Chapter 6: Bazine
Summary: The connection between Ren and Bazine explained.
*Plot driven and with plenty of smut, so enjoy! ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
[excerpt]: Kylo took in a deep breath as he watched the pleasure on her face erase her uncertainty and yearning. A funny warmth spread slowly through his chest with the knowledge that it was in reaction to him.
~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~
Choose your pleasures for yourself, and do not let them be imposed upon you. Follow nature and not fashion: weigh the present enjoyment of your pleasures against the necessary consequences of them, and then let your own common sense determine your choice
-Lord Chesterfield, Letters to His Son on the Art of Becoming a Man in the World and a Gentleman
xx
"97, 98, 99...100."`
The fine bristles of the brush worked their way through the last sections of her hair, her soft locks shiny and the color of a starless night. It was an elaborate nightly ritual, occasionally enhanced with the oils of costus and myrtle or the addition of walnut leaves and liquid pitch to amplify its sheen and color. Her tresses hung down, long and luxurious and straight, framing a heart-shaped face with expressive eyes and plush lips.
The girl's mother smiled, pleased with the results as she turned the little girl around, revealing her reflection in the mirror.
The woman leaned over to press a kiss on the girl's forehead. A beauty herself, she knew that her daughter had the potential to surpass her. At only seven years of age, she had already captured the attentions of those around her. It was not just the other children, who were taken by her intelligence and her self-assuredness, seeking her affection and good graces. It was also the case with women, who cooed over her precociousness and exoticness, those very qualities which would eventually cause them to turn against her in fits of jealousy. It was particularly true of men, whose open stares at the girl's striking coloring and delicate features would turn into lecherous looks and a thousand indecent thoughts as she grew older.
Her mother spoke to her, as she did every night.
"Your beauty is your bounty, Bazine. Take care of it; cultivate it. Men are weak, always thinking with the lust in their hearts and the heat in their loins. With your gifts, you can have any man of your choosing. With your charms, you will be able to have the life that you wish."
She embraced her as she whispered into her ear.
"My darling girl. Money and love and power. All that you desire, is within your grasp."
~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~
Anoat sat at the northernmost border of Northern Maridunshire, near the edge of the Organa-Solo country seat and close to the North Sea. It was the home of Sir Andrew Snoke, a baronet. His was a courtesy title only, without the benefits and privileges of the peerage, bestowed upon his family since the 1600s when they had made their money and connections through intermarriage and the sale of coal.
The geography of the upper region meant a closer proximity to the moorlands and mountains which, although beautiful, were not conducive to agricultural growth. Instead, the rocky soil was filled with clay and coal, to be mined by brick-lined shafts plummeting as deep as 150 feet into the ground. Over the centuries, the high moorlands of Anoat were also overgrazed, and what remained were the scrub and unpalatable grasses and with it, the subsequent loss of its wildlife and its tenants.
The Snokes lived in Ambria House, its Gothic arches and tracery windows decorating its ornate limestone facades, with pinnacles which reached up to the skies. When the current Lady Snoke desired a more magnificent residence, sprawling Tudor-Gothic wings were added which tripled both the size of their home as well as their debt. Dependent on coal production for income and without much contribution from the tenancy, Ambria House slowly fell into disrepair.
Not having the wildlife, geography or resources for a hunt, the Snokes had limited opportunities for hosting events in the off-season. It was with great excitement and pleasure when they finally received an invitation to a hunting party at Caserta Hall.
~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~
"Honestly, Phasma," Kylo grunted, pressing forward. She danced away teasingly, a picture of poise and grace. He move forward, constant in his motion and aggressive in his stance as she effectively blocked blow after blow of his wooden smallsword, binding his weapon with her own as she used her body for leverage. Even though she was only seven to his eight years, she was tall, nearly equaling Kylo in height. He swung wildly in frustration, thrusting ahead and trying to grapple the hilt of her weapon as they continued to spar. His hair hung in wavy and unruly locks as he felt himself beginning to sweat with exertion, the adrenaline speeding through his heart and lungs, making him faster and a tad more focused in that moment.
"Mister Kylo and Miss Organa-Solo." Daniels' voice ran out, slowing the sibling's activities down, but without completely stopping it. "You have visitors."
Kylo groaned inwardly. He and Phasma were too young to participate in the hunt itself, so much of their time was spent with the women in the house, preparing for the picnic. He would much rather be outside, practicing with Phasma. As he turned around, he saw a young girl standing at the edge of the lawn, shyly looking at the proceedings. She was pretty-probably the prettiest girl he had ever seen. She stood there in her blue dress, a hint of fading and a lack of brightness in its color but with lots of ruffles that looked like they would poof out all around her when she sat. He saw that she looked uncertain and he smiled at her, his face breaking into a huge grin.
Phasma's blue eyes lit up at his momentary distraction, becoming a blond blur as she counterthrust, scoring the first touch.
"Hey, that's cheating!" But he really didn't seem to mind very much, especially as the little girl let out a laugh and smiled back.
Ba-zine. Kylo let her name roll slowly off his tongue, savoring the sound of it for the first time as she was introduced to the Organa-Solo children. Phasma had given her a quick and polite greeting in return, but was distracted by the activity elsewhere and rushed off eagerly, looking to tell someone about how she had just bested her older brother. Kylo was left standing with Bazine and her mother.
The older woman smiled, her lips pressed perhaps just a bit too tightly as she watched Phasma's retreating figure. "My, what a lovely young lady."
She continued to smile, with the smallest amount of censure in her tone. "So energetic, and with such...interesting pursuits."
Kylo fidgeted uncomfortably. He didn't take kindly to anyone speaking ill of his family, but this woman was an adult and their guest so he held his tongue.
Bazine looked mortified, a slight blush creeping into her cheeks at her mother's boldness.
Lady Snoke allowed her features to relax as she watched Kylo standing there attentively. Her gray eyes brightened as she encouraged him.
"Lord Ren," she said. "It is a beautiful morning. Perhaps you would like to show Miss Bazine the gardens?"
Kylo nodded, relieved. Lady Snoke looked very much like her daughter, only with a thinner face and dark brown instead of ebony hair, but there was something about her which made him feel like she was constantly assessing him.
He dipped down into the slightest of bows. "It would be my pleasure, My Lady."
Bazine walked by Kylo's side. She marveled at the topiaries, their magnificent forms towering above the two children, beasts clawing at the air and prancing at the sky. Kylo led her to the lily-filled ponds, where he showed her how to create the most perfect ripple, throwing a pebble into the stilled waters, the enlarging rings gently pushing out the leafy blooms in mild protest before they settled back into position.
Bazine looked wistful, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the surroundings, as well as the confident and carefree nature of the young boy. She allowed Kylo to place a smooth, thin and flat stone between her forefingers, drawing her arm back as he placed his hand over hers. He applied the slightest bit of pressure, flicking their wrists as the stone was released. It skipped three times over the smooth surface of the pond, bouncing over the large, purple blooms before falling down with a satisfying plop. She laughed, delighted at the sound and their success, her joy radiating outwards and enhancing her beauty tenfold.
Kylo took in a deep breath as he watched the pleasure on her face erase her uncertainty and yearning. A funny warmth spread slowly through his chest with the knowledge that it was in reaction to him.
~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~
The Snokes were a frequent fixture at Caserta Hall in the next several years. Lady Snoke encouraged Bazine's friendship with Kylo and Phasma, although Phasma at times seemed impatient with Bazine's decorum and delicate femininity.
"I don't think Phasma likes me very much," Bazine had mentioned one day, biting her lower lip in such a way that made it difficult for Kylo to look away as a small bloom of redness began to appear.
He had shrugged, finally looking away from her mouth and out towards the waters of the lake. It was one of their favorite places to escape to and talk, with the faint outline of the mountains in the distance and Anoat just beyond its view.
"Don't be silly, Bazine. Phasma likes you just as much as I do." Although, perhaps, not exactly in the same way, he added mentally, blushing as he recalled some of the not very platonic thoughts which had begun to creep into his daydreams.
Bazine had looked down, her hands slightly tremulous. She spoke softy, looking up at him, doe-eyed pools of brown framed beneath long, fringed lashes. "I sometimes feel ashamed, Kylo. I -I don't have the beautiful gowns that Phasma and her friends have. I spend my time in school with tradesmen's daughters, not at home with a private tutor."
She looked away. "I sometimes wonder why you even like me. I don't fit into your world. Are you ever ashamed of me?"
Kylo gazed at Bazine, a fierce protectiveness welling up inside of him.
"I know my sister," he told her reassuringly. "She is a good person. She would never judge someone based on what they do or do not have."
He held her hand that day, so small and dainty in his as he comforted her.
"I am hardly ashamed, Bazine. You are my friend. You are amazing. Nothing will ever change the way I feel about you."
He meant every word of it as he gave her a quick hug, but it wasn't quick enough to catch the smile which slowly crept onto her face upon hearing his words.
~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~
"Kylo."
She whispered his name loudly, her tone colored by the shock and nervousness of someone who was caught doing something very wrong.
Bazine's mouth was open in surprise. Kylo came over quickly, looking at the book which lay open in her fingers. He inspected the cover. It appeared entirely innocuous, a bland, beige background decorated with a muted orange border, until he read the black print.
"Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure."
He reddened slightly, embarassed that his parents would be in possession of such a book, let alone have it in their library for anyone to find. Bazine nudged him, opening the book again and turning the page.
"Look."
He did, and what he saw caused him to redden further. He felt the blood pool to his face and his groin as he read the text next to the mezzo-tinted illustrations.
"Its prodigious size made me shrink again; yet I could not, without pleasure, behold, and even ventur'd to feel, such a length, such a breadth of animated ivory! perfectly well turn'd and fashion'd, the proud stiffness of which distended its skin, whose smooth polish and velvet softness might vie with that of the most delicate of our sex."
Kylo grabbed the book from Bazine's hands, shaking with the flood of emotions which tore through him.
"You shouldn't be reading this sort of thing, Bazine."
She looked at him questioningly.
"And you can? I'm almost thirteen, just like you."
She was breathless, the illicitness of the book and the danger of being caught propelling her forward as she clutched at it, begging him.
"Let me read it with you."
He stilled, taken aback by her forwardness as well as the desire which welled up inside of him upon hearing her words. Bazine had once asked him if he was ashamed of her, but these days, he often asked the very same question of himself. Kylo had shot up in height, towering over all others his age. His face was a mix of residual childlike features such as the fullness of his lips and the size of his ears, which contrasted with the changing lines and angulations of his nose and his jaw. His hands were huge and his limbs long and gangly, and he constantly felt the need to shrink down into himself in order to not stick out. Bazine, however, had amazingly bypassed such physical contradictions and insecurities. Even at an age where most children were dealing with their awkwardness, she was still beautiful: a perfect face, red lips, and the beginnings of a softness and roundness to her body, more magnificent than anything Kylo had ever seen.
They spent that afternoon huddled over the book, hiding it under the desk if someone should check in on them, before returning to its salacious pages. Kylo was hard the entire time: harder than those times when he woke up in the morning, or when he tried to fall asleep at night, always thinking of her. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the pictures: of women with men, men with men, of things done with their hands and mouths and the use of a crop. The giggles which he and Bazine first shared at their initial embarrassment and titillation grew quieter, giving way to a quickening of their breaths and their hearts. Bazine's eyes darkened and she wet her lips, her dewy mouth parted as she continued to read.
Kylo tore himself away from the passages describing the orgies and aphrodisiacs and masturbation and masochism and sexuality as he watched Bazine. A pulsing roar filled his head and his chest. His skin was on fire, his heart in his throat, and everything else was concentrated in his crotch, twitching, wanting, needy, craving his release. He watched as Bazine tentatively pressed her fingers against her lips before reaching down under the desk. She turned to face him as she cupped him through the fabric of his breeches. Her fingers glided across the rough material and along the length of his cock which jutted out from underneath, and she curled them in slightly as he tilted his head back and pressed his hips forward. He gave in to the sensations of her hand, barely conscious of the flutter of her lips against his as she leaned in, giving him his first kiss.
"B-Bazine," he cried out, as he came from her touch.
~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~
"I'm going to marry her, Hux. As soon as she turns eighteen, I will ask Sir Andrew and Lady Snoke for their blessing."
Hux turned to Kylo. He was slightly taken aback by the suddenness of his proclamation, but not at the sentiment itself.
"Of course you are, Ren. I must say, that everyone is expecting it eventually. But why the rush? Why not wait until after you have finished your studies at Oxford?"
"Well, it would be an engagement until I finish. But I want to make my intentions known. I can't bear the thought being without her."
Hux turned back to his book, knowing he wouldn't sway Ren with an argument. His friend seemed to be ruled by his passion these days.
Bazine and Kylo made a striking couple. As Kylo matured, he grew into his size and his looks, his dark coloring complementing the sharp planes of his face and the thick shock of hair, while softened by the warm gold of his eyes and the sensual turn of his lips. He was strong and muscular, and his initial lankiness eventually evolved into a loping, feral grace of movement. Even when his changing looks began to attract the flattering attentions of many women, he only had eyes for Bazine.
Bazine herself not only surpassed the childhood promises of her extraordinary beauty, but she learned how to wield it like the greatest weapon-sharp, cutting and deadly, binding Kylo more closely to her and destroying any female competition for his affections. Their older ages now meant that they could no longer speak in private or even see each other without the presence of a chaperone. There were no further walks together to the lake, or the holding of hands in a childlike innocence, although Kylo would occasionally ride out to the wild moorlands to steal a moment through secretly arranged meetings or to just revel in her proximity. He knew that both of her parents had long encouraged the match, and had little worry that he would not receive their blessings and consent when he proposed.
Which was why it was such a shock when he didn't.
The day would forever be branded in his mind. He had entered Ambria House, surprised at the new additions and plantings which now enlivened the once gloomy facade. Everything seemed more polished and more copious: more staff, more artwork, more furnishings, all having the effect of showing off the ostentatious trappings which often came with the sudden infusion of an excessive amount of money. He waited to pay his addresses as he stood in the hall, becoming slightly impatient and uneasy with the amount of time he was required to wait.
The butler approached him, bowing his head as he finally led the way.
"Sir Andrew Snoke and Lady Snoke will now see you, Lord Ren."
He saw it immediately in their demeanor. There was still a polite smile on their faces, which was to be expected when addressing someone of his social standing, but there was nothing warm behind the tension of those upturned lips. Sir Andrew appeared almost sympathetic-sorry, for Kylo. Lady Snoke, on the other hand, appeared irritated, those cool gray eyes surveying him just as they had ten years ago, when he was just a boy.
Sir Andrew stood, approaching Kylo to shake his hand. "Lord Ren. What a wonderful surprise. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
Kylo's heart was full, the words which he had planned to speak falling by the wayside as his emotions overtook him.
"Sir Andrew. I have had the pleasure of knowing you and your family for the past ten years. During that time, I have had the honor of spending much time with your daughter. Miss Bazine was, and has remained, one of my closest friends. Over the years, my friendship for her has turned into something deeper. My respect for her has evolved into something more personal.
"Bazine completes me. I have fallen in love with her, and believe that she reciprocates my affections. I wish for nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her, and to remind her every day just how much she means to me.
"I would be my greatest honor to be her husband, and I respectfully ask you for her hand in marriage."
There was no question of the look in Sir Andrew's eyes this time. They were filled with pity.
Lady Snoke went to her husband's side. "Lord Ren. Bazine has valued your friendship during the time that you have known her. However, a childhood infatuation is not the same thing as love. And friendship is not the only consideration for a successful marriage.
"A marriage must also provide security and stability, not only for Bazine, but for her family as well." She leaned forward. "The Duke of Silesia has become quite enamored with Bazine. He has already requested that she accompany him to the Prince Regent's Ball, and has made his intentions to make her his wife well known."
She watched Kylo closely, the confusion and hurt which showed in his face leaving her unaffected. In fact, she seemed to exact a small amount of pleasure in her next words.
"Sir Andrew and I have spoken regarding his Grace's feelings. After discussing it with Bazine, we have given him our blessings."
Kylo heard a gasp as he caught Bazine listening in at the doorway. His heart sank as he waited for a denial of Lady Snoke's statements, a denial which never came.
He flushed, trying to keep the humiliation from his face and the hurt from his voice as he bowed curtly.
"I apologize for my presumption. I bid you good-day."
They offered no words of comfort as he turned and stalked out, his back straight with his pride while his insides roiled with fury and loss. He gathered the reins of his mount when he heard her call.
"Lord Ren!" Bazine ran out to him, breathless.
He finally noticed her dress. It was tailored perfectly, hugging the swell of her chest and flowing over the drape of her shoulders, edged in the finest French lace. It was of top quality silk, and accented with a large brooch at the waist glittering with rose cut diamonds and rubies.
It far surpassed anything that Phasma herself had ever worn.
He couldn't keep the bitterness out of his next words.
"What do you want, Bazine?"
In the end, she pleaded with him to give her a chance to explain and he relented, agreeing to meet with her in secret that next evening.
~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~
He stared at her, his anger warring with the ache in his heart as he realized that he still loved her.
"I'm here, Bazine. Against my better judgment."
It was a mixture of false hope and masochistic curiosity which brought Kylo back to Anoat. They met where they always had when they had a secret rendezvous. It was a small cottage on the estate, originally intended for use by a gameskeeper. Given the poor terrain and lack of game, however, it never saw its purpose fulfilled, even with the recent change in the Snoke family finances.
Bazine took his hand in hers, her eyes beseeching, hating to see him hurt.
"I love you, Kylo. I always have."
He looked away. "Marrying someone else is a funny way of showing it, Bazine."
Her voice softened. "Kylo. My family has had a really difficult time with the finances of Anoat over the years. My marriage to the Duke would give my family security for the future. They need the money, and wish for me to have a title."
Kylo looked at her disbelievingly. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize that being married to the only son of a Marchess was not privilege enough for you."
He wanted to hurt her.
"I hope you have a fine life with the Duke, Bazine." He let the word slip out poisonously, as he sneered. "I was thinking of calling on Lady Wildsmith. She is herself the daughter of a Marquess. She has always shown a particular interest in me, and has no need for such superficialities as my title." He continued, taking pleasure in seeing her flash of hurt at his words.
"Perhaps we shall see you and your future husband in London. I'll be sure to be on my best behavior if we do."
There wasn't much more to say, and he wanted to get away from Anoat, from any reminder of Bazine as quickly as possible. He stood up just as she placed her hand on his arm, restraining him.
Bazine felt a flare of jealousy at his words. She knew that he was baiting her, but the thought of another woman in Kylo's arms caused a rush of anger. She wanted to possess him, to brand him so that he could never look at another woman without thinking of her. She would not be replaceable. She would not play second to anyone in his heart.
She would have him, always and forever.
She ran her fingers down his arm, eventually taking hold of his trembling hands.
"We could elope, Kylo. We could go to Gretna Green, or you could purchase a license from the Archbishop of Canterbury. We could marry outside the church."
His voice shook. "You would do that for me?"
She brought her hand down further, tracing it along the length of his thigh, as he sat back down beside her.
"I would do anything for you," she murmured, as she parted her mouth and tasted his lips.
He moaned as he felt his body respond, pressing his tongue against hers, tasting her sweetness as she sighed against him. He took her face in his hands, feeling the soft, smooth skin against the pad of his thumb as he reluctantly broke their kiss, tracing the curve of her cheek.
"Bazine," his voice cracked. "I don't want to dishonor you."
Bazine looked at him, longing in her eyes. "I want this, Kylo. We will be married. This is my promise, my gift to you."
She whispered, seductive in her tone.
"Make love to me, Kylo."
Her words inflamed him, and he kissed her ravenously, nibbling along her jaw and down the line of her neck. A moan escaped her throat in response to his mouth, its wet, pulsing heat threatening to consume her. He brought his lips back to hers as his fingers ran over the fabric of her dress, tracing the delicate lines of her ribs and the curve and swell of her breasts which lay beneath. She hissed as dipped his hand under, grazing her nipples, brushing his palm against the sensitive skin before he grasped one between his fingers and rubbed, causing her to arch wantonly into his hand.
She fumbled with the buttons of his coat and vest as they both worked to divest him of his clothes. She gazed in awe at his exposed torso: the lines of his shoulders, the strength of his arms, the cut of his chest and the firmness of his stomach. She splayed her hand against him, feeling his intake of breath as his chest drew in before slowly drawing out. His skin was hot under her touch, his body moving uncontrollably towards her as she trailed her hand lower, lingering at the waistband of his breeches.
His cock was already hard, its length peeping out over the edge as she ran her fingers lightly over the exposed tip, feeling the soft and spongy tissue underneath. He grabbed her wrist, not wanting to come as he began to feel a loss of control. He pulled down her gown roughly, fully exposing her breasts, perfect and round and full. Her nipples were darkened, begging for his mouth and he acquiesced, feeling the puckered and hard nubs over the fleshiness of her bosom and against his tongue.
She grabbed his forearms, her fingers digging into his skin, leaving little crescent half-moons from the edges of her nails. His mind reached back, to the naughty whisperings and salacious gossip of schoolboys as well as the scandalous pictures of the book they had once shared, and he knew he wanted to taste her elsewhere, to bury his tongue inside of her and take her in that way too.
He placed his overcoat on the ground, providing a small cushion against the wooden floor as he lay her on top of the woolen fabric, sliding the voluminous layers of her gown down her shapely legs. He knelt at her feet, rubbing the arch of her foot and kissing the insides of her ankles, all the way up to the softness of her thighs. He licked in long stripes up to the soft curls which lay between her legs, the shine from his tongue blending with the wetness which seeped between them.
Bazine shivered under his touch, curling her fingers into his hair and urging his upwards.
"Please, Kylo," she begged, flustered, rolling her hips towards his mouth.
He breathed her in, the texture of her curls tickling his nose as he tentatively stuck out his tongue and licked the folds which lay beneath. He was rewarded by her stifled cry, and he pressed harder, tasting the mix of the sweet and earthy scents of her juices, laving in circles, moaning into her wetness, fucking her with his tongue.
She panted, cheeks hot and flushed, head lolling back with the wickedness of his sinful kiss as she felt the heat in her groin bloom and the tightening of her thighs increase. She pulled him away, needing him, needing them to come together for their first time.
You..now...please, she begged him silently through half-lidded eyes, undoing the buttons to his breeches. His cock fell out as he pulled off his pants, swollen and heavy. He let out a hiss as she wrapped her small hands around him. She rubbed the drop of liquid which collected at the tip, massaging it into his slit, eliciting a deep throated growl. She marveled at his nakedness, so tall and beautiful and strong, and she quivered in anticipation of feeling that power inside of her.
He positioned himself over her writhing body, his hair falling in front of his face as he kissed her, his wide mouth slanting over hers, whispering her name again and again. She looked at him adoringly, even as she placed her hands on his buttocks, encouraging him to finally claim her as his own.
His cock quivered at her entrace as she canted her hips upwards, and he felt her velvety warmth sheath him as her eyes opened wide at the sensation of his penetration. Her small discomfort dissolved slowly, pain replaced by a pleasurable fullness, and she began to move.
Kylo bent down, nipping kisses along her throat and collarbone as he sank into her, first slowly and then with an increased urgency as he watched her lids flutter and her beautiful lips tremble beneath him. He was breathing hard, his heart pounding as he continued to thrust into her, hitting the area which made her whine and bare her throat to him as she called out his name. He felt the pressure building within him, a roar in his head and the hypersensitivity in his groin. He lost control, rutting against her like an animal as his vision whitened. Somewhere through his haze he heard her cry, and he stiffenedas he began to feel her walls clench and spasm along his cock. She raised her hips up for the final time, raking her nails against his sweat-soaked back as he came, spilling his seed over and over again into her warmth.
They lay together in the aftermath of their climax for several minutes, nestled in each other's arms, promises of "Mine" "I'm yours, forever," lingering between them. By the time they were dressed, they had formulated a plan to meet each other at the end of the week, with Hux bringing a hired carriage to take them all the way to Gretna Green.
When Bazine returned to Ambria Hall, she was still dazed, her body languid and filled with a lover's bliss. She looked up at the starry night and saw the lit window from the corner of her eye. A cold fear washed over her as she saw her mother watching her from above, her face and body the picture of unrestrained fury.
~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~
Kylo frowned. Something was not right. He felt the movements and menacing whispers in the dark, and the hairs stood up in back of his neck.
He looked at his watchfob. The time was a quarter past eight. Bazine was supposed to meet him here, at the edge of her family's county seat. Hux would be by at any minute.
He patted the smallsword at his side, wishing he had chosen to take a pistol with him instead. He scanned the darkness, stilling as he heard the crunch of a brittle branch underneath a boot.
Kylo bent down, quickly removing his sword from its scabbard as a group of three men emerged from the trees.
"Well, look what we have here. A rank swell, all alone at night with nary a rattler or cuffin in sight. A bit hare-brained, wouldn't you think?"
His partners laughed, closing in.
Kylo backed away slightly and widened his stance as he drew his weapon, keeping his voice steady and loud. He couldn't let them find Bazine.
"I will give you all that I have if you leave immediately."
The leader of the group, thick and hulking, laughed evily. "You think we're going out to heave you? Oh, no. We're going to kill you."
Kylo struck out upon hearing his words. He hit the smallest of the men using his long reach and quick speed, cutting his throat and running him through with the steel end of his blade. He withdrew it as a gurgling noise and a bubbling of blood spewed from the man's neck, splattering the ground as he fell.
He turned his focus on the second man. Kylo slashed forward, pressing ahead as he successfully blocked the blows which rained down upon him. He lashed out, seeing the fear and uncertainty in the other man's eyes as one of his arcing attacks caught the fabric of the shorter man's shirt, a bloom of blood slowly staining the material around his waist.
The man staggered backwards as Kylo shouted, anger and indignation in his voice.
"You are on Sir Andrew Snoke's property, the Baronet of Anoat. Leave now, and I will spare you the rest of my blade."
A cruel laugh left the leader's lips as he spit out his next words maliciously. "The Snokes? Ahhh, but who do you think sent us here to welcome you?"
His momentary distraction was followed by a searing pain as Kylo felt the whoosh of sharp steel by his face, its deadly tip cutting through the flesh of his nose and his cheek, barely sparing his eye. The pain burned, the gaping redness and rough edges of the wound visible as he glanced around wildly, unable to focus due to his injuries and the revelation.
Bazine's parents wanted him out of her life.
They wanted him dead.
He swung wildly, his panic and emotions overriding his attention and precision as he began to fight purely on feeling, becoming careless in his movements. He was enraged, pressing forward as several swings missed, before a fourth finally caught flesh. His opponent's backswing subsequently caught him in his right shoulder, and Kylo howled in anger and pain as he ran him through with his sword.
He turned on the leader, who looked at the carnage around him. Kylo was wounded but still standing. The leader had seen enough fights in his life to know that Kylo's adrenaline and physical prowess would allow him to continue to fight on, despite his injuries. It was a chance he didn't want to take with an experienced swordsman wielding a well-tempered blade.
"I'm sorry, Lord Ren. You seem like a square gent. But the Lady wants you dead, and it's time to meet Mr. Grim." He pulled out a pistol, shooting the young noble in the side.
Kylo felt his body drop to the ground, a warm, sticky liquid seeping out from his flank. He remained there, tasting the bile in his throat and the copper in the air, not caring if he gave in to the weakness which was overtaking him.
He heard the leader's footsteps run off into the distance. He kept his eyes closed, welcoming the pain which seared his face and his arms and his sides. He made no attempt to arise when he finally heard the approaching carriage or Hux's anxious shouts. He remained still as his body was lifted by a set of four hands onto one of the carriage's seats. He felt the phantom sobs from his chest which wouldn't spill out between his painful breaths, as he croaked out his confession to Hux's horrified ears.
"She didn't want me, Hux. She never showed."
~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~
Kylo made Hux promise to keep his ignominious secret. His family had bought his story that he was beseiged by a group of highwaymen as he recuperated in the privacy of Caserta Hall. Han and Leia were puzzled as the Snokes never appeared among the flow of visitors wishing Kylo a speedy recovery. Phasma was concerned as the moodiness and flashes of anger overtook the light and laughter of her brother, who was now prone to outbursts and displays of ill temperament. Everyone except for Hux wondered why Bazine never inquired after Kylo, until Kylo lied and told them that he had asked her to stay away, afraid that his scars would upset her delicate constitution.
He was willing to accept the falsehoods about his scarring and pain, permanent physical reminders of his weakness and gullibility. The reality was much more humiliating, filling him with mortification and shame.
Even as the days passed, there was a tiny part of him which held out hope. Hope that Bazine did not have knowledge of her parent's plans, that she would still come back to him, hold him in her arms, and whisper that she loved him, deformities and all. But days turned into a week, and a week into two, and at the end of seventeen days an announcement was made regarding the impending marriage of Miss Bazine Snoke to His Grace, the Duke of Silesia.
Kylo gripped the paper, his hands shaking as the print swam in front of him, wavering in and out of his view. Anguish roared through him. She was gone. He was left empty, embittered, hideous, and a monster. He felt his heart darken, as the last remaining flicker of hope and light was snuffed out.