Chapter 3
Kylo Ren rode his horse through the enveloping darkness, the air thick with tension as he followed the familiar path that led to Rey and his father.
The border of his kingdom loomed ahead, an invisible line marking the boundaries before entering Rey's kingdom.
Heavy with his full gear, he felt the cumbersome weight of the mask that obstructed his field of vision, making the night feel even more oppressive.
As he turned the next corner, an unexpected sight jolted him to a halt. Her pulled hard on his reins to pull up his horse.
His family carriage lay overturned, its wooden frame splintered and tipped on its side, casting long, unsettling shadows in the moonlight.
Kylo leaped from his horse, anxiety rising within him as he swiftly approached the familiar wreckage.
Suddenly, a groan echoed from the nearby bushes, sending a chill down his spine.
Chewbacca's imposing figure emerged, bow and arrow poised and ready. As their eyes locked, tension hung in the air until Chewie lowered his weapon.
He glanced down to the source of the groan at his feet, and Kylo's heart sank.
Stalking over to Chewie, his breath quickened as he surveyed the scene. There, lying crumpled in the dirt, was his father, battered and covered in blood.
Realisation hit him like a cold wave, and he knelt beside him, urgency driving him to search for the source of the injury.
"Take off that mask," Han groaned, his voice strained yet filled with urgency. "I want to see the face of my son."
With a hesitant breath, Kylo removed the mask, letting it fall away as he shook his dark hair free, revealing a mix of vulnerability and intensity in his eyes. "Where's Rey?" he asked, a flicker of concern crossing his features.
"She ran off into the forest that way," Han said, gesturing towards a dense thicket of trees. "There is three attackers. I think we managed to handle the rest."
Han gently caressed the edge of Kylo's face, his touch both tender and desperate. "Now go, my son. You must protect her."
Ben hesitated, caught between duty and the need to help his father. He glanced over at Chewie, who had already moved closer.
"Get him home," Ben commanded, his voice firm.
With a swift determination, Ben fixed the mask back onto his face, the cold metal sealing him away from his father's gaze, and then took off running toward the forest.
The sound of tearing fabric reached his ears as Chewie started to tend to Han's wounds.
Kylo Ren lifted his chin, steeling himself for the mission ahead. He focused intently on the path before him.
Rey's in danger.
Kylo heard a piercing scream that echoed through the dense forest, snapping him to attention.
He unsheathed his sword, feeling the weight of the blade in his hand as he crept silently toward the source of the sound, his senses heightened.
Shadows danced between the trees, hinting at movement just ahead.
Rey was sprinting through the underbrush, her heart racing with fear and adrenaline.
The gnarled branches of the trees whipped at her, lashing against her arms and shoulders as she maneuvered past.
Dragging a sword behind her—a weapon hastily seized from the ground during her frantic escape from the carriage—she felt the grim reality of her flight weigh heavily on her.
The forest, once a serene playground filled with chirping birds and rustling leaves, had transformed into a nightmarish labyrinth.
Every rustle of foliage and crack of twigs beneath her feet sent chills spiraling through her.
Rey burst into a clearing, the earth sloping away beneath her feet leading to rocks blocking her path.
She slowed her frantic pace, listening intently, her breath coming in short gasps as she scanned her surroundings.
In the dim light filtering through the canopy, she noticed shadowy figures flitting among the trees. As she lifted her skirt to pivot and flee in another direction, her eyes darted back to the path she had just traveled, anxiety gripping her as she contemplated the dangers lurking in the shadows.
"We've got ourselves a feisty one," a blonde, shaggy-haired man said as he stepped out from between the trees. "I like the ones that put up a fight."
"Stay back," Rey warned, pointing her sword at him.
Two other men were trying to move around her. Rey's back hit a tree.
"Look at that," the short, fat man said. "She's got nowhere to go now."
"Come any closer, and I'll use this," Rey asserted, her voice stronger than she expected.
The third man, a tall, lanky figure, made his move, but Rey swung her sword with more precision than anticipated, colliding with his side.
He yelped and crumpled to the forest floor. She maintained her grip on the sword.
"I'm not some damsel who can't take care of herself," Rey growled, raising the sword again. "One down, and two to go."
Kylo watched his future bride with fascination, then chose that moment to walk through the gap in the tree line.
Rey fixed her gaze on him, determination etched across her face. "Your services are not needed, Kylo Ren," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.
The shaggy blonde man spun around, panic flickering in his eyes. "Kylo Ren?" he stammered, uncertainty creeping into his tone.
"If we can't have her, then you can't either," declared the tall, lanky figure, his voice dripping with malice.
With a sudden burst of aggression, he lunged at Rey, tackling her to the ground and sending her sword skittering across the dirt.
A startled yelp escaped her lips as she hit the ground.
The shaggy blonde raised his weapon high, ready to engage Kylo.
Their swords clashed violently, spinning around each other in a deadly dance. The sound of metal against metal echoed ominously in the clearing.
Kylo's gaze darted to Rey, who managed to kick the man off her with a powerful thrust. But before she could regain her footing, he seized her hair, yanking her backward with a cruel grip.
In a flash of defiance, she swung her leg backwards, catching him squarely in the face, and began inching closer to her fallen sword, her heart racing as she fought to reclaim her weapon.
Kylo kicked the knee of the shaggy blonde, causing him to fall to his knees before bringing the blade down to silence him.
Kylo turned back towards Rey to see her run the last assailant through with the sword.
He watched as she stumbled backward, losing her grip on the sword in her hand.
Kylo observed the blade of his father's knife sticking out of her side.
Rey became unsteady on her feet, her vision blurred as she looked down at her wound and her bloody hands.
Kylo re-sheathed his sword and ran toward her.
The last thing Rey heard was a familiar voice shouting her name before she slipped into unconsciousness.
Kylo caught her, sweeping her up into his arms and trudging back through the forest toward his horse.
He held her delicate form, feeling her shallow breathing and the blood seeping through her dress.
When he made it back to the accident, his father, Chewie, and the white horses were gone, but the remnants of the carriage remained.
He lifted her onto his dark horse, climbing up onto his steed, and held her close as he urged the horse forward toward Palpatine's castle.
Rey jolted awake, her heart racing, and felt Rose's warm hand enveloping her own.
Rose was bent over her, gently wiping the sweat from Rey's brow with a worried expression etched across her face. "She's awake!" Rose exclaimed, her voice a beacon of hope.
The heavy thud of Kylo's boots echoed in the stillness as he strode into the room. He crossed his arms and stood at the foot of the bed, an air of authority about him. Although Rey couldn't see his face, she could feel the concern radiating from him.
Just then, Rey's grandfather glided into the room, his features set in a deep scowl that sent a chill through the air. "Will she live?" he growled, his voice low and menacing.
A doctor, whose presence Rey had overlooked until now, leaned forward on the other side of the bed.
He had long brown hair tied back in a tidy ponytail, and his demeanor was calm and professional. "She'll need her bandages changed regularly to avoid infection, but she should recover," he explained, his tone reassuring.
With a fierce glare, Palpatine turned back to Rey. "You stupid girl," he snarled. "You nearly got yourself killed." He dramatically waved his hand in the air. "Everyone out, except for Kylo Ren," Palpatine ordered, his voice brokering no argument.
Rey took a deep breath, the tension in the room palpable, and felt Rose give her hand a gentle squeeze before stepping out, leaving Rey feeling more vulnerable.
Palpatine strode across the room with purpose, his figure silhouetted against the dim light coming through the window as he peered out with an agitated expression. "What have I told you about sneaking off in the night?" he snapped. "I thought you were past that childish game. We're lucky my knight found you in time."
Kylo bowed his head, the weight of tension hanging in the air.
"You are not to leave the castle grounds, and you must be accompanied by Kylo Ren at all times," Palpatine glared.
Horror washed over Rey's features, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Even while I change or bathe?"
"That is the only amount of privacy I will allow," Palpatine sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "If you step another toe out of line, you'll lose those privileges entirely."
Rey's heart raced as she opened her mouth to protest. "What about when I sleep?"
"A guard will be stationed in your quarters at all times," he replied coldly, as if dismissing her concerns.
Rey turned to glance at Kylo Ren, her mind racing. "So, Kylo Ren will only be with me during the day?"
"He is being moved into the chamber next door," Palpatine stated dismissively. "He is your personal guard now. He will also be responsible for checking in on you throughout the night. A second guard will be present in your chambers to allow him brief stints of rest," he added, further emphasising her lack of freedom.
"You might as well move him into my room completely while you're at it," Rey huffed, frustration bubbling over.
"Don't sass me," Palpatine snapped, his eyes narrowing. "If it keeps you in line, I may just do that."
Rey turned her gaze back to Kylo, who stood silently, an unreadable expression hidden behind his mask. She felt the intensity of his hidden gaze boring into her.
"Fine," Rey pouted, her brow furrowing as she turned her gaze back to her grandfather, whose looming presence filled the room.
"Good," Palpatine replied coldly, his voice seeping with authority as he glided out of the room, the dark fabric of his cloak trailing behind him.
"It seems we're stuck with each other," Rey said, glancing over at Kylo.
Kylo's silent nod felt heavy with unspoken words.
"Still not talking to me," Rey remarked, frustration tinging her voice. She let out a deep groan, pushing herself up to sit, the soft sheets rustling beneath her.
Kylo moved to the side of the bed, and extended his gloved hand toward her.
Rey looked at his outstretched hand and then up into the dark recesses of his mask, feeling a flicker of hesitation before finally accepting his help to stand.
At that moment, Rose burst back into the room, her eyes widening as she saw Rey gripping Kylo's hand.
She raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity, and they both instinctively pulled away from each other.
"Have you seen Finn?" Rey asked, her voice breaking the tension in the air.
Rose stopped abruptly, letting out a weary sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world.
"What's wrong?" Rey asked, concern knitting her brow.
"He was caught returning the carriage," Rose replied, casting a quick glance at Kylo. "He managed to slip away before he could face punishment. The last I heard, he was headed towards Skywalker Castle."
Rey nodded, relief washing over her features. "I'm just glad he got away."
As Rey moved to navigate around the ornate bed, Rose appeared at her side, her expression filled with worry. "Are you okay?"
"You heard the doctor," Rey groaned, a hint of frustration in her voice. "I'll live."
She swayed slightly, her legs unsteady beneath her. Kylo instinctively stepped closer, his hand gently grasping her elbow to provide support. Rey leaned against him. "Being this weak is going to make it difficult to entertain suitors."
"Your grandfather has postponed the next festivities for three days," Rose replied.
Rey groaned, a mix of irritation and relief in her voice. "I guess I'm lucky he's not forcing me to try and dance like this."
"What do you think, Kylo?," Rey winced. "Do you believe suitors would enjoy keeping me steady on my feet?"
Kylo let out amused snort.
"Oh, I heard you make a sound," Rey smiled. "My goal is to get you to talk to me before my birthday."
He shook his head.
"Yeah, yeah, I know you're forbidden to speak," Rey replied, her voice low and tentative, "but I'll make it happen."
She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with an air of vulnerability. "I need help getting back to bed."
With gentle care, Kylo assisted her, feeling the warmth of her gratitude as he tucked her in snugly, ensuring she was comfortable.
He then settled back into the chair at the foot of the bed, watching over her with a protective gaze.
As Rey's eyes grew heavy, the rhythmic sound of his breathing lulled her into a peaceful slumber.
When she finally awoke, the soft morning light filtered through the curtains, illuminating the room like a warm embrace.
A different guard stood at her bedroom door, his posture alert and watchful.
Turning onto her side, Rey spotted a piece of parchment lying on her other pillow. Curiosity stirred within her as she picked it up, the texture smooth beneath her fingers.
Focusing on the delicate script that had been penned in unfamiliar handwriting, she felt her heart quicken as she read the words.
Goodluck, princess.
Later that same morning, Rey sat propped up on the edge of the bed, leaning forward as the castle doctor carefully redressed her wound.
The fabric of her breast binding had loosened, and she held it in place with trembling hands, cupping her breasts as if to shield herself from the pain.
With a sharp wince, she caught sight of Kylo Ren's polished black boots, which stepped away from the stone wall before he returned to his watchful position.
On the side of the bed, Rose busily sorted through the doctor's supplies, her hands moving with practiced efficiency as she passed him the items he requested.
"I need her to stand to wrap the bandage properly," the doctor stated, his voice firm yet compassionate.
Rose moved to assist Rey in rising, but Rey struggled to find her balance. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she sank back onto the bed, a low grunt of frustration escaping her as she felt the weight of her injuries.
Kylo Ren took a step closer to the bed.
Rose shot a brief glance at him, her expression a mixture of caution and respect, before subtly stepping aside to make way.
Rey tilted her head back to look up at her guard.
In one smooth motion, Kylo leaned down, his presence both commanding and gentle as he grasped her under her arms. He lifted her carefully, cradling her closer to his armored body, as close as the rigid metal would allow.
He's a similar height to Ben Skywalker.
A warm blush crept across her cheeks as she tried to steady her breathing. His grasp around her felt oddly comforting.
The doctor moved around the room with purposeful efficiency, gently wrapping Rey's bandage while leaning in between her and the brooding presence of Kylo Ren.
Rey winced at the sharp tug of the dressing and instinctively leaned her head against the cold, metallic surface of Kylo's chest plate.
"I'll be back to change the bandage again before bed," the doctor declared, his voice calm and professional as he finished securing the bandage and prepared to leave.
Clearing her throat, Rose interjected, "Your Highness, we need to finish changing your clothing. We should complete your bed bath first."
"Okay," Rey replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She glanced up at Kylo, noticing the way his mask loomed down toward her, an unreadable expression hidden behind the dark visor.
Quickly, she lowered her gaze, feeling a flutter of nerves as Kylo carefully assisted her back into the bed. He pulled the crisp sheet up, covering her breast binding with gentle precision before turning away.
As he exited the room, the door clicked softly shut behind him.
Rose moved around the bed, her fingers deftly helping Rey loosen the tight bindings that concealed her breasts.
"How did it go?" Rose whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "Did you get to see him?"
"Yes," Rey replied with a groan, a mixture of relief and exhaustion in her tone. "He accepted my proposal."
"Is he a beast?" Rose asked, curiosity glimmering in her eyes.
Rey winced as she attempted to laugh, the movement causing her discomfort. "A handsome one," she said, a shy smile tugging at her lips.
"What makes him beastly, then, if not his looks?" Rose pressed, eager to know more.
"He kissed me," Rey stated, her voice deepening with a mix of excitement and vulnerability.
Rose gasped, her eyes widening as she paused the movement of the cloth she was holding. "Was this kiss wanted?" she asked, her heart racing.
"Yes, very much so," Rey affirmed, a blush creeping onto her cheeks as she recalled the moment. "And his wandering hand was searching for a weapon, or perhaps something else."
Rose snorted, amusement dancing in her eyes. "That's bold of him."
"I had no intention of stopping him," Rey whispered earnestly, a hint of defiance in her posture.
"Your Highness," Rose chided gently, her tone playful yet serious. "You can't give away your virtue, not until your wedding day."
"Even if it's to my intended?" Rey challenged, her gaze unwavering.
"You probably shouldn't," Rose advised, her expression softening. "But I wouldn't tell anyone if you did."
Rey shook her head, a smile brightening her face. "It's still intact… for now."
Rose continued to help prepare Rey, her movements deliberate and careful. After expertly changing Rey's underwear and breast bindings, she worked to dress her in a fresh nightgown.
The process required a lot of maneuvering, but Rose's practiced hands ensured Rey was comfortable. Once done, Rey settled back into the pillows, the exhaustion of the morning finally beginning to lift.
With a gentle push, Rose opened the door, and Kylo Ren stepped back into the room, resuming his place against the wall.
"Thank you, Rose," Rey said, her voice soft but grateful.
Rose offered a curt nod, a hint of professional distance in her expression, and left the room with decisive steps.
Turning her attention to Kylo, Rey asked, "So, Kylo Ren, have you always been celibate?"
Kylo shook his head slowly.
"Are you a eunuch?" she continued curiously.
A snort of disbelief escaped Kylo's lips as he shook his head once more.
"Have you ever been in love?" Rey probed, her gaze unwavering.
Kylo's response was a subtle nod, the weight of the admission hanging in the air.
"Do you still love her?" she pressed further, sensing a deeper story within him.
He nodded again.
"A knight in love is unheard of," Rey remarked, a hint of surprise colouring her tone. "Does she know?"
Kylo shook his head.
"I wish I knew what love felt like," Rey said softly, her gaze drifting out over the window as if searching for answers beyond the horizon. "Love within a marriage is rare for a princess," she muttered, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "It's more about duty than desire."
Kylo nodded again.
"I hope to change that someday," she smirked playfully, a spark of determination lighting up her eyes. "But I suspect my future husband will keep me on my toes."
Kylo tilted his head, curiosity radiating off him.
"I mean, I think he will," Rey admitted, a blush creeping across her cheeks. "My husband will have to handle me, and honestly, I can be a bit of a challenge, can't I?"
Kylo nodded in agreement.
A comfortable silence enveloped them, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.
"I would like to move to the balcony," Rey said, her eyes shimmering with the prospect of fresh air.
She looked at Kylo, who effortlessly moved aside to help her. He gently lifted her to her feet, allowing her to lean a bit of her weight on him.
With careful support, he guided her to a plush, cushioned chair that awaited her on the balcony.
After ensuring she was comfortable, Kylo stepped back into the room, returning moments later with a stack of books cradled in his arms.
He placed the familiar volumes on the side table, their worn covers hinting at many cherished moments spent in those pages.
Sinking into the chair opposite hers, he watched as a small smile blossom on Rey's face. Her eyes lit up as she recognised the three books he had chosen, each one a beloved favourite she often lost herself in.
"Have you read any of them?" Rey asked, her curiosity evident in her bright eyes.
He nodded and gestured toward all three books on the table.
"All of them?" she asked, astonishment within her voice.
He nodded again.
"Which is your favorite?" she inquired, leaning closer.
With a deliberate motion, he pointed to the book on the left, its cover adorned with an intricate illustration of two knights and a dragon.
Rey gasped in delight. "Mine too," she exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Would you like to know why?" Rey asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kylo nodded, eager to hear her thoughts.
"Although the story can be a bit gruesome, especially with the intense battles and the fierce dragon, I truly adore the love story between the head knight and the woman who disguises herself as one. When he uncovers her secret, he doesn't dismiss her because she's a woman. Instead, he goes to incredible lengths to safeguard her secret, charging into battle at her side time after time."
Rey's gaze met Kylo's, shining with passion. "That's the kind of love I want from my husband. I want him to stand by my side, ready to face any challenges together." Rey sighed, her thoughts drifting for a moment before she refocused on him. "What about you? What's your favourite part?"
Kylo tapped the ornate hilt of the sword at his hip, as he gestured with a sharp, lunging motion.
"When the head knight slayed the dragon?" she asked, her voice low and curious.
Kylo nodded, a flicker of understanding passing between them.
"Of course," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'm not surprised that part would grab your attention."
Rey shifted uncomfortably in her seat, a wave of discomfort washing over her, and winced slightly.
Kylo immediately leaned in, he raised a hand as if to offer support.
"I'll be okay," Rey assured him, drawing in a labored breath.
Kylo settled back in his seat.
"I don't think I properly thanked you for saving me, so thank you," Rey said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude as she cracked open the book to the first page, the scent of old parchment wafting up to her.
She looked up briefly to catch his gaze, finding him nodding in acknowledgment.
Turning her attention back to the book, she began to read the first chapter, her mind forming vivid images in response to the words on the page.
Not all love stories are about the ending, some are about the journey that leads to it.