It was hard to tell how much time had passed now that they were space-born. Falynn didn't know how long she had been staring out the port window. It could have been days or weeks, at the time it didn't really make much of a difference to her. None of it really mattered at the moment. She wasn't sure if anything mattered at all anymore. Not with death lingering around every corner.

She had taken her meals to the privacy of a sleeping chamber where she could eat in silence. Falynn had quietly demanded a Stormtrooper who she had grabbed in the corridor to lead her to a place where she could rest. She had eaten the food, but it had turned to ash in her mouth and she ended up rushing to refresher to vomit it all up. The image of those bodies on the ground did not leave her. They were with her with every footstep she took. She made sure that she remained quiet and hidden away from most eyes wanting to be left alone. She especially did not want to face Kylo. She wasn't sure when she would be ready to, just knew eventually she would have to see her husband again. It wasn't something she could permanently avoid.

Henne eventually found Falynn who was wandering around an empty corridor her eyes blank and lifeless. She did not speak but allowed her handmaiden to gently loop her arm through hers and lead her around the massive ship.

The Star Destroyer was colossal enough that Falynn felt she was on some type of small metallic planet. It was spacious which Falynn was grateful for, it would allow her plenty of room to avoid most interactions. If Falynn was careful enough she didn't really have to run into any unpleasantries while she was in this state. No one needed to see their empress in this broken way. It would diminish her image, showing her to be weak in the eyes of the First Order and those who worked within it. She was the Supreme Leader's wife. Death effecting her in this way would seem unusual, possibly even causing Kylo to look weak as well for choosing her to be his bride. It was best that for the time being she not just stay away from Kylo, but from everyone else as well.

Henne didn't question Falynn, she never had from the beginning. Falynn could weep with the relief she had felt in Henne's company. She had not left her handmaiden's side, even taking sleep on the bottom bunk of Henne's sleeping chamber. Not a place where an empress should usually rest, but she was comfortable and safe in that small area. She would take the limited space, compared to the massive bedroom that she had slept in on Naboo. Smaller and more humble living arrangements was what she was to. Especially over the last few years before she became Kylo's wife.

It had been several days, possibly a week that Falynn had kept herself away from everybody. Falynn didn't do much within the last few hours, and taken herself to the sleeping chambers rather early. She was now laying on the stiff bed staring up at the mattress above her head. The feeling of the bed beneath her, and the stale air that was in the room had her thoughts going back to the Resistance. To where Leia and the others were. She slept in something similar while she stayed on Geonosis. She had gotten to know the few cabin mates she had. Many of them were like Henne never questioning her, and allowed her time to adjust.

They never asked Leia questions as she brought Falynn ragged and bleeding into their medical clinic. They had sanitized and dress her wounds without a moment of hesitation. Perhaps it was because it was Leia who brought Falynn in. Their great general...and the mother of Kylo Ren. She had referred him to Ben Solo, a boy who she no longer recognized. Falynn saw the lingering pain in Leia's eyes whenever he was brought up in discussions whether when the two of them spoke, or when the Resistance discussed matters of the First Order. She still loved him, that was obvious even after he had become a monster. Falynn had recognized that pain, because she carried it in her own heart.

Her family had been broken too.

It had been broken, when she realized who they were really were, and all of her childhood dreams had been shattered. Falynn had fallen apart when she saw what her father had done, the pleasure she had seen in his eyes when people fell down at his feet. No remorse, as he made his next orders to the Stormtroopers. Falynn hadn't known what to do, she ran to her mother, who had only placed a gentle hand on her daughter's cheek while smiling. Smiling while telling her daughter that her father was protecting them, giving them a good life. Falynn couldn't stomach it, couldn't understand how her own father could have turned out to be such a monster. She didn't know who she was anymore. What his actions made her.

He was her father, he had raised her and taught her the wonders of their home. He had carried her on his shoulders through the streets of Naboo. He had read her stories at night. He would always be her father, no matter what crimes he had committed. No matter how she could not stop from still loving him even if she could never agree with his way of his life. Or how her mother went so easily along with it.

Falynn rolled over on her side pausing as the bed creaked, hoping she wouldn't wake Henne who was sleeping above her. Her hand involuntarily moved to her stomach where the several scars had been when she had been in her first lethal fight. A bad dispute with a Devaronian who had no issue-resolving it with a knife. Leia had found, Falynn against a metal barrel, stomach bleeding and a bruised cheek, and swollen eye. Who would know that girl, dressed in dusted worn down leathers, and cuts over her body would one day be an Empress. Falynn almost spat at it.

Irritated with where her thoughts were leading her to, and to the fact they were making it hard to fall asleep Falynn rolled herself out of bed. She checked on Henne to make sure she hadn't woken her as she tied back her copper hair. When she saw that Henne was breathing softly in a deep sleep Falynn made her way out of the sleeping chamber, and down the corridors.

Henne had shown her earlier the armoire where many of the Stormtroopers had kept their weapons. The armoire had been close to the command deck, with different styled blasters and pistols. Falynn's eyes immediately caught on the black spears that hung on the left wall untouched. It wasn't her double-sided lightsaber but she could move it around the same. At least to keep the practice going while she was aboard the Star Destroyer.

Her nerves hummed as she moved closer to the command deck, knowing very well that Kylo could be stationed there at the moment. Henne, bless her, had been keeping her updated on the whereabouts of Kylo, and where he had been spending most of his time. The fact that this specific armoire was so close to the command deck had Falynn moving slowly, making sure each corner was clear before she continued her way forward.

Falynn had snuck around plenty before, when she was on Geonosis whether she was with the Resistance, or beforehand when she was dealing in dishonest work. She had learned how to be silent, and unnoticed. It had made it that much easier to avoid Kylo.

Henne had given Falynn the code to the armoire earlier on before Falynn had decided she was going to try and get some sleep. She had asked why Henne would be in need of the code, to which her handmaiden gave her a mischievous smile. Her reply was all of them had been trained in combat, including her just in case the time ever called for it. Falynn had arched an eyebrow and returned her own smirk to Henne, a bit of pride welling up inside of her. Despite the delicate demeanor Henne usually portrayed she had surprises tucked away in those dainty dresses. Much like Falynn who entered the code, and entered into the large room. She waited until the door closed behind her before she made her way to the black spears. About ten of them lined the wall, Falynn took the one off the very end hoping, they didn't count them often. It felt heavier than her lightsaber, which already had her aching to hold her weapon again. It would do, however, and perhaps help build more muscles into her.

A strap was attached to the spear, making it easier to carry around when needed. Falynn pulled the strap over her shoulder, then pressed in the code again. Peering out the door doing a quick check, she practically ran down the hall.


What in the hell was she doing carrying one of his trooper's spears? Kylo had watched as she had entered the code to the armoire and cautiously stepped into it. He had never given the code to her, not thinking she would ever need it. However, he was aware that Henne had access to it. If he ever found another individual who looked similar to his wife, he would possibly replace Henne. That handmaiden had a bit too much freedom. Such things were not easy to find though, not with Falynn's copper hair and those vivid pools that constantly carried a challenge. Daring him or anyone else who to argue against her opinions.

Waiting Kylo leaned against the wall of the narrow corridor, He hid in the shadows of a corner where Falynn could not see him. It had only taken a moment for her to go into the armoire and come with out like she knew exactly what she was looking for. When Falynn began to move down the corridors Kylo pushed himself off the wall and followed her.

It had been several days since she had last seen him or spoken with him. He knew that she didn't approve of his way of dealing with failure. He watched as the light left her eyes when she looked upon those bodies. She didn't see death as a proper punishment she probably found him to be cruel to do such a thing. Those feelings were radiating off of her as if she were an open book. Her emotions had been so strong and thick in the air that they affected him as if he were feeling the same. As soon as she had left the remorse had quickly left him. He never much regretted any of the lives he took. Only one perhaps, but that didn't matter anymore. That was behind him.

The fact of the matter was that the crew's poor decisions and analyzation could have killed them all. They could have killed her. After they had left the asteroid field Falynn had come over to him. For that one moment, Falynn chose willingly to be next to him. His powers had been powerful enough that he could feel that she felt safe next to him and she was seeking security from him. It was a strange feeling, to have somebody seek that from him. To come to him for comfort. She could have stayed secure in her seat, stayed close to Henne her friend.

She didn't though, she wanted to be by his side even if it was for a moment.

Until she saw what he had done, the lives he took for putting her life in danger along with his command shuttle. He grumbled at the last thought. His command shuttle was now in the works of being deeply repaired. He would have to use another ship for the time being if he needed to make any quick trips. A thought that did not please him.

For the first couple of days, Kylo had left Falynn's absence alone. He did not seek her out allowing her to have that time and space. On the third day he decided it had been long enough and went looking for her. To his frustration, his wife was skilled in keeping herself hidden away. Kylo finally decided to hunt down the handmaiden who was much easier to find. Henne had seemed nervous, hesitant whether she wanted to remain loyal to a friend or to her leader. In the end she had told him, that she had been showing Falynn around the Star Destroyer, and that she was well. She didn't need to explain further, that Falynn needed the space and he didn't push for it. He just waited, he wasn't even expecting to see her tonight until he saw her walking down the corridors. The first time, she had apparently been by herself in days. He had been taken by surprise when he saw her step in front of the armoire. For a moment, he thought she had been lost until she went in and walked out confidently with a weapon.

Unsure of where she was headed as Kylo's curiosity allowed him to continue following her as she wandered and weaved herself through several corridors. Falynn had eventually stopped in front of a door that led to one of the larger storage rooms. Kylo watched as Falynn stepped into the entrance and waited until the door was completely closed. Using the force he pushed through the walls seeking out Falynn's essence. When Kylo sensed she was far away enough from the door he removed himself from where he had been hiding and pressed in the code to the door. Moving himself to blend in with the shadows Kylo stationed himself between two larger crates and made himself comfortable as he leaned against their cool surface.

Falynn had situated herself in the middle of the storage room where there was the most space. Sighing loudly she removed the spear from her shoulders, then unattached the strap setting it down on one of the smaller crates.

Kylo waited silently waiting to see what she was going to do as she took a deep inhale closing her eyes. Her chest rose up slowly then back down a few times, her fingers tightening around the spear.

And then she was moving.

Kylo's body straightened letting out a breath as he watched her body began to twist and turn with the spear. He watched her silently as Falynn spun the spear over her head, then flowed it over her back as she bent forward. Each turn of her body the spear was moving along with her as if it was an extra long extension of herself. Her legs didn't move as much as her hips, torso, and arms did. Though some of her movements seemed a bit unbalanced she made them fluid enough where she looked like she could be dancing. Darred had not given him any inclination that his daughter was skilled in martial arts.

As her legs lifted and her body extended forward it was apparent this wasn't something that was new to her. Though her movements revealed some rough edges she could easily take down some Stormtroopers or even officers if she wanted to.

A strange sensation washed over him, seeing her once again with his naked was only the third time he had really had gotten a good look at her without wearing his helmet. He had seen her bare-faced when he was informed she had fallen ill and when he sat by her bed through half the night until he decided to leave. Her copper hair was pulled back away from her soft oval face into a high ponytail. Her fair skin seemed to glow in the minimum light that was lit in the few areas of the dark room. Her limbs were long extending and pulling back as she bit her bottom lip swinging and jabbing the spear through the air.

She truly was a beautiful fierce spirit.

A smile touched Kylo's lips as he relaxed his body against the large crate enjoying the view. It was remarkable to watch Falynn contort and twist her body. He was curious as to know why she had never mentioned her skills to him. As the Empress, those skills would prove to be useful. She would appear more powerful than she already had done well with to prove to those around her. Kylo had not missed the faces she had given to those she needed to prove her authority to. Much like the two captains that had been talking with him on the ship. She knew what power she held over them, but used it so fairingly. Falynn had not told him about her talents because she probably wanted to keep it hidden. It was a way she could protect herself. Who knew what Darred would have done, if he knew that his daughter had been so skilled in combat. Instead of giving Falynn to him as an Empress he might have offered her up as some general or officer. It surprised him to realize he was grateful that she had kept this from everyone. What would it have been like to have another Empress by his side? Would he have been able to find someone else with that cold fire in their eyes?

His thoughts automatically paused when he heard a choking sound came out of her. He shifted on the crates, his muscles tensing then his hazel brown eyes widened.

Falynn had her teeth clenched together, as her once fluid movements become jagged and aggressive. Kylo was about to remove himself from the shadows thinking she could be in pain until he saw what was on her cheeks. Tears. A continuous stream as she jerked the spear around. It was as if she were fighting invisible enemies who were attempting to take her life. A strangled cry ripped out of her mouth, as she swung the spear and let it impact several small crates that were stacked. They loudly crashed onto the floor, where Falynn had fallen. She was on all fours now bent over and gasping for breaths as she cried. Kylo watched her silent, as she punched a fist on the ground. She repeated the motion over and over again before lifted her fist up to her chest and shaking her head.

Kylo felt his own breath catching in his throat. He wasn't supposed to be seeing this, he shouldn't be seeing this. He recognized this pain, was familiar with the anger that was tearing out of her. It had done the same to him until he thought his insides would cave into him as shreds of what was left of him. Kylo ran a finger down the scar that marred the right side of his face. A visible scar, to what choices he had to make, and knew there were far more inside of him. He could see all of those scars that Falynn was unknowingly showing him. There was a shift in the air, and Kylo stiffened. Falynn's body shuddered, as she moved herself up on her knees and hugged herself tightly. She looked so alone in that soft light that hung over her. So battered and beaten down.

So broken...to where Kylo felt himself moving away from the crates and in her direction. Before he broke himself away from the shadows he heard the click of the door, and then footsteps. He paused when he turned and his insides began to boil before running cold.

General Hux was now walking towards Falynn with a smug smile on his face.


Falynn red-rimmed eyes looked up as General Hux made a clicking noise with his tongue. Seeing she now had company, still unaware that Kylo was tucked in the shadows she quickly stood. Her hands gripped onto the spear as she straightened her back, not bothering to wipe at her eyes as they narrowed.

"Funny finding you here," General Hux purred taking a step closer to her.

"What are you doing here?" Falynn hissed.

"I am a General," Hux replied matter-of-factly and motioned his hands towards the boxes. "It is not unusual for me to check on the supplies. You on the other hand." He arched an eyebrow, given a pointed glance to the spear gripped in Falynn's hands. "Training to be a Stormtrooper are we?"

"None of your damn business," Falynn spat, and Kylo smirked where he was still hiding. Falynn did not let go of the spear as she took a step towards General Hux. "If you have come here to make a fool of me again, it won't work. That bullshit of a meeting you pulled was an almost successful attempt, but it didn't work."

"Not sure what you mean," Hux rolled his shoulders back. "I was only giving you the opportunity as the Supreme lady. It was a shame that Ren had to interfere. I would truly would have liked to see how you handled the situation."

Anger hissed beneath Kylo's layers of black. That had been a setup. Hux had purposely put Falynn on the spot hoping that she would break. She would have if Kylo had not stepped in. Hux obviously hadn't expected the interruption to his schemes. Much to his delight Hux's face had grown more pasty and pale than usual when Kylo had entered the throne room. Hux was trying to see what would break Kylo's new Empress and to see how that could break him in doing so. Kylo clenched his fist, the force trickling at the edge of his hands. The hard look on Falynn's face held himself back from unleashing his power. If not for himself, for her. She needed to prove herself to this bastard who she was in the empire.

Falynn rolled her own shoulders, and cocked her head from side to side, letting out a few cracks. Her sea-colored eyes, were vibrant against the red around them, and with her tear stained cheeks, she smirked at Hux.

"Are you jealous, General, that with Ren by my side that I hold more power over you?" Hux didn't respond, as a few veins probed from his neck, and his mouth pressed in a tight line. Falynn's lips curled up more, as she casually rotated the spear in her hands. Another show that she was not intimidated by Hux.

Hux watched her for a moment, as she walked away from him, and casually began to stretch. Kylo had to bite down, a ripple of power that waved through him as she extended a long leg onto one of the crates and bent forward. He knew that she was just taunting Hux, but still, the way she was stretching her body...he pushed on the emotions that would send the force he carried blasting throughout the storage room. Falynn's arched her back craning her neck and letting out another pop. Kylo's feet shifted on the ground uneasily in the darkness. He hadn't been aware that she was that flexible either. Falynn's eyes began to clear as she tilted her head back, making eye contact with the ice that lined Hux's face and shooting him another confident smile.

Hux's eyes moved to the spear that was now resting against one of the larger crates. The ice shattered on his face and molted into something that looked like satisfaction.

"I had no idea you were skilled in weaponry," Hux stated, causing a pause in Falynn's stretches much to Kylo's relief. "I am sure Ren knows of this...being your husband. Surprised he hasn't used them to his advantage."

Falynn didn't say a word, as she grabbed the strap she had set down, and began reattaching it to the spear. Smiling Hux walked over to her, and leaned over her shoulder, reaching over and touching the spear. Kylo's hand involuntarily went to the lightsaber that was hooked at his hip. Hux had gotten too close to her. He clearly had not taken Kylo's warning seriously.

"Strange," Hux mused wrapping his fingers around the staff just above Falynn's. "I would have thought that the two of you, would have been closer. I suppose I was wrong." Leaning forward close enough where his lips were just an inch away from her ear, he said softly. "I wonder...has Ren even shown you his face?"

Falynn sucked in her lips lowering her eyes, and Hux chuckled. "He hasn't has he?" a whisper. "You see that is strange to me...you his wife haven't been allowed to see it. But me...a man whom he hates, has seen every inch of that face."

With a swift foot movement Falynn quickly had Hux on the floor beneath her as she slammed the spear down next to his head. Instead of being stunned or looking the least bit intimidated Hux began to laugh.

"That bothers you doesn't it?" he mocked, having the nerve to look relaxed as he laid beneath her. "It bothers you that he hasn't shown you. It just proves how insignificant you really are in this whole thing. Do you want to know how many have seen his face, Falynn?"

Her eyes narrowed again, her knuckles becoming white on the spear.

"Do you want to know?" Hux repeated.

Falynn shook her head, eyes becoming wet again.

"Let me tell you, Falynn."

"No," her voice came out in barely a whisper.

He ignored her as he spoke almost gleefully. "I have seen it. So have most of the generals, and the officials. Along with the Stormtroopers. Can you believe that? Ren rather show his face to mere Stormtroopers other than you?"

Kylo stood now wide-eyed as he watched his wife crumbling again in front of Hux. He could tell her body was going slack over Hux's. If he had wanted to, he could have easily flipped her over and pin her beneath him. He wouldn't though. Kylo could see Hux that the sick bastard was enjoying this. He was enjoying the view before him, as he lay contently on his back.

Kylo had hidden himself away from Falynn in order to protect himself from further disappointment. He had not allowed her to see it, because he was afraid she would hate him even more than she possibly already did. He watched as her body began to shake above Hux's and realized perhaps it didn't matter either way. After the other day when she had witnessed him murdering that crew he didn't think she could hate him any more than what he had seen in her eyes. Hiding himself away wasn't protecting anything, it was creating more of that barrier. He thought she was stronger than she displayed herself to be. Thought she had never had to face a darkness before.

After witnessing the pain that creased on every inch of her face, seeing how she used to the spear to swing and stab violently at the air...he knew she had already faced the darkness. She had just been able to bury it better than he ever could.

"Even the Resistance had seen it!" Hux snided perching up on his elbows to lean up close to her. "Falynn, you might be one of the only people in this entire galaxy who has not seen your husband's face."

Falynn's shoulders hunched forward as a tear splashed down landing right onto Hux's confident and twisted smiling face. Kylo didn't want to see this anymore. Anger erupted from within him like a fire fueled by oil. He wasn't going to stand for this. Wasn't able to.

He wasn't going to keep standing by as his wife kept breaking.

Allowing the force to split from him Kylo stepped out of the shadows and into the view of his wide-eyed wife.