I am back! Thank you so much for your guys patience! The Empress will continue back hopefully on a regular schedule. I am in the process of moving so I will do my best to make it weekly.
Waking up the next day felt like a load of bricks were laying on top of her, yet somehow it wasn't unpleasant. Falynn was a bit baffled that she felt more sore than from when she and Kylo had previously trained. Shifting a bit in their bed, Falynn felt warmth tightening around her bare waist. She could feel Kylo softly breathing on the back of her neck as he held onto her. Falynn smiled as she traced her fingers down his muscled arms relishing the touch of their skins pressing against each other. It had almost felt like a dream for the two of them to finally give themselves completely to one another. It was hard to believe that only a little over a month ago, that Falynn wanted nothing more than to tear Kylo down. In the end though, where she stood was next to him. Nestling her back closer to him, she heard a soft groan escaping from her husband, as his arms squeezed her closer to him.
"Good morning," he greeted her hoarsely while kissing the back of her head.
"Morning," she smiled, wrapping her arms around his.
"How are you feeling?" he asked as he lifted himself up on his elbow and peered over her and removed the sheets. He did not shy away from scanning his eyes over her bare body.
Goosebumps formed on her skin as she responded happily. "My body is a bit sore, but I slept wonderfully."
Face creasing in concern Kylo turned her over on her back and peered down at her. He ran his hands over her. The expression he wore was similar to when he had found her in the shower covered in bruises.
"You didn't hurt me, Kylo," Falynn gently reassured as she ran her fingers gently down his scar. "I don't think you have that ability, Kylo. You have done nothing but protect me since we have been married."
"You say that but-" he began but she placed a finger over his lip.
Falynn pushed herself off the bed and rolled the two of them over until he was underneath her. Sitting up she indicated a hand down her torso, then placed a hand on her once injured shoulder.
"May I remind you," she whispered to him. "How many times you have saved my life."
Reaching up a hand he ran his fingers through the tangled waves of copper before his hands trailed down her neck, over her cheeks, then traced a thumb over her full lips. Falynn kissed his fingers before his hands trailed back to the old injuries on her back and then her stomach.
"I think the one who saved," he said as his hazel eyes locked with her own. "Was me, Falynn."
Eyes becoming moist Falynn leaned down and kissed him tenderly on the mouth before he grabbed at her hips and connected the two of them. Clutching onto the sheets Falynn moved herself onto her husband as he dug his fingers into her backside. She rode him swiftly until the two of them were both calling out each other's name and heat broke from both of them. Collapsing onto him, Falynn playfully chided him that she wouldn't be able to move for the rest of the day. Kylo only laughed and suggested that the two of them go into the fresher, where the two of them once again sealed their bodies together. By the time the two of them were finally dressed Falynn felt like her legs had become jello. Her husband on the other hand seemed quite pleased, and rather relaxed as he latched up the black leather to his shirt.
"Are you sure you don't need another day of rest?" Falynn frowned as she walked over to him after she finished braiding her hair. "I am still worried." Smoothing down his thick locks of ink Falynn peered into his face. "I don't want you straining yourself, Kylo."
"I am more than fine," he reassured her, turning to kiss one of her palms, before he sat down on the dresser at the end of their bed. "Plus with everything you had to deal with yesterday, I think it would be best if both of us were there."
"Both of us?"
"Well I would assume," he gave her an uneven smile as he slid on his black boots. "That as my wife and my Empress, you are more than capable in assisting me in my duties."
Warmth swelled up in Falynn's chest at her husband's words. Once again she felt like all of this was surreal for her and Kylo to finally be at this point together. She would be by his side truly as his Empress. She would no longer be there for show or for power, but to be his equal. Emotions high, Falynn did her best to push the force down. Maybe one day she could tell Kylo her secret, but she did not believe that she was ready for that. Not yet.
A knock on their bedroom door, had both of their attention snapping away from each other and to the door. When they both called in permission of entrance the door slid open revealing Henne.
Falynn's expression brightened upon seeing her handmaiden, but her friend did not return the warmth. Matter of fact Henne was looking rather displeased.
"What is it?" Falynn frowned.
"We need you up on the command deck," Henne said dryly. "General Hux has returned."
What the hell was he doing back on the Star Destroyer? Did Kylo not request that General Hux stay on Tatooine and away from him and this ship? He wanted to know why his orders had been ignored? The force crackled within him as he stormed down the corridor. As soon as they reached the deck he would make an immediate demand that Hux be sent back down to Tatooine. He did not want that bastard on this ship near him, or his wife.
Especially his wife.
The memory of him sneering triumphantly at Falynn was still burned into his memory and probably always would be. Briefly looking over at his wife, her sea-colored eyes were hard and determined. She was ready to face Hux, she had grown since the two of them had last encountered each other. Whatever the reason the General was back he would quickly regret the decision.
If not from Kylo's wraths from Falynn's.
She had even sent Henne away, kindly ordering her to go check on the troop from Geonosis. She did not want anyone else there with them. It had been written all over her face, which Henne had seemed to understand. With a curtsy the young woman had left the two of them to walk down the large corridors together.
The command deck had only a few Stormtroopers along with two lower ranked officers and at the front with hands clasped behind their back was Hux. He turned when he heard their approach, his ice colored blue eyes locking on Kylo, then slowly moving over to Falynn where his lips lifted up in a sneer. Kylo felt his heated blood crawl beneath his skin.
"Greetings, my lord," Hux cooly said as he took his time coming down the short steps towards them. "My lady." He bowed his head towards Falynn. "It has been a while hasn't it since we have last seen each other."
"Why are you back on my Star Destroyer?" Kylo snapped to the point. "You were ordered to be stationed down by the troops on Tatooine."
"Circumstances have changed," Hux answered briefly. "With your recent defeat, and the loss of your current General...you needed someone to replace him."
Falynn stiffened by Kylo, and he could feel her emotions easily radiating from her. The older General had become close to her in their short time together. Kylo had not missed the tender looks the General had given to his wife on their time on Geonosis. He had made sure that he had protected Falynn even when it had cost him his life. Hux was not worthy to replace General Jace, and he would be damned if he tried. Before he could speak up, Falynn took a step forward.
"And who exactly ordered for you to be the one to replace him?" she demanded narrowing her eyes. "I don't believe that we sent out any orders for your return, General. Nor do I believe you are acquired to replace General Jace."
"Forgive me, my Empress," Hux snipped back icily. "I heard you and General Jace were quite well acquainted." Hux tilted his head to the side lifting his eyebrows in slight amusement. "Tell me again how the General who had been within the First Orders direction for years happened to fall so easily."
Anger snapped in the air between them, and Kylo knew that it wasn't coming from him but from the woman who stood between him and General Hux.
"General Jace served by placing his priorities," Falynn firmly explained, taking another step forward towards Hux. "General Jace was authentic, genuine, and strong in his duties. I do not believe someone like you who is well versed in hiding behind doors, tricks, and dishonesty deserve to hold the spot that he held. Therefore, I will ask again who sent the order that you should be the one to replace General Jace."
Kylo's lips quirked up into a small and pleased smile at his wife. The woman whom he had shared a bed with last night, the one who now stood by him. Today she had worn a crimson robe that flared out revealing her black cut pants, with black binding her waist, as her hair fell over one shoulder in a braid. Her face had no decorations of liner, or lipstick, but she was striking as her sea-colored eyes narrowed themselves down on Hux. The Supreme Leader could feel the hesitation in Hux, she had stunned him, even if it had only been for a moment. It was apparent in this short time how much strength Falynn now had. He knew more than anyone that she realized that too.
She wouldn't fall under Hux's games anymore.
Lifting his chin up, Hux cleared his throat before he spoke. "It may be unknownst to you, but you two may be the Supreme Leader and the Empress but you are not the only ones who have powers or a voice amongst the First Order. As much as you would like to insult me, my rank, loyalties, and skills are well known in the First Order. Admired even. So of course they would call for me, when the two of you had failed so miserably in a mission that wasn't overly complicated."
Irritation burning within him Kylo pushed out the force then paused when he felt something around Hux. Instead of an attack, Kylo used the force to feel around Hux probing around in and out of what made the General. Something was off about him, as if his life form had been tampered with. Something had happened while he had been on Tatooine, but Kylo wasn't exactly sure what. What he did know was that what he felt now was not what he felt before Hux had left. Weighing the logic of it, doing an outright attack on the General probably wasn't the wisest choice to make at the moment. Hux's cold eyes moved over to Kylo, as a slow smile formed on his pale lips. Clenching his fist as he hushed his powers Kylo kept his eyes steadily locked on the man. Falynn had taken a step back, her face looked slightly more pale as she kept her focus fixed on the Huxl.
"I am not here as your enemy," Hux reassured them, though the chill in his voice could have told Kylo otherwise. "I may have some useful information for you as well regarding the Resistance. I even learned a bit more about your wife on Dantooine." The General turned his attention to Falynn. "I had no idea that was where your mother was from. I heard quite a few stories from the locals how your father had met and rescued your mother."
"I grew up on Naboo so that is the strength of my bloodline," Falynn answered, looking rather bored with Hux's words. "I am thrilled to know that my mother's origins entertained you. I am sure the stories were riveting. However, whatever gossip you think you dragged up on me seems rather pointless." Crossing her arms over her chest she snapped. "I suggest you come up with more useful information before we toss you somewhere much less friendly than Tatooine."
Smirking Kylo stepped up next to Falynn. "I agree with my wife. Everything you have said so far seems to be rather pointless."
Hux looked between the two of them before letting out a low chuckle. "The two of you have seemed to have gotten much closer haven't you."
Falynn tilted her head as she smiled at Hux. "You really do seem like a youngling. Enjoying stories of a misfortunate woman, now so interested in the love affairs of others. Are you sure you are qualified to be a general?" Kylo looked down at Falynn as she looped her arms through his. "You will either inform my husband and I of what information you have, and if I need to ask again I will have you sent out on a tiny pod where you can mindlessly float as far away as possible from the Outer Rim till you are nothing more than a speck of stardust."
The General's eyes flashed for a moment but he nodded. "Very well, my lady, if you would follow me please. I believe the first set of information I have to give you is regarding the grenades that you have in the lab."
Falynn turned to Kylo who was looking rather fondly at his wife, before his attention snapped back to the matters at hand. Nodding he indicated for the two of them to follow Hux out off the command deck. Taking one of Falynn's hands on his own the two of them walked hand in hand as they followed Hux down the long corridors. He was pleased to see that officers and Stormtroopers alike were not just acknowledging him but also Falynn. Whatever she had done while he had been unwell she must have done well. The Supreme Leader was amused at the annoyance that was radiating off of Hux as barely a word was spoken to him. Still he couldn't shake the feeling that in his absence Hux himself had somehow gotten stronger. The man was usually skittish, anger fueled much like Kylo himself. However despite the fact that he was feeling irritation from him Hux seemed much more collected and calm more than usual. It was unnerving and kept Kylo on edge, and him holding onto Falynn's hand tighter. He felt tension from her as well, it was clear she had also noticed a difference in Hux as well. She held her ground, but he knew his wife well enough now that he knew when she put up a front. Hux being here was unsettling her. He would have to find sooner or later who had made the order to send the General back...then he would make sure they regretted taking that initiative. He was sure this stung Falynn in more ways than one. Jace had been killed only a few days ago, though Geonosis somehow seemed so far away. For him to be replaced so quickly, after he had given his life for Falynn, and for that replacement to be this pale bastard. It made Kylo's insides twist. Whoever had made this choice was no doubt a fan of his or Falynn's. He was suddenly very mindful of his saber that weighed heavily at his hip.
"By the way," Hux spoke as he took a step back where he was now standing beside Falynn. "I spoke with your father for a bit while I was away. He was making his rounds and gave word to me about Naboo." Falynn's head snapped over to Hux whose eyes glistened darkly. "He said that the Queen has been awake for quite some time now, however she is now completely paralyzed. That was some statement you made, my lord. Despite the Queen's misfortunes Naboo has been doing well under the First Order's watch."
Kylo didn't believe it was by chance, that Hux had come across Darred. The General most likely sought out the information about Naboo to only bring it back to Falynn. In hopes that it would either break her, or tear her away from Kylo. He feared for a moment it might be true as he felt her fingers flexing between his and she would soon pull away from him. It had been her home that he violated, her Queen whose body he broke. He had never regretted the action, he hadn't until he saw Falynn's eyes clouding over. He wasn't sure what he would do if Falynn let go of his hand at the moment. The only thing he was sure of was that he would not hesitate cutting Hux down where he stood, not giving a damn what information he carried. His wife did not let go of his hand though, instead her fingers gripped tighter around his hand.
"Thank you for that information," Falynn replied calmly. "It truly was unfortunate, but those who wish to speak up against my husband...would face the same tragedy as well. I hope you keep that in mind, General."
Another front, yet she still held onto Kylo's hand as she moved them forward.
The lab was buzzing with activity, Falynn was happy to know that they had taken her order seriously. It hadn't looked like anyone had bothered to take a rest, as they either stood at tables or at the screens. The two grenades who were now in some type of case on a high platform. Even where she stood Falynn could feel the energy radiating off of them. Kylo who had let go of her hand was glaring at the two grenades his brows scrunched. Falynn placed a hand on his back where the newly formed scars were, before walking over to the platform where the grenades were. Kylo and Hux followed behind her.
"If they make more of these," Hux said beside them. "You do realize they could possibly kill you." He arched an eyebrow at Kylo. "These were made specifically for your power, my lord. They are wired with an ancient technology that has been recently found. The Resistance had taken its time in digging it up, and seeing how it works. It appears your mother knows a bit more then she would like to let on." Kylo glared over at the General but he continued. "If we continue to allow them to make these, Ren, they could possibly destroy you along with The First Order."
"How do you know about these?" Falynn asked, eyes going wide. "Where did you find out this information?"
"I have my connections," Hux answered his face going slightly more pale. "I would call off the lab, there is no point in delving further into this. It is complex technology made specifically for those who carry your gift, my Lord. I think we should send the rain of an attack on Geonosis...this time above ground."
"You mean to say a massacre?" Falynn felt her stomach turning.
"Do not forget, my lady, what they did to your husband," Hux's eyes narrowed. "The Resistance grows stronger everyday. General Organa and her Jedi pet no doubt grow more powerful as well. If we don't make plans now and do what we must, who knows what their next move will be."
Falynn was aware of this.
They had almost taken what had become so important to her away. They were planning on taking her away, maybe even killing her. It was true she had lost her faith in the Resistance, but she had not lost her hope in Leia. Not to mention what would that do to Kylo, if they had set an attack on his mother in such a way? Would Falynn be able to live with herself if something happened to Leia?
"Send the attack," Kylo dryly ordered.
Falynn turned to her husband's eyes wide as she peered up at his face.
There was darkness lurking in those dark eyes, a shadow that she had often seen when they had first been married. He was aware that his mother might be down there, but the two of them were on two opposite ends. This was a war between. She knew this, but even the thought of sending down a fleet on her father despite knowing who he was she couldn't. Kylo had held her so close not that long ago but he that black void still weighed down on him. She knew it would be fruitless to talk to him about it, especially here.
Hux seemed pleased with his answer as he tilted his head to the side. "When would you like me to send the order, my lord?"
"The sooner the better," Kylo replied as he took Falynn's hand again. "And get rid of those damn things. I want them disposed of immediately."
"Of course," Hux gave a slight bow. "By the way, not that it should matter, but your mother and that Jedi are no longer on Geonosis. From what I heard they have separated themselves along with the traitor. We have yet to find their location, but we are currently working on it."
The Jedi...Falynn's thoughts went to the brunette green haired girl she had only briefly met while she was on Geonosis. The bond between her and Leia was deeply rooted and bound, and Falynn couldn't help to feel a bit envious of it. She also didn't miss the flicker of emotion she had felt from Kylo at the mention of her. It was different from when Leia's name was said. She chose to ignore it, in hopes it had meant nothing. She was relieved to hear at least that Leia was out of harm's way. At least for now.
"That is not my concern," Kylo snapped. "Those bastards tried taking my life, and also were about to take away my wife. They killed my General, along with many of my men. Matter of fact, you can send a fleet down as soon as you round up some troops. Allow the troops who have just returned to recover, and make sure you send down the best pilots."
Lowering her head Falynn tried not to think of what was about to become.
Hux seemed pleased with his words as he nodded. "As you command, Supreme Leader. I will go see the troops now, after having the grenades disposed of. Is there any other information you would like to hear?"
"No," Kylo shook his head as he pulled on Falynn's arm. "You have given enough." Leaning to Hux he whispered threateningly. "One wrong move, General, one misstep towards me or my wife and your body will be laying in two on the floor. Is that understood, General?"
Without a flinch Hux replied. "Clearly."
