It was the happiest day of Rey's life. So much had changed within the month. Shortly after the return from Vjun, the mixed Knights arrived on Hapes, with evidence to arrest Queen-Mother Jocasta. The trials and line of succession were the main galactic issue left unresolved, but at least the Second Galactic Civil War had ended.
The galaxy would always have a Supreme Leader. But he would always have a Senate to temper him. There were still plenty of things to think over, but the guidelines were in place. There was a skeleton to work with.
Rey remembered the day that the leaders of the Resistance, herself included, and Ben had signed that document. Standing beneath a crystal spire, as the light stood still directly over the document, not a sound could be heard. The entire galaxy held its breath, from across the HoloNet.
Ben was the last to sign, Rey remembered. But he didn't hesitate. As soon as he was directed where he would sign, as Emperor, of this new Alliance, he signed, in the most beautiful Aubresh signature that Rey had ever seen.
"Rey, do you need help with the dress?"
Rose approached, dressed in her maid-of-honor gown— a bold red as a reminder of the rebellion, and of the great victory.
"Thanks, Rose," Rey said, as her closest friend helped lace up her dress. "I don't recall why I picked something so. . .strappy."
"Because Jaina, Siri, and I talked you into it," Rose said calmly. "How are you feeling, by the way? Because I remember when Finn and I had our little ceremony, when we knew Saoirse was on the way—"
"I'm fine, thanks," Rey said.
It was her wedding day, at long last. After twenty years, everything was finally as it should be. In a few moments, Rey would walk down the aisle. Saoirse Stormbreaker would spread flower petals, a Naboo custom. Her daughter and son would watch as their parents were finally married, for the entire galaxy to see.
The Knights of Ren would wear Jedi garb, for the first time in twenty years. While some extremists, like Sorscha Martigan, split off, most were happy to keep Rey in charge and to let the prodigal Knights come home.
"What will you do now?" Rey asked. "Now that the war is over."
"Finn's going to be a politician with Poe, help set up the new government," Rose said. "As for me. . . I think I'll spend more time with Saoirse. Be a real mother. Maybe I'll get a falthier."
"Or seven," Rey teased.
"At least one, and call it Paige," Rose said. "After that. . . I don't know. I've never lived without the Empire. I can't wait to find out what it's like."
"You aren't afraid?" Rey asked.
"I'm always afraid," Rose admitted. "But I try to keep going anyway. If you're nervous about the wedding, I have a back exit plan—"
"Nice try," Rey said. She looked at herself in the mirror. "I'm just not sure what I'll be when all the fighting is done. I was no one before the war, Rose. I don't want to be no one again."
"You aren't," Rose said. "You're a teacher to the Jedi, a leader, a mother to the twins, and most importantly, you're our friend. My friend. That won't change, now or ever."
"Thank you." Rey hugged Rose.
There came a hesitant tap. "Come in."
Jaina peeked her head in. "Um, I think Ky- Dad, is getting a bit antsy. Thinks you might ditch him, since the ceremony's supposed to start now."
"I'll be there in a moment," Rey promised.
Jaina smiled and withdrew. Most likely to be with Kyp Durron. Rey thought that her daughter and protege would make quite the pair. As for Jacen. . . She still didn't know everything that had happened when he was captured in the Vjun Castle. But he would recover, she was sure of that.
Rey stood, and followed Rose out into a new world.