"Rey," Cassian murmurs as he pulls his niece into his arms. "Daughter of my heart-" he pulls away so he can meet her eyes "-don't you ever do that again."
"I still married him," she squeaks as her uncle kisses her forehead.
"I'm very glad you did." he's quiet as he looks into her eyes. "You scared us."
"It was scary," Rey admits. "Ben, he found me."
"I'm so glad that he did." Uncle Cassian looks over her shoulder and smiles. "Thank you."
Rey turns and smiles too as her husband comes and takes her hand. "The thorn in our sides is still there."
"It would seem it is. Do you have a plan yet?" her uncle asks.
"Almost. I would like to discuss it with you, my Father and Uncle Luke before we make any plans."
"Very well. Let us return to Naboo first and rest." His eyes meet hers. "Then we will go figure out how to get your kingdoms back."
"How many days away is your castle?" Ben asks.
"Two days. We'll be home soon." King Cassian answers. "Come, let us eat, rest and we will go after dawn."
"Have you met my Uncle Luke?" Ben asks as several people approach them.
"It's been years since I've seen the man-"
"King Cassian, Ben, Rey," Luke greets them. "You haven't met my wife, Mara Jade-"
Ben grabs her hand and gently leads her away. "Shouldn't we stay-" Rey says.
"I found something." Ben teases.
"What did you find?" she asks as he drags her through the crowd. With his family, and all of Naboo's fighting men, they fill the valley. "Are the rest of your people at the castle?"
"In Naboo? Yes. That's where Nana and Papa are. The women and the children are there along with the older ones. But most of my people who didn't want to travel at all, were given refuge by your uncle."
"Several of them have become valuable members of our country." He continues to lead her into the woods. "Where are we going- oh!" She stumbles to a stop for before them is probably one of the most beautiful sights Rey has ever seen- besides her husband coming to save her- a waterfall as tall as the castle. The rushing water fills her ears. "That's amazing. Did you know this was here?"
"Some of your men mentioned that you liked to wash-" she looks up and their eyes meet. He winks as he continues, "more than necessary."
She snorts. "Several of them through the years have commented on how unnatural it was for me to wash every chance I could. Those are the ones, mind you, that think washing is only for Christmas." His hand still envelops hers. She pulls him, ready to swim. "Come, let's go."
"Have you been here before?" She asks as he leads her to the riverbank.
"No, I don't think so, I would remember a waterfall." He replies as she kicks off her boots while he looks around.
"What or who are you looking for- do you think Snoke is here?"
"No, nothing like that."
"Do you know where he is?" Part of her wants to run and hide, but she knows that she can't. It's time to take a stand.
"I know where his lair is. Don't worry." He comes over to her and gently reaches for her. She steps into his arms.
"I don't like being afraid," she whispers against his chest.
"I don't like it either." he leans back so he can meet her eyes. "I didn't bring you over here to talk about Snoke."
"What did you bring me here for?"
"To see what it's like to watch you take a bath in a waterfall." His grin is wicked. "Then I want to lick you everywhere the water touches you. Then I want to come inside you so deep-"
"I want that too." She blinks. "Do you think anyone saw us? Will they come over here?"
"Uncle Luke said that there's a cavern behind all that water falling. No one can see us there."
"Well come on then what are we waiting for?" she asks.
"I guess you?"
"Untie me?" she turns so he back is facing him. He quickly undoes her laces, and her dress falls forward. They catch it with a breathless giggle before she steps out of it, leaving her in her shift. "I wish-"
He doesn't let her finish what she was going to say, because he offers her a small bag that she immediately recognizes. "Who gave you that?" She whispers.
"The queen. It was her who told me about this waterfall and how-"
This time she stops his words because she grabs him in a hug. "Thank you."
"Come on." he takes her hand.
"Wait, your clothes."
"Help me?"
"Always." And she does. First his boots, then stockings. He's wearing a green linen tunic that matches her dress. He smiles when she steps close. When he smiles that way at her, she just wants to touch him, and today she does.
Her hands land on his sides and his quick inhale makes her smirk. "Are you ticklish, my lord?"
"Who me? Couldn't be."
"Mhmm," she hums. Instead of pushing her husband to see how sensitive he really is, he pulls his shirt up, and with a wiggle, he helps her to pull it off his head. Her breath is ragged as she leans forward until the tip of her nose touches his breastbone.
His hair tickles her nose, but she stays. She wants to inhale his scent, him until she can't no longer.
"Come on,' he murmurs into her hair. "Let's go swim."
They lead each other into the water. when the river reaches her knees, she quickly looks around. satisfied that no one followed them, she pulls her shift over her head. After she throws it on the bank she realizes that she left the bag.
"Ben?"
"Rey?" he answers.
"I forgot the soap."
"I'll get it," he answers. She looks up and he's taken his leggings off and standing there in his smalls while she's still in her breast band and braies.
When his back is to her, she unties the band and slides down her braies. With a practiced arm, she tosses her underwear on the shore beside her husband. But when he looks back, she's submerged herself up to her neck.
"You didn't wait for me," he protests.
"I'm waiting now," she answers. His smalls land on the ground and he steps out of them. All this time since she's gottenbeen married, this is the first time seeing her husband and his manhood in the light of day.
She's not sure what to think when the air leaves her lungs when she sees how big he is. He strides into the water making it splash against his legs, and his manhood. Her mouth goes dry wondering how it would taste to lick the water off of him.
"Rey?"
She looks up. he's staring at her with that worried look that makes his brows furrow. Her face heats up and she just knows that her cheeks are bright pink. "Come here," she whispers.
He walks towards her, but when he reaches her and the water is only up to his thighs, she giggles as his brow arches in question. "Can I try something?" she murmurs as she uses him to pull herself to him.
Instead of standing, she stops when she's eye level with that part of his body she was just admiring. The droplets of water on his skin look sweeter than the Christmas candies Maz and Finn make for the holiday.
Well, almost.
Suddenly she's nervous. But she's also determined. The worst he could do is say that he doesn't like that, right?
Her tongue touches his skin. He's salty, but then he tastes like the kisses they've been sharing. She starts to lick another part of his thigh but feels brave. A glance up, and she meets his stare. She can't put into words exactly how he's looking at her, but by the way her heart speeds up and the way he runs his fingers through her hair—she must be doing something right.
A small smile graces her lips as she takes in him. Still not sure about what she's doing, she decides to just lick the very tip of him.
His breath is quick as he inhales.
Her lips never leave him as she opens her mouth and gently sucks him into her. "Rey—" his gasp, for some reason, makes her needy. Needy for him, needy for his kisses, needy for his touch.
"Is this alright?" she whispers her lips still on him.
"It's—you're—everything's perfect," he stammers. Before he can finish, she's inhaling his length as far as she can. That's when his eyes roll back and she can see him shiver as goosebumps erupt. "Rey—" he grabs her, pulls her up and his lips are on hers. She wraps her arms around his neck, his hardness is almost where it should be, and he's carrying her towards the waterfall.
"Where are you taking me?" She stops kissing him so she can ask.
"To the cavern. I don't anyone see me doing what I want to do to you."
"And what are you going to do to me?"
His answer is walking through the falling water. it's not as cold as she thought it would be and when Ben stops to let the water wash over them, their lips meet again.
He continues walking through the fall until they are in the coolness of the cave. She only stops kissing him so they can look around. "Is that a bench?" she asks.
"I think so." He walks towards it, still carrying her.
"You can put me down," she laughs.
"I like making you laugh. I've never done that before."
"I'm glad that it's you, then." He sets her feet on the stone beneath them. "It is a bench. But how—"
"Wrap your legs around my waist."
"Put me down first."
"It might be easier," he says as he listens. Her feet touch the floor and he sits. This puts him eye level with her breasts. But instead of doing what she thinks he's going to, his hands settle on her waist.
"Spread your legs and straddle me."
"You can do what we've been doing like that?"
"Sweet wife, yes. Here, put one knee here—"
"And my other one here?" She murmurs as she straddles his knees.
"That's it, now," he whispers as he pulls her close.
"You're very—"
"Hard. Can you say hard, Princess?"
"Hard." She murmurs. "You're very hard. Do you always get like this?"
"When I think about you, I do." He trails his hand down her hip. Down her leg to what feels like she needs him the most since she's met him. A touch on that piece of her that feels like everything when he touches it before he plunges inside her.
"Oh, Ben," her breath shudders. She's already so wet for him. But when he pulls his fingers out and her essence shines on him—only to rub it on that part of him that was just in her mouth—his hands are on her again— this hunger that she's never felt before consumes her. His manhood is right there, so hard and proud as he slides in.
"Ride me," his command is soft, and he feels so good as he helps her to move.
"I did not know we could do this in this way." She reaches around his neck. With one hand she pulls him close and the other has to touch his inky waves. He kisses her jaw and her eyes flutter shut. "You feel—"
"Amazing," he finishes for her. One more kiss, one more touch, one more whisper and her pleasure washes over her as she comes apart in his arms. Those same arms tighten around her, as he pants, "Rey, my Princess—"
When he lays his head on her chest, she can feel her love for him grow. She squeezes him and kisses him wherever she can reach.
"Ben?" she asks when he's soft enough to slide out of her. "I know that my uncle arranged—us. But I'm starting to feel like—"
"I feel it too." he replies as his whiskey-colored ones meet her green ones.
"You do?"
"I do," he whispers as he kisses her again. "I think I can kiss you for forever."
"And I think I can let you."
Brbrbrbrbr
"I can ride a horse," Rey insists the next morning.
"You need to rest—"
"Uncle. I'm better. Ben's magic water has healed me. I'm not driving that wagon today. And if I have to, I will walk back to the castle."
"Finn!" King Cassian bellows. Rey's best friend and knight appears almost immediately. "Find Rey a horse. You can't ride in a dress. Do we even have a side saddle in the camp?"
"She can use my saddle," Nana Padme says surprising the king.
"Thank you, your majesty," King Cassian says. "Finn go with the Queen and ready Rey's horse." He waits until they are both out of ear shot before he says to Rey, "You are a stubborn one."
"And you've told me all my life that I get it from you and father."
"Aye, that you do."
Brbrbrbrbr
"Where do you think he is?" Hux asks. it's just after dawn on the second day, and Ben is tired. And it's not just from all the riding.
Most of it is because of his Princess.
"Snoke? I suspect he went back to Exegol. That's where his power is the strongest. What do you think?"
Hux was one of the first of Snoke's men that he met after he left home. They've never really been friends like he and Poe, except for the past couple of months before they left Snoke. While Snoke wanted he and Poe for their magic, he wanted Hux for his commanding presence.
"There's nowhere else for the creature to go. Are we going to send spies before we launch a attack?" Hux asks.
"I think that would be the best, don't you? I'm also sure Father and King Cassian would agree."
"Bodhi could take them, show them where to go."
"He would probably agree to that. I feel that there is an alternative reason why you are volunteering him."
Hux clears his throat. "Your wife's lady, Rose. Is she spoken for?"
"I don't think so." Ben steals a glance at his friend. "Do you want to court her?"
"If she finds my suit acceptable, then yes."
"Has the lady given you cause to want her hand?" Ben asks. He has a good idea of what happened between these two, he just wants to hear Hux admit it.
"The lady is easy on the eyes and her voice is as sweet as the songbirds in the trees," Hux answers. He's surprised. The man looks besotted after all.
"Between her skill as an archer and your swordsmanship, the two of you would be an invincible pair."
"And she has accepted my apologizes for the past—"
"But if it hadn't been for that evening, I never would have gotten to know Rey as just her. So, in a way, I need to thank you."
"Err—you're welcome? I'm just glad that the Princess is safe and we know that Snoke is still alive."
"Will you join us when we meet with the kings?"
"Of course."
Brbrbrbrbr
"Rey? Are you alright—oh you're not. Finn!" Rose says. "Get me some water for Rey please?" Finn rushes off and Rose helps Rey up. "Is this the first time you've been sick?"
"Oh that's bad." Rey shakes her head as she accepts a handkerchief from her friend. After she wipes her mouth, Finn is back with a skin of water.
"Do you want me to go tell Ben?"
"I'm alright now. besides this is normal for pregnancy, right?"
"We'll be home soon. Mama has a remedy that women swear by to help with the nausea," Finn volunteers.
"Then let us hurry and get there then," Rey says with a tired smile as she climbs on her horse. "Come on, let's go find Ben."
"I think he's over there, waiting for you," Finn says pointing. Over the past couple of days, they've settled into an interesting rhythm. The kings would take turns leading them back to Naboo. They wouldn't have the job for long, but Rey thought it was nice. Especially when they have extra free time and do things like explore waterfalls.
He comes close enough so she can kiss him but just when she's leading back, strong arms are around her sweeping her onto his lap. "Husband—" she giggles. "What are you doing?"
"Your uncle said we only have a couple of hours to go. Would you deny your Prince, your husband the right to hold his wife?"
"I would never dream of such a thing." She brushes his nose with hers. But when he tries to kiss her again, she covers her mouth with the handkerchief Finn gave her.
"What's wrong?"
"The pregnancy sickness has started."
"Are you alright now?" he asks, worry making his brow furrow.
"I am. Odd, but I'm hungry too."
"You're hungry?" Ben asks.
Just then Finn comes riding up. "Sire, if I may, you will soon learn that your lady wife can eat like a field hand."
"Finn—" she hisses as Ben and Finn laugh. "It's just that I get so very hungry—"
Ben digs in his saddle bag and pulls out a piece of venison jerky. "Maybe this will tide you over until we get to your home."
"Thank you." Rey smiles up at him while his arms tighten around her.
Brbrbrbrbr
"Rey? Sweetheart? It's time to wake up, we're here."
"We're where?" She mutters at first not wanting to open her eyes. then—"we're at the castle?" she leans up, her eyes looking and there it stands. Her huge castle, home sweet home. "We're here!" She turns so she can meet his eyes. "We're here!"
His chuckle at her excitement does something to her heart as she snuggles back into his chest.
"Rey?" He rumbles under her ear.
"Ben?" she answers then she leans up. "I just want to tell you—thank you. You saved me. And yes I know I'm your wife and since you are technically the Prince and could have sent someone else, instead you came. And you saved me." She steals a kiss. "thank you."
"Of course, I had to save you, Princess. You're mine and I always protect what's mine."
"I always protect what's mine, too."
"You know, when I saw you on the battlefield the first time we defeated Snoke, I wondered who you were," he rumbles.
"You did?" she squeaks.
"I wanted you then. I loved how fierce you were—still am."
"I'm fierce?"
"The fiercest?"
"Only after me," she says, and he chuckles as they enter the courtyard. "We're home," she whispers. She wonders if the yard looks the same to the others, but to her, it's almost magical. Since Snoke took her, she hasn't felt safe unless Ben was touching or holding her.
But now, surrounded by the ones who love her most, she's safe.
Chewy comes over and with a rumble and a growl plucks her out of Ben's lap. He doesn't let her go until he says, "Don't ever do that again, Princess."
"It's not my fault, I was kidnapped, remember?"
"Still, we were worried." Chewy whispers as he lets her go.
"I'm home now." She feels Ben come up behind her. "I'm married now."
"The kid told me." Before Chewy can say anything else, more horses trot into the courtyard. "The king is here," he says before he goes to the rest of the party.
"Where is he going?" Rey asks.
"Probably to see my parents." They watch as the old friends reunite.
"There you are!" A small force of nature grabs Rey in a huge hug.
"Maz!" Rey returns her hug, she pulls away to introduce, "This is Ben."
"Yes, I remember this Prince who is a rascal just like his father before him." Maz takes a long minute to watch Rey then Ben. "Already in the family way, I see. Didn't waste any time?" When both of their faces turn bright red, she cackles so loudly everyone in the courtyard turns to look. "Take your husband on up to your room, child. I can see you'll be needing some of my remedy. I'll be up shortly."
"Come on, the true queen of the castle has spoken."
It only takes them a moment to slip away from everyone else. Plus, Rey knows where the back stairs are. She grabs his hand and he returns her touch with a squeeze of his own. Through an old doorway and she leads him up a narrow set of stairs only to have him stop half-way up. "What's wrong?" She asks.
"Snoke's been here," he whispers.
Rey stills. Then there's something on the edge of her consciousness that she felt at the ruins. Her heart speeds up and all the air leaves her lungs. "Is that what I feel?"
"Evilness? Then yes." His eyes narrow as he looks around. "Come on, Princess. Let's get you to your room."
The stairs tilt and her knees go weak as he catches her before she falls down the stairs.
"Ben, I don't feel so good," she whispers.
"I know, sweetheart." He rounds the corner and passes what was his room and her door is standing open. Straight to the bed, he sits on the edge with her still in his lap.
"I'm so tired of feeling weak." She buries her nose in his neck.
"Let's get you out of this dress, then we'll relax."
"Alright," she agrees as he loosens the ties that hold her dress on. He leaves her in her shift and takes her boots off. "Will you lay down with me? Even if just for a moment?"
"Of course." He helps her to lay down but before he pulls the sheet over her, he looks at her healing bruises again. They look better, but only because of the water she's still drinking daily. But the marks of black and green that still line and dot her skin fire the quiet rage deep inside him. "Snoke, you will burn for this."