A/N: Heyo! Thanks for sticking with the story! I'm really enjoying this new world I threw them into! I was going for a modern feel to the classic Duke/Duchess timeline. I hope it's working for you guys. Not all the time do my ideas make it onto paper as clearly as they form in my head lol Anyway! Here's chapter 3! Hope you enjoy!


Marrying the Monster

Chapter 3: Mission


"Lady Rey?" came a muffled voice through her deep slumber. "Lady Rey, it's time to wake up," the voice called again. She vaguely heard the curtains sliding across the rod and a brightness assault her closed eyes, her brows knitting in pain. "Rey, get up!"

Her eyes tore open, landing on Rose. The woman was grinning at her. Rey blinked several times, willing away the sleep. "What time is it?" Rey yawned, sitting up in bed.

"It's still morning, Rey. But from what I understand, you have plans to go to the market today with-"

Rey gasped. "Ren! Shoot!" She quickly got up out of bed, tripping over the man's cloak. She fell to the ground with a slight thump. Cursing under her breath, she looked down to see the offender: his cloak! Her eyes widened and her face reddened as she realized she'd slept in his cloak. She'd slept in another man's clothes! Oh, no! What if Kylo found out about this!? Fear and panic started to overtake her.

"Rey?" called Rose, breaking her from her reverie. "I-is everything ok?"

Tears formed in Rey's eyes as she started to feel upset about the whole situation. "What if Kylo finds out I slept in Ren's cloak!?" she asked in a hushed whisper full of dread.

Rose stared at her incredulously. "I'm sorry... Ren?"

Rey stood up and took the cloak off quickly. "Ren... the man I went walking with last night. He's one of the Knights. He wouldn't give me his first name. He just told me to call him Ren, after I spent the whole night calling him Sir Knight," Rey explained as she tried to calm herself down.

Rose took a moment, but she realized what had happened. "Ohhh. Ok. Don't worry, Rey. It'll be ok."

"But-"

"Rey... it's fine. I'll make sure the... Knight receives his cloak back while you're out," she said with a small smile. "No worries." Rey let out a sigh of relief. "But... in the meantime... are you planning to go to the market in pants?"

Rey looked down at her attire and let out a loud huff. Her life sucked...

X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X

It took a while for Rey to get ready, but once she was, she hurried to the door. She tore it open and ran into a strong chest. She felt hands on her arms to steady her as she gasped and realized what had happened. "I'm sorr-" Her eyes landed on Ren. Her eyes widened as a blush started to creep onto her face. She cleared her throat and stood straight up for a moment. "S-sorry, Ren."

He only looked down at her to see her in a dress. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" he asked as he released her arms.

"I overslept and was trying to hurry so I wouldn't keep you waiting."

He hummed under his breath in understanding. "We should at least have breakfast first," he said as he offered her his arm as an escort.

She hesitantly took it and glanced back at Rose to see her smiling at them. Ren led her down the hall silently, glancing over at her occasionally. She wore a lilac dress with her hair pinned back in a half up, half down do with purple flower pins. She wore no makeup as other ladies had the custom to. And it suited her just fine. He didn't understand why she hated dresses so much when they looked beautiful on her. He straightened out his thoughts then as they walked down the east wing stairs, and down the grand staircase, off to the right to the dining room. The other Knights were there, eating amongst themselves, chattering away. It was only when they caught sight of Ren that they stopped. Rey found it rather odd, but she didn't question it. Maybe it was her...

Ren led her to a chair and took a seat himself. She sat down by herself, thankful he didn't pull the chair out for her. That would have been a little too intimate. Paige came out quickly and set a plate in front of Rey and another in front of Ren. It was then that Rey realized Ren was sitting at the head of the table. She glanced at the other Knights and saw Vicrul sitting at the head as well. She supposed there was nothing to read into. The Knights resumed their chatter amongst themselves, occasionally glancing over at Rey and Ren. Ren ate without a word. Rey ate uncomfortably. Was it her? Did she look funny in the dress? Was it that she didn't fit in? She picked at her eggs in silence, barely aware that the other Knights finished eating and rose to leave. They all nodded at Ren and some bowed their heads to Rey. She blushed and nodded back at them, not used to the attention. "You're uncomfortable," Ren said as he sipped his coffee.

"Is it that obvious?" she mumbled as she took another bite of her eggs.

"It's palpable," he said offhandedly as he ate his food, too.

She let out a small sigh. "I'm not used to this... It's still so unfamiliar to me..."

He stayed silent for a few moments, not really knowing what to say. He understood her uneasiness, but he didn't know what he was expecting. Was she feeling awkward because of last night? He didn't really do anything out of line. It wasn't like they kissed or embraced, so that couldn't be what was making her uncomfortable. Maybe it was... him? His brows pulled together at that thought. Was he really that terrifying to her?

"Ren?" His eyes flicked over to her. "Are you all right?"

He didn't know how to answer that. Not really, but also, yes? "Fine. I'll call for the carriage," he said as he downed the rest of his coffee and stood. He trudged off, leaving her by herself at the table.

The silence was overwhelming after just a few seconds. She sipped her tea with a sigh. "Lady Rey, is everything all right?" Paige asked as she came to collect the plates from the Knights.

Rey nodded silently. "Just trying to adjust," she said with a forced smile.

Paige frowned and hummed under her breath. "Well... if you need anything let us know. We may be able to help you adjust."

Rey thought about it for a moment. "Actually... there is..." Paige turned her attention to Rey without hesitation. "When is the Duke arriving? I'd like to meet him in person instead of relying on rumors and reputation."

"U-uhm... He arrived last night, my lady."

Rey's brows pulled together. If he arrived last night, then why didn't she see him? "And... where is he now?"

"He just went out," Paige replied as she finished gathering the dishes. "Is there a problem, my lady?"

"No..." she said as she finished her meal and stood in irritation. "Thank you, Paige," she said as she trudged outside to Ren. He opened the carriage door for her and helped her into it without a word. She sat on the bench silently, leaning against the wall and staring out the window. Why hadn't he come meet her? Was he really that uninterested? Was he really that rude? Instead, she met with Ren last night. Was Ren covering for the Duke? Had the Duke asked Ren to occupy her so he could come in and leave without being spotted? What a coward!

"Are you sure you're up to this today?" Ren asked, breaking her from her thoughts, but not from her attitude.

"Yes. I'm fine," she said curtly. Ren nodded and took to silence, figuring whatever was on her mind would be brought to light soon enough or she'd get over it. She seemed to be pensive. He could only imagine what was going on through her head. This woman was quite fascinating, if he had to be honest. She was opinionated and not at all like the other ladies. She preferred pants over dresses and even had a nose for slimy characters. He was curious as to why she hadn't caught on to who the Duke really was yet though. He was quite enjoying watching her figure things out. "You know what... I'm not fine."

"Couldn't tell," Ren said with a small smirk.

Rey glared over at him and sighed heavily. "Paige said the Duke came back home last night, but I still have yet to meet him in person. Our wedding is in two days! How can I marry a man I've never even met in person?!"

"That's how arranged marriages work."

"Well, it doesn't work that way for me. He should at least have the decency to meet his betrothed prior to the wedding. I mean, we're expected to kiss in front of God and everyone to seal the marriage union, but I don't make it a habit of kissing guys I've only just met!"

"Again... that's how arranged marriages work."

She glared at him. "I know you're subservient to the Duke, and I expect for you to take his side, but this is all so... ridiculous, don't you think?" Ren remained silent, a slight amusement in his dark eyes. "He agrees to the petition for marriage, but he's gone when I get here. He comes back and doesn't so much as introduce himself. Is he really not curious about his future wife? Or is it just that he doesn't care? Are the rumors true? Is he really as callous as his reputation suggests?" she asked as she crossed her arms over her chest. She knew she was acting like a child, but she couldn't help it. She was highly resistant to this marriage to begin with, and now this man was making it even harder for her to go along with it. If he'd had the common decency to actually introduce himself to her when he'd arrived, or even this morning, it wouldn't be so bad. At least she could prepare herself for the marriage. At least she'd have some of her answers now.

"It sounds like you're just angry you haven't gotten your curiosity sated." Rey's eyes darted over to Ren. She felt attacked. Her mouth opened a hair, but before she could speak, he continued. "You're irritated that he hasn't introduced himself to you when you've been here only a night. That's usually how arranged marriages work, some even working out so as the husband and wife don't meet until they walk down the aisle together. But your problem is you're impatient and want answers immediately."

"Ugh..." She held her head in irritation. She hated being called out like that, but he was right. She felt a blush creep onto her cheeks as she glared out the window. "I just... I don't know anything about him... I don't know his name, where he grew up, his parents, his ambitions..." she said softly as her emotions dwindled to a hint of sadness.

"Why is it so important to know all of that right now? You're getting married in a couple of days. You'll have your whole life to learn those things."

Her brows knitted together then. No... she didn't. She had a year. One year, which was slowly ticking down with each passing day. She was still no closer to knowing him than when she left the south. "Yeah..." she breathed.

Ren observed her for a few moments in silence. There was something off. He couldn't quite place it, but there was something off. "Why did you agree to this marriage?"

She was a bit taken aback by the sudden question. Her eyes widened a hair before she turned her sight to him. He looked like he was studying her. Had he seen through her from the very beginning? Was her attempt that translucent? "I want to end the war between north and south..." she said softly.

"And how do you plan to do that?"

"By going through with the marriage." Ren studied her further, waiting for more of an explanation. "The south doesn't have the resources to keep fighting in the war. It's crippling them. People are starving as all money is going to the war effort. The only option the south has is a marriage alliance. The north is more formidable than the south. The south doesn't have a leg to stand on... but if I go through with this marriage... the war will be over and my people can breathe again." She looked into Ren's eyes, pleading with him to believe her.

He looked taken aback by her words, but he quickly schooled his features. "If that is your intention, then why are you so eager to learn about the Duke? The war won't simply go away because you marry him. It will take time. So, why are you trying to make things happen so quickly, especially when you're clearly against the union?"

She sighed heavily, averting her sight out the window again. "North and south have the same interests. We just want peace... if I can help the Duke understand where the south is coming from... maybe we can be allies..."

"What makes you think he doesn't already understand that?"

"Because if he did, he'd have ended the war long ago," she said nonchalantly, not breaking her sight away from the passing scenery out the window. She looked defeated. She felt defeated. She was defeated. This plan would never work. The Duke would never understand. All he wanted was an all out war. If he didn't, he would have met her already and tried to get to know her. But this marriage is... "...just a formality..." she whispered under her breath with a defeated sigh.

Ren remained silent, not missing what she'd said. He chose to ignore it, even though it irritated him that she felt that way about it. He cleared his throat. "The north's traditions aren't much different than the south's."

"How so?" she asked, disinterested.

"In the south, women wear dresses. It's the same in the north. However, in the north, women can choose what they wear. They aren't limited to dresses all the time." She flicked her eyes over to him briefly. "Look outside. Not all women are wearing dresses. It's perfectly acceptable for women to wear pants. The only rule is that when women attend social events, like tea parties and balls, they are required to wear dresses as a formality." She gave no reaction to what he said. He sighed after a moment and sat back, crossing his arms over his chest. "What would you have the Duke do?"

"Nothing."

"Then stop sulking."

"I'm not sulking."

"You say as you clearly sulk in the carriage." She shot a glare over to him. "Sulking won't help your situation. If you truly wish to meet with the Duke, you may meet him tonight. He has a mission to go to this afternoon, but when he returns, he will meet with you in person."

"What makes you think he wants to meet with me? None of this was his idea, nor was it mine. Our emperors decided upon this marriage to help better our relationships. Trade is suffering, people are suffering and living in fear, lives are being lost... for what? A petty war over territory!?" She seethed across from him, her green eyes taking on a hard look as she grew more and more irritated with this whole situation.

A flicker of annoyance and rage flashed through his eyes at her tone, but he pushed it down and away. "I understand you're frustrated, but this is for the best."

"Really? A dispute over territory is best for both countries? Please, tell me how," she said condescendingly, daring him to try to make sense of all of this war. "War is pointless."

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"Why? Because I'm a woman? Because I'm not the empress or someone of high social standing? Because I'm the pawn that was married off to a Duke that clearly has no interest in ending the war!? I know more than you think I do, Ren. Don't insult me."

"What do you know, Rey!?" he hissed, his patience finally snapping.

"I know that the Duke is a power hungry animal that thirsts for war. He uses the Knights of Ren as a tool to accomplish his goals. Everyone fears him, yet no one knows what he looks like. He's a coward that hides behind a helmet and an overly inflated reputation and a killing squad that does his every whim!"

Ren scoffed. "A coward, you say? A coward?! He's fought for several years for his country when the south made the decision to cast him aside! The south disposed of him because his own uncle, the one that chose to adopt you, saw him as a threat to the country all because he was different! He had to live a life with a family that didn't care for him. He had to raise himself to where he was! He had that reputation long before he even met the Knights of Ren! His own mother deserted him all because of his uncle's words! All because his uncle felt threatened by his power! Instead of training him, Luke cast him aside like some piece of garbage to rot on the streets! So, tell me how Kylo Ren is a coward!"

Rey gasped at the backstory of the man she was going to marry. Tears came to her eyes in sympathy. She'd made a terrible mistake. She'd terribly misjudged him. All she had was a reputation to go off of. No one spoke of him. No one made him real to her. He was just this... figure... that she had heard of. It all made sense why Luke was so harsh with her when he sent her off. It made so much sense now. How he wanted her to win him over and get him on their side. Fear turned to iron that threatened to rupture her stomach as she realized exactly how impossible this mission had become. With a story like that, how could she possibly get him to agree to side with the south? Luke had sent her... on a suicide mission. Tears overflowed down her cheeks without her consent. She stared at the floor in silence, unable to control the amount of emotions surging through her. Her life was nothing. She was cast aside just like Kylo Ren was. But why? She had been a good daughter.

No she hadn't. She was defiant. She was not ladylike in the least. And now... she'd been sent away to commit to a pointless marriage while the north and south still struggled. "I'm... so sorry," she breathed, all fight gone from her. "I didn't realize-"

"Of course you didn't. No one did. It's the most well kept secret of the south. Luke isn't exactly open about it." Though his words were somewhat kind, his whole demeanor shouted indignation and hurt.

Her hands went to her face as she sobbed into her hands. She'd been thrown away. She was so lost in her torment that she hadn't noticed Ren rising to sit next to her. He hesitantly wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into him comfortingly. She grabbed at his chest and sobbed softly into his shirt, muttering her sorries over and over again like a mantra. He gently shushed her as he rubbed her back consolingly. He leaned his cheek against her head and let out a soft sigh. "I swore..." she whispered as she sniffled softly. "I swore I'd give him a chance. But I'm no better than anyone else. I judged him without even meeting him or knowing his story," she cried softly. "I'm so sorry."

He pressed his lips into a thin line as he processed her emotions. Was she really so tore up about her lack of neutrality? There had to have been something else contributing to her sadness. She had to have had a realization of sorts. Had she come to the conclusion that Luke threw her away, too? Had she realized that whatever hope she had of ending the war was moot now? He wanted to understand her, but he didn't want to push it, so he stayed silent and gently rubbed her back, whispering that it was ok and for her to calm down. She let out a few more sobs into his chest before she slowly sat up and wiped her face. "I'm sorry," she said with an embarrassed laugh. "It was unbecoming to act that way. Especially to my betrothed's Knight," she sniffled, continuing to wipe her face.

He watched her silently, offering her his handkerchief. She hesitantly took it and cleaned herself up. "You're human," he reminded her gently. His heart beat loudly as he realized how caring she was. He hoped he wasn't getting too ahead of himself as he allowed himself to feel the slightest bit of affection for her. She finished wiping her face and smiled softly at him and he thought his world would fall apart. She truly was a beautiful woman. He heard a knock on the carriage, realizing that it had stopped. "I suppose we're here. Shall I give you a minute?" he asked as she stood and opened the door.

"No... I'm fine now." He offered his hand to her to help her out and she smiled as she took it. Once she was on the ground, she looked around at all the people. "Wow..." she whispered.

"Do they not have a market in the south?" he asked as a little bit of his amusement seeped into his voice.

"We do... but nothing like this," she said as her eyes fell on multiple colors and stands and different types of people.

"Shall we?" he asked as he offered his arm.