Chapter 25 - She's a vision
Kylo tenderly assisted Rey in adjusting the front of her tunic after they had both redressed. As he looked at her left hand, he gently traced his fingers over her wedding band. "Since you're returning to the Resistance, you should really consider hiding that away," he suggested softly.
Rey gazed down at her open palm, where a sense of resignation settled within her. "I probably should, honestly. I keep forgetting it's on there," she admitted with a tinge of frustration. A wave of concern etched itself across her face. "What if Chewbacca or the droids have already noticed it?"
Kylo gently shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "I don't think so," he mused. "Most people don't notice unless they're actively searching for a ring. Are you constantly scanning everyone's hands, specifically looking for a wedding band?"
"No," Rey stated honestly.
"Ah, there's your answer," Kylo replied with a sly smile, glancing at Rey's ring.
"I don't really want to take it off," Rey complained, her fingers fidgeting with the ring.
Kylo chuckled softly. "Allow me." With a gentle touch, he slid the ring off her finger and walked over to a nearby cabinet.
After a moment of rummaging, he pulled out a small box.
"What's that?" Rey inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Kylo, with a thoughtful expression, remarked, "I thought you would need something to wear it around your neck."
He produced a delicate silver chain, skillfully unhooked the clasp, and carefully slid the ring onto it. "Please turn around," Kylo gently instructed.
Rey's face lit up with a smile as she lifted her hair from the nape of her neck after facing away from him. Kylo lovingly placed the necklace around her neck, fastening it closed with precision.
He then smoothed it down, leaned in, and tenderly kissed the side of her neck.
"How does that feel?" he inquired as he drew back, his eyes filled with warmth.
Rey's fingers instinctively found the ring, its smooth metal cool against her skin, before she even glanced down.
"It's good," she said, her voice laced with excitement, as she turned around to face him, her eyes sparkling with joy.
The sudden blare of the alarm signalled their imminent exit from hyperspace.
"Time to get you home," Kylo declared. With purposeful strides, he made his way to the pilot's chair and swiftly disengaged the autopilot, taking control of the ship.
As they approached, the imposing form of the Finalizer began to loom into view, its colossal silhouette dominating the space around them.
As Rey stared out the window, she couldn't help but notice the unusually sparse traffic. "There seems to be less traffic," she thought to herself.
"It's extremely late," Kylo remarked, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Confused, Rey turned to him. "I didn't say anything," she replied, puzzled by his comment.
Kylo lightly tapped the side of his temple with a finger, his eyes fixed on Rey. "But you thought it," he retorted in her mind, his voice echoing with a hint of amusement.
Rey smirked, her lips curling into a playful smile. "I forget you can hear everything I think," she teased. "I can only hear some of yours."
Kylo shifted his attention back to the front of the ship, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and introspection.
"I'm so used to concealing my thoughts; it's become second nature at this point," Kylo remarked with a tinge of resignation. "Who knows, given enough time, you'll probably hear everything I think, our bond does grow stronger every day."
Rey let out a snort. "So, I'll get to hear every deep, dark, and dirty thought?"
"Something along those lines," Kylo replied with a sly smirk.
How am I meant to get back to the Villa this late?
"I'll drop you off," Kylo responded, his voice carrying a confident tone. "But you'll need to jump."
Rey's response was tinged with amusement. "It's eerie how quickly you anticipate my thoughts," she remarked.
Kylo let out a snort in response. Activating the cloaking device, Kylo skilfully piloted the ship through Naboo's airspace towards Varikyino Villa. As they approached their destination, he activated the hover function, smoothly swivelling in his chair after overseeing their approach.
Kylo's voice cut through the stillness as he declared, "This is your stop," and then opened up the back ramp.
The chilly night air rushed into the ship, causing both of them to shiver as the temperature dropped. Rey made her way to the back of the craft and leaned over the edge of the ramp, noticing that her balcony was still quite a distance below.
"Can't you get any lower?" Rey inquired, her voice carrying a hint of resignation.
"Sorry, but you'll have to use a force jump," Kylo replied with a hint of playfulness in his voice.
Rey couldn't help but roll her eyes at his response. "Well, that's just great," she muttered under her breath.
Kylo strolled to the edge and gazed down at Rey. "I'll see you soon, sweetheart. Have a peaceful sleep," he whispered, leaning in to gently kiss her lips.
Rey's brow furrowed as he drew back. "Aren't you joining me in bed soon?" she inquired, her voice tinged with concern.
Kylo responded, "By the time I make it back to our room, you'll likely be fast asleep."
As Rey took a deep breath and sighed, she uttered, "Okay then, sleep tight."
With determination in her eyes, she leapt forward, tucking herself into a graceful somersault before landing with poise on the balcony below. Looking up, she waved as she saw the ramp close and vanish, leaving her with a sense of longing.
As she gazed upwards, she witnessed a distorted streak disappear through the atmosphere, carrying Kylo's signature with it into the distance.
She retraced her steps back to her room, shedding her outer clothing as she went. Collapsing onto her bed, she realised that Kylo had been right; she was asleep mere moments after her head touched the pillow.
Rey stood in her closet, carefully donning the commanding First Order uniform, while JK remained in her room, eagerly anticipating their departure for the transport pick-up in town. Throughout the day, Rey had immersed herself in the beauty of the villa's grounds, relishing the sensation of soft grass under her bare feet as she wandered.
Earlier, Rey sat in quiet meditation, practicing the force. She had attempted to focus on honing her newfound Force Stasis ability. With a determined stare, she directed her power toward C-3PO, causing the bewildered droid to freeze in place. Panicked, C-3PO frantically bellowed about his circuits, fearing a malfunction. Rey, hearing his distress released him quickly, and made a point of carefully examining the droid and reassured him that his circuits were indeed functioning properly.
Throughout the entire day, she hadn't caught a glimpse of Kylo, assuming he was occupied with preparations for the negotiations and dinner. With a sigh, she emerged from the walk-in wardrobe, clutching the garment bag that held the dress she had chosen the day before.
Confident and determined, Rey handed the bag to JK with a nod, clipping her lightsaber to her belt.
"Let's do this," Rey declared.
She exchanged farewells with Chewbacca and the droids, each offering their own words of encouragement. The duo then embarked on a journey to the city, first navigating the tranquil waters on a boat and then transitioning to a waiting transport at the bustling docks.
After swiftly slipping into her gown in a nearby restroom, she emerged adorned in the breathtaking dress that trailed slightly on the ground.
Rey handed over the garment bag containing the First Order Uniform back to JK.
He bowed and complimented Rey, "You look wonderful, my lady," gesturing to their nearby trooper transport.
Rey nodded in acknowledgment and confidently marched up the lowered ramp into the ship.
The stormtroopers stood at attention and respectfully bowed as she passed by. Soon, they were in the air, flying towards Naboo's majestic Theed Royal Palace.
Fifteen minutes earlier...
Kylo found himself back in the dimly lit room with its unique curved ceilings. Despite the darkness, his eyes quickly adjusted this time.
Suddenly, Leia's joyful squeal filled the air as she dashed across the room. Her hair was elegantly pulled back into a loose bun, bouncing with each step she took.
Leia's face lit up as she exclaimed, "Daddy, you came back!"
Kylo chuckled and swiftly caught her as she leaped into his arms. With a warm smile, he greeted her, "Hello, Leia. How are you today?"
Leia leaned in and whispered, "Do you know what today is?"
"I think it's someone's birthday, isn't it?" Kylo replied, playfully.
Leia beamed with happiness as she exclaimed, "You remembered."
Kylo smiled and said, "Happy birthday, Sweetheart. Have you made a wish yet?"
Surprised, Leia asked, "I get to make a wish?"
Kylo nodded and replied, "On your birthday you do."
Leia's voice trembled as she spoke, "I wish you and mummy could come and get me."
"I hope we can do that real soon," Kylo replied with a reassuring tone.
Just then, a loud buzzer interrupted their conversation.
"I'm sorry, but I need to go," Kylo stated, his expression filled with regret.
"But you only just got here," Leia complained, her disappointment evident.
"I know," Kylo sadly replied. "But I'll see you soon. I promise."
"Okay," Leia replied, trying to sound hopeful despite her lingering disappointment.
Kylo gently lowered her to the ground and suddenly awakened with a start. Finding himself back on the Finalizer, he lay in his bed for a moment before rolling over and reaching for the communication device.
"I'll meet you in the hangar," Kylo barked firmly into the receiver.
Kylo threw off the damp and sweat-drenched sheets, feeling the cool air against his skin as he pressed the button to change his bedding.
He made his way to the refresher, where the warm water cascaded over him, washing away the remnants of his restless sleep. After drying his hair, he returned to his room and carefully selected his attire for the Naboo dinner, the fabric soft against his fingertips.
With a heavy sigh, he walked through the corridors to the hangar, the memories of his dream lingering in his mind. In his dream, he had seen the same little girl again whom he had named Leia previously. The image of her face and the sound of her laughter stayed with him as he made his way to the hanger.
Kylo strode confidently through the dimly lit corridors of the starship, his black cloak billowing behind him. As he approached the base of the lowered ramp to his command shuttle, he was met by Hux, whose rigid posture and steely gaze betrayed his impatience.
"I feared you would oversleep for dinner, and I'd have to go in your place," Hux responded curtly, his voice tinged with annoyance.
"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Kylo retorted, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"My expertise lies in battle strategies, not in fine dining and wining," Hux replied, his tone matter-of-fact.
Kylo snorted. "I don't know you are good at wining," Kylo retorted, a smirk playing on his lips.
Hux rolled his eyes in exasperation and brushed off Kylo's sarcastic remark. "The Empress is currently on her way to the Palace. You must depart immediately if you hope to arrive before her," Hux declared.
"Then get out of my face so I can leave," Kylo growled.
Hux obediently bowed low in response to Kylo's command, "Certainly, my lord," Hux replied before marching away.
Meanwhile, Kylo, visibly frustrated, entered the transport, shaking his head, as a number of stormtroopers filed in after him. Kylo felt a surge of relief as the Command shuttle lifted off and gracefully exited the hangar. The thought of soon seeing his wife in person filled him with hope.
Rey's transport gently touched down on the gleaming surface of Theed Hangar, following the precise directions provided by Naboo's air traffic controllers.
The ramp descended, and the accompanying stormtroopers filed out in disciplined fashion. As Rey descended the ramp, her eyes caught sight of Kylo's imposing Command Shuttle stationed on the other side of the hangar.
She was then greeted by a group of the queen's guards, impressive in their regal attire, who escorted her and JK through the grand entrance of the adjoining palace.
The group navigated through a labyrinth of corridors, adorned with vibrant stained glass windows depicting graceful birds in flight.
The path eventually led them to a majestic marble staircase, where Rey could sense Kylo's unmistakable presence drawing closer with each step.
The guards continued to flank Rey as they ascended the staircase, their footsteps echoing through the high roofed surroundings.
Finally, they reached the last landing, and the guards called out to the assembled crowd below, marking their arrival with a sense of anticipation and grandeur.
As Lady Ren was announced by the guards in unison, Kylo turned around to see Rey's hand gliding over the smooth marble balustrade as she descended the staircase.
Kylo was utterly captivated by her stunning appearance; he couldn't fathom how breathtakingly gorgeous his wife looked.
Despite the turmoil within her, she moved with grace and poise. Feeling the weight of all eyes on her, Rey silently repeated to herself, "Don't fall, don't fall."
"You'll be fine," Kylo reassured her internally, suppressing a chuckle.
Rey lifted her gaze to meet his, watching as he walked to the base of the staircase and extended his hand towards her.
"You look so beautiful," Kylo thought to Rey.
"Is it too much? Is the dress okay?" she replied in his mind.
"It's perfect," Kylo internally reassured her.
Rey came within reach and stretched her hand out towards Kylo, who was dressed in his silver-embroidered cape and signature black attire with leather gloves.
When she had found the bottom step, Kylo linked his arm with hers and covered her hand with his as it clung to his bicep.
"I'm so nervous. Are you nervous?" Rey thought.
"Don't be. Just follow my lead," Kylo internally instructed.
The grand chamber of Naboo's palace was adorned with opulent decor, as the queen sat regally upon her throne, flanked by her advisors and guards. Her poised demeanor was accentuated by a majestic gold headdress, a face adorned with delicate white paint, and elegant red robes.
Breaking the silence, she welcomed Lady Ren with grace. "Welcome, Lady Ren. Your presence today is deeply appreciated," the queen expressed.
"When you respond, remember to bow slightly and address her as 'your Royal Highness,'" Kylo internally advised.
"Thank you, your Royal Highness. I am grateful for the invitation," Rey replied executing a slight bow as instructed.
Kylo's eyes narrowed into a sharp glare as he observed a couple of the advisors staring intently at Rey, their thoughts betraying their inappropriate imaginations.
As they fidgeted with their collars and quickly averted their eyes, Kylo's possessive impulse surged. "I am the only one that gets to undress her," Kylo thought, his voice low and authoritative.
In response, Rey's internal voice rang out with a mix of amusement and exasperation, "I heard that."
Kylo looked at her sideways, surprised that she had heard that fleeting thought.
"Would you prefer us to discuss the negotiations here, or over dinner?" the queen asked.
Rey looked to Kylo for his answer.
"Perhaps during dinner, Your Highness," Kylo responded. "It would be nice to make this a more relaxed occasion, and you can better get to know the Empress and me."
"I would like that," the queen replied, gracefully rising from her throne. Gesturing towards another doorway on the opposite side of the room, she added, "The dining hall is right down there."
"After you," Kylo responded with a slight bow.
With a serene smile, the queen led the way, flanked by guards both ahead and behind her. Following behind, Kylo and Rey fell into step behind a couple of their stormtroopers, with JK and a few more bringing up the rear.
As they walked, Rey couldn't help but wonder about the menu for the upcoming feast.
Internally, she mused, "I wonder what they are serving?"
Kylo's inner amusement bubbled as he thought, "I'm certain the feast will be nothing short of spectacular."