Chapter 25 Destiny
Ben walked through the halls of the base and to a room and opened it. Hux was out if his chambers and ready for some interrogation. He had failed to talk to Leia and demanded Ben only. Whether he was going to give Ben anything was anyone's guess but he got what he wanted. Ben closed the door with the Force and sat down in front of Hux and the two former colleagues now enemies sat looking at one another.
"Where am I?" Hux was curious to know. Ben leaned back in the chair folding his arms across his chest. "Admiral Solo, impressive to say the least. And now…the future king to these lost peasants. You're climbing the latter." Once more Ben didn't say anything to him. "What do you think you're going to do? Find Antar? Take this galaxy and rule?"
"I don't know what I want to do." Ben sat up more and leaned forwards a little. "I would like to bash your face in, that's something I've been wanting for a long time." Hux gave that smirk Ben always hated. "This is what I want, I want access codes to the Order."
"I won't be able to give those to you. Now that I'm a prisoner I'm sure those codes have changed." Hux was rather polite and honest. Ben studied the red hair man closely. He knows how to lie and he was trying to pick through what is a lie.
"Strange the Order isn't looking for you." Ben decided to sew some seeds of doubt to Hux. "We're monitoring the Order and there's nothing about you. Antar is a great friend." Hux sat there unmoving.
"You don't scare me." Hux added and Ben nodded and in an instant Hux's face was slammed into the table as Ben sat there. Hux slowly sat up feeling this hot liquid coming from his nose. He opened his eyes only to see blurred lines.
"You should be." Ben then stood up and held out his hand and the chair flew to the wall with Hux in it. Hux pulled at the pain as Ben pried into his mind for answers. Hux put up a little bit of a fight but he was weak minded. He will follow and cater to those who will protect him. He'll abandon you as soon as he knows he can get to safety. He was nothing more than a coward.
The high command was in the communications room standing over a table with a digital map of a First Order, it's ships and current plans. If the codes were supposed to change they haven't at the time Rey hacked in. Rey was going through the schematics of the ships with the codes provided by Hux. As they were looking a small child that has somewhat latched to Ben was trying to see what was happening.
"Go back that way." Finn pointed out as Rey was pulling to that page. Ben then felt something tug at him and he looked down seeing the small boy looking at him. Ben leaned over picking up the child setting him on the table so he can see. The boy was an orphan losing his father during the fight and most likely his mother at birth. The boy was quiet nearly a mute but would speak to Ben only. Leia saw the moment and saw just how gentle Ben was with children, this wasn't the first one he's worked with one.
"This is the main line they are using for supplies then." Rey pointed out as Ben leaned in a little more. "So, we block that out, cut them off." The little boy leaned up against as the Admiral studied what was in front him.
"Will they rebuild another, find another?" Poe asked.
"It'll take time." Connix added looking at what Rey was thinking.
"Cutting off this supply chain…that's a hard hit to them." Finn wanted to make sure they understood something. "It's going to hit us hard to." The amount of fighters that will be needed means they will take a hit. The supplies that will be cut off is food, weapons material and tech. That can buy more time and lessen the Order for a little bit.
"We start getting the word out to mining systems." Poe jumped in. "They're going to see a loss in business hopefully for the better." The Resistance is going to hit the Order where it was going to hurt, money. The only way to get the Order to fall is to unite the systems, the poorer of the systems at that. Ben started to look through the plans because something else caught his eye.
"Antar has been busy." Ben whispered to himself more or less. He looked at another portion of the archives.
"What's this?" Leia asked looking at it.
"Looks like he's training an army and a different kind." Finn added looking at the plans.
"He wants to be the Supreme Leader and thinks he's the ultimate Sith." Ben realized what was happening. Antar was doing a way with the typical Storm Troopers and amplifying them. The standard Trooper will be what a Death Trooper is and the Death Troopers were getting a deeper training. Antar was going against the entire galaxy not just the Resistance. But one thing Ben was coming to realize in all this, it was always going to be him against Antar regardless if his soul was saved or not. "He'll take half the galaxy to prove it."
"Well, then I think it'll be you and Rey that will escort him to the gates of Hell then." Poe suggested. "Let's get these files ready and let's get a plan formulated." Ben nodded a little to the agreement seeing what Antar has been up to. "Let's move." Then the little boy looked up to Ben with a smile. Ben reached out to him and picked him up and instead of placing him down and walking out he continued to hold the boy in his arms. The boy seemed happy as Ben carried him out and Rey smiled a little. She then turned meeting Leia's eyes and Leia smiled a little back at Rey. Rey's face went straight again hoping Leia didn't see just how happy it made her to see Ben with a kid and enjoying himself.
Ben carried the small boy until an older woman caught site of them. She bowed quickly and held out her arms to take the child and apologized if he was intruding. Ben spoke back to her letting her know it was fine. The little boy didn't let go of Ben though but rested his head on his shoulder. Ben then could feel the little boy trembling. The woman stood there and Ben could tell the little boy was physically scared about something. Ben told the woman he was ok and that she can go for now.
Ben walked away with the small boy and went somewhere that was a little more quiet. The rescuing of his people has just happened so maybe everything was fresh in his mind. He saw Ben free him and then from a distance he nearly watched Ben get executed and then watched him fight. Ben sat down slowly with boy still in his arms. The little boy pulled away looking up at Ben, his eyes wide and holding innocence. Ben knew his name and decided to see what was wrong.
"Silus," Ben said his name, his voice was soft and calm. That name was both beautiful and strong. "What's wrong?" Ben asked and the boy looked around looking lost. The little boy then looked back up to Ben.
"I'm scared." The little boy's voice was shaky.
"What are you afraid of?" Ben asked and the little boy shrugged but something did scare him. It might be fear of uncertainty. His he lost his parents and is alone. He has no place to really call home let alone a family. Ben wasn't sure how to actually comfort him and he didn't want to tell him that everything was going be ok. But then he thought about Rey. Rey was abandon when she was probably this boy' age, left to fend for herself. Rey learned how to survive quickly and she had no one to teach her. She must have learned by trial and error, learning as she went. This boy could use that to inspire him. Unlike Rey there are people here to help him, to teach and protect him.
"I have a friend, she was in that room. She grew up with no mother or father and she's a Jedi now. She's a leader. I want you to think like that Silus, you're not alone, you have me and Rey and your own people." Ben finished and Silus looked at him.
"You won't leave us?" Silus asked and Ben looked back at the frighten boy. He could see himself in this child. The fear of loniness is real, it can hurt.
"No." Ben declared and then climbed to Ben hugging him tightly. Ben wrapped his arms around the boy's little body comforting him. This is what Ben wanted years ago and he wasn't going to let this small boy fall victim to it, the emptiness.
Ben sat quietly knowing it would be a little while before any plan was ready to strike. But he wasn't alone as he sat there. Silus was asleep in his arms. He was going to find a place to put him to sleep but he couldn't really let him go nor did he want to. The little boy fell asleep in Ben's arms comfortably. It even soothed Ben to hold something that has yet been touched by the evil's of this galaxy. Silus' head was resting against Ben's chest, his little chest rose and fell quietly, he was in a state of calmness. Ben could feel the boy's weight in his arms. This child probably didn't sleep peacefully his whole life, always on the move. For once he felt safe enough to fall asleep, to deeply sleep.
As Ben sat there studying the child, the innocent being that has been thrown into this world, anger swelled in him. If anything Ben did feel responsible for allowing this to continue. This war was led by him for a long time and even though he's trying to fight against it, take it all back, there was still damage that could never be undone. But to look at the face of innocense, to look at a face that held hope, true hope and wonder; it continue to fuel the deep fire of redemption him. Ben may not be saved completely and find salvation but he can at least start.
Silus moved ever so slightly settling in a deeper sleep. This little boy was being held by his own king and right now he didn't understand that would be a story to tell some day. Silus would be able to tell the generations after him that he saw his king free his people, save them, comfort him as a child and hopefully lead them into peace.
Ben reached out and pushed some of the hair out of the boy's face and Silus didn't stir or wake. Once for Ben this galaxy was not worth saving, let it all burn and let it tear itself apart was the way he thought. But now being with Rey, finding someone he loved and cared for, holding onto Silus; this galaxy didn't deserve to burn, it desreved a chance to be free. Just then he felt his mother's presence and looked up seeing her making her way to them. Leia sat down next to Ben and leaned back.
Mother and son looked at one another wondering what each was thinking and yet knowing. They had to talk about this. They both never thought they would find what was left of thier people. Leia's title of Princess remained with her and it was more or less symbolic, to remember her who she was and where she came from. But now there are people and they want thier soverign again, it's what gives them a sense of ownership and power.
"Ben," Leia's voice was soft and quiet as to not wake the sleeping child. "I cannot tell you what to do or to accept what is yours, it's rightfully yours." Ben looked away for a moment. "Your name,"
"What's wrong with it?" Ben asked knowing what his mother was going for. He did have a choice but it was a scary thought. He's already been tasked with other burdens and now this.
"Ben, these people, they want a king, a ruler and you..." Leia trailed off because she stopped thinking about the crown, the monach of Alderaan once it was taken. Decades have passed and now in the mist of a war that will unit or destroy the galaxy she finds her people.
"I'm not a king." Ben stated quickly not that he was denoucing a title or his own birth right. But he felt he was not even a Commander for the Resistance let alone Admiral; he didn't deserve to be with Rey. He's done a lot of dark deeds and now all of sudden this was being handed to him? It felt wrong and it felt like it should go to another. But there was no one else. Any royal blood line died on Alderaan, he and his mother were the only ones. It's not that he didn't want this but it never crossed his mind that this would happen. But being out there fighting for a race that was wiped out, holding this child that was the future of that race; he felt the need to reclaim something that was taken. "Besides, you're next in line before me." Leia smiled a little but Ben knew that smile.
"Ben...I'm," Leia sighed. "You know why I appointed you and Rey to what position you hold now." Ben knew and he didn't accept it. "I can't do this forever and this war has consumed my life. It's your time." Ben couldn't flat out say no. "Understand this Ben, your title is not your job it's not what makes you, it's a title." Ben then looked to his mother. "It's you, it's all you, the title doesn't make you, you're actions do."
Ben then looked away knowing what he has done in the past. "You have always held so much on your shoulders. Your very bloodline to Vader, your name, everything..." Leia then turned away letting out another sigh. "I wish I could have given you different childhood. Something away from the spotlight, the duties and expectations...and I can't take it back." Ben heard it in his mother's voice the sincereity of it. "But this, this is something more and it goes beyond titles, it goes to leading a peoples and...true hope."
This was all happening so quickly and Ben wasn't sure how well he was going to handle it. Even more was being asked of him, more duty, more responisblities and weight. His mother just told him she was giving up the throne to Alderaan's last people and passing it to him. If he defeats Antar he could choose to claim the title of Supreme Leader, he has the chance to claim the title of Jedi Knight and Master succedding his own uncle. Where does it end? Where can he see the stright line? Or is this how it's going to be? More people asking more of him? There is now a race of people looking to him souly for purpose and understanding. Ben then looked to his mother again.
"You are the son of queens, of royalty. Both your grandmothers were queens and great ones." Leia decied to take away the idea of titles and tell Ben that he doesn't come just from royality but from strength and true power. "You're the son of Force, Anakin Skywalker was one of the best Jedi." Ben knew his linage but it didn't mean it was ever going to be belittle. "But it wasn't the crowns they wore that made them great, or thier titles, thier robes, thier powers; it was them and only them. They led thier people through war and peace, made choices for the greater good." Ben continued to look at his mother. "Duty calls to you just as the Force does and you can do great things Ben, you always could." Her voice was gone and it was in a deep whisper. Ben turned away still listening. His mind was racing thinking of all the outcomes to this. Thinking where this will lead him, what he may lose. This could light a beacon that will call more than just those wanting to fight against tyranny.
"Your people will need you, your strenght and your leadership. That can spill into the Resistance, you already command this and you command it well. You can lead what was a dead race to peace and that can spill into the galaxy. It can and will unite more than you think." Leia wanted to instill something into Ben and tell him just why she has chosen him, why Snoke chose him. He was always destine for something more than an ordanry life. "You were meant for greatness, I know that I always have." Ben then saw a small tear forming in his mother's eyes. Ben then looked back down to Silus as he remained asleep.
"Then what do I call myself to these people?" Ben asked and Leia realized what he was going to do.
"The last house to riegn was Organa..." Leia started and smiled. "You are not that though, you...you will start a new riegn with your name." Ben could give himself what ever name he wanted. He had to think about it wisely because it will follow him until death.
Rey sat the desk in her room as she was rummaging through papers. As she wrote notes down the door opened and she turned around seeing Ben standing there. He looked tired and not all there. Ben walked over to the bed and sat down looking towards the wall and Rey got up to join him. She sat next to him and reached out taking his hand into hers showing him she was ready to listen. Ben looked to her and leaned in for a much needed hug. Rey accepted and held him wondering what was has happening. But she just sat there holding him knowing he'll tell her in time.
Ben pulled away and cupped both her cheeks just to look into something that was still not completely affect by war. Rey's soft brown eyes, her sun kissed skin, her define features still capture him. He still sees hope and love in her that has yet to wavier in all the destruction. Ben leaned in for kiss, a desprate kiss as if he was searching for an answer in all this. Rey pulled him closer feeling he needed some kind of guidence and council. She pulled away letting her hand gently glide over his face and smiled just a little. He was trembling in her wake and he pulled something from his pocket. It was a gold ring and he held it to Rey.
Rey took it feeling the weight of the metal.
"It's the royal ring of Alderaan," Ben explained and Rey looked up at him. "Growing up I would see my mom looking at it once in a while. Sometimes she'd start to cry. She would deny she was crying if she saw me." Ben paused for a moment. "Her adpotive father Bail, the prince consourt gave that to her before he left to Alderaan where they were to meet after they obtained the Death Star plans." Rey then looked to the ring. "It's the last ring to symbolize the House." Rey then looked to Ben.
"The House?" Rey asked even though she had an idea what he was talking about. Ben then took the ring from her and he looked to it. Rey knew what he wanted to talk about and now she was nervous.
"It goes to me." Ben answered and Rey nodded and let out a sigh. She then reached out placing her hands over Ben's that held the ring. "What do I do?" Rey took a moment to think.
"Think of...all that you could do." Rey began as Ben listen. "I know...what you carry..." Rey spoke slowly to him so they both could understand. "You show me everyday and...I can't imagine what you carry now." Rey paused for a moment. "You're Ben Solo, Han Solo's son and Luke Skywalker's nephew...too much for one person." She alway understood his struggle, one of the few that did. "Be what this galaxy wants you to be Ben, or do nothing, be none of it." Ben continued to listen. "You never owed this galaxy anything...it was placed on you." That's what he needed to hear. He could do whatever he needed to do and make the choice that he felt was right.
Ben nodded to her words and leaned in resting his forehead to hers. Rey did the same and then pulled him for another hug. Ben accepted and knew he would be up all night thinking what he will do.
Hux sat in his little cell waiting for news on what the Resistance was going to do. As he waited he looked up seeing Rey standing before him. He was expecting to see Ben right next to her. But Rey stood there by herself waiting for Hux to stand up. The former General stood up slowly still waiting for Ben but realized his rival wasn't coming.
"General Hux of the First Order," Rey started looking to the prisinor. "You have been found guilty of muder of the Senate, countless people of the galaxy and war crimes. You have been senatnce to a life time of imprisionment and solidude." Rey finished and Hux shook his head no. He didn't accept it.
"No judge or jury?" Hux asked. But would the Order give them a jury if this was turned around?
"We'll rehear your case later once the Order has been brought down and a true government is established. But until then, the Galatic Resistance will carry out the senantcing." Rey answered and Hux glared at her.
"The Galatic Resistance is now the new government?" Hux asked, they decided to take on that role as well? "Who has decided that? Your precious Princess?" Rey looked to Hux and smiled a little knowing this was driving him crazy and what she was about to say will make it worse.
"The..." Rey took a moment realizing this was going to take some time to get use to but she liked it. "The new king of Alderaan and it's people that you were going to slaughter...he was meriful enough to allow this." Hux's eyes widen to the statement. He recomposed himself still staring forcefully into Rey's eyes. It was becuase of her this has happened. When Kylo Ren brought her to Starkiller Base in his arms he knew something wasn't right. She has caused all this in someway.
"Kylo Ren a king?" Hux asked and smiled but it wasn't a happy smile, it held malace and hate. Hux then got closer to the bars and wrapped his hands around them. "He's gaining so much isn't he? Good," Hux cotinued to stand there. "He will not sit on his throne long, Antar will destroy him and what's left of that pitiful race and the Resistance." Rey then got closer.
"I would be careful in what you say, you're no longer with the Order and by all accounts they have abandon you." Rey reminded Hux that no one was coming to save him and he will die alone. Rey then left the cell leaving Hux by himself. Hux took a moment and then let out a huge scream of fustration and hate and slammed his fist to the bars hearing a crack.
Five Days Later
Ben sat in his chambers looking at his saber that sat on the desk. He sat there taking a moment to just center himself. He closed his eyes wondering if what he was about to do was the right thing, the right choice. He opened his eyes and he thought about his father. If Han was here what would he say to him? 'Good job kid.' That would be the smooth smuggler side of him. But Ben knew deep down Han would be frigthen and worried. Han always played the dad role lightly but it was heavy burden for him. Han's son was the grandson of Skywalker...how much bigger could that get? As Ben thought about Han and how right now he could use his father, he thought about Luke.
That night Luke tried to murder him went through Ben's mind. What would Luke have to say now if he saw where Ben is? Part of Ben wanted to tap into the Force and find his uncle just to show him what he has become. Just then there was a knock on the door and he opened it with the Force and three men walked in holding some items. They looked just as nerveous as Ben but they walked in the room with intent and purpose. Ben turned around and stood up as it was time to get ready.
Ben looked down as his Resistance clothing was gone. There was nothing that showed he was a part of the Resistance or even a Jedi or Sith. The robes he don were different. These robes were put together quickly for this and while they hewn and sewn together with haste they were done so with great pride and excitment. Ben looked down as he adjusted his robes and armor on them.
One man fixed his belt and another placed a cape over his shoulders. The robes were a mix of black, red and purple for morning, the blood split and royality. A chain clipped from one side of his shoulders to the other to hold the cape in place. One of the men placed the belt around Ben's waist making sure the red shash was held in place. Ben then called his saber and clipped it into place. Another man fixed up his hair and the one that placed the belt on him helped with the gloves. The last man started to make sure that there was nothing out of place and made sure the robes were not showing wrinkles or anything was on them. The three men stepped back looking at thier work. Ben then turned around seeing himself in the mirror.
The pants, boots and gloves were black. He wore a black tunic under the armor plates and the outside of the cape was black with the underside a deep purple. The cape was held together by a chain going across his chest hanging loosely. The red was a shash going across his chest and falling down almost touching the ground. Ben took one more look at himself never once thinking he would be here.
Ben walked through the base down to the detention area. The three men that dressed him followed him with a few Resistance fighters. Ben made his way to Hux's cell and the red hair man looked up to Ben seeing his new wardrobe and smiled. It wasn't a happy smile though.
"I'll see you in hell." Hux wished him well knowing a bigger fight was on the way. Ben didn't say anything to Hux, he didn't have to. In fact Ben kind of liked the way he looked, it seemed to suit him. Ben took one more moment to acknowledge Hux and then turned away, he had other matters to attend to.
Outside the base the entire Resistance army and navy stood in uniform and in uniform lines. The last of the Alderaanians were up at the front. And like Ben's new robes that were made in five days these people made thier own for this occassion. They have waited for this day and they were going to go full out.
Within the crowds stood Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewie and Connix. Rey stood there a little nervous in seeing Ben and what he was going to look like. But she was excited. When he told her what he was going to do for his people, what he was going to take on she shook with delight. But in the back of her mind there was fear for him. He has always been a target and this would make him bigger. She then saw Leia up on the steps waiting as she was going to give up the position and hand it to Ben.
"The General is here!" A voice reminded everyone and it seemed everyone stood a little taller. Leia looked out seeing the army and it continued to grow. They have come so far and she couldn't be more proud of them. She then looked to the those of Alderaan, those who have survivied. They deserve far better than what they have lived through and they need a new place to call home. She will give them that when this is all over.
Then out of the shadows Ben stepped out and Rey smiled seeing him. Poe and Finn looked to one another a little aw stucken. It's rare to witness the coronation of a king or a queen and that's what this was. The entire place was silent as Ben walked out to join his mother. Leia's eyes filled with tears that she couldn't hold back even if she tried. Ben walked to her and held out his hand and she took it and they both faced the crowds of people. As they stood there a man dressed in heavy robes, wearing more than anyone walk up the steps to Ben and Leia. It was the same man Ben first met when he went to save them. Followed by the man was a younger boy holding a box.
The man then stood before Leia and it was time.
"Leia, House of Organa, do you solely keep your title and thus further it no more?" The man asked and Poe looked to Leia from a distance knowing she was passing on the torch.
"I do." Leia answered and smiled looking to Ben.
"You freely give sovereign to another?" The man asked and he wanted to make sure it was known that Leia was fully giving up the right to rule. Leia nodded and looking to Ben.
"I do." Leia confirmed. Leia felt good about this and then stepped aside as now Ben was going to take the oath as king. The man stood before Ben and they switched places so Ben could be on the lower steps and he faced out to the crowds. Ben looked around and spotted Rey down in the high command. She was smiling for him and she could see he was nervous. She tapped into the Force letting her comfort him and he felt it. Ben took in a deep breath and was ready.
"Sir, are you willingly and freely taking the Oath?" The man asked. Ben nodded more or less to himself.
"I am." Ben swore as he stood there now looking to those of Alderaan.
"Will you solemnly swear to govern the Peoples of Alderaan according to the laws?" The man asked again, Ben's heart was racing as he continued to realize what he was doing and about to undertake.
"I solemnly swear." And Ben meant, he felt he meant it.
"Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?" The man asked as Ben continued to look out to his people and saw Silus among them.
"I solemnly swear." Ben answered again and Leia smiled.
"And will you protect that of the rights of the House, the Peoples, to defend in honor, to keep peace, to fight for justice, to die for your people and the crown?" The man asked and this was the final Oath. Ben took a moment to understand what was being asked and nodded.
"I solemnly swear." Ben declared and then looked around and saw Rey there. "The things which I have here before you promised, I will perform and keep." Ben paused and finished. "So help me." The oath was over and the man reached into the box as Ben stood there. A new crown was made and it was placed over Ben's head and then put to rest there. It was made of the gold just like the ring he also wore. Ben felt the weight sitting on his head much like the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders.
"I give you the rightful and true King of Alderaan, Ben Solo." The man finished.
"Hujan es Raja!" The Alderaanians cheered as Ben stood there. Ben looked around as he stood there and took in a deep breath, as there was no going back. Rey smiled knowing Ben took his oath as their king. Ben called his saber to him igniting it. In the tradition a sword would be drawn and held up and then placed down for the king to kneel before his own people and then they would kneel and then rise together. Ben kept the tradition but he chose the lightsaber instead.
Ben held it up as the people of Alderaan continued to chant 'hail the king.' Ben then lowered his saber and while the saber could not touch the ground or it'll burn through it he did have it in the way it should be. He took a knee before his new people and they knelt before their new king. Leia stood there with happy tears seeing her son reaching his full potential and knew Han would be proud. Rey never took her eyes off of him as it continued to settle just what this can do, what has been set in motion. Ben took a moment and stayed in the position letting all this sink in, and the more he thought about it the more it made sense. A small smile hidden from everyone formed. He closed his eyes for a moment just to let it all in. Ben then looked out and then rose to his feet twirling his saber and deactivating it and put it away. The Alderaanians stood back up.
"Long live the King!" The chanted so everyone could understand. Ben stood there as the Admiral of the Resistance and the new King of Alderaan. The Resistance clapped, as did Rey and her smile never left her. Ben started to walk down the steps as a deep horn blew announcing a new monarch. Ben began to walk through the crowds and this was something more than a coronation. As this all happened it was broadcasted and sent out to someone in particular. Ben was taking on a bigger title and he wanted Antar to know that he may think he's Supreme Leader but he will need to fight to keep that title.
The high command peeled from the crowds and followed Ben. Leia remained at the top of the steps knowing this was her new place. Rey made her way closer to Ben as she was the second Admiral and he would have her at his side no matter what. Rey watched as Ben walked passed the clapping crowds, wearing the crown, the robes and the cape that flew behind him. The Resistance cheered for him as the Alderaanians followed him cheering as well. This was monumental in every way. This will be an act of unity for the galaxy and to have the galaxy unit under one banner, one flag and one idea; this is the Order's worst nightmare. Ben walked through the crowd with purpose and walked tall.
Ben was now sitting on the edge of the bed after a day of celebrations, drinking and eating. He was still in his king robes, still wearing the crown feeling the weight of it on him. He then looked up seeing Rey standing before him. She knew this was a heavy burden he was taking but he could do this, he was strong enough. Rey walked a little closer to Ben and instead of standing up he took a knee before her. Ben then looked up to Rey, she was the reason why he was even here.
Ben then reached out placing his hands to her hips and leaned in resting his face to her abdomen. He then looked up and he may be a king now but he still bowed and knelt for the woman he loved above all else. Rey then lowered herself down so they could be eye to eye and she sat on is knee. She then reached out and took the crown off his head placing it to the ground. She rested her hand to his cheek and while he may command an army and a nation, she commanded him.
Ben pulled her in for a kiss, a deep kiss. She pulled closer to him to deepen the kiss even more. He picked her up and spun around and laid her down to the bed. They pulled away and looked to one another as Rey reached out touching the armor he wore. She let her hand glide on it and then reached for the chain that held his cape on him. She pulled the chain towards her and he obliged kissing her again. He then sat up pulled the chain off of him and tossed the cape aside. She liked the ceremonial robes, they suited him but it was time for him to be just Ben Solo. Ben leaned in again for another deep and hungry kiss.
Rey did think about it before coming into the room, he could have any woman he wanted in this galaxy. And now with his new title he would be wanted even more. But instead of choosing some one of importance, some one equal in title and in power he chose her a scavenger. Rey pulled him closer letting one hand grasp his hair. This was something else she never thought would happen.
Ben pulled away looking at Rey and she gave him that comforting smile. She ran her hands through his black hair and tucked some behind his ear. She then let her hand run gently on his face and then rested her thumb on his lips. His eyes started to change from their deep brown to a flame of lust. He opened his mouth slightly as her thumb continued to rest on his lips. He took her thumb between his lips kissing it. Rey continued to smile seeing his eyes closed taking in the moment. When he opened his eyes she saw not just a high but also that love he had for her.
Ben crashed to her lips wanting more and Rey pulled him even closer wrapping her legs around him letting him know she wanted him. She wanted him a long time ago when they touched hands across the galaxy. Ben was already removing her clothing as Rey continue to kiss him. She felt his hand on her cheek and she pulled away seeing the gold ring of the king on his finger. It fit him perfectly. She then looked at the ring and pulled his hand to her kissing the ring. Ben watched her for a moment and then pulled her closer to kiss her lips once more.
He pulled away at her clothes as she did his and once they were just flesh touching flesh she felt him inside. He heard her gasp as he looked to her always wanting to see her. He started to slowly rock as their eyes met and foreheads rested to one another. She called his name over and over and Ben buried his face into her neck as the rocking became more intense. Rey wrapped her arms around him, raking her nails down his back once more, pulling him closer to be one with him.
Antar sat alone in his chambers watching something on a small screen the footage of Ben's coronation. The Resistance was good in hiding anything that could identify where they could be. As he watched Ben he studied his rival in all things. He listen as Ben took his Oath and crown. And then as he watched Ben walk through the crowds as they cheered him he saw Rey walking right next to him. He watched his two enemies walk side by side. When they finally face one another they will fight to the end. Antar then pressed a button as a new image of Ben was before him. A private message was sent out and the Order tried to decrypt but Rey was smarter beyond any tech the Order had.
Antar stared at Ben's image as it began to play.
"Antar, the now leader of the Knights of Ren," Ben's HOLO image spoke to Antar, a bigger war was starting. "You have two choices, you can surrender now…and kneel." Antar began to use the Force breaking random items in his room. How dare this traitor ask him to kneel? "But you are not dealing with the man you previously knew. You will be dealing with the Resistance and those of the galaxy under my protection. I may not be the leader…fully. But I am giving you mercy just like your General. It's your choice. Or I come off my throne and you can deal with me and we'll see where that takes us." The image turned off leaving Antar alone.
The Sith looked around the room seeing what he had destroyed and then looked to the device he held. Antar threw the HOLO at the wall letting it shatter to pieces. He let out a cry of hate towards Ben Solo hoping wherever he maybe he could hear it.
Rey laid awake looking at Ben as he slept peacefully. She let her fingertips softly touch his face, followed the scar down to his strong jawline. She took another moment to think about what had happen today and how it will carry through out the galaxy. But another moment came to her. It happened almost what seemed like a lifetime ago back in the elevator before they went before Snoke. They shared to each other the vision they both had when they touched hands. It was true he did not bow to Snoke, he turned and he turned to her. And it was also true that in the end she turned and turned to him and stood with him.
Rey leaned in placing a gentle kiss to Ben's forehead and then rested her head on his strong chest. She began thinking of all the moments that have led to this one. That smile that had started when she saw him earlier walking out of the shadows continued to remain on her face. But it also hit her; the target on his back only grew bigger. But something else hit her that kept that smile still there, he maybe a king but even in some of the greatest games and in the deepest history a queen was needed and would always protect her king.
And there you have it. So…what do you think? It's a lot for a rather short chapter. I really wanted to have you guys understand what kind of fight Ben will have with Antar because we know it's coming. I think elevating Ben's status makes the stakes higher. He's holding a few positions and eventually he will need to pick one. And then there's Rey supporting him and it's true, she's the reason why he's here. She turned his heart and the Order will probably be taught to hate her for it.
And then the short but really steamy sex scene between our two lovers, of course we haven't had them together in a while. Rey doesn't get a prince but king. But how does this change their relationship? And what does it mean that a queen is needed to protect her king? There's so much more coming.
What do you guys think of this chapter? What about the threat Ben gave Antar? What kind of fight are they going to have? What parts did you like? What do you hope to see as the story goes on? What title should Ben keep if this ends? Will he make a good king? Should he be Supreme Leader? What about Rey? What's her position in this? She says to protect her king, what does that mean? What's happening? Let's discuss.
Thank you for reading, commenting and following.