There is only one more chapter I need to write and only two more to post! Eek!
Fear not, if you're a Harry Potter fan I've got something else in the works that should follow the conclusion of this shortly.
I hope you, dear readers, are doing okay during this fearsome pandemic.
-XXX-
As hosts, the Seelie had arrived long before their guests. Leia had instructed that the room be set in a square, four tables and two rows of chairs behind each. She sat center to the one at the front of the room. Ackbar, Holdo, Luke, and Mothma sat beside her. Rey was in the row behind, with Poe, Finn, and Rose. She twisted her hands in her lap, hoping she did not stand out.
Today she wore her dove-gray gown, the one with close-cut sleeves and a pattern of curling vines embroidered on the bodice, seed pearls clustered along like tiny white berries. Rose had selected it when a nervous Rey found herself staring into her (admittedly sparse of court-appropriate clothes) wardrobe for neigh ten minutes that morning.
"What should we expect?" Finn asked softly.
Rose answered before Poe. "I've only seen a few of these before. Usually everyone makes a big show of entering — it's a bit of a pissing contest. They'll spend a few minutes on pleasantries. Then Leia or Snoke will make their case. They're hoping to bring Spring and Autumn onto their side."
"That could take days," he said with horror.
Poe's mouth was set in a grim line. "And between — during the dinners and the breaks —there will be a lot of underhanded tactics. Don't be surprised if someone makes a sudden change of heart after lunch. Someone has probably offered them the right amount of gold or land or trade."
Rey's fidgeting increased. "If they don't make a decision?"
Poe's eyes met hers. He didn't need to verbalize the result should that be the case.
"Your majesty," Casper announced suddenly from the front of the room. He was stationed next to the double oak doors, ready to greet their guests. "Lord Lando, from the Spring Court."
Lando was all smiles as he strode into the room, followed by two lithe nymphs and a tall bald fey. His arms were opened wide as he moved forward, moving to bow deeply. A purple cape billowed behind him, the satin shimmering, and he had donned a blue velvet tunic with a high collar. He wore no crown, but a few gold rings. His black boots were shined so impeccably that there was a visible reflection in the leather. Rey was immediately reminded of a peacock.
"Your grace," he said with a warm boom. "So good to see you in such health. The Spring court thanks you for your hospitality."
"Lando," Leia replied. She had stood upon his entry and bowed her head. Her smile was just as warm. "We are pleased to see that your party arrived safely. The spring floods in the southland were reported as particularly difficult this season."
He waved a hand. "Nothing that Lobo couldn't handle," Lando said casually, indicating the tall male behind him.
Leia smiled and gestured. "Please, sit."
Not long after Lando's people had arranged themselves, Casper rushed to announced the next arrival.
"King Snoke of the Unseelie."
Leia stood again, along with the rest of her retinue. Snoke shuffled in, his head held up proudly. He was followed by a number of his courtiers. Rey recognized a few of the men, but barely. Her real focus was on the knight to the right of Snoke.
Kylo's face looked far better than the last time she'd seen it. He stood tall with his hands behind his back, scanning the room. When his eyes landed on her, they stilled. Rooted, there was little she could do but gaze back. She felt him reach out, brushing at her mind gently. Panic rose in her chest and she quickly slammed her mental doors to him. He didn't move an inch, giving no indication that he'd been struck by her refusal.
Shaken, Rey focused on the conversation at hand. Leia's voice held none of the warmth she'd exhibited towards the Spring court.
"— we are grateful that you have arrived safely. We were made aware that the last Unseelie party that ventured through the Wild Lands was met with some difficulty." Her tone was polite, yet remote. "We hope everything is to your liking."
"As always, your grace, you are an impeccable hostess." Snoke's beady eyes were steady on this queen's face. "I cannot say that we are apparently the same, as the last person we welcomed into our halls fled shortly after."
His gaze flicked to Rey for the briefest instance. She shivered. Rose caught her hand, squeezing fiercely.
Leia did not falter. "That was a disappointing turn of events, however, as I understand, Rey felt rather out of place in your court. We understand that her sudden change of mind has garnered offense, your grace. Still, I am confident we shall find a solution together. Something so minor should not come between allies and friends."
His gray lips twisted. "No," Snoke agreed. "It should not."
The Unseelie took their seats.
"He's creepy," Finn murmured. "I can see why you decided to leave so quickly."
Rey couldn't help but crack a small smile. It faded quickly when she once again caught Kylo Ren's eyes upon her, burning with an intensity that nearly made her choke.
"Ignore him," Rose breathed beside her, offering another hand squeeze. "He can't do anything here, not under Leia's nose."
"You can tell that's a part he didn't inherit," Poe added, leaning over to speak softly.
"What?" Rey frowned, distracted.
"His nose," he explained. "Huge, isn't it."
She felt her cheeks heat. "Oh. Perhaps, I never —"
"Ow!"
Rose had lightly kicked Poe, glaring.
Within a few moments, Casper interrupted the low murmur of the room once more.
"Lady Mara," he announced. "Of the Autumn court."
Rey held her breath to see the woman that had claimed her mentor's heart decades ago.
Mara Jade was a beauty, with thick auburn hair that waved loosely past her shoulders and startling green eyes framed by dark lashes. Her expression was remote yet keen. She walked with a dignified power, all eyes centering on her. Unlike the others, she was dressed somewhat simply in a dress the color of birch-bark, wearing a thin circlet that matched the bronze belt at her waist. A small party followed of several goblins, pixies, and fey.
"My queen," she said simply when she stopped before the gathering. "My king." She bowed, giving both monarchs the respect due.
"Lady Mara." Leia's hands were clasped together. "We welcome you. I hope the journey was not arduous. You do not often come this far east."
"We traveled comfortably, your grace. We are grateful for your invitation. It has been a long while since we have all sat in the same room."
"Indeed." Leia extended a hand. "Please, sit and we shall begin."
Rey watched as Mara's eyes flickered towards the graying fey to the right of the queen — Luke. As he faced away from his student, she couldn't make out his expression.
When everyone had settled, there was a round of speeches — primarily given by advisers, lengthy, flowery things that nearly put Rey to sleep. She followed Luke's lead by taking the opportunity to do a sweep of the room. Now that the room was full, it was easy to observe the differences in attitude between the four parties.
Lando's group appeared very laid-back. He sat with a certain amount of swagger, almost sprawling on the seat provided. The man at his right hand, Lob, was a sharp contrast to everyone else on that side of the table. He was stalk-straight, attentive, eyes sharp. He appeared to have the means to take notes set out before him.
Diagonal to the Spring court was Autumn. Mara Jade's entourage was the smallest. They all wore warm earth-tones. Many displayed the bronze sigil of her court. While not nearly as relaxed as Lando's fey, they neither appeared particularly tense.
Of course, the Unseelie were less easy to discern. They all appeared stiff, faces cold. They were a mass of black and gray. Diseased. Rey's eyes traced the iron crown on Snoke's disfigured forehead and winced. The skin around it appeared inflamed, red and angry.
She wondered what the other observed in them? Did the summer court look colorful? Homogeneous? Anxious? Weary?
Finally, it was down to business. Snoke wasted no time speaking for his court. Soon, the formalities and flowery language were long forgotten.
"Leia's champion," he snarked, voice a rasp. "Was promised to us, after breaking the accords. Our agreement was that she would remain in our court for a year, as penance. Then she ran away!"
"That agreement was void the moment she elected to leave," Leia snapped. "As the wording provided. It is not the Seelie's fault your people failed to negotiate a better arrangement. Besides, the grounds on which the deal was made were shaky, at best. Your champion attacked Rey, unprovoked."
Snoke smiled. It was closer to a grimace, but arguably a smile. "So says she."
Lando spoke. "Why do you so badly desire Leia's young knight? It was my understanding that the girl was a foundling, from your court. Upon her discovery among the mortals she was generously taken in by the Seelie. It seems to me that your interest came only after it was unveiled that the foundling had certain powers."
"She is still of our court. We wish to bring her back into the fold, foster her abilities," Snoke sniffed.
"You want to rid us of an advantage," Ackbar said wryly.
"Only you would think of a person as a tool in that manner."
The Queen's eyes flashed venomously. "We have treated Rey as nothing less than family. She was the one who made the choice to bargain with your champion. Her will has been entirely her own in the Seelie court. And she has made it clear that despite her origin, she prefers being among us."
"She is of the Unseelie!"
Lando scoffed. "When has a person's court of origin mattered? After all, Snoke, your own champion was once a prince of the Seelie court."
"The laws state that foundlings, should they find their way back to the fey, are free to claim any court of their choosing. That precedent was set millennia ago." Mara spoke finally, cutting across the rabble, her voice void of emotion. "Why should we make an exception here?"
The look Snoke shot the lady of the autumn's direction was nasty. "Because she isn't just any foundling. Her power is unmatched, untamed. The Seelie court is not prepared for the responsibility of honing her skill. The law also states that magics ought to be under control, and they are expected to be taught our laws and our culture.."
Leia protested. "Rey has had training. She spent months under Luke's tutelage."
Kylo Ren's face shifted to an expression of disgust at the mention of his uncle. A number of eyes flickered to the old knight, who didn't react to the mention of his own name.
"Leia has kept the girl close for months, Snoke," Lando said. "She's been among fey for nearly a year, plenty to time to understand our ways."
At this, Snoke smile. Or, rather, made an expression that vaguely resembled a smile. "Then how might you explain her reckless behavior? She's attacked one of my court in the Wild Lands, neutral ground. When we graciously bargain with Leia to overlook that slight, the girl broke our agreement within less than a day and fled back to the Summer Court. That is why we are here — such an offensive cannot be overlooked. It hardly seems to me as though she has been fully taught our laws."
The queen's lips pressed together, bloodless. This seemed to be hard to argue against. Mara was frowning, and Lando appeared troubled. Beside her, Finn shifted uncomfortably. Even Luke's brow was furrowed.
"Leia has failed to properly bring the girl into our fold," Snoke declared, waving his hand towards Rey. "One with her abilities should not go so neglected. The Unseelie Court would see to her education so that she might become a productive member of fey society."
"Is this true, Leia?" Lando asked.
The queen's chin jerked upwards. "She was provoked by Kylo Ren in the Wild Lands and was merely defending herself."
"Her word against his," one of the Unseelie hissed.
Mothma shot the speaker a dangerous look. "The queen is speaking!"
Snoke steepled his fingers. "I do not wish to berate my fellow monarch. This isn't a trial. But a solution must be found, for we have a strong, powerful young fey who needs our guidance least she goes astray."
It took everything within herself not to shout. Rey's fist tightened so much that her nails cut her palm.
"And your solution is that Leia hands her champion over?" Lando sounded doubtful. "Perhaps the girl could use a lesson or two on our laws, but if Leia trusts her enough to name her champion, I would be inclined to believe her to be disciplined in her powers."
The lady of the Autumn Court sat back in her seat, observing quietly. Rey watched her brilliant emerald eyes move between the three other monarchs as one of her courtiers leaned in to speak softly in her ear. Her expression remained remote. Mara Jade's agenda was still an unknown and that troubled the young knight.
Her attention was drawn back to the Queen. Leia was whispering fiercely to Holdo. Rose was listening intently, but Rey only caught the latter end —
"—can we rely on it —"
"No disrespect to her majesty, but I question her judgment on that matter." Snoke's coal-like eyes glistened as they slid towards the queen. "Your champion is so young and new to our world. It is curious indeed that you decided to install her in such a prestigious position within your household."
Voice sharp, Leia replied. "Rey has proven her loyalty tenfold. Any err on her judgment is merely a result of her youth. In time, she will undoubtedly demonstrate her right to her position to any who doubt. She has a home among the Seelie and I trust her implicitly. I did not think it this council was in the practice of removing the free-will of the realm's occupants."
There was a murmur among the room's occupants. Snoke did not appear troubled. He merely smiled baring yellowed, broken teeth. Kylo, on the other hand, gave his mother a burning look. However, he was the only one of the Unseelie who appeared particularly upset. Rey wondered what, precisely, the Winter King's plan was.
Beside her, Rose made a small sound. Rey looked down, realizing that her beautiful gray gown had a few rust-colored stains on the skirt. She unfurled her hands, noticing the blood half-dried on her palm.
"Oops," she murmured. With a small wave of her hand, the stains lifted — unfortunately, the charm didn't do the same to Rose's frown.
Mara Jade interjected again. "That is true, Leia, we do not make a habit of moving citizens like pawns. But Snoke does bring up an interesting question. Would your champion fare better in different circumstances? It appears your former champion has returned. Would it not be an opportune for her to travel to another court and expand her knowledge?"
"She is still learning, I admit," Leia said, voice measured. "But we would prefer to keep her closer to home. If Rey expresses an interest in visiting another's court, however, I would not bar her."
Mara nodded thoughtfully.
"My question isn't merely on whether the girl should be further trained," Snoke said suddenly. "It is also a question of offense. Leia's champion offended us deeply when she attack Kylo Ren, an injury which was made greater upon her decision to leave our court in the middle of the night after our agreement that she should join us for two seasons. Less than a day after her arrival, no less!"
"What are you getting at, Snoke?" Lando asked impatiently.
Snoke put a hand on his chest mournfully. "We cannot simply ignore such impertinence. If we were not so gracious a court I would be readying for war. But as the Seelie are our friends, other solutions can be sought out."
The threat was barely concealed. Poe exchanged a glance with Leia before casting his eyes back to Rey.
"And what solution might that be?"
She thanked the gods for the lord of the Spring Court. Lando didn't hesitate in getting to the point.
Delicately, Snoke gestured to the knight on his right. "It has come to my attention that Kylo Ren has a particular fondness for Rey the Foundling, despite her attack in the Wild Lands. I believe it would serve us both to see a union between them. Strengthen our ties, after several of these unseemly incidents."
Everything between Rey's ears stopped working. Her mind slowed to a sluggish pace. She sat frozen to the spot as the room fell silent for a fraction of a second before everyone started talking. Beside her, Rose was squeezing her hand so tightly it hurt. Luke, who was also stunned, was staring straight ahead. Mara Jade looked surprised, Lando grim.
She couldn't see Leia's face, but she was grateful, for once, for that. Casper was whispering in her ear. After he finished, Leia straightened.
"May we have some time," Leia swallowed. "To consider?"
The next words missed Rey completely. She had eyes only for Kylo. His had sought hers all afternoon and finally she had relented. His dark gaze was burning, hopeful. Rey felt as though the energy had been entirely drained from her and simply stared back blankly.
"— we will allow you a few days to consider," Snoke was saying, unperturbed. If anything, he appeared gleeful. "Before we begin to consider other…solutions. But I believe that is enough for today. Shall we retire?"
Without waiting for a reply, he stood. The rest of the Unseelie court followed, snickering and murmuring as they filed out. Rey's eyes blindly followed Kylo in their midst. He did not look happy, for a man who had the upper hand.
Holdo leaned over to a pale Leia. "I will spend this afternoon visiting the Spring and Autumn courts in the southern wing. Perhaps I can persuade them to see reason. At a minimum, I can hear what they're considering."
"Yes," the queen said grimly. "Yes, that is a good idea."
Rose was speaking to a nearby page. "Wine," she said hurriedly. "Tea, sandwiches and whatever Cook has on hand. To the Queen's study. I suspect we'll be there long past dinner."
She turned to the others. "We'll go together. I don't think it's a good idea for Rey to be alone right now."
-XXX-
The group retired to the council chambers adjacent to Leia's office. Casper's head was bowed as he spoke softly in his mistress's ear, the gold of his robes flashing as he hurriedly shared his observations. They walked at a rapid-fire pace, swinging into the counsel room like a hurricane. Rose kept her arm tucked in Rey's, guiding her friend to one of the chairs at the table near the fire. Rey sat absently. All she could think about was Kylo's expression as Snoke made his offer. That drawn yet hopeful look he'd expressed at the suggestion that all of their conflicts would be resolved with a marriage alliance.
Ackbar spoke first. "It's a trap," he said bluntly.
There was a general sound of agreement. Mothma looked impassive, gracefully sinking to a chair near the window. Leia
"They cannot be serious," Poe declared, taking one of the chairs next to Rey.
Luke, who followed and gripped the head of the seat his stopped behind, looked grim. "I'm afraid they are. They believe we are desperate enough that we would submit to any solution they provided, even one that resolves heavily in their favor."
Lips pursed, Rose shook her head. "They must think we are fools. Fools and cruel. Rey, you simply can't."
"Of course she won't," said Poe.
Finn nodded in agreement. "We'd fight first."
Rey could picture his eyes, dark and keen on her. Had this been his idea? His solution? He'd implied that Snoke could be overthrown. Was his goal to unseat his mentor, then install himself as the new Unseelie King with Rey as his right hand?
" I could show you so much. We could be so formidable together."
She felt so cold.
"I don't know if refusing them is such a good idea," Casper piped up. When several angry pairs of eyes swung to him, he turned red. "They have thrown enough doubt to Rey's ability and, pardon, your majesty, the Queen's judgment. Lando might agree it is a good idea — he's usually our ally in such things. But Snoke is throwing his weight around. What will happen if we refuse this generous offer?"
Rey remembered that only moments ago, the advisor had been whispering in the Seelie Queen's ear. And with a look of great concentration, she had been nodding.
Everyone went quiet, turning to their queen. It was as though they had all simultaneously realized that their leader had not yet spoken. Leia looked pensive, staring at the surface of the table. When she finally looked up, her brown eyes were red-rimmed.
"I think we should consider it," she said quietly.
At that, the room erupted. Even Casper gasped as Finn shouted, followed by Poe cursing. Rose protested loudly. Ackbar hit the table, shaking his head furiously. Mothma's curled down, her refined features twisting. With one hand raised, Leia coaxed them into taking a breath.
"What do you mean?" Ackbar said, voice rough. "You'd be handing them one of the most powerful knights in the realm. She is your champion."
"And I would be granting us an opportunity to broker peace between the courts."
Poe gaped. "You weren't merely asking for the time, when you told them we needed time to consider. You are truly contemplating this."
"It brings me no joy," she snapped. "But Rey is strong. She's not going to be susceptible to Snoke's influences. And she could be good for Ben."
At the use of her son's former name her brother stared. "You think she could save him. You're willing to sacrifice her for the merest hint that she could persuade him to return to you."
All eyes in the room shifted to Rey. She stared straight ahead at her queen, gaze never wavering.
"You don't know what he's like," Luke continued, hissing. "He's not merely philosophizing, he's beating his words into his followers. Snoke has never hesitated in damaging his weapons."
Leia looked at Rey. "He wouldn't. The alliance would be void the second he touches her."
"That wouldn't stop him," Poe cut in. "He'll have everything he wanted. Rey in the Unseelie Court, bound to him. Leia, you can't be serious."
She did not answer. All of her focus was on the young knight center to everyone.
"Rey, I would ask that you consider it," she said. "It is not an easy thing, I know. However, I believe you have the opportunity to positively influence their court and my son." At the word "son" the monarch's voice cracked slightly. Straightening in her chair, Leia took a breath. "But the decision is ultimately yours."
Casting her eyes around the room, taking in Luke's fury, Poe's rage, Rose's frustration, Finn's fear and sorrow, Mothma's cool demeanor, Ackbar's concern, Casper's anxiety, and Leia's measured expectation, Rey's throat closed with the thud of her own heart. She felt faint.
"I—I need to think," she said finally.
The tension in the room seemed to release, snapping like a thread pulled too tight. Luke turned to his sister, graying brow furrowed. Poe and Ackbar made to corner Casper. Finn wrapped one arm around Rose. Without a word, Rey backed towards the door and slipped out of the room.
-XXX-
Sleep evaded her that night. Well before dawn, after hours of tossing, she crept from her bed, trying not to wake Rose in the next room. She dressed quickly and stole down the hall, finding freedom in the crisp morning air.
The practice yard was empty. She was grateful to find several of the dummies were still lined up in the middle of the fenced fighting ring — lugging them out from the shed would be exhausting and possibly stir some of the soldiers sleeping in the nearby barracks. Drawing her blade, she ran through several drills. Hacking away at the straw figures did a lot to relax her. She was so entranced in her exercises that she almost didn't notice the shadow that appeared at the gate of the yard. It was only when the applause began that she whipped around.
Kylo clapped gloved hands together for several more seconds before jumping off of the fence. Rey kept her grip on her hilt, watching him guardedly.
"It is no surprise you've made such improvements with practice this diligent," he said quietly as he approached. "You've put your magic behind each strike, too. That's not someone one learns overnight."
"Your master does not seem to agree. Yet Luke has been a skilled tutor," she said coolly.
Kylo's lips tightened. "No doubt your natural ability played a large part, as well."
She didn't like this. The compliments. The casual stride. Shaking a few loose strands from her brow, she kept tension in her knees, ready to move at any moment. After all, he wore his scabbard too.
"What do you want?" she finally asked after an uncomfortable silence.
He tilted his head. She tried to ignore the way his black locks fell against his shoulder, tried to ignore the memory of inhaling the scent that engulfed her when he leaned over to kiss her and his curls surrounded her face.
"You look as though you could use a partner."
Disbelief flashed through her. "You want to spar?"
Kylo shrugged. "I'm awake too."
She was automatically suspicious of his motives. When she made no move, he smiled shortly.
"Why don't we make it a little more fun? Any time one bests the other, they get a question that the other must answer?"
He knew the right place to prod her; Rey ran through hundreds of things she wanted to ask the Unseelie knight. Without a second thought, she nodded. Kylo flashed her a rare grin as he withdrew his blade. And with little preamble, they began.
Despite her lack of sleep, Rey found the energy to strike first. He was obviously caught off guard by her ferocity, but quickly mounted a defense. They circled one another, doing the usual give and take. It was the first time they'd fought for no cause other than enjoyment. Kylo clearly had not expected her to fight with such vigor, but quickly matched her pace.
When she feigned a turn and he surged forward she met him with a blade at his throat. He surrendered, giving a half-bow.
"I believe my lady is due a question."
She looked hard at him. There were too many choices, but the one that came out was the same she'd wondered since the first day she learned his name. "Why did you leave your mother's court? You were guaranteed to be king someday. I've tried in vain to understand why anyone would abandon those prospects."
Straightening, Kylo looked upwards. "It's not a mere question of becoming king. The older I become the more I realize that the Unseelie and Seelie are not so different. The Unseelie are just more open about who they are. There is less of the false civility of my mother's court."
Rey opened her mouth to argue but thought better of it. "False civility" was not how she would put it. But she could understand his frustration, in a way.
"As the son of Han Solo and Queen Leia, there was a lot of expectation on me. When the legendary knight, Luke Skywalker, began training me it felt like the course of my life was just on this inflexible path. But I knew I would never be Luke or Leia. Never live up to that legacy." He took a breath. "Snoke promised me something more. I could be something other than the son of heroes. I could make my own legacy."
Frowning, Rey said, "You were afraid of the responsibility?"
Kylo barked out a laugh. "You're oversimplifying. I answered your question. Give me an opportunity to return the favor."
She rolled her eyes, but took up her sword again and adjusted her grip. Weariness was beginning it take hold. She'd already spent a lot on her practice earlier. Rey was determined to earn a second victory. She wanted to know more about Snake's scandalous proposal to the counsel — specifically, whose idea it had been.
Kylo didn't give her a chance to win a second question, however. He quickly gained the upper hand and in her exhaustion he managed to wear her down. Within a few minutes, he held her sword in his left hand, smirking. Cursing under her breath Rey held a hand out for her hilt. Kylo wagged his finger.
"I believe we had a deal."
Scowling, she crossed her arm. "What do you want to know?"
Kylo sheathed his sword, angeling her blade down then passing it to her. Once it was strapped to Rey's side, he moved close. When he was only two feet away he paused.
"It's almost dawn," she said softly. "What's your question?"
"Would you let me kiss you?"
She blinked up at him. Kylo shifted closer, close enough that she could feel his heat. With a second's hesitation, he leaned down, gentling pressing his lips against her. Rey pulled closer, fingers curling to his lapels. He fit against her like they were made together. She felt fire under her skin and bit his lip, liking the small hiss he gave her in return.
When she stepped away, her face was hot. He looked at her, chest heaving.
"I cannot do it," she said suddenly. "I can't make the alliance happen. I want to, more than I should, but I know that Snoke will just use me, use us, for evil."
"I wouldn't let him," Kylo said roughly, surging forward to catch her wrists. He looked grave, eyes serious and dark. She tried to avoid looking at his swollen lips. "We would simply need to bide our time. We could work against —"
"And then what, Ben?" she asked, throwing the words at him. "Rule the Unseelie Court? Work directly opposed to your mother? Or would suddenly things be perfect, simply because you willed it so? How many would then work to undermine us, the usurpers?"
He looked taken aback and it struck her that perhaps he hadn't thought much beyond simply overthrowing Snoke. Rey shook her head, pulling her hands from his grasp.
"We can find a way," he said, desperately as she turned, crossing the practice yard in a few quick strides. "Rey, you know we are supposed to be together. That I have no doubt of."
The young knight half-turned. "I want to believe that too," she whispered. "But not like this."
Without another word, she strode out of the courtyard and inside.
-XXX-
Rose found her in her room later, after breakfast. When Rey had not shown up for her usual porridge in the kitchens with the others, Rose had sought her out sometime around midday. The shorter girl was surprised to find the knight curled in the middle of her bed, back facing the door. Rose crossed the room on light feet and sat on the mattress.
Rey half-turned tiredly. "Hello."
"You missed breakfast," Rose said softly, offering a soft wheat roll and an apple from her pocket. "Cook had treacle ready for you, and fresh blueberries. You know how busy she was today, too, to have that ready for you."
She groaned, accepting the food. "Sorry. I just didn't want to face anyone yet. I couldn't bear…" She drifted off.
Nodding, Rose drew her feet up onto the bed, resting her back against the footboard. She looked thoughtful.
"What are you going to do?"
Rey made another noise that sounded like a strangled moan. "I don't know. Absolutely no idea. There doesn't seem to be a 'right answer.' If I accept, they win and I'll be in Snoke's clutches. If I reject their offer, Snoke will use it as an excuse to declare war against us."
"Kylo would keep you safe if you said yes?" Rose's brow was furrowed. "He wouldn't let Snoke hurt you, surely."
He can't protect himself from Snoke, Rey wanted to say. That would worry Rose, though, if things turned out that way. Instead, she picked at a stray thread in her blanket. "Yes."
Both girls were quiet for a moment as Rey polished off the roll. Both options loomed over the room, weighing down the air. Rey slowly shared some of her encounter in the practice yard with Rose, who listened keenly. When she was finished, the furrow in Rose's brow was deeper.
"Finn and Poe would curse me for saying this," she said. "But he sounds rather…enraptured with you, Rey. It's no guarantee, but if he is as fond of you as it seems, you'd be better off in his court for it."
"I don't think fondness is the word," Rey replied dryly.
She couldn't tell anyone, not even Rose, about their discussion earlier that morning. Of how she'd shared his bed weeks ago. How she had kissed him of her own free will on more than one occasion.
"But yes, you're right. He made a point of fending off threats when it was there. I don't think he would be interested in tormenting me. Oh, but Rose, they are already bullying us into this. Once they have this, what more will they ask of the Seelie? This alliance can't be more than a farce. They're not sacrificing anything in offering up Kylo Ren."
"But if Snoke acted out again," Rose said reasonably. "Even the Autumn court and other lower courts would have to admit that he'd broken treaties and they're be forced to stand against the Unseelie with Leia. If this marriage takes place, you would be insurance against them throwing their weight around." Her voice dropped. "And if Kylo Ren really does wish to conspire against his king, perhaps that is another turn in your favor. If you were Queen of the Unseelie…."
"Don't think it," Rey snapped. She sat up quickly. "I cannot."
Rose held up her hands. "Sorry, sorry. It's just…."
"I know."
There was a sudden knock on the door. They two women frowned at one another. Rose stood and cautiously opened the door.
Finn stood in the threshold, Poe just behind him. Rey nodded and Rose moved to let them in.
"Where have you been?"
"Avoiding everyone's questions," Rey muttered, feeling immediately guilty when a hurt expression crossed Finn's open face. She sighed. "I'm sorry."
"You're stressed," Poe said graciously as he crossed to sit beside her on the mattress. "Are you going to be able to attend the festivities tonight?"
Leia was hosting a sightly more extravagant feast this evening, the second night of the council meeting. There were to be fire-eaters and fire dancers, musicians, along with the most decadent feast the Summer court had seen in over a year. It was tradition on one of the middle nights of council gatherings that the host pull out all of the stops and treat their guests. Rey had been too distracted over the last few weeks of preparations to anticipate it with anything more than dread, though she'd heard other, less-troubled members of court rave with excitement.
She groaned. "No, I am really not."
Poe smiled pityingly. "I'll escort you. Leia told me she wanted me there, not in uniform. I'm to stay close to you, in case the Unseelie are up to any of their usual tricks."
From the window where he leaned beside Rose, Finn piped up. "What are you thinking, Rey? Leia announced today during the meeting that you're expected to give your answer in three day's time."
She'd already known as much. Casper had dispatched notes from the council's meeting earlier in the day. Answering honestly and trying valiantly to keep the annoyance out of her voice, Rey said simply, "I don't know."
Finn opened his mouth, but Rose nudged him.
"We probably ought to get dressed," she said quickly. "We're expected in the Great Hall at a quarter past five and it's nearly two."
Finn appeared dumbfounded. "You need three hours to get dressed?"
Rose snorted. "Oh my love," she said fondly before ushering him and Poe out the door.
-XXX-
This was a huge chapter, I know! But there was a lot that needed to happen. Please follow and review! And stay safe, this virus is no joke.
