Chapter 9
Rey tapped her fingers over Ben's chest, willing herself to commit to memory his musky smell and firm silk skin upon her forehead. He breathed slowly, his breath cooling her hair, his heart beating gently. He was asleep, he had been for several hours. From his throat, a small cackle of snores purred over her, and his body slumped in total surrender around her. She had slept, too, knowing that in his arms after kissing him so intensely that there was no possibility of nightmares invading her peace. She looked again to her hand, watching her gauze glove rise and release with the movement of his chest, and smiled. Ben knew it, too, and so slept soundly perhaps for the first time in a very long time.
The buttons on the control panel beeped and Rey flicked her eyes to it, listening to the hum of hyperdrive for the right sound. She pressed her fingers into Ben's tunic and shook him, causing a start in his breathing.
"Ben, we're arriving on the coordinates," Rey breathed, shaking him harder as she sat up.
He twitched his head, face frowning. "Wha…?" He groaned.
"Where you sent us," She moved her head from his chin and stretched. "We're nearly there."
Ben blinked, sitting up and twisting his neck to where Rey could hear pop, pop, pop on either turn. He nodded, swallowing and standing.
"Where did you send us?" Rey asked, joining him as he moved towards the pilot and copilot's seats.
Ben was silent for a moment, then he turned to her. He was wide awake, now, and an unease tensed his shoulders. He inhaled, "To the only home I've come to know."
He gestured to the pilot's seat, his hand ungloved. Rey took her seat, catching his tension as the hyperdrive beeped down to release them from the tunnel of blue and white streaks around them. Ben inhaled, looking to Rey. She looked at him, waiting, willing him to tell her where they were going and why.
A bang! resounded from the back of the Millennium Falcon, ripping Rey's attention from the cockpit to the bow. "What was that?"
"That would be a significant part of the thrust turbine breaking off." Ben told her, looking back with her. "I was wondering when that was going to happen."
Rey looked back to him, "You knew about it?"
He scoffed, "I had it done on Naboo. Old thing's stubborn."
"You hurt my ship?" Rey nearly screamed.
He looked at her, raising his eyebrow. "Technically it's my ship-"
"No! It's mine! Han made me his copilot and Chewbacca agreed!"
"The Wookiee can hardly speak!"
"He can, and he does!"
Ben smirked, "Is that why he's always screaming?"
Rey rolled her eyes and shot up her palms, "How long do we have until the ship breaks apart completely?"
"It's not going to break apart completely," Ben scoffed. "It's just going to stop working… hopefully."
Rey's eyes widened and her breathing sputtered, "Stop working while we are in hyperdrive will halt us in dead space, lightyears from our destination!"
"Clearly I've been wrong before." Ben told her, pointing to the hyperdrive indicator. It counted down five exact seconds before the streams of blue and white stars slowed dramatically to become specks of stars around a great brown star destroyer before their eyes.
"What is that?" Rey breathed.
"Preparing to land," Ben grunted, pushing the correct buttons.
Rey grabbed the controls, directing them closer to the star destroyer. The closer they got, the more she realized that it was an older space station with six or seven modern fighter jets hovering about it, their cannons pointed at the Millennium Falcon. Before Rey could reach for the commlink, Ben grabbed it and held it to his mouth.
"Hey!" She protested.
A muffled voice jabbered over the speaker, making her look at it. It wasn't a language that she had learned on Jakku.
Ben pressed the talking button and replied, speaking the same gibberish. Rey looked from him to the landing dock, seeing a wall fade to a rainbow-transparent field, making her face tighten with caution. This space station was only old on the outside.
"What are you waiting for?" Ben asked, his voice taut. "Go on in before the engine gives way."
Rey's feelings plummeted with every inch they neared the station, but she exhaled slowly and proceeded onward. The landing dock was immaculate, if scratched upon the floor a bit. It was also mysteriously empty, which promptly sent more ill feelings down Rey's spine.
"Where is everybody?" She asked.
Ben turned to her, "They don't come out until they know if there's a fight to be fought or not."
"How comforting," She scowled, tightening her grip on the controls.
"Hey," He breathed, the softness of his voice making her turn. He reached out, placing the back of his fingers on her leg so that she had no choice but to take it. His eyes gleamed and his lips parted, "I'll take care of you, I promise."
Rey nodded and turned back to the landing dock. The Millennium Falcon had no sooner bumped into an uneasy landing when they heard a groan that definitely meant the thrust turbines had given their last breath and that they were now stuck on whatever ship Ben had brought them to.
"Where, are we?" Rey asked, turning to Ben. "Please tell me something."
He was tense, and looked at the station with mashed lips and steady breath. His fighting stance made whilst he sat next to her.
"The Nest," He whispered.
He tapped his heel against the floor twice, then stood. In one sweeping motion, he grabbed and donned his cloak, and moved to the exit, his movements clear that he wasn't going to say or do anything more.
Rey jumped from the pilot's seat and hurried after him, "Ben, what is this place?"
He whirled around, sending a plume of black garments fluttering about him, his eyes wide and his chest rose and fell with growing breaths.
"Don't call me that." He warned, "Not here, Rey. Please."
She blinked, leaning away. "Why? What is it? What's wrong? What is this place?"
He marched towards her and encircled her waist with his hands, pulling her close as his fingers dug into her, her own palms flying to his chest either in defense or in trust, she could not say. She could feel his heart race beneath her palm, however, and smelled his breath as it came in short bursts on the bridge of her nose.
"I don't know why you kissed me or why you suddenly decided to join me, I can think of that later. But I am asking you to trust me now." He traced her jawline with his thumb, his fingers were warm. "Don't tell them about the rebels, and don't call me 'Ben.' Has Poe taught you how to lie?"
Rey nodded, "Half truths and diversion."
"Good. And smile, don't forget to smile." He smirked, "You're on the arm of the Supreme Leader of the First Order, you should be overjoyed."
Rey snorted and shook her head. Ben smiled, then stepped away, breath coming heavier. Rey searched the Force, feeling for what exactly stirred him. Fear. For what? She fought a gasp when it hit her. He was afraid for her.
He slipped his hand into hers, fingers pushing hers apart as he kissed her forehead. "I'll protect you," He breathed, though Rey wondered as to whom he was assuring. "Let's go, they're waiting for us."
"Who is?" She asked as he pulled her along.
Ben said nothing, only continued forth to the loading bay door and released it. The metal door lowered in a mass of steam swirling the smell of burned wood around them. Rey had barely brushed Ben's arm with hers when a man stepped into the sightline of the doors; a big man dressed in black and silver robes with a mop of dirty blonde hair tied behind him in a ponytail. Peeking over his shoulder was a piece of silver metal that sent harsh feelings down Rey's spine.
Ben took a hesitant step forward down the ramp, his grip on Rey's hand tight. He nodded at the man, stopping as Rey cleared the ramp.
The man smirked, "Can I help you, sir?"
"My ship is damaged and needs some repairs and fuel. Do you mind if we see to both here?"
"Who do you think you are?" The man asked, looking him up and down. "Think you're some sort of emperor or something?"
Ben released Rey's hand as he swung his leg forward in a confident strut towards him. "As a matter of fact, I am."
The man didn't move. He stood hairline to hairline with Ben, and didn't waver an inch. Then, he smiled. "Welcome home, brother."
Rey stood stock still as Ben grinned and wrapped his arms around the man's shoulders, letting himself be hugged in return. They faced each other, both laughing and smiling.
"Missed you," Ben laughed.
"What? A bit lonely on your golden throne there, Kylo?" The man stepped back, looking him up and down, "You've grown since the last time I saw you. Little leaner, and from what I hear, a lot meaner."
"You still look the same," Ben smiled, looking the man up and down.
Rey tilted her head a quarter, squinting at the man's weapon as it turned halfway to her. It seemed like a sort of cannon blaster or gigantic axe. Knowing Ben, it was probably both. The man flicked his eyes to her the moment she moved, his face turning to fully absorb the sight of her. His smile was warm, something she would expect one of Poe's rapscallion acquaintances to give. The feeling of deep seeded malevolence that came with it, not so much.
"And who is this?"
Ben stood beside the man, both of them admiring Rey. She could not help but imagine the setting sun over the ocean, one bright, the other glassy black. "This is my… girlfriend, Rey. Rey, meet Fraja Ren."
"Hello," Rey replied, forcing herself to smile normally. Ren? She thought, Girlfriend?
"A real woman, Kylo?" Fraja asked, raising his eyebrows at Ben. "I was beginning to worry you were going to start giving droids the eye before long."
"Oh, shut up," Ben scoffed, pushing him away.
Rey joined him as Fraja stepped away and whistled to the rafters of the landing dock, giving Rey a second to think. Ben was so comfortable around this man! He smiled like he had always done so, joked and took ribs against him like they were water drops. But when he looked at her, she knew he wasn't right. Something disturbed her feelings about him and this joy. It wasn't… genuine. Not like Finn's happiness or even Poe's. He was faking it, putting on another show. An easier Kylo Ren.
Fraja whistled sharply once more, this time summoning six droids of various size and model to come soaring from their stations to the two black clad men. "See to Supreme Leader Kylo Ren's ship." Fraja commanded, "Only the finest for our emperor."
At once, the droids moved to the Millennium Falcon, one particular square unit shooting out beams of blue scans to assess their project.
"Come inside," Fraja commanded, tearing Rey's attention away from the droids. "Some of the brothers are home. They'll be glad to see you and meet our future empress."
A cold shock went through Rey's body, but she said nothing. She only took Ben's arm with firm fingers and allowed him to lead her through the landing bay and into the bowels of the space station. He passed her a look, her breathing shaking at the thought of being called "empress." Quickly, he gave a half shrug and looked ahead to Fraja's cloak as the man led them on.
The first door led to a perfectly ordinary corridor of cement and lights, followed by another corridor of the same pattern, then another. Fraja moved with such ease through the cloned place that it was incredible that he knew his way around. Ben, too, seemed to know every inch of the ordinary grey corridors and moved with such ease even with Rey upon his arm. Rey looked around, noting the complete uniformity of the cement maze they wound through. If she were an intruder, she would easily get lost. That meant that this was a place of sanctuary, someplace to be protected.
Suddenly, Fraja turned towards a cement wall and lifted two fingers, the Force pushing it open. A rush of air blew the strands of his hair against his scalp for a moment before settling back onto his forehead. Rey smelled an array of flavors coming from the interior, a few of them actually good. But an overwhelming aroma smelled of metal… like blood.
"Ben, where are we?" Rey hissed at him.
He looked at her with a face like thunder, but Fraja turned to look at her. "Ren? You're going to have to be a bit more specific, lass. Welcome to Nest, home to the Knights of Ren."
He disappeared through the door, allowing Ben to shoot her one last stern look before leading her along to the center of the space station. Rey took one step and gasped. She was used to immaculate Star Destroyers with clean halls and floors and uniformly dressed officers and Storm Troopers. But, on this vessel, beyond the maze, it was a commune held up by pillars of cement dotted with hundreds of fluorescent orange lights. In each level, Rey could see dozens of activities from women washing garments, to teenagers practicing swordsmanship under the guidance of several men and humanoids similarly dressed in black robes as Fraja and Ben. They moved left along a railing that looked down to a pit painted yellow of what looked like a combat arena divided into four, where in one quadrant children held red lightsabers and wore helmets that covered their eyes, small floating droids shooting small powered lasers at them that they then had to deflect. In another quadrant, elder children climbed through and over a series of obstacles while across from them, children and teenagers practiced sword techniques with a tall woman in black and silver robes. In the last quadrant, three men sat cross-legged in the position of meditation, completely unaware of the activity around them.
They passed by walled off sections of what Rey assumed to be family apartments, descending four ramps and two sets of stairs before they came to an area that seemed to be the common area filled with the most people Rey had seen yet. There were at least three kitchens with eating tables and couches splayed out in front of them, countless areas where teenagers were studying in partners, and even a nursery where the smallest children toddled about with women hovering over them. Of course, none of them were in their natural modes of routine and relaxation when Fraja arrived.
"Make way for the Supreme Leader!" He shouted to the diners at the first kitchen, "Rise up! Rise up!"
Everyone, men, women, even the children, jumped to their feet and snapped to a perfect attention. One boy, a blue skinned creature with platinum blond hair dropped to his knee and bowed his head before taking off to the other rooms, shouting to all of it's inhabitants of the new arrival.
"How many people live here?" Rey asked Ben as they neared the nursery. He wet his lips and repeated the question to Fraja.
"Just under a thousand," Fraja answered over his shoulder, making eye contact with Rey.
"And how many brothers?" Ben asked, looking to a toddler in a homespun dress as it rushed to stand in front of the party.
Fraja stopped, watching a teenage girl only a few years younger than Rey bolt towards the toddler, seize her under the armpits, and swung her onto her hip, the motion causing the toy in the little one's hands to fall. Rey stepped around Fraja and picked up the toy, a knitted starfish, and held it up to the toddler. She took it with small, uncertain hands, and pulled it close. Rey smiled to the teenager, a red head with freckles on her nose, prompting the girl to smile anxiously and bow. "My lady," She told Rey, not daring to look at her again.
Rey watched the girl, confusion settling over her. She turned to the other women in the nursery, seeing that they, too, avoided her gaze and held the children close where they might not cross the path of the new guests to their otherwise communal home.
"Rey," Ben muttered, stroking her arm gently.
She turned back to him, the truth rushing over her as she looked over him. He stood tall, taller than his usual, and his chest puffed with an importance that she hadn't seen since they first met on Star Killer Base. He was the Supreme Leader of the First Order, the strongest warrior of the Knights of Ren. To these people, he was more than a man, he was their god.
He took her hand in a gentle grasp, his face soft only for her. He shot a look to Fraja, more of an irritated twitch than a command, and the big man bowed his head in quiet acknowledgement. Then he turned his heel, and continued leading them through the commune.
"Where are we going?" Rey hissed to Ben.
"Emperor's quarters," He muttered. "Fraja's probably giving them time to open up the place and give it a once over. It's been closed since the last time I was here."
"Aye, indeed!" Fraja called over his shoulder. "You take too long to join us, Kylo. We've almost forgotten what you look like."
Ben smirked and shook his head.
"When was the last time you were here?" Rey asked, allowing her voice to return to normal.
"Just before I heard about the map to Luke Skywalker," He answered, his smile fading.
Just before you met me, Rey thought looking around.
Everywhere she looked, people lined the walking path and bowed before them. Even to Rey herself, she noticed. The few young ones who made eye contact with her looked away suddenly, bowing deeper until she had passed. She lifted her chin a bit higher, a cold shiver settling into the pit of her stomach. She was an empress now, and the firmer she clutched Ben's hand, the more these people were convinced of it.
Fraja led them up a ramp to a closed off apartment block with silver lights dotting the door, seeing a gray Twi'lek woman with black head tails hanging down to the back of her knees as she pulled that last of a line of black tape from the door and balled it in her hands.
"Serotti, love." Fraja called, prompting the woman to look up and rise to full height. Unlike the other inhabitants, Serotti merely bent her head in obeisance to Ben and Rey. However, much like Ben and Fraja, she wore black trimmed with silver and sported on a leather belt a silver lightsaber and a blaster.
She moved with elegance towards Fraja's outstretched hand, and kissed him with absolute familiarity. Fraja turned to Ben and Rey, his grin leaking into his eyes. "My wife, Serotti. Serotti, I don't believe you've met our Supreme Leader or his future empress."
This time, Serotti did bow. She swept her hand from her naval outward and bent her knees in a deep curtsy, dipping her chin whilst purring, "Supreme Leader Ren, a pleasure to welcome you home."
Ben gave a curt nod, "Sister."
Serotti rose and looked Rey square in the eye, "My lady, if it pleases you I shall serve as your lady-in-waiting and your guide whilst you remain with us here at the Nest."
Ben gripped Rey's hand so tightly all she could do was yelp, "Yes! That- that would um… please me greatly."
"Then will you please," Serotti gestured with an elegant palm towards the apartment doors. She turned to Ben, "Our brothers are waiting for you."
In a single motion, Fraja and Serotti took a door handle and opened it, revealing rooms of such grandeur that Rey gasped. The dark floor was lined with a burgundy carpet, and chandeliers of crystal and candles burned above them so that rainbows danced off the low black and burgundy furniture. The walls were painted burgundy and were interrupted by sprawling arches, raised silver designs spread across them which brought a delicate if somewhat primal beauty to the room.
"It's so beautiful," Rey breathed, inhaling the waft of rose incense as it danced from a nearby, delicate looking, silver burner.
"It can be comfortable," Ben told her, looking around.
"Is that our brother?" A voice called from one of the rooms off to the right. Ben and Rey turned in time to see a tall man with neatly trimmed curling blond hair and blue eyes walk in, also wearing jet black robes lined with silver. He saw Ben, and a smile lit his face, "Kylo! Welcome home, brother."
Rey stood in shock as Ben crossed the floor and embraced this man with a firm hug, each patting the other's back. It was not a sight she thought she would get used to.
"Glad you're home, Kylo." The man smiled, stepping away from Ben.
"It's good to be home, Koita." Ben grinned. He turned to Rey, and gestured to the man, "Koita Mathe, a true master of the Force."
"Learned it all from you, Kylo." Koita Mathe grinned. "Speaking of which, heads up."
They turned and saw six more men, all dressed in the same black and silver robes, emerge from the inner rooms of the apartment. All of them smiled when they saw Ben and all gave him hugs as warm as Koita Mathe. The only difference between these men is that they did not carry lightsabers, but blasters attached to different parts of their clothing, including belts, boots, and even strapped to one's back. Each man welcomed Ben, then nodded respectfully to Rey.
"This is Havarthan," Serotti's purr whispered to Rey from behind her right ear as a man with brown hair and green eyes bowed before her. "The one with the green complexion is Maa'qui Ren."
Romtao, Zakar, and Brunfa. All Knights of Ren. All who called Ben "brother."
"Brothers," Ben grinned, moving to stand by Rey, "This is Rey, your future empress."
At once, the men dropped to their knees and dipped their chins in obeisance. Rey shifted her weight, and looked uneasily to Ben. He didn't really expect her to sit well with this, did he? Ben looked down at her and nodded, then turned back to the kneeling knights.
"What, you'll bow to her and not to me?"
Fraja lifted his head, "To the woman who tamed the fiercest among us? Damn right we do!"
Laughter rippled through the men as their heads popped up. Serotti moved to Rey's side, catching her attention. She jerked her head slightly to the men, then to Rey and discreetly pumped her palm upwards. Rey turned to the men as they waited patiently for their command.
"Um, please rise."
As one, they rose, all casting a sympathetic look to Rey as Ben circled her waist with his arm. With his free hand, he motioned towards the furniture and the knights parted, allowing them to pass before joining them on the couches.
"So, Empress Rey," Fraja asked, seating himself across from Ben, "Tell us how you met Kylo."
Rey looked around as the knights settled themselves, each blending in well against the darkness of the room. Everyone except for her in blue and grey. Like a goldfish on black sand, Rey thought.
"Er, Kylo kidnapped me." She blurted, looking at him.
He chuckled, his smile warming her. "I remember. Outside of Maz Kanata's place."
"Romance and intrigue still on the menu at Maz's place?" Koita Mathe asked, his smile absolutely dashing. He sat on a footstool an arm's length away from Ben, reminding Rey so much of a spoiled lapdog. "I thought the only thing she had left was the booze."
The knights laughed, a stiffness settling into Rey's chest.
"Rey had a map to Luke Skywalker," Ben continued. "I was determined to get it from her. But," He smirked at Rey, "She clearly had other plans."
"Performance issues already, Kylo?" Havarthan chuckled.
"Shut up," Ben laughed, prompting the other knights to chortle as well. "No, Rey is strong with the Force."
"Is she?" Koita Mathe asked, eyes flicking to observe her more intently than he already had. "May I?" He asked, lifting his hand towards her.
"No, you may not." Ben answered, his eyes hardening.
Fraja smacked Koita Mathe's hand away, "Already trying to propose marriage to a stranger, Koita? Where are your manners?"
Koita Mathe pulled his hand close to his chest and rubbed it with the other, "Apologies, Empress." He told her, "It is difficult to find a kindred spirit."
Rey smiled at him, "Kylo and I are completely balanced. Through the Force we are each other's light and dark."
A thickness descended upon the room, so much so that Rey began to shiver. Beside her, Serotti shifted and looked to Fraja. Rey looked immediately to Ben, hoping, pleading for assurance of some kind. But his face was unreadable, and his grip upon her shoulders was tight.
"Does this mean that there is hope of one of us finally getting the jump on you, Kylo?" Brunfar asked, smile revealing perfectly white, pointed teeth.
Ben turned to him, "You wish, Brunfar."
The smile widened, further setting Rey on edge. "I wish you would prove it, brother. At least for the younglings' sake."
"Our Supreme Leader barely arrives home and you already want him to bloody himself?" Serotti demanded, looking at him.
Ben smirked, "Later, brother."
Brunfar had barely begun to open his mouth when the doors to the royal apartment opened and a boy of about ten years old bearing a silver hologram projector ran in, dropping to his knees with a harsh, thud!
"Masters, forgive me for running in, but I have important news." He told them.
"What is it, boy?" Fraja asked, leaning around Maa'qui.
The boy stood, his brown robes scuffed at knees, and set the projector on the floor before Ben and Fraja. He tapped twice on a button, causing a white light to rise straight from the middle of the projector and blink. The boy used the blinking time to scurry away from the projector and stood outside of the circle of knights, waiting patiently for it to begin.
The white light changed to a soft blue, then wavered sideways until the image of General Hux stood in his two foot glory, arms behind his back. Rey grinned at the sight of what appeared to be a cut cheek leading from the corner of his mouth down to his throat. That hadn't been there when he was threatening her, it must have happened in their escape.
"This message is intended for all major outposts of the First Order," The Hologram began, "This is to inform you, that sovereignty of the Empire of the First Order has changed once more."
"What is this?" Serotti glowered, her complexion darkening with such news.
Ben cut his arm across Rey's body, furthering the silence more as he leaned forward.
The small blue figure continued, "The First Order no longer serves under the command of Supreme Leader Kylo Ren or any apprentices associated with him. After an investigation into the murder of former Supreme Leader Snoke, it has been determined that Kylo Ren is indeed a traitor for he took from us the greatest leader the First Order has ever had the privilege of serving under!"
"There's only been two," Rey reminded him. Ben snorted.
"It is the decision of the First Order to change direction." General Hux declared, "It is time to move from empirical leadership to military dictatorship." The room save Ben shifted in their seats. "Through discipline and order we will prevail! Through-"
The projector blew up, sending scrap pieces of metal flying back towards the boy who brought it in, making the poor child flinch his hand out to stop the metal pieces midair. Rey inhaled sharply at the blast, heart hammering against her chest as she gripped Ben's arm across her legs, looking from the stoic man who protected her, to the man on his left who blew on his blaster.
"Huxy-boy is obviously mistaken," Koita Mathe breathed, then holstered his weapon.
Fraja leaned forward, almost kneeling onto the burgundy rug. "Shall we correct his error, Kylo?"
Ben exhaled, the motion sounding more like a growl, his chin lowering. Rey looked from the destroyed projector to him, her grip hurting her hands.
"We will wait," Ben answered, flicking his eyes to Fraja. "He will be expecting an attack from me, if not all of you." He looked around to the knights who sat on the edge of their seats, hungering for the word to strike. "Let him rest on his laurels, let him get comfortable. Then," He smirked, his face darkening, "I'll rip his heart from his chest myself!"
The knights released a series of cheers and war cries, Serotti even getting up to clasp hands with her husband before joining Rey's side once more. Rey smiled uneasily, releasing Ben as he reclaimed his hand. They looked at each other, the conflict that she saw years ago on Snoke's ship coming again to the surface. She longed to be alone with him, long to implore him to tell her his mind. But all she could do now, was reach up, and trace his jaw with her thumb.
A different cry of joy went out and Rey and Ben turned to the doors. Three women, all dressed in homespun dresses and wearing collars of gold, entered the room each carrying a tray of refreshment. The first woman knelt before Ben and Rey, showing them a clay pitcher and several multicolored glasses, all with an iced slush liquid poured out already.
"Mint, cucumber, and lemon water," She smiled, handing a glass to Rey and Ben.
"Thank you," Rey told her, taking her glass. Ben merely accepted his glass without a word.
Rey sipped, the flavors hitting her tongue and sending her back to Jakku where one day she had found the body of an alien near a rare beehive, a single honeycomb in it's metal cup. Rey had harvested the honey and dropped it into her canteen, letting it melt and drank until she felt like a drunkard in the pub on Neema Outpost. This drink was as intoxicating as that day, washing over her like the sea over a porous rock.
"It's delicious," She breathed, seeing her breath freeze before her for a moment.
"It's my favorite drink," Ben told her, sipping more as the woman rose to stand off to one side.
The next tray contained sweet sauces poured into crunchy pastry cups. "Chocolate, red salt caramel, and whisper berries," The woman grinned, pointing to each flavor. Her hand was severely scarred, but her smile was brilliantly crafted upon her face.
Rey grinned at her and the pastry cups, taking one for herself. "I've only ever heard of whisper berries,"
"Shh!" Ben hissed, his eyes glittering and the corners of his lips turning up, "It's a secret!"
Rey laughed and bit into the pastry, savoring the divine crunch on her ears and licorice and lavender combination slather upon her tongue. She closed her eyes, and leaned against the couch rest, "This is so good!" She cried.
Beside her, Ben chuckled, his movement pulling at her eyes to look at him. He watched her with soft eyes, even as he ate his pastry, reclining an arm on the top of the couch rest behind her so that his stomach almost brushed her arm, and his glass bottom brushed the top of her forehead. For a moment, Rey saw them in a sunlit room akin to this one, her own stomach a greatly rounded bulge. But, the warmth she felt emanating from Ben's core through his look and smile, that was such a reality that Rey did not want to wake from it. She wanted to be in this future right now, with Ben always by her side.
"My lady," Serotti's voice cooed, darkening the sun of Rey's vision until she saw Ben look away from her to the knights standing behind the couch and sipping on their drinks. Rey let out a soft exhale, her heart falling for a moment. She turned, Serotti's body turned completely towards Rey. "My lady," She murmured, "The servants have found a gown that is fitting for your size. If it would please you, we shall depart to give you proper rest for tonight?"
"What is tonight?" Rey asked, her finger flinching towards Ben.
Serotti smiled, giving Rey the distinct impression that Serotti was doing her best to not reply sharply or with sarcasm. "It is customary for the Knights of Ren to give their best to the Supreme Leader and his guests. Kylo has a set of dress robes for the occasion which Fraja is probably reminding him of now," She gestured with her eyebrows back to Ben, forcing Rey to turn.
Fraja was leaning close to Ben, whispering into his ear whilst Ben listened, his frame taut. His eyes flicked to Rey, his head twitching away from Fraja, the big man straightening when Ben asked, "Yes?"
Rey hesitated, her entire body begging her not to leave him alone. "Um, Serotti says that there is a dress for me to change into."
He nodded quickly, waving a dismissive hand.
The moment she stood, Ben flinched towards her, sending the room into silence once again. That's when she saw it, a moment of panic upon his face. He felt uneasy being separated from her, too, but couldn't say anything out loud. He cleared his throat and raised her hand to his lips, "Don't be away for too long, otherwise I won't recognize you." He kissed her knuckles, a feeling of warning ebbing up her arm so that she flashed a grin. He turned to the Knights behind him, "Our future empress is retiring to make herself ready for this evening."
SWSWSW
Watching Rey leave was undoubtedly one of the most difficult things Kylo had seen in a long time. It wasn't the physical departure that hurt him, it was the not knowing of what would happen when she left that frightened him. He had felt Fraja's unease the moment he stepped off the Millennium Falcon, and even more so when he saw Koita Mathe, but they knew how to hide it well. The moment Rey left with Serotti, Kylo could feel it again, except it seeped through all five of the knights, instead of just one.
"Ladies," Koita Mathe purred, looking to the servants. "You may return to the kitchens."
Wordlessly, the women set their trays down on the elegant tables and glided out, eyes down. Kylo finished his drink, the refreshment welcome in such tension.
"We collected Faroh's body from Naboo," Fraja began, moving to his spot across from Kylo. "And saw to it that your mother's ashes were placed within your honorable grandmother's crypt."
"Thank you, Fraja." Kylo breathed.
"There was some question about Faroh's cause of death, however," Maa'qui added, gliding around Kylo's couch.
Immediately, Kylo stood, searching the Force for the true meaning of this gathering. The Force screamed danger, why didn't he hear it? That's right, he had. He just had to keep Rey safe and calm, and they had to separate the both of them. They were good, he had to give them that. He sent the Force over Fraja's thoughts, the movement making the big man shudder. They knew. They knew he had killed Faroh. Koita Mathe had found out the truth and had done his duty as a Knight and told his brothers. Like good knights, they had gathered, just those who know him, to kill him peacefully.
"If you're going to execute me," Kylo growled, he tore off his lightsaber and ignited it, "By all means, get it over with."
Frraja smiled sheepishly, "Well, that's where we have a dilemma, you see."
Kylo looked around, seeing none of the knights prepared for any sort of battle.
"We are not strong enough to defeat you, brother," Koita Mathe breathed.
"No, we're not." Fraja interjected, "Not now especially since your girlfriend as you called her is rumored to be just as strong as you and to have fought off Snoke's Praetorian Guard all by herself now."
Kylo looked at him, then doused his lightsaber. "So, what is this? Some way of telling me you are permitting me to be on the throne because I'm a Knight of Ren?"
"Yes," The Knights declared in unison.
"We've never had it so good before," Fraja continued. "This ship, our new recruits, the unlimited supplies, and not to mention our unquestioning assignments to keep us in ship-shape. We like you, Kylo, we really do."
"But?" Kylo demanded, looking to Koita Mathe.
Koita Mathe opened his lips, "We are willing to overlook the death of Faroh if you would honor your promise to overtake the First Order, and leave Rey to us to train."
Kylo straightened, inspiring a wicked grin to spread over Koita Mathe's face. "What?" He continued, "You think I couldn't tell? Former Supreme Leader Snoke made mention to me to keep an eye out for your equal in the light. She shows up and ever since she has been your opposite in every regard. Honestly, I don't know how the galaxy has survived the two of you."
"I'll train her," Kylo declared. "She trusts me, she won't be so easily convinced of any of you."
"You'll marry her, you mean?" Koita Mathe corrected, folding his arms. "You have feelings for the girl, we can all see it if not feel it."
"She won't come easily, not without the Resistance following her."
"What are you suggesting, Kylo?" Brunfar asked, shifting in his seat.
Kylo hesitated, taking a moment to unceremoniously shove Koita Mathe out of his head before looking back to Fraja and parted his lips.
SWSWSW
Rey shivered as the cosmetics servant dabbed her closed eyelids with cool powder and even cooler liquid. It was a welcome change to the brushing and pulling and pinning that she had done earlier to Rey's hair. In either case, Rey felt such an impersonal ease at such gentle hands operating over her. There was a moment when the servant took an untamed lock of hair and brushed it, that Rey remembered a woman with hair much like her own, stroking it with her fingers as though to take out tangles before winding it back into her signature three bun upstyle.
"You may look now, my lady," The servant cooed, the sound of clicking instruments and the smell of blueberries resonating before Rey.
Rey opened her eyes, in time to see the servant rise and leave her, only to be replaced by Serotti with a gown draped across her arms.
"How lovely," She beamed, her feelings genuine. "Supreme Leader Ren will be pleased."
"Has he brought many women back to the Nest?" Rey asked, though she doubted the answer would be in the affirmative.
"No, my lady." Serotti answered, laying the gown on Rey's bed. "He was far too busy with former Supreme Leader Snoke to take notice of women."
"And the Knights of Ren allow you to marry each other?"
"Not always," She looked at Rey, "But we may marry. That is what makes us superior to the Jedi," She said that last word like a cavity in her molar. "We may go to our spouses for emotional support and encouragement. They were stoic and without passion."
"Balance," Rey said, making the woman pause before continuing to smooth the gown. "Why do you not like that word?"
"There is no balance, there is only the Force." Serotti answered immediately, in a tone that reminded Rey of a chant.
"And those without the Force must conform to those with it?" Rey asked, lifting her eyebrow.
"Yes," Serotti faced her, her emotions completely sound. "The Force is Power, and through it, there is Victory. Through Victory, we are free."
Rey watched her, this woman who feigned servitude. She was a warrior of the worst kind, the ones ignorant Rebels dreamt of. She was the kind to seek blood not out of vengeance or meanness, but as a baptismal rite. Rey swallowed, the realization dawning that Serotti's service was not one of obligation, but of humility. She saw Rey as the one who would be the model of the Knights of Ren and of the First Order. Her queen, her empress, and it was an honor to be one step behind her.
Rey looked to her gown, and shivered. Why did Ben bring her here? Really bring her? Did he really have no other place to go or did he have something else in mind? Rey stood, wrapping her silk silver robe over her tighter in an attempt to not cry. Ben held her heart now, would he break it so soon?
SWSWSW
The Royal Suite's balcony overlooked the entire commune, including the terrace where supper was to be had. Swarming it were dozens of teenagers and younger adults, laying plates and cutlery, glasses and flowers over a long, brown wood table. They all had the same look, brown tunics and trousers with black cloaks, a long lovelock braid across their shoulders as though to display some sort of mark of honor.
No sooner had the apprentices finished laying down the dinnerware and stepped back to the position of attention than the Knights of Ren entered the dining area, dressed in fine, solid black silk shirts and cotton jackets that hung to their knees, heavy silver embroidery lining the jacket opening and continuing around the collar. They gathered together, each man appraising the other to ensure that not a single silver thread was out of place or even a lock of hair, and politely ribbed each other, waiting for their hosts.
Ben watched them from his post on Rey's balcony. He had not yet donned his jacket; having fiddled long enough with the heavy silver frog fastenings across his black shirt, he didn't feel an immediate want to cover himself. What he wanted was to talk to Rey. She had looked and felt so distressed at the thought of being called an empress, and indeed being treated like one. This was not a world she was used to or indeed could get used to. He had had the Knights, Storm Troopers, officers, and servants give him their bows and salutes for nearly ten years, she couldn't be expected to get used to it in ten minutes.
He looked around the parlor, a small sense of pride swelling to see that the architect for this suite had included some of his calligraphy on the raised silver design patterns. "Passion in pride. Pride in passion," The words read, though few knew that.
Slowly, he donned his leather gloves, looking over the Nest. This was not Rey's world. She was sunshine, and grass, oceans and tidepools. She did not belong here, and keeping her here would kill that beautiful spirit that he had come to love since the first moment she fought him. He took up his jacket and shoved his arms into it. Rey needed to be with him, his balance in the Force. If she didn't need to be with him, then he needed her. End of story, no further arguments. The Knights could rot in hell for thinking they could emotionally manipulate her like Snoke manipulated him.
Ben looked up, feeling Rey's presence enter the parlor led by Serotti. What he saw made his breathing sputter and his heart hammer against his chest so much so that he thought he was going to collapse. Serotti herself was clad in an elegant red and gold gown, two gold bracelets connected by a chain holding her tails together, but the beauty that followed her made Ben's heart jolt to a complete stop.
She stood in a black silk gown that brushed the floor, the same silk that covered her bust pulled to the side so that a generous portion of her naval was visible and her curved frame emphasized. Over her bare arms light, silver sleeves arched over her shoulders and draped until they kissed the floor. When she moved, Ben could see draped chains of diamond strands hold the gown together upon her bare back, peeking out from her hair that had been curled and pinned with hairpins that stuck out like ebony fingers with diamond eyes.
Ben took a sharp inhale, his lungs thanking him for it, and stepped forward. "Rey?" He breathed, staring at her face that had been touched by dark and glimmering cosmetics.
She smiled politely, looking quickly to Serotti before gliding to him and taking his hands, whispering, "I look ridiculous."
Ben took a step back and moved his head examining her up and down, smiling wide. "You should look ridiculous more often."
Her grin burst through reddening her cheeks.
Ben smiled, "Ah, there she is." Her eyes met his, "I thought Rey was gone for a minute."
She swallowed, "You look quite handsome yourself."
"Oh, this old thing?" He lifted the opening of his jacket with a casual hand, making her laugh. "Come on, supper is ready."
He lifted Rey's hand, and tucked it under his arm, taking one last long gaze into her eyes before looking forward and moving to follow Serotti.