The next couple of weeks Falynn and Kylo didn't see much of each other. Most of the time he hadn't even been on the planet. Henne had informed her that he and General Hux had to attend to military tactics of the wondered silently to herself how that was going. How interactions between the two of them would go after the incident in the throne room? Perhaps the two of them would act as if nothing happened. Keep it professional.

A part of Falynn highly doubted that.

Henne who enjoyed listening in on conversations noted that Kylo and Hux already had a thin relationship. The council meeting was just another fuel to their dislike of one another. That being said the few times that Falynn had seen her husband was was only a passed brisk hello. A few times she had to be quiet loud and vocal with her greetings or he would have walked right passed her. It was clear the Supreme Leader had many other important things on his mind rather than his wife.

Not that she minded.

Falynn was grateful for the absence as it gave her time to go down under the waterfall and do exercises with her lightsaber. She was able to keep the mental walls around her mind down and allowed her power to hum. When she was left completely alone she took herself to the bath and rippled the waters with the force she carried.

She was able to sleep better with Kylo's absence. Most days and nights seemed peaceful as long as she stayed away from the citizens and kept away from the hustle of the streets. It was still unbearably difficult to be amongst her people. Knowing how they felt about her, what they thought of her. Traitor. That was who she was to them now. Someone who had brought devastation to them. The reason they had lost their freedom.

No one had spoken up against the Stormtroopers, nor did Falynn see any signs of the Resistance amongst them. The knowledge of their Queen's injuries and the council members' lack of will to fight kept everyone in line. Kylo Ren had made his point and now the people of Naboo walked in tight lines. They made sure they avoided Stormtroopers and kept to their daily tasks quietly. Naboo no longer seemed like the lively and thriving planet it once was.

Swallowing down the fear and guilt that festered inside of her, Falynn willed herself to visit Queen Winama at the palace. It had been two weeks since the council meeting. Falynn had tried to forget the sound as Queen Winama's bones snapping loudly on the ground. Tried not to think of how her body looked limp and disproportioned on the orange stained marble floor. Tried not to let the guilt eat her alive, knowing her heritage and blood is what brought the First Order to Naboo.

Falynn dressed in the dress she had worn when Kylo had spoken with the citizens the first day they arrived in Naboo. She kept her head held high as she entered the palace as her face remained solemn. Remorseful. None of the officials that occupied the palace or workers that roamed the halls questioned Falynn as she made her way towards Queen Winama's chambers.

She paused in the doorway briefly. Two guards that had been stationed outside the door. Their bodies remained still, but Falynn could feel their hesitation. Their fear of Falynn entering their Queen's room.

She turned to one of the guards making sure her shoulders were straight and squared. Trying to appear as the authoritative Empress she was supposed to be, instead of the broken little girl she was feeling on the inside.

"Make sure no one comes in," she quietly ordered the guards who shifted uneasily in their teal-colored uniforms. "Do not worry." She sent a wave of force towards them soothing their minds. "You will stand outside this door. You will be calm. I have no intention of hurting your Queen."

"We will be calm," both of the guards said in unison as she entered into the chamber closing the heavy doors behind her.

She stood silent for a moment, unable to move. The only sound to be heard was the quiet humming of the machines that were attached to the Queen. She was unconscious still. She hadn't woken for two weeks, and Falynn feared she might never wake again. Falynn moved by the bedside her feet quiet on the mahogany plush carpet. If weren't for the wires attached to her Queen Winama would have looked regal sleeping on her bed. Her black hair was in a loose braid that gently laid on her shoulder and contrasted against her paling skin. Her body that was robed in a deep blue laid on top of golden velvet sheets, with teal intricate swirls. Falynn went over to the vanity and grabbed the white cushioned chair than set it down by Queen Winama's bedside.

Reaching out she took the Queen's hand in her own. It felt cold and clammy as Falynn placed her other hand over the top of it, trying to warm it. She swallowed as her eyes burning, as she placed her forehead against their clasped hands.

"I'm sorry," she whispered a tear rolling down her cheek. "I am so sorry for what was done to you and Naboo. I am so sorry that I was unable to help." Pressing their clasped hands harder to her forehead her voice cracked. "I will always love Naboo and I will always consider it my home." Another choked sobbed sputtered out as she continued. "But-but I will leave in hopes that no more harm will come upon your people...our people."

Falynn held onto Queen Winama's hand for a long while listening to those machines. She held her hand tightly hoping the warmth could bring her back. That it could somehow miraculously heal her broken bones.

Her Queen...Naboo's Queen the one who had made sure everyone on the planet had lived a comfortable life. Who had given Falynn a comfortable life growing up. Falynn knew she could do no more for her people. She could only come to give her gratitude and apologies and figure out a way to set Naboo free again. To play her part and set all of the galaxy free from this cruel control.

When Falynn's own hands became cold from gripping on the Queen for those long moments she finally let go. Slowly standing up from the cushioned chair she gave the Queen one last glance. Bending forward she laid a gentle kiss on Queen Winama's forehead. She took a few moments to gather herself and wipe away any stray tears that still stained her cheeks, before heading of the Queen's bedchamber.

She cast the Queen one last glance before quietly shutting the door behind her. Falynn nodded to the guards who still stood unmoving. She gave them a smile leaving her last command with them. Another gift. If only she could soothe her own mind.

She quickly made her way down the large stone halls of the palace, ready to be away from it again. When she sharply turned a corner she stopped. Like a shadow in the spaces of light, Kylo was leaning against one of the large turquoise pillars arms crossed over his chest. Falynn held in her breath, as she made her way to go past him with another quick greeting.

"Giving your sentiments?" Kylo asked his helmet following her steps.

Falynn abruptly stopped in her steps to turn and glare at him. "I was giving my respects," Falynn cooly stated. "Their Queen has been injured...on bed rest for two weeks. I believe it is only right to see how she is doing as we are on their planet." And hers.

"They don't need her," he pushed himself off of the archway and turned his body where he was now facing her. "Neither do you."

Blood boiling underneath her skin Falynn wanted to snap what do you know of my needs. Instead, she retorted "you broke her body because she was defending her people, Ren. Do you not think that is a bit much? That it is not cruel? After all of their hospitality to us?"

"Hospitality?" Kylo cocked his head. "I broke her body," he took a step closer to her leaning down where she could the heat of his breathe from his helmet. "To defend you." Falynn's eyes widened as she felt something inside of her crack. He had been defending her. He had only used the force when the Queen had insulted her, but that wasn't what Falynn wanted. Saying that only turned all of this back around on her. He displayed a false respect for her. A false vision to her people, that that is what she wanted. That wasn't wanted it all. "Everything is fine. We have everything under control on Naboo." Kylo reassured her. False security. Another lie. "Just think of it…as her retirement."

Falynn's mind splintered then exploded into red. "I don't believe paralyzation is a sign of retirement, Ren." She barely bit down the shout.

Kylo emotionlessly replied straightening his body back up. "They have the mechanism, to assist her with that,"

"That's not the point, Ren," Falynn her voice now dropping low in disgust.

She didn't care if he could hear it.

"Then what is the point!" Kylo jerked his arm out to the side. "I thought we were in this together! Yet every time I try to do something for you, you seem to throw it back in my face! Ungrateful! That is what this entire planet is! And that is," he jabbed a finger at her. "That is what you are." His voice dropped into a low growl as Falynn felt the ground beneath her begin to rumble. "I told you once before, as my empress you need to learn your place. It is about time you do so." He stepped over to once again, towering over her like night. Like a shadow. Maybe even like death. "Do not let the lack of your ambition be the downfall of your people."

Falynn willed herself to feel brave to glare up into the mask daring him to remove it, to reveal his scarred his face to her.

No, he wouldn't do that.

Together.

What a lie that had been. They couldn't do this together, they couldn't be a unit if he wasn't even willing to reveal all of himself to her. If he couldn't understand the fact that he had taken everything away from her, including her home and her people.

"I want to leave," Falynn demanded leaning up to get closer to that helmet. "I want you to take me to the command shuttle, and take me back the Star Destroyer."

"No," was his curt response. "And we are bringing you back to stay in the palace."

Her heart guttered. She didn't want to sleep in that palace, not knowing who else was laying in those walls broken. She shook her head eyes going wide, her body beginning to shake.

"Ren, please…"

"No empress will be staying in a simple Inn," he shut her down giving her no more room to speak. "I will see you, the morning, Falynn."

He was punishing her. He knew that she didn't want to sleep there. He had proved his point to the people of Naboo. Now he was trying to prove his point to her. That there was no way that she could win. That even though she was his wife he was the Supreme Leader. Compared to him she was nothing.

There was no more room for discussion as he left, tearing down the hall, his black cape flying behind him like some kind of wraith. Falynn watched as he pulled as red flashed in hands then began to swing. Falynn flinched as she watched columns and statues crumble and breath beneath Kylo's red lightsaber.

Horror washed over her, as she realized that she was stuck as long as Kylo wanted to keep her on Naboo. The only way she would ever be able to leave is if she learned to fly a ship. He knew though that she couldn't do that, because if she did that would break the alliance between the two of them. She was trapped, her own home had become her prison.


The heat ran through his blood and trickled into his lightsaber. He wanted to let that anger rip out of him, to unleash it on anything that way in his path. Guards, servants, and officials were smart to keep out of his way for he would not hesitate to cut them down as well. Not now with his burning blood running in his body like fuel.

He did not stop swinging his lightsaber until he felt satisfied and his breathing calmed down. When it had he took slow deep breaths through the mask as he clipped the lightsaber back to his side. She would not learn and she refused to listen to anything that he had to say.

Together, she had told him that they were going to do this together. He had returned just an hour ago. He had been looking for her when he had realized the two of them hadn't seen much of each other. He had gone around to find her just to learn that she had taken her belongings out of the palace and that she had been by the Queen's side. The very Queen who had dared insulted her.

Kylo had been located at his Star Destroyer, locating where the Resistance might possibly be. So far they had no luck. They had found a few abandoned ships, one he was informed that Rey had been on, and had possibly flown. The thought of Rey was enough to send his thoughts over the edge to think where the two of them were not that long ago. To learn that she was possibly one step ahead of him drove him mad. The information put him in a piss poor mood. He wanted to return to Naboo to ease his mind just a bit, to find solace somewhere. He came back only to learn his wife's loyalties were possibly wavering. That was probably why Hux had put her in that position two weeks ago. He was no fool, knew that it would place Falynn in a tight spot. Knew it could potentially break her, in hopes it would break Kylo as well. He could somewhat sympathize with Falynn and her possible conflict of feelings. He had been there once before himself. Until he had made his choice. Neither Kylo nor the General barely spoke a word to each other because of what happened. Both of them knowing neither one of them were stupid. To add more credit to the General he had also been wise enough to keep a fair amount of space between himself and Kylo. A good thing to or Kylo probably would have put him a good long-lasting chokehold.

Kylo had moved between two large pillars that led to the courtyard and removed his helmet, before leaning his head back. His black hair clung to the back of his neck from sweat, as he slammed his fist back onto the stone pillar.

Together.

Bullshit.

Rey had said something similar to him once as well. Told him that he didn't have to be alone anymore. Fought by his side just for a moment. Then she left and cut off any connections the two of them had. He tried reaching out to her for months. Calling. Beckoning her to him pleading for her to listen. It was to no avail. She had completely shut him out. He couldn't trust anyone. His hand clenched into a fist as it hung heavy by his side. Everything he tried, everyone he tried reaching out to just ended up being a loss to him. He couldn't even build a unity with his wife. Every time her sea-colored eyes hit his mask, they burned him with resentment and anger. So much anger in her eyes, that if she had carried the force with her, he could probably easily seduce her to the dark side. He didn't want those eyes upon his face. He wasn't ready for anyone else to look at him only to turn their back.

Moving his body off of the pillar he made his way through the courtyard, placing his helmet back on his head, as his black boots crunched on the dried leaves and flower petals that scattered across the stone floor. He paused when he saw Falynn exciting the palace entrance, with Henne right behind her. He watched as she turned to a Stormtrooper who was at the bottom of the large white stoned steps. She stepped up closely to the Stormtrooper who took a step back from her. It was clear she was giving orders. That she didn't want to be bothered. Because of him.

The reason he had chosen her as his Empress that day when Darred had brought his daughter, was because of what he had seen in her. What none of the other girls carried in them. Her back had been straight, her chin had been raised, and those light-colored eyes burned. She had a will of stone built into her. Whether she realized it or not he could see that she would not break easily. That she could handle the pressures and be a voice amongst the First Order by his side.

He had viewed that will incorrectly. For she did not use that strength towards the people, she had used that strength towards him. She had never stepped out of line, in the eyes of the public. No, she knew what that would mean if she did but when it came to him...she didn't hold that fire back. She unleashed it trying to burn past that armor that he had placed over himself. He wouldn't allow it, he would not allow her to burn him with that iron will of hers. He would find the core of that fire then train it to bend. If to no one else, to him.

He watched as she made her way towards the streets of Theed, silver flowing and billowing behind her. Like some icy flame. He reached his powers out, trying to find her essence where he could reach into that mind of hers. Surprise took him when she paused in her steps then turned her head in his direction. Kylo felt his heart stop beating for a moment. Her face stayed in the direction on where he stood. She turned a heartbeat later and finished her way down the street. He watched until she disappeared in between buildings and trees. He wasn't able to feel anything from her. It was like she wasn't just shutting him from the outside but from the inside too.


The ship was quiet, as Kylo sat in his sleeping chamber alone. A few officials tried to pull him away from a matter revolving a message on Tatooine revealing possible locations on the Resistance. Kylo ignored them and made his way to his chamber, and with a snap of his mind, slammed the sliding metal doors shut.

Klyo removed his helmet, and then his hooded cape placing the helmet on a small surfaced desk, and the cape on a metal hook. With a sigh he sat forward on his bed bending his body forward while running his hands through his black hair, tangled from the stressful day.

Falynn had wanted to leave her home. Demanded it of him.

A home. That was what she had. That was what he was trying to give her.

Kylo picked up the helmet off the small desk and held it in his hands. The helmet that he chose to resemble his grandfather's appearance. A statement of his bloodline.

Darth Vader.

The legendary Sith Lord. The reason Snoke had sought Kylo out in the first place to be his new dark soldier. Snoke had insulted Kylo. Had undermined his loyalties and his powers. After everything he had done for who he once called Supreme Leader, he had made Kylo sound weak. Weak, worthless, and insignificant. Kylo had never regretted that betrayal. He had no regrets of that blue lightsaber cutting straight through Snoke's body. He had been too easy. A true display of Kylo's power and purpose.

Something was still missing inside of him though.

Kylo had brought Falynn to Naboo, not just for herself but for him as well. He had nowhere to call home. Not anymore.

Kylo's lightsaber hung heavy at his hip, another reminder at another broken chain of his family, as it had cut straight through his father's heart. His mother was still out there, he knew. Helping the Resistance, knowing that her son was truly lost from her. He had nothing left. Just his title and his power.

Kylo roughly threw the helmet onto the stiff mattress allowing it to bang against the wall.

Outside of the chamber, Kylo heard voices. Whoever it was sounded like they were arguing until one of them cut through loud and demanding. Grabbing his lightsaber the red flashing out Kylo stood moving his way to open the door. He didn't know who came onto the command shuttle, but by the sounds of it, it wasn't good. Perhaps the Resistance had found their way on Naboo and found a way onto his shuttle. Kylo stopped as he heard the metal clicking from his chamber door. His fingers gripped onto the saber, then froze when he saw a sliver of sea-green through the cracked opening. He quickly went to grab for his helmet the lightsaber shutting off, but as the door closed he knew that she was already in.

"Ren," her voice sounded surprised as he kept his back to her.

"What are you doing here?" his voice was low, tired, and deep. It sounded so different compared to when he was behind the helmet. He was aware of this. It was one of the reasons he kept that damn thing on. So people could see it, no less hear it. How tired he sometimes was.

His body stiffened as he heard her taking a step closer.

"I came to apologize for earlier," she said to his back.

"Have you?" he cooly replied.

"Yes," her voice hardened for a moment, then she sighed and it softened. "Look...I apologize for snapping at you, but you have to realize, Ren." She paused for a moment and he allowed her to think for the right words before she continued. "You brought me somewhere that I didn't think I would see for a very long time...and now that I am here...it is not what I expected."

"And what did you expect?" he was tempted to turn to face her, to see the expression in her eyes, but resisted. It wasn't worth the disappointment.

She didn't respond for a long time, and he felt her gaze at his back. He used the force sending it out in that small space between them.

Then he felt her. So many emotions coursed through the edge of her mind. There was relief, joy, possibly excitement, but there was also sadness and loss in those swirls of colors and thoughts. He tried pushing further but he felt the block there. He wasn't able to push any further. Had she somehow learned to block her thoughts from his kind of powers, or were her own thoughts pushed so far back in need of her own self-protection?

"I expected it to be the way it once was," she finally replied her voice heavy filling the air between them. "But I am trying, Ren. I am trying really really hard to be your empress. So be patient with me please."

"I understand," he answered back his own words barely more than a whisper. He was doing everything he could too.

"Are you going to turn around and face me?" she quietly demanded and his body stiffened.

"No."

Another sigh escaped her lips and he felt her hand on his back. The nerves in his body jolted at the touch. He wasn't expecting her to touch him. She kept her hand there, and he could feel the warmth of it, as she pressed against his back. Her fingers felt small and delicate. Possibly even timid, as she gently brushed them down before letting them fall.

Her voice came out soft, hurt as she asked. "Can you not show your face to your wife?"

Kylo stared at the dark slatted wall that was parallel in front of him. He could turn around, he could face those bright eyes of her contrasting with the dark of his own. Let her see what was scripted in them. As he stared at the blank wall he realized he too was shutting her out, as much as she was to him. There was a wall built between them. If he turned to face her that would be one more person he would have to fully will himself to. Someone he could potentially find hope in only to learn they tear him apart. Tear him into shreds until there was nothing left of him.

"I can't," was his only response.

"Then…," he heard her take a step back. "I guess I will take my leave then. I will see you tomorrow."

Before she left Kylo asked, "do you truly want to leave?"

Falynn didn't hesitate as she quickly responded. "Yes."

"This is your home."

She was quiet for a moment before she replied. "Yes." her voice dropped quietly...so quietly he almost thought he imagined it. "It was."

"Then…," he took a deep breath and nodded letting her words sink into him. He didn't want to admit it. To admit the truth of her own words. "You can leave with me tomorrow. I have business aboard the Star Destroyer. You can accompany me."

"Thank you, Ren." was the last thing she said before the metal doors slid shut.

Kylo continued to stare at that slate wall until there was another call for him. Wordlessly he picked up his helmet and placed it on his head, then left the sleeping chamber.