she had passed them in Jakku, she wouldn't have thought these boys were anything special.

'I bet she's scared,' Cardo laughed, leaning around to stare at Rey.

'I'm not scared. I'm disgusted,' Rey spat back. 'The Resistance are always trying to shut places like this down. They shouldn't even be allowed to stay open. They're degrading and dangerous.'

'Your high-and-mighty Resistance scum aren't that noble, Empress. Fun fact: they may preach that they 'shut' these places down, but they're the ones really keeping them open,' the Knight sitting next to Rey sneered.

She hadn't been introduced to him yet, but she was dismayed that he had already picked up Vicrul's nickname for her.

'Good point, Ushar. And how do you know they're 'degrading and dangerous'? Sounds like insider knowledge to me,' Vicrul cackled.

Rey froze, and she saw Vicrul's expression change from amusement to triumphant.

'Wait... You didn't? Oh, this is too good. Tell me you didn't work in a pleasure tent, did you?' he urged gleefully.

The scavenger felt a blush creep up her neck as the Knights all gawked at her. She didn't dare meet Kylo's eye as she turned away from Vicrul's stare. She could feel her bonded's Force signature tug at her through their connection.

'Don't be stupid,' Rey said, her voice small. She leant back in her seat, crossing her arms.

'I can't work out if you're lying or not,' Vicrul laughed, the shock still evident in his voice. 'Who'd want a skinny runt like you anyway? God, a Jakku pleasure tent, can you think of anything worse boys?'

A roar of laughter from the Knights made Rey flinch.

Did you? Just tell me you didn't.

Not in the way you're thinking, no.

She peeked up to see Kylo's dark eyes trained on her, a glimmer of something unsaid shining in the depths. He leant forward, closing the gap between them.

'In answer to your original question: we're not too far, no. It's in the Mid Rim,' Kylo answered quietly.

'Near Takonda?' Rey asked. She wasn't particularly clued up on the planets of that region, and could only name the lush planet where she had first met Kylo.

A small smile flitted across his face as he studied her face.

'Close enough. The forest moon of Wasskah,' he answered. Rey bit her lip as she felt their bond tighten and tug at each other. Ever since her imposed silence in his room, the air had been thick with tension and questions. Now everything flowed with ease. The relief was palatable on her tongue. She watched as Kylo leant forward slightly, his dark eyes trained on her face.

Was he feeling the same?

'Maker, get a room,' Vicrul called, making them jump. She hadn't realised how close they were sitting until they both moved back.

Rey smiled as she saw Kylo's cheek stain red.


Rey felt a droplet of sweat run down her back as she stared at the brothel in front of her.

Madame Meione's Palace of Wonders. That's what Vicrul had called it.

The crumbling stone temple-like structure certainly had an air of ruined grandeur about it.

Brightly coloured silks flowed from glass-free windows, and Rey spied men and women of different species parading in front of the openings. The night sky was brightly lit with an assortment of suspended lanterns, illuminating the crowds in the mossy courtyard. She could hear a cacophony of laughter coming from the building, along with more suspicious cries and moans.

When they had landed The Night Buzzard on the rainforest floor, she'd thought that boreal landscape wouldn't be the best place for a thriving den of inequity. It was too humid, too isolated. From the scanty dress of the women who walked past, she could see she was mistaken. This was the perfect place.

'Cold feet, Empress?' Vicrul's mouth was too close to her ear.

She jerked away from the blonde Knight. She wished she could just give him a bolt of energy like Kylo had done on the ship, just to teach him.

'Lead the way,' she said through clenched teeth.

The rest of the Knights were already moving through the crowds, their presence causing ripples from the other customers. Vicrul marched ahead, demanding a drink as he slipped into the brothel's door.

Rey twitched as she felt a familiar hand reach out to grasp her elbow. Kylo was staring down at her, his expression unreadable.

'I'm sorry you were brought here. This wasn't my idea,' he said quietly, his voice full of regret.

'I know that,' Rey admitted.

'There may be some food inside if you're hungry. I don't suppose you felt like eating this morning,' Kylo said. His eyes strayed to her neckline. She knew he was thinking of the bruises that were hidden below.

'I'll be okay. I've gone longer without food,' she said, shrugging.

Truthfully, the gnawing pang of hunger was as familiar as breathing to Rey. She found the regularity of meals that the Resistance had provided her to be a luxury, but one that she didn't find herself needing.

What she was missing was sleep. The events of the last two days were enough for Rey to feel like she needed to sleep for a decade.

'We won't be here long. And tomorrow is yours,' Kylo promised. With a gentle tug, he pulled her into the bustling brothel.

'Master Ren. We didn't know you'd be joining the Knights. It's been too long,' a Twi'lek woman greeted them as they entered, surprise and shock evident in her voice. Rey couldn't help but stare at the creature.

She was remarkable, her athletic frame encased in a sheer mesh dress that hid nothing.

With her grey tunic and atypical three buns, Rey suddenly felt very plain.

'Jaara, a pleasure as always. And it was an… unscheduled evening out. I trust Vicrul didn't alert you on the comms?' Kylo nodded at the smiling courtesan.

'Does he ever?' The Twi'lek smiled. Reaching behind her, she pulled out a silver lidded box.

'Your weapons? Surely you don't need them in a place of pleasure,' Jaara laughed.

Rey's hand flew down to her lightsaber, her hand wrapping around the hilt. Her stomach dropped as she stroked the worn handle. She knew that logically she wouldn't need it in a brothel, but the sensation of parting with it made her feel sick. She would be defenceless.

Kylo sighed heavily, unclipping his lightsaber and small blaster from his waist.

'You're not normally this insistent,' Kylo said.

'Too many brawls recently ending in gunfire. I've already spoken to the Knights, and they've co-operated. So... please,' Jaara said, shaking the box. From inside the casket, Rey heard the thump of various weapons.

Is this normal? Rey questioned, pushing her thought along their connection.

Jaara has no reason to lie. Relax, Rey. And if Vicrul handed his saber over, I can't be seen to be petty.

Biting her lip, she unclipped the piece of Skywalker history from her waist and handed it over.

'Where's Meione?' Kylo asked.

From beside the dark-haired man, Rey glanced around the space. Heavy with smoke from various hookah pipes, the large room was hazy. Through the gloom, Rey could see various groups of people splayed out on decadent couches, large pillows and fur rugs. Without looking too close, Rey knew they were all engaged in different pleasurable acts.

'With Master Vicrul, I believe. I'll fetch her; I know she'll want to see you,' Jaara said. 'And is this young woman with you?'

Rey felt the Twi'lek's curious gaze alight upon her face, but before she could answer, she felt Kylo's arm snake around her waist and pull her against his hip.

'Yes, this is my Rey,' Kylo said, his voice steely.

Rey felt her cheeks bloom with heat.

'Oh, this is Rey,' Jaara's voiced dawned with understanding, and Rey saw her smile. 'And what a beauty. I'll fetch Meione.

With a swish of her lekku, the Twi'lek disappeared into the crowd, leaving the couple standing in the doorway.

They stood in silence. Rey was acutely aware of Kylo's hand spanning her waist, and of his hip wedged against her. She didn't want to break this spell, but she knew that if she didn't ask, it would forever play on her mind.

'Your Rey?' she muttered. For a moment, she felt Kylo's hand tighten on her waist. She waited for the moment that he would release her, but it never came.

'Apologies if I was too forward. But knowing this crowd, they'd have recruited you as a pleasure girl the minute my back was turned,' he remarked.

'I see,' she said noncommittedly. Her mind was too wrapped up in the feeling of body against hers, the sensation of his grip unyielding as he held her against his frame.

'Yes, that wouldn't have looked too good. Empress of the First Order, the new ride at Madame Meione's,' Kylo chuckled darkly.

And with that, Rey's mind snapped into clarity and she tensed under his touch.

So, this was just a power play. He doesn't want you.

Her troubled mind whispered at her as she shifted her weight away from his grasp.

'I see,' she spat back.

Along their bond, she felt his alarm as she stepped away.

'Rey, that was just a joke,' he countered weakly.

'Even I can see that didn't land, Master Ren.'

A voice from the crowd made Rey start. That voice was so familiar, so achingly homey, it transported her back to another time. A time with friends, and her first inkling of the Force.

'Maz?' Rey said.

A small being stepped out of the crowd, her hand wrapped up in Jaara's. With slow steps, she walked towards them, her large eyes magnified by extravagant goggles.

'No, I'm Meione, owner of this establishment. But I can tell you've met my troublesome sister,' Meione smiled at Rey.


'Maz is your sister?' Rey asked, staring down at creature in front of her.

She felt her heart pang as she thought back to her first encounter with the tavern owner on Takonda. In her mind's eye, she could see Han Solo, his weathered face breaking into a smirk.

'And whatever you do, don't stare,' he had said.

'At what?' Rey had asked, her voice joining up with Finn's as the doors to the tavern swung open.

'Any of it,' he'd answered, shrugging.

Now, on Wasskah, she had to admit she could see the family resemblance. She wasn't entirely sure what species Maz or Meione were, but their orange tone, wide-set eyes and small stature wasn't easily forgotten. But beyond that, Rey could hear the same sarcastic tone in their voices, and Meione shared Maz's smile.

'And you're Rey. The galaxy has whispered your name to me, but I didn't realise how young you'd be. Just a child,' Meione walked forward and grabbed Rey's hand, her large eyes trained on Rey's face. 'What are you doing here? We thought it would just be the Knights this evening?' Maz frowned at Kylo.

'You're the second person to say that to me. Why, do you dislike me so much?' Kylo's face broke into a genuine smile, and Rey was taken aback. It was so… unusual.

She could see the deep fondness in his eyes as he stared at the orange-skinned creature, and immediately Rey knew that Kylo Ren had gone, and this was her Ben. She wished she hadn't been so hasty to move out his grasp now.

'Don't be a fool. I just don't like unexpected visitors, that's all,' Maz replied. Rey narrowed her eyes as she saw worry flicker across the brothel madam's face, and she did not miss the glance that Maz and Jaara exchanged.

They're hiding something, Ben.

You're too paranoid Rey.

She frowned as she felt Ben brush off her concerns easily.

And you're too trusting.

'I suppose… No matter though. Follow me: I guess you haven't been offered a drink yet. Jaara, leave us.' She dismissed the Twi'lek with a wave.

Meione tugged Rey, pulling her into step. Leading, she wove her through the crowds. Along their bond, Rey reached out for Ben. Despite her anger earlier, she didn't want to be left alone.

I'm right behind you, he responded.

'So, tell me Master Ren, why are you here? Or shall I call you Supreme Leader now? We've heard about Snoke's demise. I suppose congratulations are in order,' Meione stated, turning her head to stare at the dark-haired man.

'It's still Kylo here, Meione. And this was Vicrul's decision entirely. He said I'd be breaking tradition if I refused him,' Kylo replied.

'But I know your traditions, and why you bring your Knights here. Surely this youngster isn't joining your ranks? She's got too much light in her!' Meione exclaimed, her voice horrified as she squeezed Rey's hand.

Rey smiled weakly. Truthfully, she wasn't paying attention. She was too busy trying to avoid the attention she was receiving from the customers. And to her horror, various hands were reaching out to touch her. She flinched as she felt a stranger's curious fingers trail across her calf.

'You're talking to the new Empress of the First Order, not just a Knight. And Meione-' Rey inhaled as she felt Kylo's torso press against her back, '-If you want to have customers at the end of the night, I'd suggest you tell your regulars to stop touching,' Kylo's voice was menacing as it cut through the babble.

The strangers hand along her calf disappeared instantly.

'My apologies. They get a little overfamiliar. But you needn't stay, Kylo. I can tell you're uncomfortable. You and Rey could just slip away, and leave the Knights. I'll send them back in one piece,' Meione offered.

'Vicrul insisted we bring The Night Buzzard, so we can't slip out. Why do I get the feeling you're trying to get rid of me?' Kylo teased, but Rey could hear an edge of uncertainty creep into his voice.

'Nonsense, Kylo. It's just so rare that you're here with the Knights, and I know how… tricky they can make things,' Meione said, shaking her head.

'That's an understatement,' Kylo muttered.

'But if you are insisting on staying... Tell me Rey, did you want to enjoy yourself tonight?' Meione asked, pausing in the centre of the room.

She clicked her fingers, and Rey watched as two courtesans freed themselves from nearby suitors and walked up to their group. 'Free of charge of course. Dainpo is a very skilled lover,-' she said, pointing to the male suitor, '-but Olmpa may be more your style,' she shrugged, as the female smiled seductively at Rey.

Rey was flustered. She wasn't used to this attention. She froze as Dainpo caught her hand, his fingers skimming her wrist. From behind her, she felt Kylo shift against her back. He hadn't moved away during Meione's offer, and his presence was suffocating.

She had to admit, she was half-tempted. She had been without intimacy for a long while now, well before her journey with the Resistance. And Dainpo was good looking. Would it hurt? To give herself just a few hours of passion?

She opened her mouth, not sure what her response will be, but her words were caught short as Dainpo gasped, his hands scrabbling at his throat.

As Kylo lifted a choking Dainpo into the air, Rey's eyes moved over the female courtesan to Meione. The girl looked terrified, but Meione just looked thoughtful as she surveyed the scene.

A furious wave of jealousy and possession swept from Kylo, making Rey shudder. The feeling was so potent, so heavy, it made her knees go weak.

'Ben! Stop,' Rey gasped.

Steeling herself, she leant back, her movement so small that nobody apart from Kylo would notice. She pressed her body further into Kylo's chest, hoping to ground him, or just distract him out of this fury.

A vice-like grip shot out and grasped her wrist. She could feel Kylo was shaking, but he dropped the choking courtesan into a heap on the floor.

Meione studied Dainpo as he lay spluttering on the floor, and then back at Rey.

'He listens to you… Interesting,' the creature murmured.

'I told you, no touching,' Kylo snarled.

'Will you allow Rey to sit in the back room with the girls then? I'm sure she doesn't want to join the rest of your Knights in their… pastimes. Hopefully they'll get so drunk, you'll be able to leave earlier. I could always lend you a passenger freighter?' Meione raised an eyebrow.

'For the last time, I'm not leaving! And what am I supposed to do with the Knights?' Kylo questioned. Through their bond, Rey could feel the tension drain out of him. His mood swings both terrified and fascinated her.

The orange skinned creature sighed heavily.

'Stop Vicrul from having too much fun, perhaps.' There was something behind Meione's words, but Rey didn't care.

Why did Dainpo's simple touch evoke such a strong reaction out of the man behind her? It wasn't like she agreed to do anything with the courtesan - and if she did, why should Kylo care? He wasn't her keeper; he wasn't her lover.

'Rey? What do you want to do?' Kylo asked.

Stay with you and work out what's going on inside your heart, perhaps, she thought. But she shook her head.

'I'll sit in the back with the girls. I don't think this is really my scene anyway. No offence Meione,' she said, turning to the creature in front of her.

Meione shrugged. 'Each to their own. Here, I'll guide you. Master Ren, you can go now,' she said.

Rey felt Kylo's hand fingers tighten on her wrist for a moment, and then he disappeared into the swelling crowd.

'This way. I hope you're not too shy - my girls enjoy a good gossip, and I'm sure you've got plenty of stories to share,' Meione said.

As the crowd parted around Meione, Rey turned her head and blushed as she caught sight of a couple copulating on a large rug nearby. She was shocked how brazen everyone was.

'Why do you do this?' Rey blurted out.

'What?' Meione answered, raising an eyebrow at Rey's crimson cheeks.

'Run this?' Rey said, gesturing at the heaving bodies.

'If I don't run it, who will? Why? You don't like it?' Meione questioned.

'I just don't get the appeal. The Resistance have always said-' she was cut off by a loud huff that came from the creature in front of her.

'The Resistance, pah. You're standing with the most dangerous man in the galaxy, and you still idolise that motley crew of Rebels?' Meione said.

'Your sister has no problem with the Resistance,' Rey retorted.

'My sister still likes to believe in fairytales. I'm far more realistic. I sell things to the highest bidder, what's the harm in that?' Meione said. With interest, Rey watched as the small creature smiled and interacted with the customers as they passed by.

'Here, let me show you something,' Meione stopped, and towed Rey into a dim corner of the room.

From this vantage point, the scavenger could see the entire room. She easily picked Ben out in the crowd. He was perched on the arm of a large couch, cradling a drink in his hands. He looked incredibly uncomfortable, and Rey smiled as she saw him wave away the attentions of an approaching courtesan.

'What do you see here? Unhappiness?' Meione asked.

'No,' Rey answered truthfully. 'But I don't see love. It's all so false.'

'What you see, Rey, is a performance. It's an act. But all the girls and boys under my care have a home. Hearty food. Safety. They aren't being pimped out on the streets, or thrown to the slave pits,' Meione answered.

'It's still a form of slavery,' Rey muttered.

'Rey, nobody's here against their will. If somebody in my circle wanted to leave, I wouldn't stop them. What sort of monster do you take me for?' Meione asked, the hurt evident in her voice as she stared at Rey.

Rey's cheeks bloomed with heat as she looked down at the creature before her. She felt embarrassed.

'Perhaps you should speak to the girls themselves, if you're so concerned about their living situation?' Meione added, folding her arms across her chest.

'Meione. I wasn't trying to be insulting. I'm sorry,' Rey said.

The creature turned her head to study Rey.

'You're sincere when you apologise. You're worried about the whores of a pleasure tent. You came here with the terrifying Knights of Ren, and you didn't even flinch. And you can control the Supreme Leader. What a rare creature. Perhaps there's hope yet…' Meione murmured.

'Hope for what?' Rey asked.

'Just.. hope,' Meione answered.


Author's note: The biggest chapter yet, so a huge thank you to my editor 'Across the Stars' for reading this beast.

I hope you're enjoying this story so far. If you have any comments or constructive criticism, please share them below.