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“Marriage, pah!”Rey Plutt took up a small knot of wood from the copper scuttle, and flung it into the hearth. She watched the flaring blaze for another moment before twisting around, only narrowly keeping her hem from the ash and cinders.Restless, she scanned the parlor. Everything was in its place; not a speck of dust to be seen. There was nothing she could polish, scour or buff, that wouldn’t only become more threadbare from the attention.Where were they? Why did they not arrive?She took a deep breath, smoothing her blue brocade skirts. The gown wasn’t her best; but passable, for the occasion. It had been her stepmother’s, recently reworked, and Rey was quite pleased with the effect.She huffed, irritated.She shouldn’t have to waste her time in this manner! There was food to prepare, linens to launder!Sweeping to the entry, she unlatched the door and peeped out into the gray drizzle.No one was about on such a morning; only a lone, dark rider, afar off, now crossing at the bridge.“Drat!” Securing the door again, she stomped her slippered foot ineffectually against the stone floor, the thin rug doing little to blunt the force against her heel. She cast about for something, anything, to occupy her hands and her mind.Her father, one Unkar Plutt – the estimable Mayor of their little village of Takodana – should appear at any moment. And with him, he had informed her just this morning, he would bring another of his cohorts: Wilhuff Tarkin, a man she had never before met nor heard tell of.In truth, she did not have high expectations for this meeting. Mr. Tarkin would likely be as the several others to whom she had recently been presented: older gentlemen of her father’s intimate circle, induced to look her over as a potential marriage partner.So far, none had been persuaded to make an offer for her; most likely due to her lack of both dowry and ample bosom. It was none of her concern, and she had not, as yet, shed a single tear over any of their loss. Stodgy, tightfisted, doddering, and, in the case of one previous, suffering from a scarcity of teeth.Heaven only knew where her father found them. Men of the village, or, more likely, cronies from the alehouse in Kamino where he spent his evenings: drinking and gaming. Lifetime bachelors or widowers, it mattered not to her. They were, the lot of them, quite repulsive. But until one of them deigned to part with the bride price, she would remain, contentedly, unattached.Generally, she had sufficient labor to employ her: keeping house for her father and younger brother, Armitage.Rey’s own mother had died when Rey was very young, and Unkar had remarried quickly: a woman of some wealth. Eleanor had cared for Rey as if she were her own daughter, and under her keen eye the family fortunes had been carefully administered. Rey’s education was made a priority – despite Unkar’s protestations – and later, Armitage’s as well. Though, after the lady’s untimely death of consumption three years previous, Armitage had declared he would leave his schooling to, “learn the trade of me father,” whatever that trade might happen to be.The family situation had quickly declined, and Unkar had precipitously settled all and relocated the family from Coruscant to Jakku hamlet, where they could live more cheaply. It was only a few months ago that he had fortuitously procured the position of Mayor of Takodana, and was thereby bestowed a modest stipend along with the unassuming cottage where they were now installed.To avoid repeating the errors of the past, Rey now covertly laid aside what druggats and zukkels she could lay hold upon; stashed away where Unkar wouldn’t think to search.Eleanor never would have agreed to Rey’s current circumstance. However, the lady was gone – her estate and property as well – and once Unkar had conceived the scheme to marry off his daughter as would benefit himself, he could not be swayed from it. He only yet lacked a befitting bridegroom.The front door swung open with a crash, and Rey spun around – oh, no!“Well if it ain’t me own sish… me own shiss… me own sister!” Armitage stumbled over the threshold, bracing himself against the jamb and grinning blearily at her.Rey rushed to him, drawing him inside and hurriedly looking up and down the road for any who might have observed her brother's humiliating arrival. There was no one, only the singular rider, closer now; but with any luck, Armitage had gone unnoticed and could sleep off another night, and a morning, apparently, of drunken carousing. “What do you mean, blundering in at this hour?! Father will be here at any moment!”Armitage yanked and scrabbled at the sleeves of his shabby greatcoat; splashing water all over her clean foyer, and, at last, shoving the wet garment into Rey’s arms. “Don’…! Don’ berate yer poor brother…!” He staggered into the parlor, raising his arm and stretching the limb forward for her consideration, then dropped heavily into the stuffed armchair before the fire with a groan. “Fetch me a drink, me love.”Rey shook out his coat and hung it briskly upon a peg beside the door, exasperated. “You’re clearly too tozzed to comprehend the situation! Father will be here, straightaway, and here you are! Roaring drunk!”“‘Mm not! Not in the shli… slightesht!” He swung his booted foot up to his knee and began to tug, striving to remove it.Rey began to pace the room, elucidating, “you’re a young man, only 19, and full of promise! Why should you misapply your wit and strength in this way?! Mother would be ashamed!”“Never invoke me mother, ye harpy!” His boot popped off, and he flung it heavily to the floor, then wriggled his toes, wheezing contentedly. His stocking needed a darning.Rey sighed, observing him: slumped down in the chair, unshaven, slovenly, his bright copper hair disheveled and badly in want of a cut.“Ish not me fault! Ish tha’ bastard, Solo!” “Oh, for pity’s sake, don’t bring that man into it!”“I was defen’in yer honor, I was!” He raised his pointed finger, jabbing toward the ceiling, “er… father’s honor, it was!” Armitage leaned forward, pressing his head into his hands and squeezing his eyes shut.“And leave me out of it as well! Solo accused father of cardsharping.” Rey watched her brother teetering on the edge of the chair, and prayed he wouldn’t vomit. “An accusation he hasn’t withdrawn, as you well know!”“That son-of-a-rancor! It’s only me aim, what’s to blame!”“You cheated!” She stepped close to him, pressing him back into the cushions. “All the witnesses agree on that score! You fool! You could have been killed, and Solo would have been within his rights to do it!”“Backstabbed by me own sister! Me own blood! Leave me in peace and seek yer comfort with yer belov’d Solo!”Rey stepped back, indignant. “I’ve never met the man!” Armitage mumbled to himself, “first blood was mine… can’t nobody deny me tha’…” and massaged his elbow. “Have you learned nothing? You only pinked him in the shoulder, while you’re irrevocably lamed!”“‘E’s all the ladies speak of. ‘Is wealth. ‘Is broad shoulders.” He muttered on and on, closing his eyes and sagging down in the chair, his legs splayed.“It’s no use, speaking to you in this state.” Rey studied him carefully. He held his crooked arm out to her again, imploringly. “Take pity on yer poor brother.”“Armitage…” she could never resist his somber eyes: the same pale green as his mother’s. “I’ll put the kettle on.”She rushed to the kitchen, where she scuttled about, preparing the teapot and resolutely persevering with her loud admonitions. “You cannot continue to blame Solo! You must take control of your own decisions, your own life! Please, brother! It pains me to see you diminishing in this way!”After long minutes, when he made not a sound to counter in his own defense, Rey set the tray aside and dashed to the parlor… “blast.”Armitage had nodded off, sliding from the chair to the hearthrug in a jumbled heap, and now lay, snoring loudly; one boot on, the other off, his great toe poking out of the hole in his stocking.She tugged at Armitage’s shoulders, patted his cheeks, shook him firmly; all to no avail. His snoring went on, even louder than before.What was she to do now?! She stood, arms akimbo. If she could only rouse him, get him to his own room! The clock chimed quarter past eleven. Already her father was half an hour behind his time. Damn that man, Solo! The gossip of that fateful day had only faded slightly. Her brother, turning and firing his pistol before the judge finished the count, screaming and tossing the weapon ineffectually against his opponent; while Solo, the wealthy sea captain, had braced his legs carefully, taken aim and fired, wounding Armitage in the arm. Some said the ball would have gone wide if Armitage hadn’t flung his pistol; that Solo had meant to show mercy. Mistaken they were, most likely.The incident had nearly cost Unkar Plutt his position, and it had cost Armitage almost complete use of his dominant hand.She hadn’t been there, of course, had only been tasked with nursing her brother through weeks of fever and infection. But now! His arm frozen at the elbow, Armitage squandered his evenings drinking and gambling in company with their father; expounding to any and all who would hear, of his plight and the injustice done him by the wicked Captain Solo.Upon this point at least, she was in agreement. Benjamin Solo was a monster, unrivaled in his cruelty. As she considered how to manage her brother, it gave her great pleasure to envisage their common foe: the odious Captain Solo. She bestowed upon him the worst characteristics she could summon to imagination. The pocked skin of Mister Enric Pryde. The bulbous nose and belly of Major Firmus Piett. The crippled fingers of the aged Count Dooku. The thin, pursed lips of Coronet Moden Canady. If his outer appearance balanced his black soul, it must be so!And if the ugliest qualities she could muster were purloined from her latest suitors… well. T'was only that their likenesses were so very recently imprinted upon her memory.Her musings were interrupted by a forceful pounding at the door.Oh, no!Her eyes darted from the door, to her brother: still loudly snuffling in a disordered lump. In an impulsive moment, she dragged the armchair around to conceal him, and tossed her father’s tasseled lap blanket over her brother’s head, to muffle his snoring. It was the best she could do.She breathed deeply, squaring her shoulders and skimming her hair away from her forehead, more firmly tucking a hairpin, then grasping the doorknob and preparing herself to greet yet another old, senile…Rey found herself confronting a very broad chest.Reeling backwards a half step, she choked over her intended greeting, her gaze traveling up, and then up. The man before her had his fist raised and tautly drawn back, primed again to strike the door; a thunderous expression distorted his countenance.Only a muted squeak came from her open mouth, and she snapped it quickly closed.The gentleman appeared almost as surprised to see her as she was to see him, and he hastily lowered his hand, leaning back to review the brass numbers affixed to the home’s exterior. His eyes met hers again. “Ah…”When not enraged, his face was… extraordinary. Rey was quite transfixed. His lips were full, slightly parted; his nose long and straight, his pale skin dotted with moles. His flashing eyes were a fascinating amber and green, and he was studying her as closely as she was him.He wore a heavy wool redingote and black gloves; tall, glossy black boots, and a top hat drawn low over his brow, with lustrous black hair curling about his collar in waves.As she watched, his lips quirked up slightly, revealing laugh lines in his cheeks and crinkles around his eyes. The effect was quite charming.Rey shook herself slightly. How her father could have arranged such a meeting she was perplexed to comprehend; however, this Wilhuff Tarkin fellow was exceedingly agreeable in his outward appearance. “Sir, please! Come in out of the rain!” Rey held the door wider, and Mr. Tarkin stepped over the threshold. “Allow me to take your coat!”He hesitated, watching her a moment, then doffed his hat and gloves, and placed them into her waiting hands. As she set these on the side table, he unfastened his greatcoat, then swung it around and offered this to her as well, with a genteel bow. “I thank you, miss.”The garment was cut from excellent black wool, and fully lined in silk; the weave so tight as to withstand the morning’s rain. As she hung it carefully from a peg, breathing deeply and gathering her thoughts, his pleasing, masculine scent wafted from the fabric; still warm from his body.He was impeccably dressed, all in black, and all of first quality. The cut and fashion of his coat emphasized broad shoulders; his breeches molded closely to powerful thighs. Rey glanced away quickly, flustered by her wandering thoughts.Looking about, the gentleman pushed his fingers back through his raven mane, betraying some nervousness.“Please, be seated in the parlor.” Rey gestured toward the settee. But as he turned from her, walking ahead, she remembered, of a sudden! Armitage! She hurriedly continued speaking, in an effort to divert his attention. “It is a miserable day to be out, to be certain!”He settled upon the sofa, sweeping his coattails aside and laying his arm along the carved wooden back, smiling up at her; thus revealing very fine – if slightly crooked – teeth. “Agreed. But little care I, with such beauty to greet me!”She curtsied, feeling her face heat. “Might I offer you some refreshment? Father must arrive momentarily.”At this he straightened, his expression faltering slightly. “Miss Plutt.”“Indeed sir! But surely you might call me Rey!”Again he blinked, “do you know who I am?”“Of course, sir! Father said you would be coming!”He was now clearly disconcerted, though she struggled to perceive the source.He nodded to her, “no doubt you thought me some horrid beast.”“I am relieved to see you are not!” Oh, drat! Had she really uttered that out loud? She giggled nervously, casting about for something more to say. Could father somehow have intimated to this man, her reticence with her previous suitors? How could father have been so indiscreet? Though if Unkar considered this Mr. Tarkin a suitable partner, there must be some flaw with him! Though she could not yet perceive it, there must be a flaw!There came a loud snort, from behind the armchair, and she speedily sought to continue the conversation, “I hope you did not travel far, in this weather. Do you have a house nearby?”“No, I am currently lodging at the inn. But I do have a townhome in Coruscant.”“Yes. I see. Ah... Might I offer you a cup of tea?”“No, thank you lady; do not trouble yourself.”“Oh, ‘tis no trouble, we have only few guests!”He barked a short laugh, his eyes twinkling. Then, to her horror, he motioned in a sweeping gesture toward the very place where Armitage lay snoring on the floor. “What about this one? A rejected suitor, perhaps?”Rey’s hand flew to her mouth in embarrassment, but she could think of no plausible excuse. Searching Mr. Tarkin’s face, she found only kindness and good humor, and decided it should be best to confide in him. “My brother. I confess, I was attempting to convince him to move upstairs, before you knocked.”“Mm.” He reached out and shifted the chair slightly, to assess the situation. “Might I offer my assistance?”“Oh, I… no, I…!”Mr. Tarkin, disregarding her, stood and removed his black tailcoat – folding it neatly at the shoulders and draping over the settee – consequently revealing a handsome shot-silk waistcoat and a fine linen shirt. Before she could protest further, he knelt at her brother’s side, briskly presented her with Armitage’s stray boot, then smoothly rose, tossing Armitage over one shoulder like a bag of flour. Rey could only stare, stunned yet again. “Ah…”“Lead on, Miss Plutt.”“Yes! Indeed, ah…! It is Rey, if you please, sir!” She motioned he should follow her, up the stairs.Rey chattered nervously, sensing his eyes upon her as she led him to her brother’s room, at the end of the hall. “Here, if you would be so kind.”She made such trivial comments as popped into her head, and Mr. Tarkin replied, the cadence and timbre of his voice quite agreeable to her ear. His accent was unknown to her, but not unpleasant. Dantooine, perhaps, or even Felucia.Fiddling about the room, she set the boot in its place and accepted the other from Mr. Tarkin when he removed it as well, their fingers brushing as he passed it to her. This casual contact roused her more than all the pawing from her other suitors.She also noted, as he bent to loosen Armitage’s stock, that the broad shoulders she had remarked upon previously were all his own, and had not been augmented by any padding in his coat. Rey found herself replying to one of his inquiries, commenting again on the weather, “it is rainy this time of year, of course, but we’ve found it to be generally fine.” He teased, “it was the climate, then, that drew you to Takodana?”“It is usually lovely, but you must beware of highwaymen and raiding bands of Corellians. T’was by order of Lord Snoke that my father was brought on, and the Sheriff – to oppose them.”Mr. Tarkin laughed, “I shall not boast of my Corellian ancestry, then!”Rey snickered, “oh no, you shouldn’t mention it to my father! But I have no reason to dislike them!”“That’s encouraging.” He was standing quite close, observing her; his eyes flitting over her features, his lips quirked in a gentle smile.Spinning away from him, and puttering about, she inwardly admonished herself. How foolish it was, to ogle the man! Though he was good-looking and seemed well-spoken, surely she could not be so lucky and there was some imperfection of character that had not yet been revealed to her!“I believe he will sleep for quite some time, Miss Plutt.”“I prithee sir, I prefer Rey.”She drew a blanket from the wardrobe and spread it over her brother’s sleeping form, Mr. Tarkin assisting her in this task as well. She alerted him, “take care, please, with his arm. He’s lamed.”At this, Mr. Tarkin dropped the corner of the blanket and straightened, surprised. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”With one last pat to her sleeping brother, she sighed, “there is no need for you to be concerned, t’was much of his own doing, I’m afraid.”Together they quietly made their way down the hall toward the stair. “You’re very understanding.”Rey tittered quietly, “my brother is of a different opinion.”“Brothers often are.”At the top of the stairs, Rey paused to turn, a witty retort on the tip of her tongue, but her heel caught awkwardly on the newel, and her foot slipped off the top step. “Oh!”Just as she began to fall, Mr. Tarkin’s brawny arm encircled her waist, drawing her powerfully against himself. Rey pressed her hands into his muscled chest, gawping up at him, and feeling the rumbling of his voice, even before she heard it.“Take care, Miss Plutt.”She whispered, “Rey, please.”He really was so very handsome, and strong! His eyes held hers, and the look of concern she found there was genuinely touching. He gently smoothed a wisp of hair back from her temple, his warm fingers lingering against her skin.His eyes crinkled in a warm grin, and his gaze darted to her lips…In that very moment, the front door swung open, banging against the side table, and Unkar Plutt stomped into the entryway, crowing incoherently to another man who accompanied him.Mr. Tarkin attentively assured she was steady on her feet, before releasing her waist and stepping back, quietly clearing his throat.It was an older gentleman, her father’s associate: his features gaunt and withered in a permanent frown; his eyes, even at a distance, bloodshot and pinched. He wore a drab, moth-eaten cloak and a faded tricorne. She was entertained to consider him the mirror image of her imagined Captain Solo!Unkar hove and gusted, “what is the meaning of this?!” He blustered and stomped, blowing his lips and turning quite purple. As she watched this display, and regarded the other man’s fretful reaction, turning his hat in his hands, a knot began to form in the pit of her stomach.
“… whiffle-whaffling about! Assist me, girl!”
Rey stepped slightly aside, gesturing toward Mr. Tarkin behind her, “father, I…”“You!” Unkar Plutt was apoplectic now, pointing and bellowing, “betrayed in me own house! I’ll be broggled!!”“Father, please, calm yourself!” She motioned again behind her, “you see? It is the man you sent! Wilhuff Tarkin, I believe!”At this, Unkar was outraged beyond words, while the elderly man raised up on his tiptoes and droned, “I am Wilhuff Tarkin.”“You mindless twit! This ‘ere is yer man!” Unkar backhanded Tarkin roughly in the shoulder and puffed up his chest, shrugging out of his coat and letting it fall unheeded to the wet floor.Horrified, Rey turned, time slowing to a snail’s pace, realization befalling her.
“It’s him what lamed Armitage!”
She looked upon the man beside her, unbelieving, and mouthing, Benjamin Solo.He smiled sympathetically and murmured, “my apologies, Rey, I thought you knew. If you remember, I did ask if you knew who I was.”Humiliated and appalled by her previous thoughts, she reached up and slapped him, with as much force as she could muster. “That’s ‘Miss Plutt’ to you!”The scoundrel only rubbed his cheek and laughed softly, looking down on her, so she turned her back to him, flying down the stairs to retrieve her father’s coat, which she shook out and hung up, her thoughts now in chaos.Descending the stairs at a calm and measured pace, Mr. Solo asserted, “I came to inquire about payment of the debt owed me. When could I expect that to take place?” He slid by them all, into the parlor, where he again donned his tailcoat.
“I said t'would be a month!”
“The month has come and gone, sir.” Solo returned to the foyer and reclaimed his overcoat. “I do not wish to impose upon your hospitality too often, but when will you pay me?”
“You stay away, especially from me daughter! She’s soon to be married, and I don’t want you hangin’ about, hindering the nuptials!”
“Mmm.” Mr. Solo’s eyes met hers meaningfully. “I had heard rumors about that. But now that I’ve met her, I don’t understand why you should have trouble marrying her off.”
“Me daughter is none of yer concern! She has an abundance of wealthy suitors, and ain’t none of ‘em abused her kin!”
“Indeed. However, doesn’t it seem mightily unfair, that she should have to pay for the rest of her life, for a debt you made? I hate to think she will be forced into marriage because of a debt owed to me.”Unkar leaned forward squinting, “then ye’ll forgive the debt?”Solo chuckled, “ah, no! But I have eyes in my head. Your daughter would be a most charming companion. I’d be willing to wait a bit longer if you’d allow me to court her, see what might come of it.” His words were addressed to Unkar, but his eyes were unwaveringly trained on Rey’s.“Blackmail! Debauchery!” Unkar flung his arms wide, “I’d rather see her dead, than taken up with the likes of you!”Solo placed his hat firmly upon his head and raised his eyebrows at Mr. Tarkin. “Yes. I’m sure you would.” He began to pull on his gloves, glancing obliquely at Rey and speaking soothingly, “would my attentions be welcome, Miss Plutt?”Rey folded her arms over her chest and raised her chin. “Never darken this door again!”With no warning, Unkar hooked his meaty fingers forcefully around her elbow, and dragged her into the parlor, standing between her and the two gentlemen, looming over her and hissing, “foolish ninny!” Little droplets of spittle flew from his mouth. “How dare you bring that man under me roof!”Keeping her voice low, she reasoned, “you told me to expect a man, and this one appeared on my doorstep!” Rey glanced at the clock, “it is nearly now an hour past the time you advised, and…!”Unkar snorted like a bull rancor, “what must a man do?! I bring ye yer choice of fine, wealthy gentlemen, and yet I find ye playing the wanton, behind me back!”“Father! Be reasonable! The man had just saved me from a fall down the stairs!” Rey continued to speak in a strained whisper; her father less so.“And what business did he have in the family quarters?”“He was assisting me with Armitage, and…!”
“You let that sithspawn at me boy?! Treachery! And what should yer beau think, to see you in company with another man?!”
Rey gritted her teeth. “Father, be still. He’s just another man you’ve brought around to give me the once over, like a broodmare!” She pressed her fingers against her closed eyelids. “Wilhuff Tarkin is not my beau!” “Nay! And will never be, after this ballyhoo! Ye’ll never be married, at this rate!”Rey peeped over her father’s shoulder, just in time to see the departure of both men, and the door latch quietly behind them. She sighed, doing her best to ignore her father’s continued rantings.It had been an abysmal morning. Mortifying. But watching Mr. Solo leave, she admitted to herself a small twinge of regret.Ah, well. At least she had enjoyed the lovely thought for a few moments. Captain Benjamin Bail Solo apprehensively witnessed the scene before him. He was certainly no stranger to familial conflict, but Unkar Plutt was an absolute brute. Father and daughter continued their raucous quarrel. From her fiery demeanor, Benjamin felt reasonably certain that Miss Plutt would not allow herself to be physically abused, at any rate.He turned to the ancient Wilhuff Tarkin, who jumped and started at their raised voices; jittery, and clearly discomfited by the commotion.The man was feeble and emaciated, his clothing worn and poorly mended. Benjamin was not impressed that this was a man of great wealth; more likely a miser, hoarding every spira.“My good sir.” Benjamin addressed, him, “it seems these two should be preoccupied for some time. Might I tempt you away, with an offer of luncheon? At the inn?”Tarkin huffed and puffed a moment, dragging his bony finger under his nose, weighing his options. “Indeed. I believe I shall.”Opening the door and politely indicating that the older gentleman should go before, Benjamin hummed his approval. It would be fascinating to observe how deeply the man would dig in his purse, should a contest arise for the hand of the fair Miss Rey Plutt.
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“Now see what ye’ve done!” Unkar gesticulated toward the foyer, now empty. “Gone! And ‘is purse gone with ‘im!” That silly starveling just blinked stupidly up at him.“Father…!”“Now listen here, girl! It took a lot o’ convincin’ to get Tarkin here in the first place! An’ in he walks to see ‘is own intended, writhin’ in the arms of another man!”Rey yanked her elbow out of his grip, “Tarkin was never my intended! He’s just another of your precious ‘prospects!’”“‘At’s right! An’ ‘em’s getting’ more and more scanty each day! You ain’t got no dowry! An’ Force knows ye ain’t nothin’ much to look at.” Unkar swiped his hand down his scruffy jaw, blowing out a heavy breath. “You, and yer haughty ‘ideals!’ Gotta like an’ respect the chap! I’ve brought ye the best, and ye’ve rejected ‘em all!” He sank into the armchair.Rey rounded on him, “the best?! Diseased and bloated, gouty and ill-tempered! And that was only the Count! Surely you don’t expect me to shackle myself to such a man!”“All ‘ave been single men, of prominent reputation an’ pedigree! An’ they all ‘ad a wealthy purse!”“Father, I beg you! Bring me a man who will demonstrate even a modicum of consideration for my feelings and well-being, a man not yet bent with age and rheumatism! Do this, father, and I swear I shall love you and tend your needs and wants until your dying day!”“Now, girl, I see an error in your way o’ thinkin’!” The brainless chit actually rolled her eyes at him, but Unkar pressed on. “Listen ‘ere! A younger man will keep ye fat with childbearin’! But a mature man, a seasoned man! ‘At’s what ye want! Too tired for a tumble! Too weak for a proper swivin’!”“Father!”Unkar chuckled, “an’ the sooner ye be a widow, the better!” The more he thought of this, the more he warmed to the idea! He could see it now, Rey a wealthy widow! Why, they could return to Coruscant! He would be restored to his proper consequence!The girl was squeaking on about something, her finger raised like a practiced scold. He barely heard her. He spread his lap quilt over his knees, “bring me a cup o’ summat hot, me girl.”She straightened, chastised, her mouth clamped shut, then swept from the room in a huff. Unkar shouted after her, “now there’s another one! Yer Mr. Solo! ‘E’s another, what would breed ye and leave ye, with never a promise o’ marriage!”After a few moments, Rey returned with a large mug of hot tea, and a plate of scones. A blank expression on her sunburnt face.“Father.”“‘E’s good enough for them seaside doxies, ta be sure! But no respectable woman would take ‘is arm!” He brought one of the pastries to his mouth and took a large bite. Rey stood before him, her face turned to the side, her hands clasped idly before her.“‘E’s handsome enough, if ye like them hard, bony jowls.” He spoke around the bite in his mouth, losing a crumb or two as he went, “but ‘e’s a cold one, ye can see it in ‘is eyes.”Rey only pressed her lips more tightly together, staring at something out the window, the nitwit. “You needn’t worry, father. I’ll never be tricked by him again.”And with that, she dropped a short curtsey and fled to the kitchen, where he could hear her clattering about. Good. Unkar took a healthy swig from his mug and shoved the rest of the scone into his mouth, staring into the fire and turning his dark thoughts over and over.That giglet had been a burden from the start.Her mother hadn’t exactly been forthright about the resources she brought to the marriage! Nor Armitage’s mother, now he considered it. Both women, sly! Conniving! And now Rey was following in their footsteps! Stingy and sneaky! How was a poor man to get a stiff drink?! He was forced to the inn here in Takodana of an evening to escape her, and his troubles!He’d never been surer of his decision to marry her off, get her off his hands! He wasn’t made for bringing up girls. Fine enough for menial tasks, she was; the washing and cleaning. The girl made a decent scone, he’d give her that. He bit into another, contemplatively. If only she wasn’t so thin! Even Canady, blind as he was, couldn’t turn a blind eye to that! He snorted to himself. Nah, she wasn’t a beauty, that was certain. No tits to speak of. Always talking back. Too spirited by half. And always refusing to keep out of the sun! Splotches all over her nose!His good name hadn’t gotten them as far as he had hoped. Councilman of Coruscant! Alderman of Jakku! Mayor of Takodana! And it could all come to naught!At a loud crash from the kitchen, Unkar sighed, another volley of crumbs tumbling down his chest and coming to rest on his belly. And no dowry.It always came back to that.How had it come to that?He chewed, remembering. In Coruscant, he’d had it all! Authority! Influence! Moving up the ranks in local politics! And with Eleanor, a bit of wealth to introduce him at the gaming tables.Returning to Coruscant would be tricky, to be sure. Even after these few years, he’d have to visit a handful of his old creditors. Talk sweet.Bah, he could do it!And all the more reason to insist on the girl settling well!All it should take would be the proper man. If only that Solo hadn’t thrown a spanner into the works!Damn that man!On that calamitous day, he and Armitage had ventured farther afield to Kamino, just as they usually did at weeks’ end. Plutt had only just collected a respectable winning, angering a few of the sailors come ashore, yes, but who would dare accuse a local official? He was deep in his cups, chortling and making merry with his friends, when in strutted Solo!A dandy! A young cock, with no business on the waterfront but to provide sport for them what was more worldly, more experienced. A popinjay by his look, his manners so polite, and young enough to be duped.Unkar had purposed to take him for a substantial sum. He could afford it! And Unkar was always generous, buying drinks for the house when he won.Ah, the thrill of it! Slippin’ a card up his sleeve here, into his vest front there! Slowly, patiently, building a winning hand! It took a stalwart man to do it, cool and unruffled!That wily Solo never batted an eye, until he reached across the table with those long arms of his and flipped Unkar’s jacket wide open, the hoarded cards spilling to the floor! And when Unkar had blustered and raged, and started to swing his fists about, half the tars in the tap room had stood to Solo’s defense! “My men don’t take kindly to cheats, sir.”How was Unkar to know the man was a ship’s captain, his crew loyal to a fault and ready to brawl on his behalf?!An’ Armitage, poor lad! Never one to indulge in good judgement, his boy had challenged Solo to a duel! Unkar had hoped he’d kill the man, thereby nullifying the debt!Instead the boy had been lamed, and Unkar could never confess to anyone but himself, that he alone was to blame!An’ now! His creditors had been hounding him to pay, closing his accounts!What’s a father to do?A crippled son. An arrogantly selective daughter. How will we make ends meet?There was one hope left yet.A wealthy merchant, in Kamino. A widower several times over, with grandchildren older than Rey; but no matter!Unkar had already been greasing the wheels with him, exaggerating Rey’s finer attractions. The man was half blind anyway, it would be all the same to him.Quite a lover of the ladies, that one. With a soft young thing to warm his bed and his blood, perhaps he’d learn generosity for his new father-in-law.Unkar sniggered to himself. Jabba von Hutt was old enough to be Unkar’s own father! And the man did have a bit of a nasty temper. But the Hutts were influential in these parts, and it would certainly be of benefit to Unkar, to accumulate powerful allies. Eh, the man couldn’t live long, that much was certain. Yes! Leaving Rey a widow! Why, he could be living in Coruscant again!Rey wouldn’t like it.She wouldn’t like it one bit.But she’d have to get over her disappointment. Just like her mother had.Unkar slammed his mug down on the little table and rubbed his hands together in anticipation. He’d do it! He’d meet with Baron von Hutt, and convince him to accept her! They’d be married before the mid-winter holidays!He stood excitedly. It was as good as money in the bank!With all this settled in his mind, he could now afford to meet his friends for a neighborly wager!He tugged down on his waistcoat, brushing a few crumbs away and wiping his mouth, stomping his boots. They were meeting at the Takodana market… he glanced at the clock. Yes!Shoving his hat on his head, he tramped out the door, slamming it behind him with a bang. Benjamin watched the man skitter away. Wilhuff Tarkin had polished his plate and excused himself posthaste.It was a wonder Mr. Tarkin had ventured outside his own home, let alone contemplating marriage. Benjamin had nodded and hummed agreeably as the gentleman prattled on about how the girl hadn’t comported with Unkar Plutt’s description of his daughter’s usual behavior. That he was expecting a meek and biddable child, eager to please. While on the other hand, Tarkin also explained that Plutt had properly warned him and he had been expecting her mousy appearance: waifish, drab and plain.Here, Benjamin continued to nod, murmuring his deference, while inwardly musing, how could they have observed the same woman! The only real question was how she could be Plutt’s offspring!Her temperament, Benjamin would grant, did reflect that of her father’s. And her brother’s. Benjamin chuckled to himself, crossing his legs and brushing a speck of grit from his knee. The girl was passionate, there was no doubt about that! But he couldn’t remember when he had seen a more lovely woman. He played over her features, in his mind. Her smooth skin, her lustrous brown hair, her flashing hazel eyes and blushing cheeks. Especially when smiling, her face tipped up to him, her lips parted; she was exceptionally beautiful. And her form – that Tarkin had declared spindly – Benjamin regarded as willowy, and elegant. On this point he did have the advantage, of having had his arm tightly around her, to feel the weight and lithe strength of her.Tarkin had announced that he found the lady too lively and quick-tempered for his taste, and Benjamin did not regret the older man’s decision. The shadow of Tarkin’s tatty carriage passed before the window, and Benjamin leaned back, breathing deeply the pleasing scents of baking bread and roasted meats.The Rose and Thorn was comfortable and homey. Large, for such a small village as Takodana. The innkeeper Kanan Jarrus and his wife Hera ran a neat and clean establishment, and were not much for gossip.On this day, despite the weather, the common room was almost empty: only two men at the table nearest the hearth; and, making himself small in the darkest corner – the town drunk, whom Benjamin had seen on other occasions, skulking about.The serving wench, with her chip-toothed grin and low-draped blouse, made another lap around the room, wiping down tables, swinging shapely hips, and flaunting her unspoken services.As Benjamin prepared to depart, there was a scuffling at his elbow and he looked up to find the drunkard sidling up to eye Tarkin’s still half-full tankard of ale. The approach of the serving girl, livid now and moving fast, seemed to motivate this hasty overture. “Aw… might ol’ Lor ‘ave a nip?” The man had been tall, but was now bent and stooped; rangy and malnourished, his skin dull and drooping, burst veins webbing across his cheeks and nose. He winked and squinted, one eye a bright blue, clear as a summer’s day, the other filmy and clouded with cataracts. He licked his lips and roughly cleared his throat.“By all means.” Benjamin indicated the man should sit, which he did promptly, and quickly drained the contents of the mug, then wiped his mouth on his sleeve with relish.The serving girl now stood at the side of the table, hands on hips, and ready to deliver a vicious tongue-lashing to the old tramp. “Miss. Might I request you bring my friend here a plate? And refill his flagon, please.” Benjamin pointedly placed three zukkels at the edge of the table.The girl drew up sharply, turning toward Benjamin and relaxing her expression, smiling and leaning forward to offer him a glimpse of her cleavage. She reached for the coins…“See ye don’ take more ‘an yer due, Zorii!” The old man’s craggy hand slapped down to cover the silvers. “‘At’s only a quarter druggat fer the plate, an’ twenty spira the mug!”She sneered at Lor, but said nothing, snatching up two of the coins when he reluctantly lifted his hand, and flouncing away to the kitchen. After only a few moments, she returned with a plate of roast nerf and a thick slice of buttered bread, and a full, foamy mug of the house ale. She dropped these before the old man and stalked away in a huff.“‘At’s right kind o’ ye, many thanks.” The poor fellow dug into his plate, speaking gruffly around bites and slurping noisily of his drink. “Ol’ Lor don’ get much courtesy now’days. ‘At Zorii’s a cruel chippy, ne’er a kin’ word fer ol’ Lor.”Benjamin hummed sympathetically. “Are you in need of employment, sir?”“Don’ no one trust ol’ Lor ta shine a spit! Ain’t always been so!” He jabbed himself in the chest with the point of his knife, “many a year Lor San Tekka worked ‘is Majesty’s tubs, ‘e did!” The old man considered Benjamin carefully, “ye’ve the look o’ a man o’ the sea, yerself.” Benjamin chuckled, “I’m bound to the land at present. Until some business is complete.”“Ye’ll be lingerin’ ‘ere, at the inn?”“That’s right.”“Be ye lookin’ for a home?”“Would you know of anything available, if I were?”Lor dragged his hand down his mouth and cheeks, “Lord Snoke owns all th’ land around these parts, an’ th’only way ter get any o’ that would be ter take up wit’ ‘is daughter!” He chortled, “she’ll like ye well enough, it’s Lord Snoke what’s hard ter please!”Benjamin smiled, “I had not planned to look for a wife, at present.”Humming to himself, Lor squinted a moment at Benjamin, then continued, “if’n ye ‘ave a change o’ heart, ‘ave a look at the Mayor’s daughter.” He nodded, decidedly, “with ‘er, ye won’t be getting’ a dowry, no. But she be kin’ ta ol’ Lor, and she’s ‘bout th’only one what do.” He chewed raptly, taking in Benjamin’s attire. “Mayhap ye ain’t got need o’ another’s fortune. Mmm. Even wit’ cash, there ain’t nothin’ available in these parts; ‘ceptin’ the old place what burned, years back. Ren Manor, it be.” Lor shook his head, “part rubble, now. All ‘em got murdered, or run off, twenty year ago. The ol’ lord got dragged out, middle o’ th’ night, and run through wit’ a saber, ‘e did! Only ‘is wife an’ sons managed ta escape.”“Only two children, were there?”Lor considered carefully, “don’ rightly remember. Ain’t nothin’ been heard o’ them, then three or four years back one o’ them boys returned ta claim it all!” Lor pursed his lips, leaning forward to observe Benjamin more closely, “proud lookin’, ‘e was, an’ tall, like ye be. ‘Ad a hot temper, ‘e did. Barely got ‘is feet set and the manor caught fire – an’ ‘e burned ta death!”Benjamin tsked.“Some say t’were Corellians. Some say not.”“And you? What say you?”Lor leaned in over the table, the front of his shirt dragging in his plate. “There be them what know, and them what don’.”Benjamin folded his hands over his waist. “Ah, but surely you’re one that knows.”“‘At’s right! At’s right! Ol’ Lor, ‘e done and seen th’ lot! Could tell ye tales ta make yer hair stan’ on end! There be some folks, would laugh ta see a man burn! Bu’ tis best not ta talk ‘bout such. T’ain’t healthy.” Lor took up the last chunk of his bread, sopped it through the gravy on his plate, and shoved the large bite into his mouth, chewing noisily and remembering himself, making himself small and looking about nervously. He brought the tankard to his lips and drained the last dregs.The front doors of the common room swung open with a crash, and two men stomped in raucously, laughing and hollering, and pushing each other.At their appearance, Lor wheezed his apologies, thanking Benjamin again for the meal, and slunk quickly out the back way.Benjamin discreetly observed the two. One man was tall, yet portly, with curly black hair and a scruffy beard. The other was shorter, with the dark skin and coiled black hair of the freed Twi’leks. “Kanan! A mug o’ yer best!” The taller man pounded the bar jovially.The innkeeper snickered to himself, shaking his head, but filled a cold mug and gave it a push, sliding down the bar. The other man, wide-eyed, snatched up the mug as it slid past him, and lifted it eagerly to his mouth.“Now Finny!” The taller man seized the tankard out of his hands, “don’t take what ain’t meant for ye! Ye been forgettin' yer place, ever since ye fell from yer horse and banged yer head!” and with this, he drew a deep swallow of the cold brew. Innkeeper Jarrus glid another foamy flagon into Finny’s hands, and carefully wiped the bar afterwards with a white cloth. “Wexley! What brings you out on such a miserable day?” “‘Ere’s th’only place I can go, ta get away from me harpin’ wife!”“Snaa-ap!” Zorii stole up under Wexley’s arm, “ya ain’t been ‘round ta see me in ages, an’ ages!”“I’ll make it up to ye, me girl!” Wexley fished in his waistcoat pocket, extracting a small coin and waving it before the girl’s nose tauntingly.She quickly nabbed the silver and dropped it into her corset, then spun around and sauntered to the stairs leading to the guest rooms, looking over her shoulder. Wexley took another quick pull of his drink, dragged his sleeve across his mouth, and slammed his mug down on the bar; then tugging the front of his vest over his belly, made to follow her.Finny, seeing his compatriot was leaving, hastily gulped his ale, spilling a river down his neck. He sprang from his stool at the bar, hoisted up his trousers, and stomped so fleetly after the duo, that he collided into Wexley’s back.“Finny, ya can’t follow me up here. Now yer workin’ ‘ere, ya gots ta know yer place.” Wexley shoved him back toward the bar. “‘Ave another drink.”Shrugging, Finny trooped back to his place at the bar, and boisterously ordered another ale.Chuckling to himself, Benjamin prepared to leave, reaching for his hat and gloves.“Ahem.”Benjamin turned to find yet another man standing beside his table.Of middle height, with dark hair, wavy and thick, graying at the temples; and a fine full beard. He comported himself as one in the military; though not wearing a uniform. He was confident, almost arrogantly so, his chest puffed out and his legs braced; and he smiled, positive of his reception. “Might I be seated, sir?” Without waiting for Benjamin’s response, the man spun the chair around and straddled it, showily opening his coat to more comfortably arrange two pistols holstered inside his waistcoat. This done, he folded his forearms across the chair back, and smirked. “You’ve made a friend of old Lor, I see.”Benjamin leaned back, disinterestedly, raising an eyebrow.“Poe Dameron.” The man raised up slightly from his chair and reached over the table to extend his hand, which Benjamin took. Dameron’s grip was just a trifle too tight. “I’m the sheriff, appointed by Lord Snoke to protect the peace in these lands.”“Captain Benjamin Solo.” Benjamin watched the man’s face closely as he stated his name, to see if he showed any reaction. Though Dameron’s expression didn’t waver, Benjamin doubted the man hadn’t heard of his duel with the Mayor’s son.“I feel it my duty to warn newcomers about old San Tekka. Depending on what he swills, he’s a head full of ghosts, specters and accursed monsters, and shouldn’t be taken too seriously.”“Of course not.”“I don’t remember seeing you around. Are you far from home?”“I keep a home in Coruscant, and one of my ships is currently docked in Kamino. I’ll be staying in Takodana until I have concluded my business here.”“What business is that, if I might be so bold as to ask?”“I came to collect a debt, but the man seems to lack the resources. I fear I may need to stay close, as incentive, and take up temporary residence.”Dameron laughed heartily, “you’d do better to accept something besides cash.”“Indeed. But so far the man seems set against giving me what I want.”Scrabbling at his chin through his beard, Dameron pondered a moment. “If you’re seriously considering taking up residence in Takodana, there is nowhere but the inn for you to stay.”“San Tekka mentioned a manor that was burned, a few years back, and no heir has come to claim the lands.”Dameron nodded, “I heard the rumors, when I first arrived three years ago. I went out to the Ren place to investigate, but found no body. Only the newer wing burned, the older part of the manor still stands, as it’s made of stone. The house remains empty, except for the locals’ claims of ghosts!” Dameron waggled his eyebrows theatrically. “Two ghosts, to be precise; one with a saber through his chest, and the other horribly burned and maimed. “The tenants are appallingly loyal, and expect Lord Ren to return erelong. When Lord Snoke inquired, he was told the family hasn’t relinquished the title, and the taxes are still being paid.”“Who collects the rents?”Here, Dameron leaned back, pressing his lips together. “Where did you say you were from?”“What does that have to do with my question?”“I was just curious.”“I’m from Alderaan, here to seek ports of trade for my ships.”Dameron’s eyes widened, and he whistled, “so far! I’ve never seen The Colonies, myself.” He nodded his head, “for the present, I believe that Lord Snoke collects the rents. As a favor, until something is done about the ownership.”“But it isn’t Lord Snoke, that pays the taxes?”“No, of course not! It would be foolish for him to do so, when he wants the land.”Benjamin stood, placing his hat on his head and reaching for his redingote, “then perhaps this Lord Ren isn’t dead.”Dameron stood as well, hitching his thumbs into the pockets of his waistcoat. “I’ve been here three years, and I’ve never seen any evidence.”A large shape darkened the window, and Dameron spun on his heel, “ah! It’s Lord Snoke there! He knows more about Ren Manor than anyone. Come, I’ll introduce you.” He winked, and nudged Benjamin familiarly with his elbow, “perhaps you’ll be lucky, and his daughter Bazine will be with him as well!”Benjamin tipped his hat to Jarrus and accompanied the sheriff out to the covered porch of the inn, where three prim servants – stiff in dark green livery – buzzed around an enormous and ornate carriage and four perfectly-matched, snow-white horses.While the driver carried on tending to the animals, the two footmen rushed around to open the door and facilitate the disembarkation of – almost – the tallest man Benjamin had ever seen. He was… remarkable. Most inappropriately dressed for both the weather and the occasion, in a heavily beaded and embroidered coat and knee breeches, white stockings and heeled satin shoes, with a dark velvet frock coat worn back on his shoulders and a tall bicorne. He carried a long ebon walking cane, with a large faceted obsidian in a brass setting to form the handle. He was possessed of a most extraordinary aspect: bald-headed, pock-marked and scarred, his cheeks sunken; his beady eyes icy blue. He descended from on high with the regal air of an emperor, peering down his pert nose with little care for the peasants groveling at his feet.In his momentous wake there emerged from the carriage a young woman who, at first sight, closely resembled Miss Rey Plutt in coloring and countenance.The lady was just as ostentatiously dressed as her father; the white silk organza of her gown delicately stitched with an intricate pattern of bright leaves, flowers and whorls. She drew the deep hood of her red velvet cape up over her complicated coiffure, glowering at the drizzling clouds through darkened lashes, and pursing rouged lips. As she neared, Benjamin identified key differences between the lady before him, and she whom he had met earlier that day.Miss Snoke was decidedly more voluptuous in her figure, but she so blatantly accentuated her features with heavy cosmetics, as to make her eyes appear small, dull and piggish. Her hair, while of the same general shade as Miss Plutt’s, lacked the lustrous sheen Benjamin had noted in the Mayor’s daughter. He was most surprised, however, to perceive that it was the girl’s lack of freckles, that he most keenly found wanting. This was an attribute he had never before comprehended as a favorite of his.“Why, Poe Dameron! Aren’t you too jealous to introduce me to another man?!” She addressed Mr. Dameron, but her eyes slowly raked up and down Benjamin’s person, shamelessly scrutinizing his every part and parcel. As she leered at him, her fingers toyed casually with the ribbons of her cape, settling them more carefully over her firmly uplifted bosom.Dameron laughed, “I have every confidence you’ll be faithful to me, Miss Snoke!” He bowed jauntily to her, “may I present Benjamin Solo, from Alderaan. A man of breeding and fortune, by his bearing, but surely the next to be beguiled by your charms, Bazine.”She coyly held forth her gloved hand, which Benjamin clasped lightly, and bowed.Within only these brief moments of acquaintance, Benjamin understood just as plainly as with the serving wench Zorii, that here was eager female companionship, of any extent he might desire. And it was just as clear to him that he would be made to pay, one way or another.“My goodness, you’re a tall one!” The lady Bazine batted her eyelashes up at him.Benjamin smiled blandly, releasing her hand, and turned toward her father.“And might I introduce, His Eminence, Ambrose Cecil Alistair Snoke, the third.” Dameron gestured toward the lord, who twisted his shoulders haughtily at the utterance of his full title.“Solo… Solo… where have I heard that name?”“Perhaps you remember it from the misunderstanding I had with your Mayor a few weeks ago.”“So you’re the one who dueled with Armitage! That young whelp brews trouble wherever he goes.”Dameron interjected, “Mr. Solo is here in Takodana on business, and he might be interested in procuring a country estate nearby.”Snoke grated out a mirthless laugh, “then I wish him well! It is a worthwhile undertaking, to acquire lands with tenants; and in the long run it has its rewards if you manage to amass the desired power. One must have wealth, however, to proceed.”Benjamin stated, “I was wondering about Ren Manor.”Bazine perked up at this, “oh, you don’t want that old place! Half burned, and full of ghosts! Ren Manor has been plagued by disasters!”Lord Snoke ignored her concerns, instead presenting his own: “I can’t imagine a foreigner taking possession of either the lands or the hall. Are you man of occupation or a man of leisure?”“Both. I own several vessels that trade in ports around the world, but I’m very much a man of leisure.”Bazine’s interest now thoroughly piqued, she squeezed her father’s arm, “oh! You must be very rich!”Benjamin chuckled, “I manage a few creature comforts.”“Ren Manor would be a worthy estate, with its property and lands, but I’m afraid it’s not available,” Lord Snoke lamented, “if it were I would have had it myself some time ago.”“Papa, you’d own the entire Commonwealth if His Majesty would allow it!”“I need it to keep you in the finery you demand, my dear.”Bazine giggled, “just so, papa! I have an appointment with the dressmaker, and since I know you have business with Mr. Dameron, could I presume to ask you, Mr. Solo, to escort me?”Seeing no way to politely extricate himself, Benjamin offered the lady his arm, “it would be my honor. With your permission, of course.”Lord Snoke solemnly nodded his acquiescence and waved them away, and the lady Bazine dragged him hence, down the cobblestoned street. Lord Snoke shifted his heavy greatcoat more comfortably upon his shoulders.“I have an appointment with the dressmaker, and since I know you have business with Mr. Dameron, could I presume to ask you, Mr. Solo, to escort me?”“Bazine!” Snoke balked at his daughter’s audacity.“Papa! All the local men are afraid of you! And so I must make my own luck!”The girl made an outward show of asking his permission, knowing full well he could not refuse. Lord Snoke took some comfort in Mr. Solo’s seeming disinterest, and waved them off.Bazine exulted in her triumph, taking the man’s arm and traipsing away, down the road. Snoke noted her gloating expression, and her lingering examination of the Mayor’s cottage before she turned toward her destination of the dressmaker’s shop.He was sick to death of that vacuous featherhead! If he had to endure one more word of her vanity and boasting! Ever since Unkar Plutt had determined to find a husband for his daughter Rey, Snoke hadn’t heard the end of it!How Bazine was the more beautiful, and younger, and wasn’t Rey a scrawny spinster, and wouldn’t it be deliciously apropos if Rey Plutt found herself married to a horrible beast of a man!“Do we have business?” Poe Dameron rocked back on his heels, clutching those ridiculous pistols through his coat.“We do not.”Dameron hummed, “it seems Bazine has found another one to occupy her for a spell.”Snoke snorted, “I almost find myself wishing her mother had survived a few more years; and considering that nagging shrew, you know my desperation.”The sheriff snickered appreciatively.“I do, however, have business with our esteemed Mayor.”“Mmm. Shall I accompany you?”“No. This is business of a personal nature.” He gestured toward the disappearing form of his daughter. “Keep an eye on that brazen twit. I do not relish the thought of an Alderaanian as kin.”Dameron laughed – saluting jauntily and clicking his heels together – and sauntered away.Snoke straightened to his full height and picked his way across the muddy road, to rap sharply on the Mayor’s door with the handle of his blackthorn.After a few wearisome moments he began to believe it wouldn’t be answered, when Rey appeared, opening the door a crack and peering out.He shouldered his way inside, “do not peep at me through cracks, my dear Rey!” Removing his hat and gloves and thrusting these into her hands, he inquired, “is your father home?”“No, my lord, he’s about, somewhere in the town, though he probably will be home soon.”“Very well.” Snoke watched the girl expectantly, and she quickly set his hat and gloves on a table. He pivoted on his heel, shrugged off his coat, then strode into the parlor, twisting around proudly. “Please, be seated.” She hung his greatcoat on a peg, and took two nervous steps toward him.He sat before the fire, perching on the armchair, his ankles crossed and his arms draped over the rests, comfortable as a king on his throne.“Might I offer you some tea?”“Thank you, my dear.”Snoke watched the girl, scuttling about and fussing over his comfort.He had never really observed her, before. “I hope you’ve been happy here, Rey, your father has taken well to his duties. You’ve done a magnificent task of managing this house.” To set her at ease, he continued with other comments and such delicate flatteries as came to mind.The girl had a certain appeal. Tall, for a woman; clean. Her hair and skin had a healthy glow. The mind boggled how Plutt had sired such a one.Not as well-proportioned as the women he usually chose to sample, but…Snoke considered.In all likelihood the girl was unspoiled.It had been some time since he had been to Coruscant, and shared in the company of his lady friends there; and so, undoubtedly, this morsel set before him was all the more appealing. Snoke thought he should greatly enjoy sullying her. Just a little.Surely some agreement could be made with Unkar. Not marriage, of course, but some kind of arrangement.As he watched her, his libidinous nature was awakened further; uncomfortably so.It really had been too long since he’d had a woman.She would be lovely, blushing before him, in a diaphanous chemise. Perhaps unwilling of his advances. Surely the girl would resist! He warmed, just to think of it!It must be broached with care.It was a delicate matter, but the more he thought on it, the more he was sure something could be agreed upon with Unkar.Snoke burst from his chair, throwing his shoulders back, cocking his leg. Best to let the filly admire his manly form!“Ah…!”The girl continued to putter around the room with renewed vigor, fussing with the teapot.He must focus her attention. “My dear Rey!”She squeaked in surprise, and pressed back against the side table, her eyes wide.His ardor had caused him to enunciate too loudly. Snoke stepped forward, speaking more softly, “I did not mean to startle you. It’s only that I’ve never really looked on you before; never really appreciated your beauty.”He advanced upon her, slowly, so as not to unsettle her further.“Come closer, child.” He grasped her forearm in a tight grip, directing her hand into casual contact with his firm manhood. “Closer, I said.”She leaned away, having nowhere to go with the table at her back, flexing her arm and clenching her fist and turning her face aside; her eyes squeezed closed, her breathing coquettishly rapid.Snoke breathed into her ear, “it is my fondest wish that we should get to know each other much, much better. Do not be afraid, my dear.”Just at that moment there was a loud thump and a curse from the upper floor, and that fool Armitage all but fell down the stairs. Unkempt, daft off his head, his trousers nearly falling off and slipping in his stockinged feet.Snoke released the girl’s arm, stepping back.Armitage choked, “ah! Yer lordship!”“Armitage.”“I, ah, just came down fer…” here, the boy was caught with a fit of coughing, “fer a drink.” He cast about. “O’ water. Or tea.”Rey spun away, clattering about with the tray.Armitage hitched up his britches importantly, “a man needs a nice warm brew to clear his gullet, on a cold morning. I’m sure Lord Snoke must be dying of thirst! Rey! Would you be so kind as to pour us some tea!”Lord Snoke snorted derisively. It was well after noon! That young buck was pissing his life away!“No. I shan’t be staying for tea.” Snoke made for the foyer and motioned toward his coat, to allow Rey to attend him. “My daughter must be wondering where I’ve got to.” The tiresome lad nodded knowingly, scratching his mangy cheek. A pity Snoke couldn’t order the child from the room, so he could continue his interlude with the sister. He would retreat, for now, to think carefully over this new, intricate notion.Snoke pressed his bicorne over his brow, “I leave for Coruscant in the morning; I will see your father when I return. I’m sure the matter will keep.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The streets of Takodana had been teeming for weeks, the drovers of moof and jerba conducting their herds to butcher. The smell, the dust and chaos, the squawking flocks of nuna, were all yearly reminders that the colder weather would soon lay hold of the countryside, and that every household must prepare.Rey was keenly aware of the need to stock her pantry with such provisions as feasible, for the bitter months ahead.To that end, she had secured a small hog, the best her meager coins could buy. The evening previous, when she had announced her intentions, Unkar had declared the preparation of food “woman’s work,” and had risen well before his habit to flee the vicinity – appealing to Armitage to accompany him for a day of “meetings” in Kamino – lest his lot fall to labor.The roving pigsticker had arrived at dawn, and Rey had spent the morning immersed in the assembling of black pudding. The dish was not a favorite of hers, and the preparation required a stern stomach.She had hung the sausages from the low rafters with no small pride in her accomplishment, and much relieved to have concluded the task.Next, she had carefully trimmed each cut, fitting each into a barrel and salting liberally, layer upon layer. The jugs of brine stood ready to be applied, and the lid weighted down with a heavy stone.The little lean-to behind the Mayor’s cottage was equipped with a tall worktable and a small stone hearth, over which she managed a suspended cauldron.The fire must be kept even, to slowly render the fat to lard, and the remaining pieces of meat attentively skimmed away, lest the whole batch be spoiled. Set to cool on a plate, these cracklings provided a tasty morsel that must satisfy her hunger for now, as she was in a frenzy to finish her work before nightfall.As she tended the fire, nudging the coals with a long stick, she spied the mongrel from the next cottage over, sneaking under the fence on his belly, his eyes cautiously trained upon her.“Oi! Leave off!” She moved toward him, stick raised threateningly. The beast had already cost her considerable time throughout the day, not to mention the hock he had already stolen. He scrambled back under the fence with a yelp, her thrown stick narrowly missing his flea-bitten rump.Rey stretched her back – retying her heavily soiled apron and refolding her sleeves – and indulging a brief moment of rest to enjoy the cool breeze; for the hearth, while small, did put out significant heat. It was as she mopped sweat from her brow that she spotted a dashingly-dressed Benjamin Solo, standing at his leisure at the corner of the cottage, watching her.With a choke, she lurched back in surprise, her hand flying up to the kerchief tied over her hair; embarrassed that he should witness her undignified behavior and frumpy appearance.Of a sudden, Mr. Solo bounded over the short fence and came at her in a fury, undoubtedly intent upon some mischief or violence. But in that moment she was completely frozen in shock, no sound issuing from her open mouth.In a trice he was there before her, but instead of seizing upon her person as she had envisioned, he bent aside to snatch her skirt from the blazing hearth, and used his hat to slash out the flames.Rey cried out, stumbling and stammering, “what are you…?!”Captain Solo straightened, rubbing handfuls of her singed skirt together, then holding the charred fibers closer for her inspection. “Miss Plutt,” he jibed, “either you are a glutton for self-destruction, or you are testing my ability to protect you.” His eyes dropped down interestedly to the considerable length of leg his ministrations had revealed.“Oh!” Rey pulled back from him, twisting away to wrest her skirts from his hands. “I… I suppose I must thank you, sir, but it wouldn’t have happened at all if…”As she spoke, Mr. Solo set his hat on a low bench, and deliberately removed his jacket. Rey faltered, as she could not, for the life of her, understand why he should prepare to stay.“… well, it wouldn’t have happened at all, if you hadn’t been standing there watching me.”He set his jacket next to his hat, and smirked at her.“What do you want?”“I am sorry to have startled you.”Rey leaned toward him, “I already told you, you aren’t welcome here!”Mr. Solo grinned, “you told me not to darken the door, and as you can see, I have honored your wishes!”Rey dropped down on the bench in a huff, to examine her scorched hem. It was only slightly damaged, really. The gown had already been considerably stained and would still be perfectly suitable for such dirty work as she must occasionally perform. And why wouldn’t he just go away?!“I grew tired of the ladies at the market, and wondered if the sights would be better at the Mayor’s house. I am happy to report, they are!”Rey clicked her tongue, stood, and took up her long spoon to stir the cauldron. “Don’t you have anything better to do than ogle the women of the neighborhood?”“Yes, I do.”Rey turned expectantly.“I’d like to be courting you.”She shook the spoon at him, “only to mock me! And to thwart my father!”He gently took the spoon from her, setting it aside and looking down at her. “It’s because you’re the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen, and I should like to get to know you better.”Feeling her face heat, she shouldered him out of the way and chuffed, “how many women have you told that to, sir!”“Oh, I might have said it once or twice before, but it was always the truth.” He selected a crispy tidbit from her plate, and popped it into his mouth.Incensed, she moved the plate out of his reach. “So! You think to add me to your tally of conquests!”“You mistake me, madam. I wish only to be granted a moment, now and again, wherein I might present my case. To the end that perhaps, at some future time, we might share a tender moment.”“The damage you have done my family stands between us!”Mr. Solo regarded her a moment, then paused to don his jacket. “I could promise you all a life of comfort.” He pressed his hat over his brow, “but would that be a blessing or a curse?”“A blessing or a curse?! You’ve already proven yourself a curse to this family! My father is badgered daily by his creditors! My brother whimpers painfully through nightmares! Even my own lot grows more detestable by the day! And all because of you!” With each accusation she stepped closer until she was toe to toe with him, her forefinger dug into his chest.“You’ve already decided against me, before I can ever say a word in my own defense.”“I know everything I need to know about you!”“You do?” He cocked his head to look into her eyes. “Ah. You do.”Rey flapped her hand, “why don’t you ride over to Bazine Snoke’s house, I hear her father left this morning for Coruscant! I’m sure she’d be receptive to your advances! As for me, I want no part of you, ever!”“Be careful what you say, Miss Plutt, words spoken in haste or anger often have to be recalled; and taken with a slice of humble pie.”Leaning into him now and raised on tiptoe, she stormed, “you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking, nerf herder!”He chuckled, retreating a pace and inspecting her up and down, “who’s scruffy looking?”“Oh, leave me be! I’ve work to get done!”“Try to stay out of trouble, sweetheart, I might not be available to rescue you next time.” His eyes twinkled merrily.Rey cast about for something, some cudgel, and seized upon the hearth broom. “Are you such a dullard that I must drive you away like the hound?! Begone!” She gripped the bristles and swung around in a good solid offensive; the handle whistling through the air, missing his nose by only a fingerbreadth. His wide-eyed look of surprise as he ducked backwards pleased her immensely.With a quick sidestep and a hop he was over the fence, and she hurled the broom after him.“Good evening, Miss Plutt.” With a tip of his hat, his eyes dipping to her heaving bosom, he sauntered around the corner of the house and away into the late afternoon.“Dammit!” Rey spun around, spitting mad. She stalked back into the shed to skim the lard. As her ire cooled, she admitted to herself that she was a very little bit sorry to see him go. No. It was foolishness. Surely his flatteries were false.He must be laughing at her even now!She reached for another small log for the fire; but there! Upon the brick floor was a leather wallet! She lifted it, thick and heavy, turning it over to see the initials BBS scored into the surface of it.The temptation to fling it far from her, into the neighboring yard, was strong.But if she couldn’t produce the item when Captain Solo should return to fetch it, he might accuse her of theft! He might even have left the purse deliberately! She was, after all, the only member of her family who had yet to be maligned by him.She looked around for a moment, considering a suitable hiding place. If her father found it, Rey shuddered to think!Unkar would presume the worst, and accuse her of winning it with the ultimate betrayal.As Rey ladled the hot lard into the small crocks she had prepared, she imagined a meeting between her father and Mr. Solo, should the latter return to the cottage at some inopportune moment.These outcomes must be avoided!She knew she must take matters into her own hands and return the wallet as soon as might be; but with the tasks she still had to accomplish before she lost daylight, it would have to wait.The whickering of her brother’s less-than-imposing gray gelding – Grand Admiral Thrawn – focused her attention. She peered over into the horse’s stall. There! Neither her father nor her brother would have occasion to look in on the animal; at least, not any time soon.Rey snorted to herself. She could think of no better place than a stable, to store something that belonged to an ill-winded eopie. Benjamin firmly closed the door, leaning against it a moment and pinching the bridge of his nose, exhaling a deep sigh. He turned the latch, and scuffled barefoot back to the bedside, unbuttoning and removing his shirt and draping it over the back of the chair, then shedding his trousers.Steam rose from the copper tub, though it was to a greater extent due to the chill morning air, rather than the temperature of the water. No matter. He had certainly bathed in less ideal circumstances, and he wasn’t one to complain. The longer he stayed here in Takodana, the more difficult it might prove, convincing the serving girl of his indifference. Already she was quite determined to…There came a light rapping at the door.Benjamin pursed his lips, judging if he should ignore the appeal, or if it would do better to more vigorously reiterate his previous denouncements.He snatched up the linen to gird around his hips, unbolted the lock, and forcefully hove the door open.
“I already told you…!”
He stopped dead. It was… “Rey.”It was Miss Plutt, standing in the dim hallway, cloaked in an oversized greatcoat, glancing nervously up and down the hall and discernibly overwrought. More notably so, once she turned to look at him. Her eyes widened and her blush deepened, but she remained steadfast, while strenuously training her gaze above his collarbones.“Miss Plutt. I wasn’t expecting you.”She rolled her eyes, clicking her tongue quietly. “Mr. Solo.” She rummaged inside the coat for a moment, then froze, her eyes darting to the end of the hall at a noise there. She took one step back, in a panic at her impending discovery and ready to fly.Benjamin quickly reached out to clasp her arm, then drew her inside his room, quietly closing and latching the door.Peeved, she tried to shove him out of her way to get at the door again, but he put his hand over her mouth. “Quiet, Miss Plutt.” He slipped his arm around her waist, drawing her back against his chest, then lifted her bodily and swung her around, away from the door. After a moment, when it seemed she wouldn’t cry out, he removed his hand, but kept her held tightly against him; listening.Footsteps: softly at first, and then louder, and then ceasing, at his door. And an eager knocking.Rey went rigid in his arms and gasped quietly, her hands slapping over her mouth. She turned to look up at him pleadingly.Benjamin cleared his throat and called out, “who is it?”“Why, it’s me, Mr. Solo, Zorii Bliss, with more ‘ot water jus’ as I promised. Will ya let me in?”He raised his eyebrows at Rey, grinning.She shook her head frantically, breathing, “no!”Benjamin called back, “please wait a moment.”Rey wheezed and began to struggle to get out of his hold.He tightened his arm and bent to whisper at her ear, “take care Miss Plutt. The towel has come loose, and if you step away I can’t be held responsible.”At this, she stood stock still, her eyes clamped shut, and Benjamin laughed quietly.“Aw, come on, lovey, these buckets is heavy!”“Patience, Zorii.”Benjamin scrabbled for a moment at his waist, pretending to wrap the towel more firmly, then he bent, scooped Miss Plutt into his arms, and dumped her into the bed. Before she could make a sound, he flipped the blankets over her head, and quietly ordered, “be still!”He reached across her to turn down the quilt on the opposite side of the bed, then went to the chair with his clothes, flung aside the towel, and reached for his breeches.Miss Rey Plutt popped up – throwing the bedclothes back – mad as a rock hornet. The moment she caught sight of him, however, she paled and yanked the blankets over her head. Her wide-eyed look of surprise as she fell backwards into the bed pleased him immensely, and he chuckled softly.Quickly stepping into his trousers, he went to unlock the door.Zorii wasted no time, barging past him and quickly dropping her pails and yoke, and snuggling up to him with a look of triumph. She ran her hands along his pectorals, “I knew ye’d come around, dearie! Ooh, ye’re a fine specimen of a man, ye are!”“I’ve already told you Zorii, I’ve no want of your services. Only the water.”“Come now, lovey, I know ye’ve been a long time at sea! I know ye’re in need, an’ I’d be willin’ ter give ye all ye want without a hint o’ coin!”He motioned toward the bed, “as you can see, I have all I desire. Now, move along.”The girl stared at the bedstead, gawping incredulously at the feminine form beneath the quilts. Indignant, she stomped her foot and cleared out in a tiff, slamming the door behind her.All was quiet now, but the feminine form beneath the quilts didn’t budge an inch, and after a moment he gently shook Miss Rey’s foot through the blankets.“It’s safe. You can come out now.”Rey peeped, “are you dressed?”Benjamin laughed quietly, “I have my breeches on, and I’m putting on my shirt.”She emerged, slowly and cautiously, and Benjamin sniggered, tugging his shirt over his head.With a grunt, she threw the blankets off and scrambled angrily out of bed. “You munky bishwag! You did this to me on purpose!” She flung his purse at him, hitting the center of his chest with some force.The leather billfold fell heavily into his hands, and he queried innocently, “what did I do?”The lady smoothed her skirts, tucking her hair carefully into her cap, and drew the greatcoat firmly around herself. “I came here to return your wallet! Which I thought was generous of me, considering all you’ve done to my family! And you drag me into your room, and embarrass me in this way!”“I can’t see how you’ve been embarrassed.” Benjamin tossed the purse heedlessly to the bed, “I was under the impression that you didn’t want to be seen. I was only trying to help, Rey.”“You may address me as ‘Miss Plutt!’”“Oh, pateesa, I do believe you should call me ‘Benjamin.’ Or ‘Ben,’ if you so desire,” he jested with a wink.“I don’t like being made sport of, Mr. Solo, and you obviously take pleasure in causing aggravation by any means! One day you will meet someone even more skilled with weapons than you purportedly are, and I only hope I am there to see it! Good day to you, sir!”And with that, she was gone, slamming the door behind her.Benjamin stood for a few seconds, blinking at the door, hands on hips; then he burst out laughing.Chuckling to himself, he took up a bucket of hot water, and poured it into the tub. It was a crisp, clear autumn day, and Rey was feeling quite cheerful. The mood throughout the village was festive, as now the work of harvest and ingathering was complete, and all could finally breathe free, and enjoy what may well be one of the last pleasant days of the season.Armitage had agreed to be her escort through the seasonal village market and small fair, and even he was clear-headed and convivial on this bright day.As the weather had been dry and Rey was reasonably certain her hem wouldn’t be muddied, she had indulged a jovial whim, and worn her best frock.The crimson gown was fashioned from an older damask; her stepmother’s wedding dress, in fact, but which had been water damaged in storage. There had been enough unblemished fabric for the bodice and a fine shawl – with a little left over as trimming for her bonnet – and Rey had added snowy whitework skirts.A trio of musicians – fiddle, flute and a seven-string hallikset – provided sprightly refrains, and the center of the town green was made an impromptu dance floor for a lively cotillion.Young and old alike joined in the dancing, while others clapped along, observing the merriment.Rey would have dearly loved to take part, but Armitage had refused, not wishing to draw attention to himself, and Rey had not pressed the matter. He was content, however, to remain at her side watching the dancers, as Miss Zorii Bliss was among them, swinging her skirts high above her ankles.Rey had learned early on in their residence in Takodana, that Mr. Temmin Wexley was one to be avoided, and she gave him a wide berth. The town bruiser, a giant and a bully that many of the men addressed as “Snap;” he was very much accustomed to everyone moving quickly out of his way. She always kept a weather eye on him to avoid running afoul.Snap’s eyes overtly followed Miss Bliss with randy enthusiasm, though his harried wife was standing right next to him and clearly would have been pleased to join in, tugging his arm in supplication until he barked, “go gossip wit’ yer biddies, Karé,” and she tramped angrily into the crowd, with several small grubby children in her wake.Today on two occasions already, Rey had seen young men of the town skittering out of his path, and Snap’s frankly frustrated look at the lost opportunity for a skirmish, rubbing his knuckles as if they itched.It was therefore with a certain suppressed glee that Rey noted one Mr. Benjamin Solo proceeding through the crowd, assured, nonchalant, and calmly attending that others should move aside; and unwittingly making right for Snap.But their confrontation underwhelmed, as Mr. Solo never even looked at the man, merely pressing by, and Snap, at first angry, after a quick visual appraisal and finding the captain to be much of a size with him, prudently chose not to press the issue; to Rey’s great disappointment.Completely unprovoked, Snap instead seized upon an untried youth, roughing him up a bit at some imagined slight and loudly reasserting himself as the village tough, lest any should forget.At Mr. Solo’s appearance, Zorii’s dancing took on an even more exaggerated flourish and she unabashedly vied for his attention, watching him over her shoulder and giggling, waiting for him to acknowledge some intimacy between them. As the moments went on and in the face of Mr. Solo’s patent disregard, she cast round for others at whom she could bat her eyelashes, in the hopes of arousing some jealousy.This too was ineffective, and at the end of the set she abandoned her partner to flounce past Mr. Solo – who still paid her no heed – to stand near Mr. Wexley, who was happy to bolster her shattered confidence with such lavish compliments as he was wont to heap upon a lady.Following a brief pause for refreshment, the musicians consulting with the top couple and a new set forming up, Rey turned to implore Armitage once more if he might not reconsider… only to find that he was no longer beside her. After a moment of searching, she found him, wandering off with Zorii in the direction of the inn. Rey really had to commend the girl; she knew her business. Zorii proficiently fawned over Armitage, while glancing behind herself in one last effort to catch Mr. Solo’s eye.As the dancing began again, Rey endeavored not to fret about what business Armitage might have with Zorii, and instead enjoyed the music and the dancers; clapping along and tapping her toes.After a time she felt a prickling at her neck and became aware that she was being watched; intently so. Mr. Solo leaned against a tree, openly gawking at her. She checked her motions, subduing them, but gave him the cold shoulder. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied several young ladies, nudged forward by their overeager mothers, hopeful Mr. Solo would request a dance. But as the set continued, and as the Sea Captain kept his eyes firmly fixed upon the Mayor’s daughter, the girls were forced to withdraw in defeat, and began to whisper amongst themselves.Rey twisted away from him, raising her chin and resolving that not another moment of hers should be caught up with him, when, without warning, someone grasped her elbow. She marveled that Mr. Solo could have crossed the distance so quickly and, with a ready barb, turned to confront him.She was startled to find, however, that it was the sheriff, Mr. Poe Dameron, and not the antagonist she had expected.“Your brother has abandoned you, Miss Plutt, leaving you in need of an escort. One never knows when the Corellians will raid our village, to steal away our beautiful maidens; and so I offer my protection!” Mr. Dameron bowed gallantly to her, sweeping off his feathered tricorne, his eyes crinkling with mirth.Rey responded with welcome relief, “indeed sir, I thank you!” Here, at least, was a gentleman!“Would you like to dance, madam?” “I should like to, very much!” and she lay her shawl over a bush, and followed the sheriff to take their place in the circle of dancers. As their path led right in front of Mr. Solo, she could scarcely ignore his intent gaze still upon her nor the wide grin upon his face, but she did her best to disregard him and enjoy the dance.The lively movements did much to lift her spirits, but Mr. Solo seemed set on staring at her and didn’t care who might notice it. He stood with his arms folded across his chest, his legs braced, and watching her avidly; as if she didn’t have the right to dance with whomever she pleased!Mr. Dameron spun her around through the line and back to their starting place, when suddenly Mr. Solo appeared at his shoulder, tapping to alert him that Miss Snoke had arrived.“I thought you should be aware of her approach.”Mr. Dameron straightened, frowning and peering over the crowd, but he made his excuses and walked briskly away, toward Lord Snoke’s carriage.And now here was Mr. Solo, smiling down at her, but Rey pursed her lips. Around the circle of onlookers, she could see several young ladies taking note of them, pointing, and a few giggling behind their hands and whispering.“Might I ask you to dance, lady?” Mr. Solo held out his hand to her.“Certainly not!” she hissed, and stalked away through the bystanders who were now shamelessly talking about her even as she brushed right past them, trying to escape through the crowd, but Mr. Solo’s legs were too long. “Leave me alone! You’re irritating me!”“Now, Rey, I’m only trying to return your wrap.”She stopped, realizing she had indeed left it behind, and turned to snatch the item from his hands, but he held it firm. She tugged again, but he would not relent, and she opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind, when a female voice called out, “Mr. Solo!”He released the crimson cloth, startled, and turned.Rey swung the shawl around her shoulders, mollified, and peered behind Mr. Solo, to see who addressed him. It was Miss Bazine Snoke, with the sheriff following close behind.Miss Snoke was, as always, overdressed for the affair. Her shimmering white silk dupioni gown – with its plunging neckline, goldwork embroidery and short train – would have been more at home in a ballroom. Her wide-brimmed bonnet, velvet cloak, and spotless full-length gloves completed the ridiculous ensemble. Rey knew Miss Snoke had a keen longing for attention, so she could hardly have expected anything less than such a dramatic entrance.Miss Bazine squinted at Rey with the briefest possible sneer, but otherwise didn’t acknowledge her presence. She addressed Mr. Solo, “I’m so glad to see you again in Takodana, I was afraid I would miss meeting with you again.”“My business in Takodana isn’t yet finished, and it looks like it will not be concluded for some time.”At this, Rey twisted toward Mr. Solo with a scowl, but he only grinned lazily down at her.Displeased with this shift of focus away from herself, Miss Bazine proposed, “during the market, the inn prepares a grand feast, fit for a king! Perhaps you would like to dine with me, Benjamin?” She flicked her wrist at Mr. Dameron, “and of course you will come too.”The sheriff assented with a nod of his head, and inquired, “And you, Miss Plutt? Will you join us as well?” “Oh! I…”The gentlemen bent toward her, solicitously awaiting her reply, while Miss Snoke leaned backwards slightly out of the men’s peripheral vision to glare daggers at Rey. The lady so violently objected to her presence, that Rey almost wished she could accept. “I… I can’t. My family will be missing me.” Oh, how profoundly Rey would have liked to wipe the exultant smile from Bazine’s face with a different answer, but alas!Mr. Dameron chuckled, “but your brother was walking toward the inn! He’s already there, Miss Plutt! You really must join us.”With both men now waiting expectantly, Rey shrugged awkwardly and finally admitted, “I… I fear I lack the coin.”“I would be happy to bear the expense, Miss Plutt,” Mr. Solo proffered. “Please, allow me.”Rey took in their expressions: Mr. Solo’s obnoxious smirk and Mr. Dameron’s affable grin. But it was Miss Snoke’s, “oh, yes, Rey, you must!” with her derisive glower, that made up Rey’s mind, and she threw back her shoulders.“Thank you. I should like very much to join you.”Both gentlemen offered Rey their arm, which thoroughly enraged Bazine, but Rey pointedly ignored Mr. Solo and took Mr. Dameron’s.Appeased, Miss Snoke haughtily took Mr. Solo’s arm and led their little procession to the inn.As they walked, however, Rey began to regret her hasty decision, as she didn’t relish the thought of Armitage seeing her in company with Mr. Solo. He didn’t appear to be in the common room, and she contemplated the staircase leading to the guest rooms. Rey cringed to find Mr. Solo watching her – though his eyes held only kindness and understanding – and she twisted from him with a huff.Miss Bazine chose the most conspicuous table, very near the front doors, and Mr. Dameron pulled out a chair for Rey, settling himself next to her. Mr. Solo offered the chair opposite Rey to Miss Snoke, and set himself on Rey’s other side; his knee bumping into hers when he tucked his legs under the table. Rey discreetly shifted toward the sheriff as much as was possible, without inadvertently contacting him as well.The innkeeper’s wife Hera attended upon them, and Mr. Solo took command, conveying a request of banquet plates for all, mugs of ale for the gentlemen, and an iced wine for the ladies. He threw down payment, and Dameron seemed satisfied to allow him to carry the honors.Soon the heaped plates were set before them, and Rey boggled at the variety: roast ronto, rotisserie porg and pickled mynock, with creamy mashed daro root and steamed balka greens, as well as a thick slice of buttered seedbread.Bazine daintily removed her gloves, and condescended to delicately nibble a few bites from her plate. Rey stifled a snort and lifted her knife and fork.The front doors swung open with a crash, and in strode Unkar Plutt with several of his cronies, chortling and bellowing about something.Rey’s back was to him, and so she remained, her spine ramrod straight.Unkar stomped up to the bar and slapped down payment, demanding an ale; boisterously hollering, then slurping a generous slug.Rey was cognizant of the precise moment he noticed her, however, as it was marked by an eerie silence. And then…
“Son-of-a-ruskakk!”
Rey heaved out a breath and closed her eyes, her heart dropping like lead into her stomach. This was her worst fear realized, and she knew she was about to be humiliated.And what was worse, she knew the impending anguish was self-inflicted, as she had allowed Bazine to taunt her into the circumstance.A maelstrom of ill will and obscenities converged upon her, and Rey resigned herself to her fate.“Ye evil schutta! Consortin’ wit’ this Alderaanian bastard!” Plutt gripped her arm with bruising strength and yanked her out of her chair, while Bazine smirked behind her cup of wine.“I swear it’ll be the last time ye go behind me back with this sithspawn!” Unkar drew back his fist with enough force to break his daughter’s jaw, and Rey braced herself, certain the blow would land with ruthless impact; but once again her loyal protector was at hand.In a fit of rage, Benjamin shot from his chair and caught Unkar’s wrist in a painfully tight grip, jerking him away from Rey.“Let me go!” Plutt screamed and pulled, wrenching his shoulder, but Mr. Solo wouldn’t relent.Benjamin bent to speak at Plutt’s ear, quiet and dangerous, “please consider your actions, Mayor. Your daughter is here at the invitation of the sheriff and Miss Snoke. Would you insult them with such a scene?”Unkar finally noted the others sitting at the table and went red-faced, stammering an apology, and Benjamin released him with just the slightest backward push.Her father gripped Rey’s arm just as tightly as before, but quietly this time he ushered her toward the doors. “Go home now, an’ prepare me dinner! I’ll be home ta deal with ye after I ‘ave me one ‘r two,” and he pushed her out into the street.With tears streaming down her face, Rey fled home through the crowds. Mortified and disgraced, she inwardly berated herself for allowing Bazine’s pettiness to goad her into the whole affair. She had already known the woman hated her and would spread rumors about her at any opportunity! Miss Snoke was never one to refrain from slandering and destroying the reputation of another, and would doubtless take great pleasure in recounting an augmented version of the day’s events until everyone had heard it. Rey burst through the doorway of the cottage, slamming the door and leaning against it, heaving and gasping; horrified to consider what lies Bazine might be telling Mr. Solo about her, right at that very moment.She dashed the tears from her cheeks, whispering to herself, “it is certainly no concern of mine! Bazine and Mr. Solo were undoubtedly made for each other!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Benjamin pushed the trencher away, leaning back and stretching his legs. He had made an excellent breakfast, of poached gartro eggs, tuber and blue cabbage hash, arguez sausage, fried tomatoes, and bacon. Zorii was nowhere to be found this morning, and so his mug of bitter caf went unrefilled.The common room was quiet and snug, with inn guests seated at only one other table as it was yet early. Kanan and Hera went about their usual tasks, and Benjamin listened closely for the arrival of the coach.A young man – tall and strapping and dressed head to toe in sturdy dungaree and leather – charged in from the back way, stomping up to the bar, hollering familiarly and knocking for service. Kanan emerged from the kitchen, pleased and greeting him warmly, and calling over his shoulder, “Hera! Jacen’s ‘ere!”Hera, in turn, burst from the back room and out from behind the bar to enfold the boy in an affectionate embrace, then leaning back to regard him closely, pressed her hands into the sides of his face. “Ye’r late!”Kanan produced a heaping plate, which was eagerly received, and the youth hurriedly took a chair and voraciously applied himself, while Hera briskly returned with a steaming mug. She admonished, “ye’ve yer greatcoat? The red dawn bodes rain.”“Aye, mother. All is in readiness,” the lad assured her fondly.“‘E’s a man grown, Hera!” Kanan urged, “let ‘im eat in peace! E’ll be on company time, ere twenty minutes.”Hera squeezed her son’s shoulder and bustled back to the ovens.Benjamin was loath to interrupt the fellow’s rushed meal; however, he leaned closer, “excuse me, Jacen Jarrus? You are the stagecoach driver to Kamino?”“Yessir,” the man replied between bites, “that be me.”“Benjamin Solo.” Benjamin extended his hand to shake, “do you deliver post?”“Certainly. I’m north for Kamino, then we make the circuit south.”Benjamin reached into his waistcoat and presented a sealed letter. “One for Kamino.”“That’s two zukkels, sir.”Benjamin presented three. “Keep the rest, and see it delivered to Tobias Beckett, Captain of the Falcon; at anchor in the south port.”The young man stopped chewing, pocketing the coins and slipping the letter into his vest, and studied Benjamin more closely. “I’ve lost a hand or two of Sabacc to Captain Beckett.” He raised his eyebrows, “‘e’s a wily one.”Benjamin laughed, “I learned long ago never to oppose Captain Beckett at cards.”“Indeed.” Jacen snorted, nodding and tapping his chest and the letter within his waistcoat. “I’ll see it done.”Just then, Mayor Plutt barreled into the common room, bellying up to the bar and demanding an ale. Benjamin leaned back, farther into the shadowed corner, to avoid his notice.“‘At’s right! We ride th’ coach to Kamino! Where me daughter will be presen’ed to ‘er groom-ta-be!” Plutt gulped down half the tankard, burping, and swiping his sleeve across his mouth.Kanan toweled the bar, humming interestedly. “‘E’s rich, ‘e is! A wealthy merchant! An’ powerful! Influential!”The Mayor made no bones about his plans for the day; unapologetic and unashamed of his purpose, and going into great unsolicited detail.Benjamin leaned forward toward Jacen again, speaking low, “on second thought, I think I should like to travel to Kamino and deliver the letter myself. Do you have an open seat in the coach?”Jacen extracted the letter and returned it, “aye, I’ve one seat unoccupied. That’s three druggats direct, five full circle.”“I’ll bring my horse for the return journey.” Benjamin paid the difference and stood, quietly gathering his effects and pressing his hat low over his brow.Jacen pulled out a large pocket watch, wound it, and advised, “we leave at ten past.”Benjamin bowed in affirmation, and the younger man shoved his wide-brimmed hat over an unruly mop of dark hair, then strode to the bar to speak briefly with his parents.Benjamin seized this moment to edge around and soundlessly exit through the front doors.Two older gentlemen – one gangly, the other stout – sat arguing animatedly on a bench, while Miss Rey Plutt stood at the edge of the porch, her face tipped toward the bright sky, and raptly observing a migrating flock of vonnuvi in formation. She was smartly dressed, her shining hair swept up into three twists as was her custom, the chill air lending a pretty blush to her cheeks. A heavy cape, a simple bonnet, and a small satchel rested at her feet. Benjamin moved to stand at her elbow; but her initial reaction was only to stiffen slightly.After another moment or two, she relaxed, twisting toward him cautiously, then suddenly spun around, surprised and quailing, her hand flying to her neck.“A fine morning, Miss Plutt.”She huffed and turned her back to him once more.“It should be a pleasant day for a journey, but I do believe there will be rain later.”Rey turned up her nose and inquired drily, “out to ogle the women this morning, Mr. Solo?”“That isn’t my chief objective, no,” Benjamin chuckled, “but I would be a fool to ignore beauty, wherever I might find it.”“Then what is your chief objective?”“I am awaiting the stage to Kamino.”Her mouth dropped open and she whirled around to protest, but her gaze fell upon the two seated gentlemen, who had fallen silent and in all likelihood were now attentively observing their interaction. She snapped her lips closed and faced the road again, with an angry little stomp of her foot.A minute passed in stony silence, and she waved her hand at his black stallion, tethered at the picket rail. “You have an excellent horse, sir, why don’t you ride him?”“I prefer the comfort of a coach, when I travel afar.”She observed the beast, entranced for a moment. “He is handsome, indeed, and seemingly mild-tempered. It is a wonder he suffers such a rancorous master.”Benjamin barked a laugh at her quip and agreed good-naturedly, “forsooth! You speak truth, lady! Grimtaash has been a faithful companion to me for many years.”“Mmm. Confess it, sir! You overheard my father speaking of our plans to travel to Kamino, and now you intend to vex us all along the way!”“I assure you, madam, I have a matter of great importance in Kamino. If you cannot abide my company, then I see no other choice for you but to undertake your outing another day.”Rey squared her shoulders, “we also have business in Kamino.”“Another suitor?”“Oh!” She snapped, “why won’t you just leave me be?” She breathed deeply for a moment, shuddering, her eyes closed.Benjamin suspected that she wasn’t only cross with him. “I have an investment in your family, and I expect payment or some recompense.”At this, Miss Plutt hissed, “ah, yes! The blasted debt! The money you swindled from my father!”“I have no need to swindle anyone, sweetheart.”Rey spun around to face him, heedless of who might witness it, “I am not your sweetheart!”Benjamin looked her up and down, slowly, and smirking, “on the contrary, Miss Plutt, you are the sweetest thing I’ve seen in a very long time.”“Oh!”Miss Plutt bounded from him, and quickly tied on her bonnet, then gathered up her cloak – pointedly ignoring his hands outstretched in a silent offer to assist – and swung it around her shoulders. The fragrance from her hair and skin drifted to him, and he couldn’t restrain himself from bending to murmur in her ear, “you smell as sweet as honeyblossom in midsummer."She shivered, gasping softly, then targeted him with a final glare before snatching the hood up and over her head, and standing apart, aloof.The coach rattled around to the front of the inn, then the driver set the brake and jumped down. “Five minutes! All may be seated!” and he busied himself inspecting tack and harness.The two men shoved past Benjamin and into the carriage, for best choice of seats.Rey reached for her bag but Benjamin took hold of it first, politely motioning toward the coach and clasping her elbow as she ascended. She sniffed and pulled her arm from his grasp.Benjamin set her valise into the boot, then strode away, to fetch Grimtaash. As he came back around with his horse, he noted Miss Plutt peering out, craning her neck, and then feigning indifference when he returned to her visual field. He chuckled lowly, murmuring to his horse and securing the animal to the rear of the coach.He stepped to the door to inspect the seating arrangements. The two gentlemen were seated forward-facing, with one place open next to them. Rey had taken the farthest seat on the rear-facing bench. Benjamin didn’t think it wise to press his luck with Plutt, and so he climbed aboard and took the remaining seat on the bench with the men, directly opposite Rey. She trained her gaze fixedly out the window.As they waited, an elderly lady mounted the breach, eyed the company disinterestedly, claimed the seat farthest from Rey, and buried her nose in a romance novel.Last to embark was Plutt himself; and when he did, and when he discovered Mr. Solo among the assembly, he blustered and shook, utterly livid and threatening to topple the carriage with his gusting. After a moment, however, he composed himself and stumped on board, reproving and castigating Rey that she should move aside to be seated next to the lady. The Mayor then took the place nearest the window and opposite Benjamin, muttering and growling, nudging Rey aggressively and scowling at her when she didn’t perform to his satisfaction.Plutt’s attitude toward his daughter appeared not to have softened since the other day and the incident at the inn. If anything, he seemed increasingly harsh, forceful and resolved to domineer and hector her. Now Benjamin regarded her more closely, he noticed with a jolt that her eyes looked tired and swollen.Jacen looked in on them, then secured the door and climbed to the driver’s box. With a shout to the horses, they swung out fleetly into the road, and Benjamin observed Rey steel herself for the long and bumpy ride.After several minutes of awkward silence, Benjamin struck up a friendly conversation with his fellow passengers. Soon he had the rotund gentleman in hysterics, snorting and wiping his eyes, and the gentlewoman placing the ribbon to mark her page and tittering discreetly behind her gloved hand.Mayor Plutt, however, grumbled and humphed, increasingly irate and red in the face; and alternatively glowering angrily out the window, and glaring menacingly at Benjamin.Miss Rey stared into the middle distance, ostensibly lost in thought; but as the miles passed, he did catch her occasionally biting back a smile at some comment of his, or watching him from under her lashes. Her blushing nonchalance was most notable as he described an unfortunate meeting with a reclusive tribe of Ewok pygmies, which encounter had culminated in his sprinting – as fast as he could pelt and naked as a blinkbird – through the dense forest growth and screaming for the first mate to weigh anchor and hoist sail.For his part, he openly feasted his eyes upon her and made no effort to conceal his interest. Why should he? Plutt blatantly flaunted her availability on the marriage market. And while acquiring a wife had been furthest from his mind when he arrived in Takodana, the longer his acquaintance with the lady, the more he was convinced that he should greatly regret allowing the opportunity to slip through his fingers. She was beautiful, passionate, intelligent, and strong-willed, and he knew she could be kind as well; though he had not been on the receiving end of her kindness since the moment she had learned his name.Nevertheless, the more he learned of her suitors, the more confident he became that he was, by far, the best choice for her as well.The trip was concluded all too soon, and they trotted through town to the public house in Kamino: the Sleeping Mythosaur. The gentlemen and lady amiably bid him farewell; the men tipping their hats, “good day Captain Solo,” and the lady accepting his assistance on the step, “I thank you, sir.”Mayor Plutt, however, sternly extended his arm, barring Miss Rey’s departure. Once Benjamin had stepped aside and Plutt himself had descended, grunting and stretching his legs, he turned back and snarled at her not to dawdle.Benjamin concerned himself untying his horse, surreptitiously observing them.As soon as Rey’s foot touched the ground, Plutt caught her arm in an iron grip and jostled her toward another carriage, in readiness nearby.“Father!” She protested insistently, “Father! Might I not freshen myself…?” Urgently she motioned toward the inn and the tavern sign squeaking fretfully in the wind.For once Plutt spoke in hushed tones and Benjamin could only make out bits and bobs. “… Baron’s coach…!”“… secure our rooms…!”“… hell to pay…!”This last was accompanied by a menacing fist.Miss Rey could be heard supplicating from within the conveyance, and Plutt vehemently pounded the door jamb before stomping back to the stage to retrieve her satchel from the boot. He then stalked into the lodge.Benjamin approached driver Jarrus, presently occupied watering the horses.“That carriage,” he gestured toward the showy gig, “do you know the owner?”“‘At belongs to the Baron von Hutt! Oldes’ and riches’ merchant o’ the district!” He winked, leaning close and gesturing with his thumb, “take this ‘ere road, an’ north at the crossroads. Four miles, I reckon. Bigges’ house ye’ve ever seen!”Benjamin slapped Jacen’s shoulder and flipped him a coin, “clear skies, driver,” then slowly walked Grimtaash past the door of the carriage, tipping his hat to Miss Rey.
“Oi! Mind yer own binka trees!”
The esteemed Mayor had apparently concluded his business inside the inn, and now barged up behind him.
“I’ve powerful friends ‘ere, an’ they’ll make ye sorry if’n ye won’ heed me warnin’!”
Grimtaash sidled nervously at this outburst, but Benjamin petted his withers, murmuring soothingly to the beast. He chided, “you’re not a very quick study, are you Mayor? First you send your son, and now you think to intimidate me with your friends. Perhaps you’ve forgotten – I have a ship in port with a full crew who regularly contend with pirates and marauders. Shall I arrange a second introduction?”Plutt growled, “stay away from me daughter!”“Why? So you can barter her away, in recompense for your debts? I wish to offer for her!”
“I’ve told ye already, she ain’t fer you! Ye can’t have ‘er!”
Benjamin could feel a muscle twitching under his eye. “Very well. That being so… prepare to ante up, sir, because I won’t be satisfied until I’ve received every last spira owed me.”Before Plutt could reply, Benjamin swung up into the saddle, and cantered away. “Sir! I really must protest!”His hot, fetid breath on her neck turned her stomach, but her angled shoulder and defensively raised arm did nothing to deter him. His pudgy, clammy hand merely slid up and under, to cup her breast.“Sir!” She roughly shoved his hand away and lurched from the divan, but his finger caught in the neckline of her gown, popping stitches and rending cloth.She stood a moment, plucking incredulously at the shredded fibers, then raised her eyes to see his lascivious gaze upon her, his thick tongue swiping across gummy lips.“No!”She pressed her hand over her ruined bodice and fled the room, pausing only brief seconds in the gaudy entryway to get her bearings. The jaundiced butler paced toward her; Unkar heaved himself with difficulty from a gilded armchair.She reeled about, snatched up her cloak, threw the front door open, and ran. The Sleeping Mythosaur usually bustled any hour of day or night; though this afternoon the dinner crowd had not yet rolled in.Benjamin was tucked behind the archway of the dining room, with a clear view to both the host’s counter and the taproom, while remaining inconspicuous unless sought. The collypod chowder had been delicious as usual. Even so, he grew weary of public houses and taverns, and longed to settle his affairs.His meeting with Captain Beckett had been worthwhile, and attending in person had allowed him to set several projects in motion ahead of schedule. Now he considered the return journey. The sky had threatened rain all day, but if he departed soon and pressed hard, he believed he could avoid a soaking.Alternatively, he could hire a room for the night.Unsure of which course to follow, he perused the local newspaper while listening closely for Miss Plutt’s reappearance. He must make his decision soon if…Ah. There he was.Plutt had returned, and in his usual pompous way, all were unavoidably made aware of it.After a hostile but brief encounter with the host, Plutt angrily clumped up the stairs.What could have possibly transpired; and where was Rey?Benjamin’s ruminations were interrupted by the arrival of – a person. He was… very large. Tall, but… exceptionally large. Every serving wench, barkeep and kitchen boy froze at his entrance, and the innkeeper dashed forward to make him welcome, “My Lord! Enter, enter! Your table is prepared and waiting!”His hat and cape ceremoniously removed and whisked away, he breathed heavily through thick lips; jowls and goiter rippling, and peering down his flat nose with weird amber eyes. Dressed head to toe in green brocade, his bulging arms and belly threatened to burst seams and buttons, as also his stockinged ankles bloated over crammed satin slippers.The man spread his arms magnanimously and laughed, low and slow, “oh, oh, oh,” and allowed himself to be hustled into the taproom to the largest, most prominent seating. He pressed his meaty hands against the table, farting loudly as he settled into his chair.Benjamin chuckled to himself, raising the paper and taking a swig of his horstberry cider.
“She ain’t upstairs!”
Plutt had come back, wheezing heavily at the foot of the stairs, but it was unclear whom he was addressing. He proceeded to the taproom, and flung himself… oh, gods.He sat with the corpulent fellow, calling loudly for ale, then carrying on, airing his aggravations at the same volume.
“Tha’ empty-headed popsy! She’s gone an’ got ‘erself lost, she ‘as!”
The other man replied – he could be no other than the Baron von Hutt – his voice low and heavily accented.
“She’ll come around, melord! She’ll see sense! Mark me words!”
Benjamin was made to understand, as was every unsavory character populating the taproom, that Miss Plutt had apparently flown the marriage negotiations, leaving her father to make amends and proceed with deliberations in her absence.The Baron did not appear to be one easily soothed, but Plutt continued to insist that she would be persuaded, and that a long walk in the rain and dark would facilitate her learning her place.The fracas went on, but when Benjamin noted two churlish and inebriated swabbies nudging each other and slinking out to the road, he decided he had heard enough. He gathered his things, and followed them.They were easily misled, “I hear tell it be the west road ta search!” and away they went, arm in arm, singing and scrapping and abandoning their intention when they came upon the next alehouse, the Trilling Starbird.Unwilling to leave the lady to her own devices, Benjamin hastily saddled Grimtaash and set a steady pace northeast, finding everything as Jarrus had described, and encountering not a single soul on the road.In the lane before the Baron’s home he walked his horse a few moments to cool him, debating. She couldn’t have gotten so confused as to have gone farther north? No, surely not. Then she must have either taken a wrong turn, or met with some trouble along the way. Or perhaps she had already arrived in Kamino and determined to continue walking to Takodana?Benjamin retraced his path, searching for footprints or other signs of her passing in the roadside. There!He dismounted to inspect the impressions. Made by someone with feet smaller than his own, and a shorter stride. And recently, as they had not yet been swept away by wind or rain.Benjamin directed his scrutiny west. All traces of her would soon be swept away, if the roiling clouds and chilling winds were any indication.He rooted in the saddlebags for his hooded mantle, exchanging this for his hat, then vaulted into the saddle; and shouting to Grimtaash, they leapt forward into the fading twilight.Pausing only a moment at the crossroads, he considered; the choice of way here seemed clear, and they continued on toward Kamino, Benjamin urging greater speed to outpace the storm.About a mile past the crossroads, however, he spied a wagon track he had not noticed previously, when traveling from the other direction. They drew up.It was a narrower way, overgrown; rocky and rutted.The main road curved away in the direction of Kamino, but this…This way would provide a more direct route toward Takodana, if it continued in the same trajectory; which truth he did not know.She hadn’t arrived at the guesthouse in Kamino. He hadn’t seen her on the road. There was a chance she had resolved to abandon the whole venture, and seized this opportunity of a straight path home. Though he knew but little of the Baron von Hutt, this bypass could very likely have seemed the superior choice to Miss Plutt.He looked carefully for her footmarks; difficult in the deepening dusk. But there! Several clear prints.Bejamin kneed his horse to a brisk canter.As they hurried along, Benjamin’s cloak whipping out behind him, he calculated the distance. How many miles might a young lady walk in a day, if strenuously motivated?The road grew increasingly difficult and Benjamin began to fear. Kriff! This was precisely the circumstance to be favored by such villains and miscreants as may very well be prowling: a young lady, unprepared and traveling a lonely road at night!Atop another rise, with still no sight of her, he faltered. Should they continue? Could she have met with some disaster?A splash of rain on his face; and a crack of lightning revealed a figure crouched at the wayside, adjusting their shoe.Grimtaash snorted, sidestepping nervously, and Benjamin reined him about.The person stood abruptly, twisting toward the noise and stumbling backwards a step or two. Rey.The wind gusted, blowing Benjamin’s hood back, and he leaned forward, grunting and spurring Grimtaash on.She spun around and ran, catching her skirts well up above her ankles and scrambling off the road.The stallion quickly closed the distance, kicking up clods of dirt. Benjamin hurled himself from the saddle and in two strides was upon her, swooping her up into his arms.Rey thrashed against his chest, kicking and screaming, “let me go! Put me down, knave!”He tightened his hold, roaring, “be still and listen!”At his voice, she stilled her floundering, but remained unyielding, seething.
“Don’t you understand what could have happened? There are bands of thieves and raiders that prowl this road! They would make great sport of you a night or two; if you lasted that long! Did you think of that?!”
“Release me this instant, sir.”
Benjamin heaved deep breaths, and softened his tone, “I will, when you listen to sense!”
“How did you know where I was?”
“The Mayor and that…” Benjamin huffed a moment, “… that foul excuse of a man came back to the inn looking for you, and your father was angered that you had not returned. After seeing the Baron for myself I concluded you would prefer to take your chances on the road rather than face him, and I see I was correct. In your haste, you left a clear trail to follow.”“I have no need of your protection, Mr. Solo, nor do I desire your company!”“You need not insist on formalities, kurva'ri.” He grinned, “you may address me as my dearest, or my darling, or any endearment you wish.”“My wish, Mr. Solo, is to be set free, at once!”“As you wish,” and he released her knees, holding her torso firm and allowing her lithe body to slide against his until her toes barely touched the ground.She gasped, her eyes wide, and shoved at his chest, “let me go!”He circled his hands around her waist, settling her in place, then raised his extended finger before her nose, “stay put while I gather my horse.”“I’m not a child!” Rey folded her arms across her chest, “you can’t command me, Captain! I’m a grown woman!”Smirking, he allowed his eyes to examine her up and down, “indeed, madam, I concur.”She chuffed and pulled her arms inside her wrap, drawing the front closed, “has anyone told you how despicable you are?!”“Thus far, every member of your family.”“Then why won’t you leave us be?!”Benjamin whistled softly to his horse, gathering the reins and brushing his hand down the animal’s neck. He tossed over his shoulder, “as it stands now, I begin to doubt that your father will ever successfully arrange your marriage, and I want some guarantee I won’t be done out of my stake.”“Do you honestly believe you have some claim to me? Some right to foist your presence upon me against my will?!”“Just as much as your other suitors. And with the two thousand druggats your father owes me, perhaps more!” He drew near, “alas, none of your other admirers seem willing to part with that sum.” Benjamin observed her a moment, thinking. “Your father would do well to arrange an auction, and open the bidding! It would certainly save him considerable time and effort, in the arduous undertaking of finding you a generous husband!”Miss Plutt’s mouth dropped open in indignation, but before she could utter a sound, he swept her up and deposited her on the back of his horse. Then, straight away, he swung into the saddle behind her, and she had no choice but to grip the pommel and hold on.She squeaked, “this is preposterous, Mr. Solo, let me down!”“It may have escaped your notice, sweetheart, but we’re about to get drenched. Since I plainly can’t leave you here by yourself, you’ll have to come with me.”“I’m not going anywhere with you!”Benjamin snorted, “we’ll see,” settled her more firmly between his thighs, and kicked Grimtaash into a full gallop, just as the skies opened upon them.The howling gale and driving rain were unrelenting, lashing them from every direction.Miss Plutt abruptly ceased her protestations, accepting his arm about her waist, and turned her face into his chest, away from the frigid wind and rain. Benjamin pulled his cloak around her, but they were both quickly soaked through.Afar off, he spied an indistinct shape in the trees away from the road – a dilapidated structure of some kind. He directed Grimtaash toward it, through the bracken; branches and thorny canes scratching and tearing at his sleeves and hood.The shape separated into two forms, recognizable as a ramshackle cottage with a collapsed roof, and a decaying stable. The latter seemed the more promising, so he rode up to the doors: ajar and creaking on broken hinges. He dismounted, and reached for Rey. She slid from the saddle and crumpled against him, shivering. Once again, he swept his arm under her knees and carried her inside to look around.“It’s not nearly so snug and pleasant as the Sleeping Mythosaur, but it does offer some protection from the storm.” He set her down, then removed his mantle, draping the dripping garment over a short wall. He glanced at her, “you look like a drowned tooka cat.”She raised her chin, her teeth chattering, “I s-suppose you think Miss-s S-snoke w-would be m-more appealing at a t-time like th-this?”Benjamin chuckled, “you needn’t be jealous of her, Rey. T'was you I followed to Kamino.”“S-so!” She raised a shaking finger to point at him accusingly, “you admit-t it!”“Of course,” he conceded, and led his stallion inside. Digging in his saddlebag, he brought out his redingote, and tossed it to Miss Rey, still gawping at him. “Put that on, before you catch a chill.” He busied himself, removing Grimtaash’s saddle, and filling an old wooden bucket from a waterfall coming in at one corner of the roof.When he turned again to Miss Plutt, she still stood, gripping her sodden cape around her shoulders. She toed his greatcoat, before her on the ground, “k-keep your chivalrous offering for yourself, Mr. S-solo, I have no need of it.”He stalked toward her, “are you trying to convince me you’re a fool?!”“I w-on’t w-ear it!”Hands on hips, he insisted, “you’ll wear it!” He glared at her a moment, quivering and dripping, then stomped about, breaking up sections of fallen stalls and then rooting in his saddlebag for the tinderbox, and making his choice of chimney.Once he had a respectable fire burning, he turned to her once again. She remained, crumpled in a soggy heap where she had stood, shaking in her sopping wrap.He stepped near, gesturing imploringly, “Miss Plutt. Won’t you come to the fire?”In answer, she wrapped her arms around her knees and shook her head curtly.With a click of his tongue, he picked her up like a child and brought her close to the fire, where he stood her up and started unfastening her cloak.Rey slapped at his hands in shock, “I insist you stop, sir!” and jerking back from him.“If you won’t help yourself, Rey, then someone else must do it.” He pried her frozen fingers away and tugged the garment from her shoulders. She spun around, distressed, and clutching at her bodice – which hung open, the fabric tattered.She pressed her arms over her bosom, her lips clamped tight.Benjamin clenched his jaw with barely suppressed anger. “Did he hurt you?”“Would it b-be any of your b-business, if he had?” Rey tossed her head.“It might be.” He heaved a breath, watching her. “I am quite in the habit of coming to your rescue, and I’m disinclined to stop now.”He gripped her arm and swung her around, then began to unlace her gown at the back. With a livid shriek she tried to escape his ministrations, but he would not release her until he had removed her gown, her corset, and her petticoat; and she stumbled away to the far side of the stable in only a thin chemise, still wet and clinging to her body. “Leave me alone!”Benjamin shook out the redingote, cornered her, and wrapped her up in it. “If you’d see reason, you’d see I’m trying to help.” She stomped after him, “you rapscallion! Brute!”Settling near the fire, he reached out and wrapped his hand around her ankle, removing her slipper and sliding his hand up her calf, up above her knee to peel off her stocking, while she squealed and pulled. “Your endearments intrigue me, sweeting.” Once he released her foot, she kicked out at him, but he snatched that ankle and provided the same service; then as she staggered away he calmly lay out her stockings before the fire.“It would be my pleasure to remove your wet shift as well,” he grinned, “so be grateful I’ve let you preserve some shred of modesty.”She huffed and panted, holding the greatcoat around herself, and flumped to the ground, placing the fire between them. “You are conceited, sir, if you believe yourself superior to the Baron, or any of the others!”He snorted, “am I not? You wouldn’t prefer me to Wilhuff death’s head upon a mop stick Tarkin, or the Baron von Odious?”“You know that isn’t what I meant! You’re just as insufferable a lech as any of them! Only you have greater strength, and opportunity to bend me to your will!”Benjamin merely observed her, weighing the truth of her words.She grumbled petulantly, “my father will hear of this.”“It will be as you prefer, but I don’t fear your family’s threats, and if anyone is hurt because of your stubborn pride it will be you who is culpable, not I. My actions here have been for your own good.”“And when you wounded Armitage?! What that for his own good as well?!”“You can inquire of your brother what happened, he knows well enough. Or any of the witnesses that were there. I don’t have to justify or explain myself to you.”“And of course you’re the innocent in all of this!” she derided.“I never claimed to be innocent,” Benjamin winked. “But neither am I your blackhearted villain.”“You wouldn’t admit it if you were!”“I am customarily an honest person.”Miss Plutt sniffed and stared down her nose at him doubtfully.He waved his hand dismissively, “there are times, of course, when it is prudent to… conceal the truth.”“Aha! You’re saying you’re a liar when it suits you!”Benjamin chuckled, “that isn’t what I’m saying at all.”“Explain yourself, sir!”“No. I don’t think I will. You seem predisposed to dispute everything I say.”“You’re right.”“Then you might as well sleep. I won’t vex you further. If the storm abates, I’ll see you home before sunup.”“I won’t stay here with you!”Benjamin laughed, and gestured toward the derelict entryway and the raging storm outside, “be my guest. But no one need know you spent the night here, with me, since your father is still in Kamino, and your brother is most likely sleeping off another drunk.”“You…! You frinking carbuncle! He wouldn’t be like that if you hadn’t shot him!”“According to the rumors I heard, he was causing quite a commotion before ever I met him. And fear not, pateesa, I don’t judge you by your brother’s antics.” Before she could fabricate another waspish retort, Benjamin stood and began gathering the lady’s clothing, to spread before the fire – and taking especial care with her corset. Even in the dim firelight, he observed her cheeks pinken.With a huff, she wrapped the redingote more closely around herself, lay down staring into the fire, and, after long minutes, nodded off.Benjamin added fuel to the fire, then spent some time looking after Grimtaash – refilling the water bucket and inspecting his legs for scrapes – and murmuring to him mildly.Two hours later, perhaps, the storm had significantly calmed, but he was reluctant to wake the lady. Her clothing was still damp, particularly her cloak. Surely there could be no harm in allowing her to rest at least another hour or two; and Grimtaash dozed as well.He leaned against a post, watching over her repose. Wisps of hair clung to her skin, and he itched to brush them away. Her lashes curled against glowing cheeks, her soft lips twitched faintly in a dream. Here was no dainty maiden.She moaned quietly, shifting in her sleep, and the redingote slipped open. Her filmy silk chemise still clung to her skin, revealing a creamy, pert breast and rosy nipple.Entranced, he watched her for long minutes, the rise and fall of her even breaths; his eyes slowly dragging up her delicate shoulder, the graceful curve of her neck, to her…… to her open eyes. She was warm, listless, floating. Not comfortable, but too weary to care.The events of the day came back to her piecemeal.The Baron von Hutt’s aggressive and unwelcome seduction…His sweaty hands, foul breath, and spittle-crusted lips…Her best gown, ruined…Her flight, against her father’s wishes and despite the threats he bellowed after her…The unfairness of it all! That her father’s only concern should be his debts! She knew her father faced debtor’s prison, but that she should be a pawn in his schemes…The coach ride, and Mr. Solo’s charming company…Damn him! She was irked by the unexpected realization that he was the standard by which all other men of her acquaintance would be judged!Her eyes opened, slowly, blurrily, and her gaze shifted from the flickering flames to Mr. Solo, at his ease – his arm casually draped over a raised knee – and watching her.She flinched fully awake, and was abruptly aware of the fire’s heat upon her skin. Horrified, she glanced down to see the redingote had fallen open. She clutched the garment closed and sat up, dizzily, holding the lapels over her bosom.She rasped, “how long have you been watching me?”“Long enough.”“Long enough for what?”“Long enough to come to the conclusion that you’re worth far more than any debt.”She pressed her fingers to her temple, “you would make me a whore!”Mr. Solo shook his head, “not I, lady. ‘Tis your father who would sell you for a pittance. I wish to become your suitor. Would you accept me, Rey?”“You know my father won’t allow it!”“And you know that isn’t what I asked. Your disposition toward me upon our first meeting was quite amiable, indeed. Do you deny it?”She glared at him, “you tricked me! You concealed the truth of your identity! You knew if I was disabused of my confusion, you would be thrown from the house!”He chuckled, “what inducement, then, to reveal it?”“Oh! You cad! You utter cad!”“A gentleman never tells, sweetheart.”“You rate yourself too highly!”“My mother did her best with me; but I flatter myself, I am adaptable to many circumstances.”“You’re a monster.”“Yes, Rey, I am.” He raised an eyebrow wickedly at her, “but with me you’ll never be bored.” She wrapped the greatcoat more firmly around her tucked up knees, raising her chin, “I really must insist, sir, that you address me as ‘Miss Plutt!’”“Come now, Rey, we’ve already shared a bed, and now, after spending the night together, certainly we should progress to something more intimate. At least while we’re alone. And now, kurva’ri, please consider the advantages of allowing me to become your suitor.”She rolled her eyes, but he went on nonetheless.“I’m not as ancient as my predecessors. A full score, ten and four I be. I am strong, and I have clean habits. I’ve never been an abuser of women.”At this she scoffed outright, but he ignored her.“I have wealth, to provide a comfortable home and situation. As to my appearance,” here, he faltered a bit, looking to her for a reaction. When she gave none, he shrugged minutely and with a sweeping gesture indicated himself, “you can decide for yourself.”“Is this your idea of a proposal, Mr. Solo?”“I only wish to convince you of my merits, sweeting.”“It’s a wasted effort. I’ll always hate you.” Rey smoothed her hair back from her forehead cooly.“Truly? You hate me more than Wilhuff Tarkin? Or the capacious Baron von Hutt?”She turned away, not wishing to discuss those others.“Unlikely. I suspect you’d rather a real man to warm your bed. Those men have passed their prime, and while they would struggle mightily to fulfill the duties of a husband, it’s doubtful they could do more than writhe in impotent lust.”Rey gaped at this speech, mortified at his shameless tirade. “Of all the preposterous…! As if you are some gift to womankind! I should sooner marry a gundark, than bed down with the likes of you!”Mr. Solo’s eyes narrowed, and his mouth curled up on one side.In that moment Rey knew she had made a grave error, in provoking him. He had proudly proclaimed he was no gentleman, and could take whatever he wanted.His tousled hair curling about his face, his shirt clinging to brawny shoulders and open to the waist to reveal a firmly muscled chest: he lacked only a gold earring, to appear the swashbuckling pirate, through and through. She was keenly aware of the strength of his body, the size of his hands – and with a jolt she remembered her glimpse of him in the pale morning light: fair skin dotted with moles and scars, thick and solid and undeniably male.“Shall I prove to you, how brittle your insults are?”Though spoken in a hushed tone, his words went through her as a firebolt and she scrambled up, clutching the redingote to herself.He leapt up in a nimble maneuver – too quick for her confused brain to follow – and advanced upon her menacingly.She stumbled back, into the dark shadows, “I won’t fall swooning at your feet, sir!”He smiled and continued to stalk toward her, like a nexu toying with its prey.His booted foot trod upon the trailing length of the redingote, halting her progress. She strived to pull it lose, but he resumed moving toward her, until she had no choice but to abandon the garment and flee to the far side of the stable.In a panic, she rooted about for some weapon or stick to swing at him, but there was nothing. “Don’t you dare!”For only a moment she thought of darting around the side of him, but from past observation she knew he was both swift and strong.He backed her into a corner, and she shoved against his chest; but this served only to more widely open his shirt.His long fingers closed around her wrist, and he growled, “pride and foolishness.”She tried to wrench her hand away, but his other arm slipped around her waist and he drew her tightly against himself.In the next instant his lips were on hers in a fiery kiss – twisting, bruising, demanding – and warming her to the core. His mouth moved hungrily, forcing hers open; his tongue slipping inside to taste, and scandalizing her sense of propriety. She turned her face aside, but he wouldn’t let her go, his mouth giving chase. His hand slid down over her buttock, to press her more closely to him, and she couldn’t ignore the searing evidence of his passion.He kissed and licked a hot trail down her throat, and her fingers threaded into the curls at his nape. She moaned and sighed, tossing her head in weak protest, burning, her senses sparking.His mouth descended upon her breast, the wet heat scalding her nipple through the thin cloth, and shocking her out of her stupor. She unwound her fingers from the front of his shirt and pushed weakly, knowing she was about to swoon.“Benjamin… stop!”He released her and stepped back, chuckling softly.Rey fell against the wall, gasping, stunned, her heart pounding; she held her hand over her breast where his mouth had burnt her, reeling.“Be satisfied with your ancient suitors if you can, Rey Plutt. Or face the truth of what I’ve said.”She stood, in a daze, watching him, fraught and confused by her roiling emotions.Benjamin turned his attentions toward his horse, who had started to whicker and stamp restlessly. He held up his hand to her, indicating a request for quiet, and slipped out the doorway into the darkness and mist, listening and peering into the gloom for long minutes. Abruptly, he returned, “get dressed!” and dashed to toss her clothes to her. “Riders! Maybe twenty, with muffled hooves!”“What?!”“Up to no good, at this hour!” He gathered up Grimtaash’s saddle and heaved it into place. “We’re leaving!”Rey pulled on her stockings and slippers, then scrabbled her corset, fumbling with the lacings. Benjamin skidded around behind her, brushing her hands aside and whispering close in her ear, “‘tis the least I can do, madam,” and efficiently – if not altogether rightly – secured the fastenings.She fumed, yanking on her petticoat, “are you certain you heard something?”“Stay here, and you’ll find out soon enough!” He dumped the water from the bucket over the fire and kicked dirt over it until no smoke or vapor remained.As she struggled with her ruined gown, Benjamin draped his own clothing over the saddle, then wrapped the redingote around her shoulders and tugged her toward the doors.He led his horse, picking their way through the dripping damp and fog; Rey followed behind, holding to Grimtaash’s tail. At some distance from the stable, Benjamin paused to don his vest and coat, listening.It was a large group of riders, just as he had predicted. The main group milled tensely on the road, while several split off to investigate the stable.Gruff voices and clattering noises drifted to her from inside the barn. The men emerged after a few charged moments, “I tell ya, I smell smoke!”“Ya let ‘em get away!”“Nary a fear, ol’ Snap! We’ll protect ye, in th’ dark!”Rough chortling, then a blow impacting forcefully against flesh, and a grunt of pain.“Shut yer karking trap, bantha breath! I’ve lasted so long by wit, an’ care!”They rejoined the others and thundered away, back toward the crossroads.Once they had gone, Rey let out a tensely held breath. What might have happened if these ruffians had come upon her first, or if Benjamin hadn’t insisted they leave the shelter?After some situating and arranging, he set her once more on his horse and ensconced himself behind, his arm firmly around her and his cloak tucked around them both.He set an even pace through the misty wood; craggy shadows and gloomy vapors lending a dreamlike quality to their passage.Fatigued by the events of the day and owing to the rocking motion of the horse, Rey sagged against him several times, quickly flinching alert again; each occurrence accompanied by a huff of embarrassment.“Relax, Rey, you’ll be rid of me afore long.”The warmth of his arms, the pleasing, masculine scent of him, his virile, powerful presence; she was enveloped by the essence of him. Memories of their several meetings flooded her mind, and comparison was unavoidable.Those other men presented to her – Mr. Pryde, Major Piett, Count Dooku, Coronet Canady, Mr. Tarkin, and now the Baron von Hutt. Though they all had prematurely taken liberties with her through endless ploys – a furtive caress of her thigh, a stealthy fondling of her bosom, a bold press of heated loins to her backside – all had filled her with revulsion and disgust.But Mr. Solo…… Benjamin. The slightest brush of his hand set her senses reeling.And the memory of his impassioned kiss – awakening something within her wild and sweet – would haunt her until the day she died.The cockerels of Takodana were just stirring in anticipation of their predawn crow, when Benjamin steered his horse through the sideroads behind the Mayor’s cottage. All was silent and cold within.Benjamin offered his arm as a solid brace for her descent from the saddle, then extracted her damp cloak from the saddlebag and offered this in exchange for his redingote.She hastily reached for the doorlatch…“Not even the courtesy of inviting me in?” Mr. Solo clicked his tongue reprovingly.Rey spun about, incensed and hissing, “you great idiot!”He chuckled lowly, saluting, and Grimtaash sprang gracefully over the fence and disappeared into the fog with his usual elegant, high-stepping trot. Unkar heaved himself from the coach, too exhausted for an ale even, and lumbered home. He slammed the door to shake the house; articulating both his arrival, and his displeasure.After long moments of echoing silence, Rey could be heard, squeaking and rattling about in the kitchen. Simple-minded chit!He toed off his muddy shoes and trudged into the parlor in stockinged feet. Unlocking the cabinet – his own private reserve, squirrelled away for only the direst of emergencies – he poured himself a hearty draught of Corellian whiskey and fell into his chair by the fire. He propped his gouty foot upon the hassock, and stared into the flames.The night previous, several of his creditors had capitalized on the occasion and cornered him at the public house in Kamino, forcefully refreshing his memory of his obligations. Something must be done! There must be an end to it!His head pounded. The girl was exceeding difficult! Perhaps now, with multiple options before her, she could be prevailed upon to reconsider Mister Pryde, or the Count. He drained his glass; the alternatives were bleak.Rey appeared in the doorway, sheepish but bearing food and drink.
“Bring it in, then!”
She set the tray at his elbow, keeping her gaze on the floor, then curtsied and made to beat a hasty retreat.
“Thunder and damnation, girl, what is in your mind?!”
“Father, I…!”
“Ye, an’ yer pretentions! Ain’t none of ‘em fine gentlemen up ta snuff!”
Rey hummed uneasily, “might you consider Mr. Solo’s offer?”Unkar pounded his fist against the chair’s arm, “I’ll see ye both rot in hell ‘fore I consent ter such a match!”“Your concern for my welfare is most touching.”
“‘Concern,’ is it? What about yer poor father? I’ll be forced ta debtor’s prison! Canna ye condescend ta accept a man wit’ a bit o’ gold in ‘is purse, fer me own sake?!”
“Father.” Rey reasoned, “I do not wish to see you locked away in a cell! But surely you cannot expect me to sell myself to one of those horrid ancients? Isn’t a wife worth more than two thousand druggats?”“Two?! At leas’ double that, more like!” Unkar lurched from his chair and rounded upon her. “Why, ‘tis two thousand I owe yer precious cockscomb, Mr. Solo! An’ at least ‘at much again ter ‘em buzzards in Kamino!”Rey gawped at him. “Four thousand?! You mean you wagered two thousand against Mr. Solo when you already owed that much?!”Unkar coughed, thrusting his thumbs into his waistcoat pockets. “Well. T'was too great an opportunity ta dismiss. Would ‘ave paid me debts, if ‘at wretch hadn’a been so keen-eyed!”It took Rey a moment to comprehend his full meaning. “You mean… father, you cheated?!”
“T'was too much ta lose, ye ken?! I had ter act!”
The simpleton stared at him for long moments, her mouth hanging open.Unkar shrugged, collapsed into the chair, and bit down on a scone.At last she murmured dispassionately, “why don’t you have done with it, father, and simply put me on the block? I’m hale and strong. Slavery has long been abolished on these shores, but surely ten years indentured servitude should serve your purposes.”Unkar chewed, digesting her words. Turning them over in his mind. “On the block, ye say?”“Father…!”“Mmm. Ye might have just hit upon something, me girl!”
“Father, no! I spoke in jest!”
“‘At’s right! Hale and strong! Not much ta look at, o’ course, and overage, but…” Unkar jumped up and began to pace, excited by the prospect. “The highest bidder! Fer a healthy and hard-workin’ wife!”Rey plucked at his arm, “father, I beg you…!” but Unkar scarcely heard her.He swiped his hand down his scruffy jaw, considering the possibilities. “She can cipher, an’ write… ‘at’s a boon, an’ might bring a mite more! An’ after the nuptials is said an’ done, she can’t say nay!”He continued, “Armitage will write it out fer me! We’ll post it!” He raised his finger officiously, envisaging the phrasing, “take heed! One Benjamin Solo will not be permitted to take part in the roup!”Beaming, and utterly pleased with himself, he settled again in his chair, and slathered butter on another scone. Chortling and slapping his hand against his knee, he relished the sweet vengeance he would lavish upon his nemesis! And when he thought to look up again, his daughter had already fled the room.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The old souse scrambled from the road, narrowly missing being trampled by Snap Wexley’s twitchy and belligerent steed: an intemperate animal that possessed as great a lust for mayhem as his master. Lor gathered himself indignantly, and shook his fist after Snap – wary of giving voice to his insults until Snap was well out of earshot – then shinnied aside again with a huff at the clumsy passing of Mr. Wexley’s deputy, the ever-present Finny, who endeavored to catch up with his better. At least he turned back contritely as if he would offer apologies to the old man, but was too much occupied with keeping his seat for pleasantries.It was not the first time Benjamin had observed Lor’s maltreatment at the hands of Wexley or members of his gang.Benjamin comprehended it was not his duty nor within his power to right every wrong; but he did, whenever the occasion presented, offer old San Tekka a bite to eat and a kind word. As he came abreast of the man, he sought in his saddlebag for a morsel of bread he had set aside earlier.“‘At’s right kind o’ ye, Cap’.”Benjamin gestured with his chin toward the outgoing party, “one must take care when Wexley is abroad.”“Indeed, ‘tis so!” Lor jabbed his pointed finger toward Benjamin, “an’ ye’ve got yerself inta a mite o’ trouble, ain’t ye?” He swung around to squint a rheumy eye at the outside wall of the inn behind him, where was posted one of Unkar’s bills, and read aloud, “Benjamin Solo is hereby prohibited from the roup.” Lor turned again to look up at Benjamin, and laughed. “Ye said ye weren’t lookin’ fer a wife! But now it seems ye’re up ta summat! Has the Mayor reason, besides ‘is son, ta keep ye away from ‘is daughter?”“Not yet.” “Tha’ soun’s like a threat!”At this, Benjamin raised his eyebrow, tipped his hat, and reined Grimtaash about, into the road to Kamino; while Lor cackled softly after him.Benjamin was closely acquainted with the contents of the bills; several of which had been posted at various locations in Takodana, and one at the Sleeping Mythosaur in Kamino.“In Ten days’ time, the maid Rey Plutt will be sold as a bride to the highest bidder…”“… on the porch of the Rose and Thorn inn, or inside the common room in the case of inclement weather…”“… meet a minimum bid for a lady so talented and fair…”“… all eligible men are invited to count the coins in their purse…”All eligible men, excepting himself, of course!He ruminated on the matter, all the way to Kamino; in truth, he had thought of little else these last few days.The first of these missives had appeared five days gone, and Benjamin’s temper was sorely tested at each sighting. He couldn’t escape the handbills – more of them seemed to pop up everywhere he looked – and of course his crew wouldn’t let the matter lie, once they had gotten wind of it. The crew – all were restless and jittery from too much shore leave and too little occupation. Captain Beckett, also, was anxious to be gone. They would soon be on their way. Benjamin had one more errand for them, to Coruscant and back, and then they would return to their usual industry along the coast; and in the spring as every year, to Alderaan. In their meeting today, they would plan it.Benjamin was himself restless and jittery, and this mood was reflected in his horse; in consequence, therefore, they arrived in Kamino well ahead of time.He found himself wandering the crowded streets, and soon confronting the Trilling Starbird tavern. Several of his men had commended their frosty ale, a specialty of that establishment, and Benjamin resolved to judge its quality for himself.He settled near the hearth at the back of the common room with a heavy glass flagon, which had been kept chilled with the brew in an ice cellar. The popping and crackling of the fire, the quiet hum of the afternoon, soon had him cogitating once more on his preferred subject: Rey. He chose from his memory several visions of her, already burnished with use: Rey tender and smiling, Rey laughing, Rey spitting with fury, her choler very like passion. Rey molded to him, her fingers twined in his hair, her lips moving beneath his. Benjamin was utterly captivated by her subdued strength, her honest and unpretentious manner; the innocence and simplicity of her natural beauty.She seemed to him to be the kind of woman who would walk and work beside the man of her choice, and Benjamin hated that he was barred from spending time with her, from courting her properly. He wanted her – this much he knew, and many a successful marriage had been built on less. Unkar must be keeping a tight rein on her these last few days, as Benjamin hadn’t seen her anywhere.He firmly believed it would be in her best interest to be removed from her father’s care and her brother’s influence; and the auction would accomplish that. However, from what he had seen of her marriage options, Rey was likely to find herself out of the prison barge and into the sarlacc pit; and he was sure several of those gentlemen would be taking part in the bidding.He snorted humorlessly to himself, remembering her various insults and taunts: Brute! Insufferable lech! Carbuncle! Rancorous! Munky bishwag! Despicable! Gundark! Monster!It was more than plausible that Rey would soon be married to a man with several of those qualities. The talk around Kamino was that the Baron von Hutt himself would be making the journey to Takodana for the occasion; and Benjamin would confidently wager any sum, that Hutt’s hide was marred by at least one fluctuant carbuncle.Benjamin was shaken from these dismal thoughts by a raucous band of men barging into the taproom. A dozen or so, and it was clear this was not the first tavern they had visited this day, inebriated as they already were. One voice was raised above the others, and Benjamin recognized the person of Snap Wexley as the acknowledged ringleader.“Next roun’s on me, boys!” Snap’s charitable offer elicited a cheer from his troupe, while his slapping a weighty purse down upon the bar elicited a sigh of relief from the barkeep, who then quickly began filling mugs.All was relatively quiet for a spell, as they occupied themselves with the serious business of drinking; though they were, overall, a remarkably sloppy and rough bunch.“Aargh…!” Snap swiped his sleeve across his mouth and dug his fingertips into his temple, “‘at’s too cold! Warm, ‘at be what’s called fer! Warm as th’ day, then a man can enjoy th’ taste!”Comprehending his wisdom, his companions noisily and enthusiastically agreed, as they could scarcely do anything else.“Oi! Ye’ve quite th’ boodle ‘ere!” One of the toughs shoved past Snap, to more closely inspect his leather money bag. “Will ye partake in ol’ Unkar’s roup?”Snap hooked his thumbs through his vest front and clasped his fingers together, pushing out his belly and grunting knowingly. “Aye, I jes’ might! Could go as ‘igh as, ohh… a hun’red druggats!”Hoots and whistles of disbelief went all around the room, and one man cried out, “a hundred druggats, jus’ fer a wench?!”“T’ain’t jus’ a wench!” Snap barked, affronted. “‘At’s fer a wife!”“But ye’ve already got a wife!” someone hollered from the crowd.Snap straightened importantly, thinking hard, then claimed, “‘f I win, I jes’ might ‘ave another auction of me own, fer the ol’ one!”Finny jibed, “that one ain’t worth ten spira, le’ alone a hun’red druggats!”“Is too!” Snap declared, “she ‘as a lot o’ good nights lef’ in ‘er!”Another voice piped up, “if’n that’s the case, why do ye want this one?”“I’ve got meself all hot fer her!”Someone else drunkenly laughed, “yeah, ye’re hot fer the Mayor’s daughter, ever since Zorii gave ye the boot!” His friend elbowed him, warning him of Snap’s wrath, but it was already too late.Drawing up, Snap spun around, “what’s ‘at?! What’s this?! Who says Zorii gave me the boot?!”“Aw now Snap, we all know she’s gone soft fer that Alderaanian feller!”But this didn’t soothe Snap one whit, and he huffed and puffed, winding up to start throwing punches.Meanwhile the target of his ire kept at it, “oh, Snap, it ain’t yer fault!”That was the final stroke, and Snap’s meaty fist smashed into the fellow’s chin, and he staggered backwards, fighting for balance, and sprawling out across Benjamin’s table.Benjamin, having watched the whole scene unfold, quickly snatched up his mug, jumped up, and moved out of the way. The man rolled heavily to the ground, moaning and dizzy. Benjamin calmly stepped over him and out of the shadows.Finally aware of Benjamin’s presence, Snap puffed up his chest and crowed to his men, “why! ‘Tis the very Alderaanian bastard we was jus’ talkin’ of! Look at ‘im!” Snap waved his hand, teetering toward Benjamin a step or two, “this milksop dandy thinks ‘e’s better ‘an us!”Finny pressed up behind Snap, trying to get a better look and nodding gleefully.Benjamin hadn’t been in much of a pleasant mood when the day began. If the last days had sorely tried his patience, then the last few minutes hadn’t improved his temper at all, and he wouldn’t listen to much more. He spoke clearly and firmly, “I’ve heard quite enough of your foolish drivel.”Snap’s demeanor sobered a trifle, and he settled backwards, closer to his friends and eager to rile them. “Why! This is the bedswerver what’s got all the women folk a’ droolin’ after ‘im! ‘E’s got ‘em all in a froth, an’ he mus’ be getting’ it fer free, since ‘e won’ pay Zorii! That’s what’s got ‘er in a tizzy!”Snap gained confidence – his voice getting stronger and louder, his men murmuring in agreement – and completely unaware of a new band of men that had just entered the tavern. Finny took note of them, however, and started tugging at Snap’s sleeve, seeking his attention.“Not now, Finny,” Snap shoved him away without taking notice of his concern. “Mayhap ye’ve fondled the Mayor’s daughter one too many times, an’ gotten yerself banned!” He looked around, “‘e’s too fancy for Zorii! An’ she takes a bath every sennight, like a good girl do! But ‘e jes’ looks down ‘is long nose at ‘er!”This speech was carefully crafted to goad the men, who all had a soft spot for Zorii.Benjamin continued to casually sip his ale, his eyes darting to the door where several more had now entered.And all the while, Finny plucked and nudged at Snap, attempting to draw his attention.Snap pushed him away again, “see how ‘e mocks us?! ‘E won’ even answer!”Benjamin finally spoke, “you want to know what I think? I think you’re a dimwit. The Mayor can’t accept your paltry hundred druggats, when he owes me more than twenty times that amount.” Benjamin raised his eyebrow, continuing, “what’s more, I doubt the girl would favor you, as I’ve heard the only way she takes pork is well salted.”Snap stared at Benjamin for long moments, his brow crinkling in concentration. He blinked, his mouth dropping open, “ye hear tha’, lads?! ‘E called me a pig! Let’s see ‘ow ‘e get’s ‘imself out o’ this one! Get ‘im!!”Snap’s gang surged forward, but a heavy hand clapped down on every shoulder, and as one they all turned back to see who would dare hinder their charge. The throng of grinning, stalwart shipmen that greeted them was enough to put a damper on their enthusiasm for making trouble, and they settled back on their heels.Blustering, Snap yanked against Finny, who restrained him now with a firm hand on his arm. “Wha…?!” Snap swung around, furious, but quickly caught on to the situation and quieted.Finny hitched his thumb toward the sailors, whispering loudly, “they’re ‘is men!”It was at this détente that one man, blond and sunburnt and wearing a sea captain’s blue woolen coat, shouldered through the company to address Benjamin with a gap-toothed grin. “Any trouble here, Mr. Solo?”“Not at all, Captain Beckett. At least, nothing I can’t handle.”Snap bristled, shoving Finny aside to angrily confront Benjamin again.“I am ready to accept your apology, Mr. Wexley.”
“Apology?!”
“I have no predilection to abuse a drunkard.”Snap shook his head, confused, “speak Basic, man! I don’t care how many lections ye ain’t got!”Benjamin took a slow sip of his ale, then set the mug carefully aside. “You did understand ‘drunkard,’ though.”Wexley clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing. “‘Tis jus’ ye and me, then, Mr. Solo?”Benjamin agreed with a nod and a weighty look to his men, then deliberately removed his coat, which he entrusted to Beckett.Snap hitched up his trousers, then spat into his hands and rubbed them together, eager and impatient. He lowered his head with a whoop, and charged. He crossed the room, before he realized he hadn’t hit or wrested anything. He twisted around, “where tha’ Alderaanian devil got to?!”Benjamin had merely stepped to one side, and now stood watching him, smiling drily. With a roar, Snap rushed him again, and Benjamin easily dodged once more, but this time added a cracking uppercut to the ribs.Snap crashed into a chair, coming about, arms wide to grapple, but took a right hook to the jaw that spun him around. He careened toward the opposite wall, knocking stools and tables out of his path, and shaking his head to clear his vision. He spread his arms, and with a bellow of rage lurched across the room, sailing right past his opponent.Benjamin added a firm boot to Snap’s backside, and Snap smashed into a table and several chairs.Snap came up, reeling and stumbling, a ruined chair arm in one fist, a table leg in the other. He threw down the pieces with a growl and wheeled about, searching for his enemy. He caught himself against the bar and paused a moment, his head spinning, and found himself face to face with the barkeep, who had claimed Snap’s purse, and had been attentively stacking coins for every destroyed chair, table and stool. In this quiet moment he pointedly dropped the pile into his strongbox, the jangling sound echoing through the hushed room.Outraged, Snap demanded, “take some from ‘im, too!”The man shrugged, “‘e didn’t break nothin’, not even ‘is mug.”Snap snatched up what little was left of his purse and shoved this into his vest, then fell heavily into a chair.Benjamin, meanwhile, set his mug on the bar with a nod, and Beckett offered him his coat. Donning it, Benjamin suggested, “care for a stroll, Tobias? I feel the need to cool off some.”The captain’s pursed lips curled up on one side, and the two stepped out together.Behind him, Benjamin could hear Finny loudly reassuring Snap, “don’ pay ‘im no mind! Why, ye were so fast ‘e hardly laid a hand on ye!” Rey stared into the fire, crackling low to glowing embers.These last few days, she had spent much time in frenzied thought, her mind in chaos.But several ideas had distilled, clear and simple.She had been grossly misled on some accounts about Benjamin, blaming him for her troubles. But from her father’s own lips she knew the source was Unkar himself; and now she saw his flaws in a clear light, she was ashamed to call him her kin.That he should take her flippant suggestion of an auction seriously was accusation enough, but his betrayal ran deeper still. He had wagered the life of his son, and now it was her life to be gambled.Armitage had assisted with the writing of the bills and delivered them around town as Unkar had directed, but then as the days went on he became glum and distant, abashed by his part in the preparations for the roup. He had remained sober and comported himself politely, but Rey knew he wouldn’t help her; he would go along with whatever Unkar insisted upon. He would never oppose their father.Rey had thought over and over about Benjamin’s proposal; what it might be like, to be his wife. He had promised her a life of comfort, a home and servants, rich clothing if she desired it. He could show her the world and the secrets of love. But how might time tarnish his promises? Months after the vows were spoken, might he leave her heavy with child to seek adventure and wealth, and the next female conquest?She realized she didn’t know anything about him, really. Their acquaintance was too brief, for her to have delved his true character. Rey wasn’t certain it would be wise to throw herself under Benjamin’s power. She had no guarantee he would marry her, after all.The clock chimed two, and Rey started, realizing the lateness of the hour, and how cold her room had become. She stirred up the fire, and slipped under the blankets. The thought dawned upon her, that she no longer thought of the cottage as her home; but she had nowhere else to go. No kin who could take her in; no family that she knew of.If she were to leave, she would have to devise her own fortune.There must be somewhere she could find work! She was not without education! She had managed the household, these last months. She had good penmanship, and a mind for numbers. Surely she could find someone willing to pay her for the proper application of all, or any of these skills.Perhaps a widowed duchess, or a countess in need of a companion.Or a family with small children, seeking a governess. Her Huttese and Mando’a were both a bit rusty, but t'was nothing a few evenings of study wouldn’t remedy!Coruscant was known to her, and seemed the most likely place to seek employment.A plan began to take shape as she tossed and turned, unable to find rest.When the clock struck five, she arose to pack her satchel; quietly, stealthily. She had a little money, and wrapped up a bit of food. She dressed as warmly as she could, determined to be better prepared than she had been for her ill-fated flight from Kamino.As she crept through the kitchen to the back way, Armitage could be heard snoring, though Unkar had not returned home. Pulling her hood well over her face, she ventured out into the early dawn and a cold misty drizzle. She dashed to the lean-to, where Grand Admiral Thrawn’s whiskered muzzle snuffled at her over the stall. Carefully she tended to the animal, settled her sidesaddle, and fastened the straps. The saddle had been her stepmother’s, and wasn’t valuable enough to be sold – a stroke of luck, otherwise Rey wouldn’t have it now. She justified staking a claim to the horse since Armitage hadn’t tended to him in months; that duty had fallen to Rey.Using a stool, she awkwardly clambered into the saddle, then arranged her skirts and cloak, murmuring to Thrawn, “tread softly if you care for my hide! I have need for secrecy this morning, and I do not wish to wake the village!”Thrawn seemed keen on an outing, and was fond of Rey as she was the one to care for him.Rey too was eager to be gone.Leaving the shelter of the lean-to, her face was hit with sleet. She hated the idea of another cold and uncomfortable ride, but she dared not delay another day! Rey urged Thrawn to a brisk trot, taking them quickly past the inn.Letting out a relieved breath, she believed she was beyond anyone noticing her; but suddenly behind her from the porch of the inn her father bellowed, “Rey Plutt! Get back here, ye halfwit! There’s no place from here ter Coruscant where ye can hide from me! Come back! Come back, I say!”Rey lashed the animal to a full gallop. Mayhap it had only been a wild guess of Unkar’s, but if he followed it would ruin her plans! He would bestir Armitage, and they would give chase in a hired carriage or by whatever method they could devise!Even if she made it to Coruscant, Unkar would alert his friends to keep an eye out for her. He might even offer a substantial reward!Once outside town, Rey’s mind reeled, in a panic; but she allowed Thrawn to slow. Where could she go? For a few moments, she considered Jakku. There were people there, acquaintances who might help her. But surely Unkar would think to search there, as well, and he too still had friends in that hamlet.She must go somewhere unexpected!Rey cast in her mind, visualizing a map of the nearby towns and cities. She had planned to travel south, to Coruscant, but what about Naboo, in the lakes district, to the east? She had never visited, herself, but had often heard it spoken of. A popular spa town, boasting several hot springs; home to many elderly, and the wealthy – it just might serve! T'was a mite farther than Coruscant, but…She could do it!Rey decided to continue south as if traveling to Coruscant, in the case anyone had seen her. Then at the river, she would circle around the whole of Takodana on the old Gallo way, where no one would think to look for her. She snickered to herself, imagining Unkar riding south like mad, and furious when couldn’t find her!She slowed Thrawn, looking for a rocky place where the horse’s hoofprints wouldn’t be seen as they left the road. They took a winding and twisting path, through a brushy thicket and up a rugged slope, then through a shallow stream. By the time she rejoined the road east, she was convinced they could not be tracked.Once they had made a wide sweep around Takodana, she let Thrawn go at his own speed. He was older, and not suited to long runs; and she needed him for the whole trip. At this slower pace, however, she felt the biting winds more acutely. She clutched her cloak more tightly around herself.As the route continued east, the way became more sloping, and uneven, and Rey didn’t know what to expect as she had never before traveled this road.At about noon time, Rey stopped to take food and rest, and she found a spot near a small brook with some forage for Thrawn, where she could shelter beneath a tree. She huddled in her cloak, and chewed some cold meat and bread. The rain had stopped, but it was still cold, the sky dark, and now she was damp.Exhaustion descended upon her, and she tried to rest, but her anxious mind raced, conjuring Benjamin’s dire warnings of lone travel, and his mocking hazel eyes.She remounted with some difficulty, and they continued on, the road becoming ever more difficult, with fallen trees and washouts obstructing her path. They passed gnarled and knotted trees, a burn where only stunted and blasted saplings grew, and into a darker wood, where the trees grew tall and crowded together. In the late afternoon, her weariness threatened to overcome her, and Rey knew she must find a place to stop before dark, and water for Thrawn. She didn’t fancy the thought of sleeping unprotected and in the open, as she didn’t know this way and had no idea what shelter she might find, or what kinds of men might be abroad.At the sound of a stream, she strayed from the road.From the distance came the baying of hounds. Rey took heart at this, as it meant there must be a home, or a settlement near; though it would be her preference not to meet anyone on the road, at this late hour.They picked their way through scrub and shale, Rey searching for some haven or refuge, be it favorable tree or rocky outcropping. Behind her there was the clattering of tumbling rock, and she turned abruptly; but there was no creature in sight. She urged Thrawn to a swifter pace, gripping the reins tight in trepidation, and amending her previous thought – she wouldn’t mind meeting Benjamin right now. At least he wasn’t a friend of her father’s, and wouldn’t be seeking her with the intention of compelling her return home.There was the sound again, of falling stones, and Rey jerked Thrawn about, whipping him into a full run to meet up again with the path. She kept to the side of the road, where the ground was softer and his hooves wouldn’t make as much noise.Lurching wildly on this curving road, they quickly rounded a corner, Thrawn barely keeping his feet, and plunging full tilt into a large pack of yelping, scattering Corellian bloodhounds, hot on the trail of a bounding stag. Their blood was up, and they gnashed at Thrawn, who shied and skidded. The reins were jerked from Rey’s hands and she clutched at his mane, desperate to keep her seat.One of the dogs snapped at Thrawn, drawing blood, and the horse screamed, his eyes rolling in fear, and stretching out to his direst sprint.Now in a frenzy at the taste of blood, the hounds bayed after the trail of their new prey and leapt to the chase.Thrawn thrashed across a fast-flowing stream, turning and running against the current, splashing and soaking Rey.She cried out for him to stop, snatching at the reins, and steering him toward the far bank. The poor beast scrabbled up the steep and muddy slope, stumbling and heaving. Rey wrestled to remain in the saddle, her wet skirts and the folds of her sodden cloak dragging at her limbs.The horse slid backward, forelegs tearing the air, and he began to topple over.Rey flung herself from the saddle, fearing she would be crushed, but her foot caught awkwardly in the stirrup and she slammed to the rough riverbank, her head dashing against a rock with a flash of pain.Her sight was dark for a moment, but Rey fought to stay conscious, to drag herself out of the freezing water and avoid the rapid current. Her vision was wavery, as if viewed from under water, and her fingers came away bloodied from the bump on her skull.Now the dogs swarmed the bank, snarling and slavering, and she realized the pack was almost upon her. The leader paddled across the stream and stalked her, fangs bared and growling.Rey lashed out with her riding crop. The hound yelped and fell back, but another had followed, close on his heels. She flayed out at this one as well, keeping a tight grip on her quirt with one hand, a slippery root with the other.Her head throbbed and pounded, her stomach threatened to betray her, she was freezing and soaked, and her arm grew heavy as the dogs came against her in an endless flow.Sensing her weakness, the pack moved in as one upon her, roiling and snapping around her and moving in for the kill, while she weakly waved the crop, blinking to clear her vision, and knowing it was only a matter of time.Rey slipped deeper into the icy cold water, her strength rapidly waning, her vision dimming around the edges. She slashed out against another dog who retreated with a yelp, but she knew she would soon be overtaken.There was a piercing shout and the crack of a whip, a crashing of hooves at the streambed, and a long-legged horse came into view, sending spouts of water spraying up around him.The horse plunged into the pack, its rider lashing out with a long whip and drawing blood from one hound after another until they tucked tail and fled, yelping.Rey watched this scene as if through a long tunnel, shivering, her strength leeching away, and everything going dim.The dark rider leapt from his horse, swooping down upon her, his cloak flying wide behind him like the wings of a great bird.She gasped, drawing away and kicking out feebly, lacking even the strength to scream; then all went black.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The fiery sun burned and wavered on the horizon, she scrabbled toward it, clawed fingers bloodied…Hot mud sucked at her feet and calves, slowing her movements, the seething pack of hellhounds slavering behind her, snarling, their eyes glowing red hot coals, their needle-sharp teeth bared and snapping…The great bird of prey swooped upon her, screaming, sharp beak and talons tearing her heart; her mouth dropped open but no sound came forth… Rey emerged confusedly from a cloying, murky sleep, gradually aware of her surroundings, her eyelids heavy, every muscle aching and slow.A bright fire crackled in a sooty hearth; rain tapped at a gloomy window.She blinked to clear her blurred vision, turning her head slightly, if only to see if it was possible. Her temple throbbed dully and a great weariness weighed upon her, limb and joint, bruised and sore. Her skin was bare, and she was wrapped comfortably in soft fur.She lay in a vast, canopied bed, the velvet drapes drawn closed on three sides and open only to the fire.There was a vague memory of a freezing cold, but now she was warm and snug.Moving her head against the pillows, she caught faint and pleasant essences of leatherwood and algoraspice, the scents stirring up half memories… strong arms… her cheek resting against a firm chest… and perhaps, lips pressed to her brow…Without fear or panic, Rey perceived that all the while she had been awake, she had heard the even breathing of someone in the room. Listening carefully now, she determined the source of the sound to be a large and lumpy form, a person wrapped in a blanket or cloak and settled upon a heavy armchair. With the window and the fire behind, the body was in silhouette and she could make out none of the features. In the flickering firelight, one leg – stretched out to the side – appeared misshapen and deformed.There was a deep inhale, and Rey froze, waiting.The dark shape rose from the chair, lurching nearer. All was in shadow, neither face nor constitution visible to her, but seeming twisted and bent; grotesque.Hands stretched toward her, the fingers gnarled and shriveled.Rey mewled and whined, recoiling, but the endeavor was proven to be beyond her strength, and she succumbed once again to the dark. The fire pulsed and quavered, giggling flames capering from the hearth to crackle up the wall, across the floor, and wind up the bedpost. Arm in arm they swayed, laughing and singing in their own language, and moving closer, ever closer.Boldest among them, one curious fire sprite plucked at her hair, caressed her cheek with its little hand, leaving a blackened trail in its wake.She swatted at the creature, “nobata!”* and its enchanting visage transformed, twisted, blazed up in a fervor, and shrieking.Now the bloom converged upon her, teeming and charring everything they touched, angry, snatching, screeching.
“Doth bolla, sacan!”
She kicked and pushed at the flaming blanket, sweating, unable to withstand the heat…… darkness, twilight, noon sun, dawn…A cool damp cloth passed over her skin and she shivered uncontrollably, her teeth clacking together…Hands, and a strong arm supporting her, a cup pressed, insistent, to her lips…Glowing eyes watched her from the night, rasped breathing in the dark, crouching in the corners of the room, in the chair, by the fire.A monstrous winged creature emerged from the shadows to perch on the foot of the bed; twisting its head like a falcon, its unblinking eyes smoldering yellow. Watching her, waiting; waiting for her to wake, to exact its price for her care.The raptor drew closer, its hot breath prickling her skin.She whimpered in fear, but her cries were muffled and weak, “kolka cha couma mi…”Her eyes drooped closed, and all faded away. Rey awoke with the dawn.The velvet curtains, a deep garnet red, were tied back to the bedposts, to let in the light.She felt awake and alert, but could make no sense of her whereabouts. She clearly remembered leaving her father’s house, but that seemed a very long time ago, and she could not recall much of the time between then and now; and what she did retain seemed most improbable.The canopy above her was intricately embroidered with a heraldic crest: a black falcon, a gold shield, and a crescent of Felucian laurels; silk threads worked into the dark velvet. Rey wondered how she could have come to rest in such a grand bed; massive and fit for a feudal lord.The room, too, was very large, the walls fashioned of stone. It was evident that someone had made a cursory endeavor to make the place livable, swept and cleared away a few cobwebs. But the light beaming in through grimy windows fell on dusty and faded tapestries and a floor in great need of a thorough scrubbing.Rey raised up slightly on her elbows, fighting dizziness, but once that passed, she arranged the pillows a little so she could be propped up and observe the room more closely.The fireplace was immense, and black from use, but there was a cheery fire burning within. Next to it there was a large stuffed armchair, and on the opposite side a smaller chair of the same style and design. In one corner there were more velvet curtains, now drawn aside, but creating a small area for bathing, and a privy – a luxury certainly not at hand in the Mayor’s cottage.She brushed her hand rhythmically against the fur that had been tucked around her. It appeared to be all of one piece, and big as a moof, but soft as Kenari chinchilla – and a deep, silky black.With a jolt of surprise, she perceived that she was completely naked beneath the soft coverings, and this realization brought to her strange, disjointed memories: a lumpy, dark creature – grating, muffled whispers – snapping flames, burning…The recollections were elusive, like smoke slipping through her fingers, and the images so disconcerting that she shoved them all aside, as better forgotten.There was a clatter of dishes on a tray, just outside the door, and Rey yanked the fur up to her chin, sinking down into the pillows.A tiny old woman – wearing round-rimmed, thick-lensed spectacles that made her eyes appear enormous – bustled in. She wore a dark purple skirt and a blue blouse, with a heavy gray apron. Her head was wrapped in a gauzy scarf, with only wisps of coily white hair showing at her temples, and silver and beaded bangles clinking together quietly on her slender wrists. “Oh!” The moment she saw Rey, sitting up and alert, the lady halted in her tracks, her face brightening cheerily. “You’re awake! The master said the fever had passed, and he expected you’d be feeling better! I’m pleased to see ‘tis so!”Rey cleared her throat, “the master?”“Indeed, child. Lord Ren, he is.” She set the tray on the bed and uncovered it. It appeared to be some broth and perhaps tea. She hummed, “but if you’re feeling better, you’ll want more than this. You make a start, and I’ll see if the cook can stir up something more than dust in the kitchen.” She grinned up at Rey, nodded her head decisively, then spun around to exit the room, just as briskly as she had entered.“Wait!” Rey called after her, “please, pardon me, but won’t you tell me – where am I?”The woman whirled around to face her once more, her eyes even wider than before, and cocking her head curiously. “Why, miss! You really don’t know where you are? ‘Tis Ren Manor!”“I hit my head, and I didn’t know where I had been taken.”The little woman’s brow crinkled as she puzzled over this declaration from Rey. “Do you mean the master brought you here?”Rey shrugged faintly, “truly, I don’t remember. I fell from my horse. Weren’t you here?”“Oh, no miss! After the fire in the east wing years ago, all the servants went to work for the Marquess Calrissian. He was a great friend of the old lord, you see. The master arranged for us to return, this week. We’ve only just arrived, this morning, all the way from Coruscant! T’was only the master here with you.”“Ah.” Rey felt her face heat, and sunk further beneath the fur. This Lord Ren hadn’t left her with a stitch of clothing, not a modicum of modesty to soothe her embarrassment. “Yes, I see. Mmm… is this the master’s chamber? The master’s bed?”“Indeed miss.” She poured Rey a cup of tea. “Though the master has been living here only a week or two, himself.”Rey sipped at the cup. “And was he out hunting yesterday?”The lady frowned, “no miss. He said he was here, with you, yesterday.”Rey hummed, thinking. It seemed that it was only yesterday, she had been thrown from Thrawn… but as she mulled it over, she realized she really didn’t know what had happened. She brought the cup of tea to her lips, her hand trembling. “Ah, if you please, how long have I been here?”“This is the third day, child.”Rey’s mind reeled at this. Three days! Three days, alone with this Lord Ren, and bare as the day she was born! Rey was mortified!“The master said you were very sick.”“Yes,” Rey whispered. “I must have been. I don’t remember any of it.”“Indeed, miss. The master said you had a fever, and if you hit your head, that explains why you’re a bit muddled. But why did you ask if the master had been hunting?”“I was attacked, by a pack of hunting hounds, and wondered if they were his.” Rey shivered at the memory. The woman lifted the teapot and dropped it noisily back down on the tray, “poachers, most likely! Why, we were having trouble with poachers long before the fire! Whenever that wicked Temmin Wexley is about, ‘tis certain trouble will follow! Him, and those evil hounds of his! Just as likely to take a bite from a man’s leg, as from any game they might be chasing, they were!”“Yes. They, ah… might have thought I was something wild.” Rey took another sip of her tea. “Thank you, Mrs.… ah…?”“Oh, how terribly rude! I’m Mrs. Kanata. The housekeeper! But everyone calls me Maz. Much of my kin is employed here, as well, and there are a great many of us!” She counted off on her long fingers, “my two sisters, and their families; and my husband, and his brother, and his family.” She pursed her lips, nodding and chuckling to herself, at some private joke. “Then there’s Stablemaster Blagg, and his sons. Oh…!” she threw up her hands, “I lose count of the outside help! They manage their own affairs! But we’re all from the master’s lands!”Rey hummed and nodded, not really sure of the meaning of all Maz had said. But as she thought on it, she couldn’t summon up from memory what this Lord Ren looked like; she couldn’t remember seeing his face – or when she had, it had been in deep shadow. So, to cover her discomfiture, she inquired about his present whereabouts.“Oh, he left! Right after we arrived! He gave us strict instructions to look after you, miss, until you felt better, and then to return you to your father.”With a deep dread, Rey carefully set her teacup down on the tray. “I would very much rather not go back to Takodana. I should prefer to be taken anywhere else, I don’t care where, ma’am. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”Maz studied her face for a moment, then replied quietly, “the master was very firm in his instructions, miss. As soon as you’re ready, we are to put you in the coach and take you directly to your father.”“Might there not be some mistake?” Rey pressed her fingers to her forehead. “Are you sure?”“Oh, yes, it was plainly stipulated, you should be taken to your father. I am sorry child, but his orders were very clear.”Rey slumped back against the pillows in despair.After all she had done! After all she had been through! And now it all was to be undone, on the whim of a man she had never met!T’was a cruel fate, indeed!And if only those damned dogs hadn’t made so much noise, Lord Ren wouldn’t have come to her aid at all! Yes, she most probably would have been killed, but wasn’t that preferable to a marriage with any of her so-called suitors?Rey barely noticed when Maz patted her foot benignly, and slipped from the room.Exhausted now, and much depressed, she spent the rest of the morning in fitful repose, and unable to stem the flow of tears.At noontime, Maz returned with a tray of food. Rey didn’t feel hungry, but forced herself to eat, to regain her strength. The fare was delicious – poached pingpears, a small wedge of soft cheese with a slice of bread, still warm from the oven, and a tiny snifter of Starlight brandy – and she did feel a bit better for it. When Maz returned to check on her, and clear the tray, Rey asked, “might I have some water, for washing?”“Indeed, miss! I’ll fetch it myself!” Maz scurried around to the large wardrobe, and threw open the doors. Inside, Rey recognized all her own possessions, now neatly folded and arranged on a shelf. Maz drew out Rey’s threadbare dressing gown, and turned to lay it carefully at the foot of the bed. She responded to Rey’s wide eyes and unspoken question with, “the master must have put them away.”This revelation was disconcerting to Rey, as Lord Ren was so completely unknown to her. Perhaps he would return and expect her to share the room with him? If his temperament and designs were anything like Count Dooku, or the aggressive Baron von Hutt, she wouldn’t be safe for long, awake and alone with him in his own rooms. “Did he… did the master give up his room for me?”“No, miss, it wasn’t a matter of him giving up his room, as he hadn’t been here for long and hadn’t yet settled in any room. But these are the lord’s chambers, to be sure.” She waved her hand to indicate the whole manse. “You might have noticed that it’s been quite a spell since anyone lived here.” Maz became a little misty-eyed, then continued, “I was here, when the master was born, when the old lord and his lady occupied these rooms. “Much has transpired since then.” She pinched her chin, looking about thoughtfully, and wandering to the window. “‘Tis a shame, how time and neglect have misused the manor.” After a moment, she stretched out her fingers, to swipe at the dingy glass. Maz sniffed, squaring her shoulders and resolutely rubbing her hand against her apron. “We’re here to stay this time, the master has said so! We’ll see the manor scrubbed and cleaned, and bright as before! We won’t be driven away again!”Remembering herself, Maz clamped her lips tight, curtsied to Rey, and withdrew. Of course Rey had heard rumors and stories about the manor and its occupants, when she and her family had first come to Takodana. But she had paid them no heed, for as she wasn’t acquainted with the area or the people, the names meant little to her. Now she could remember only few of the details: chief among them, that there had been a terrible fire, which wrongdoing had been blamed on bands of raiding Corellians.Maz returned promptly with a large basin of hot water, fresh linens and soap, and set all of this in a stand close to the bed and within easy reach. “Might I assist you, miss?”“Oh, no, thank you! I am feeling much refreshed.”Maz eyed her critically. “The master pressed it upon my mind that we were to take special care of his guest.”“No, really! I can manage!” Rey had no desire to emerge from the furs, exposing her nakedness; and so she waited until Maz had, somewhat reluctantly, quit the room, closing the door behind her.Rey sat up and slid to the edge of the mattress. Her head throbbed, and she found that her strength was not as fully recovered as she had professed. It took a moment for her to find her balance, and confidence in her ability to stand. But when she did – the room spun, and her legs wobbled like a newly foaled fathier!She was weaker than she had realized, but she was determined to dress and attend to her toilette, and then make an appeal to Lord Ren himself. When he returned, she would seek him out and present her case to him. She did not feel herself above begging for her freedom. Perhaps Lord Ren didn’t know what her father had in store for her, and thought he was doing the noble thing by sending her home. Perhaps he could be persuaded to her way of thinking! If she explained her plight, perhaps he would take pity on her and speed her on her way. Barring that, she would delay her return and look for some other method of escape, or some sympathetic confidant among the staff. Maz, unfortunately, must be ruled out; the woman was obviously devoted to Lord Ren, and could not be trusted in any plan that would cross him.Rey was grateful for the hot water and was glad to wash, but as she drew the cloth along her skin, she had the vague remembrance of it being done recently, and by twisted, crippled hands. Her disquiet was acute, but the memories were so strange as to be more easily dismissed as nightmares, and so she shuffled to the wardrobe, and drew her shift over her head.Reclaiming her brush and comb from the armoire, she curled up in the little chair by the fire and set herself to ordering her coiffure. Though she tired quickly and had to stop frequently to rest, by degrees she brushed out all the tangles, then plaited and twisted up her long tresses in her usual, practical style.Stockings, slippers, petticoat, stays, and then Rey fastened up the blue gown, that must now be considered her best. Taking a deep breath and smoothing her hands down her front, she cautiously pushed open the door and crept out into the hall.Once out of the master’s suite, it was abundantly clear that many months or even years had passed, without servants to tend to the cleaning of the home. As she wandered, peeking through open doors, she saw furniture covered with large sheets, cobwebs eddying from heavy exposed ceiling beams, and a thick layer of undisturbed dust over all.Beneath the grime, however, was a mansion just as grandiose as the Baron’s; but the von Hutt residence by comparison was gaudy and tasteless, while all Rey saw here was stately and refined. Alcoves with finely-carved statuary, tall windows affording expansive views, delicate stained glass, curving banisters.Rey found herself at the top of a grand staircase, from whence she descended into a round entryway, the base of a vaulted tower. The front door was huge, oaken and heavy, with a massive lock; and next to it a window presented a wide, curving lane. An arched opening led into a spacious parlor, where a young woman – whose size and coloring declared her a close relation of Maz’s – was vigorously scrubbing the floor.At Rey’s inquiry, the girl rose, curtsied, and offered directions, with a shy smile.Following the information given her, Rey roved down a broad hall toward the sound of voices, and opened a tall door. There she found Maz and three younger women, busily cleaning an enormous kitchen. There was a young boy inside the massive hearth, scraping ashes and soot, and a man scouring a large copper kettle.The cook – by appearance one of Maz’s sisters – had cleared some work space, and was busy chopping vegetables and bantha roast, for the evening meal. A dozen loaves sat cooling near the cavernous bread oven.“Good afternoon, miss!” Maz wiped her hands in her apron. “I’m glad to see you up and about. Are you feeling a bit better?”“Yes, I thank you.” Rey glanced around at all the occupants of the room, who had paused in their work to turn curious faces toward her. “Ah, if you please, has Lord Ren returned? Where might I find him?”Maz swept around the counter to peer up at Rey, taking her hand, patting it, and speaking quietly. “I’m, sorry child, but Lord Ren isn’t here. He’ll be away for several days.”“Oh.” Rey didn’t know immediately how to reply. She would never even get a chance to explain her circumstances, and the servants could only do their master’s bidding by returning her to Unkar!“What might I do for you, miss? Did you need anything?”“Nothing, I…” Rey needed to think of what to do next. “I’ll just look around, if I might.”“Of course, miss. If you need anything, just ask. I’ll be busy here for some time, but seek me out.”Rey trudged back to the sitting room, pondering her prospects. The girl she had spoken with previously was nowhere to be seen, but her brush still remained, indicating she would soon return.The state of the manor was such that it would keep a large fleet of servants busy for some time, cleaning and setting everything to rights. They might even be so busy that she could slip away unnoticed!Reasonably, Rey knew she was too weak and sore to make the attempt. However, memories of her various eager and horrid suitors did spur her on. She stood for a few moments peering out the front window. Around at the side of the courtyard, she could see the stables and wondered if she might even slip out just to see if Thrawn was there.But as she watched, a boy came into view, lugging a massive bucket of soapy water, and started madly scrubbing a fancy carriage. Then from behind her, she heard the girl returning with a full slopping bucket, to continue with the floor. Rey knew she couldn’t escape out the front door without being seen, so she ascended the stairs, to explore further, and see if there was a balcony or some other way out to the grounds from there.Upstairs she wandered, opening doors and roaming long halls, but only saw more rooms with sheet-covered furniture, each one like the last.Her strength was waning by the moment, but the thought of von Hutt kept her moving and searching, until she found herself in a long gallery full of dusty portraits. Here the dirt was undisturbed except for some large footprints leading to the end of the hall and a boarded door.Rey couldn’t understand why a door would be boarded up in this way. The only thing she could envision was that there was something hidden behind it. She crept closer.She knew it was foolish, but curiosity got the better of her, and she pried at the planks – it felt like she could easily pull them away. She knocked quietly and called out, “is anyone there?”There was no reply; no howling beast or wailing prisoner. She knocked again, a little harder this time, but still, there was nothing.Rey observed that the door looked newer than the rest of the house, the varnish bright and smooth. There was a large key protruding from a glossy lock, so she turned this slowly and cracked the door open.Bright sunlight streamed in, and Rey realized that beyond the door was a sudden drop-off, and below her were the remains of what had once been a large wing of the house: charred and ravaged.A small fragment of masonry broke away from the door jamb, falling many feet and clattering to the ground below.Rey quickly pulled the door closed and turned the lock – breathing heavily, trembling – and pressing up against the planks to ensure their fastness.Suddenly, she was very tired, and plodded back to the bedchamber. Even thoughts of Wilhuff Tarkin and Major Piett couldn’t inspire fresh vitality, and she dropped down into the bed fully clothed, wrapping the fur around her.She resolved to attempt an escape during the night; she could slip out, find Thrawn, and steal away. For now, she decided to rest, as she was clearly still recuperating.Maz brought supper, then later when she returned to help Rey ready for bed, she brought a hot toddy and encouraged Rey to drink it. “It will give you strength, child, and ease soreness. By morning, I trow, you’ll be in fine fettle!”Rey tasted the toddy and found it delicious and soothing, and hoped it would do all Maz asserted. She set the cup aside however, to undertake the task, once again, of persuading Maz of her own viewpoint.“Mrs. Kanata, might you not reconsider, and take me somewhere else, besides Takodana? My father and I had a… a disagreement of sorts, and I really don’t want to go back.”Maz set down the tray she was carrying, to take Rey’s hand once again; looking up at her sympathetically. “Lord Ren was most emphatic, about your being returned to your father. I am sorry, child.”“I understand. You must do as you were directed by your master.”“I have no other choice.”Rey withdrew her hand with a sigh, and took up the cup for another sip of the toddy. As Maz didn’t seem disposed to leave right away, Rey asked, “will you tell me about the east wing that burned?”Maz’s face went carefully blank, “you’ll have to ask Lord Ren, miss. He explicitly instructed us all, that we aren’t to speak of it to anyone.”“And you cannot go against his wishes.”“I will not.”“You seem very loyal to him.”Maz’s eyes filled with tears, and she answered quietly but with conviction, “indeed. I am.”Rey could see that Maz wouldn’t be swayed, and abandoned her efforts, both to influence the lady and to extract information from her. She finished the toddy, and yawned.Maz chuckled quietly, folding down the bedclothes. “You should sleep well, child. That toddy has cured many a sleepless night.”Rey curled into the fur, and felt the tension melting from her body. She vaguely wondered why she would resist sleep… Unkar drained the dregs from his flagon, swiped his sleeve across his mouth, then pushed the mug toward the barkeep, nodding for a refill.That witless brat would bring his ruin!Four days! Four days it had been already, and he’d sent fleet messengers to Coruscant, Kamino, and Jakku, to no avail. He’d sent letters to every last friend, acquaintance and connection he could recall, from a lifetime of relations and dealings.Why, his fingers were ink-stained and cramped with writing, and Armitage had been run ragged!No one had any word of her: no information, no news, not a single buzz of idle chitchat.And Unkar was beginning to worry.Word of the roup had spread near and far, and a great many gentlemen had pledged to attend; but what would become of his own reputation if the girl didn’t reappear by the morrow? He wouldn’t dare show his face from Geonosis to Hoth, if that waifish simpleton made a liar of him!The dreary and blustering weather matched his own mood, and he took a deep pull of the fresh ale Jarrus set before him.There was a stomping commotion of many voices out on the inn’s porch, and Unkar twisted about to see what befell.He dismounted from his stool to press up against the window, just as a village boy, out of breath and disheveled, pushed open the front door, to call out, “it’s…! A carriage…!” His eyes darted around the room, quickly falling upon Plutt, and he pointed, “you, sir! Ye’d best make haste!”Bewildered at the boy’s demeanor, Unkar moved out onto the porch, shouldering through the mob of townsfolk now clustered about, murmuring, pointing, and looking to him.Unkar squinted against the morning sun, not yet discerning the cause of all this uproar, when he… suddenly…A large black coach – fine and grand, decked with oil lamps, and drawn by two excellently-matched, black Dathomirian thoroughbreds – made its way through the streets of Takodana, only slightly hindered by the throngs of gawpers.As the carriage approached…… that was…!Why, that was his boy’s horse, tethered to the rear frame and following behind!Plutt pressed his mug into the hands of some passerby, and teetered on the walk’s edge, gaping, as the coach came to rest before his very own home!Unkar stumbled across the road, heedless of any he might run over or shove aside as he rushed to access his own doorstep.Rumbling through the crowd he heard the same words and phrases repeated; passed from the elders who knew to the youngsters and those not acquainted with the crest emblazoned on the carriage doors.“… Lord Ren…!”“… back from the dead…!”“… burned to a crisp…!”Unkar heaved himself up to the stone threshold just as Armitage – frowzy, slack-jawed and befuddled – threw open the door, and held out his hand in time to bemusedly take his gelding’s reins from the coachman.The assemblage of onlookers churned and seethed, eager to observe the person who should be revealed, and it was therefore with a breathless silence that the footman unlatched the door and reached a gloved hand into the dark red velvet interior to assist…
“Why, ye wicked little twit!”
His own daughter emerged, Miss Rey Plutt, wrapped neck to foot in her woolen cloak; haughty and tight-lipped, and superior as you please!
“Ye’ve come back, have ye?! No doubt ye have some fairy story about where ye’ve been, these last days!”
She peered down her freckled nose at him and replied cooly, “I took Thrawn for a long ride.”Unkar blustered and stormed at this preposterous assertion, “ye made a run for it, ye did! The only real question is why ye’ve returned! I never thought ter see ye again, and here ye arrive in grand style, an empress deigning ter pay us unwashed masses a social call!”Rey glared at him, “I wouldn’t have come back at all, if not for Lord Ren. I was given no choice in the matter.”At the mention of the name, Lord Ren, there was a gasp through the crowd, and Rey’s eyes swept the rabble. Throwing back her shoulders, she continued, “Lord Ren intervened, and commanded his servants to bring me back.” She rolled her eyes, speaking lowly, “he must be a friend of yours, father.”Unkar gusted, “ye lie! Lord Ren burned ta death, four years gone!”“You are mistaken, father. Lord Ren is alive.”“There be people what saw ‘im through the window, burnin’ in the fire! It ain’t possible he could ‘ave survived!”“Lord Ren is living at Ren Manor, with a full complement of servants.”“It must be a ghost!” At titters through the multitude, Unkar amended, “or someone tryin’ ta beguile ye! What did this Lord Ren look like?”“I never saw him clearly. His face was covered, or in shadow.” Rey scrunched up her face, puzzling, “he seemed lame… or deformed.”At this, the townspeople gasped and whispered, many of them making the sign of the circle, against evil.“I’m not rightly sure… I hit my head, and it was dark. It’s possible I imagined it, I suppose.”“Four days with the man, and ye never saw ‘im! Unlikely! Ye must think me a fool, girl, if ye expect me ta believe that!”“I have no reason to lie.”The coachman ascended once again to his seat, gathered the reins, and released the brake, taking up his whip. The footman set Rey’s satchel and sidesaddle on the step near the front door, then closed the carriage door and jumped up to the footman’s step at the back of the coach. “Oi!” Unkar called after him, and including the coachman, “ye there! Can ye tell us what yer… ah… yer master looks like?”“I don’t rightly know, sir.”Unkar’s mouth dropped open at this.The footman continued, “I haven’t seen him for three years.”“‘Ow is it ye could not ‘ave seen ‘im, when ye work fer ‘im!”“I haven’t seen Lord Ren since he returned to Ren Manor.”“Then ‘ow can ye be sure ‘tis Lord Ren ye work fer?”“Mrs. Kanata said so, and she saw him.”“I ain’t never heard tell of a Mrs. Kanata,” Unkar looked to the coachman for an explanation.Rey supplied, “Mrs. Kanata is Lord Ren’s housekeeper.”“Mmm.” Unkar grasped Rey’s elbow and roughly pushed her through the door, glaring a warning and growling near her ear, “get inside.”Once she was gone, Unkar tugged down at the front of his vest, bouncing on his toes and clearing his throat loudly. He addressed the coachman, “I don’t know yer master, an’ I don’ comprehend ‘is reasons, but ye can thank ‘im kindly fer me, fer sendin’ me girl back home! He’ll be welcome in me home, any time he visits Takodana!”The coachman nodded, cracking his whip and whistling to the team, and rolled out and away, down the cobblestoned street.Unkar glowered at the villagers until they drifted away, gossiping and whispering as they went; talk of the burning of the manor and the return of Lord Ren brimming over among them.He barked at Armitage, “ye put that beast where Rey can’t get at ‘im, or I’ll feed ‘im to the dogs!” Then he stomped into the foyer.Rey had hung her cloak and doffed her bonnet, and awaited him dispassionately near the staircase.
“And now, me fine little lass, I’ll hear yer true excuse fer misusing yer brother and meself so abominably!”
She lifted her chin, unperturbed, “you know perfectly well why I left. I decided I wouldn’t capitulate to your whims any longer, and I was going to seek employment wherever I could, to make my own way. I would never have returned, if Lord Ren hadn’t interfered.”“Ye had me worried! With the roup set fer the morningtide, and no trace of ye hither nor yon, me name was ill-used by many! Now ye’ve disobeyed me, ‘tis certain ye’re no longer deservin’ of me trust!”“Indeed, father, your worries were great, but they were of your own making; while my troubles have been imposed upon me by another.”Unkar saw red and stomped menacingly toward her, “I’ve taken care of ye since yer mother died! I’ve provided the best I could, put a roof over yer head and food in yer belly, and bought ye a new gown now and then just ter make ye happy!”Rey scoffed rudely, but Unkar continued, “an’ I’ve been doin’ me best ter find ye a suitable husband!”“A ‘suitable husband,’ indeed! A frail bag of bones! A drooling sandmouse with clammy hands! A bog slug too plump to count his own toes!” She laughed contemptuously. “You weren’t looking so much for a husband for me, as for a wealthy purse for yourself!”Unkar fumed, “Until the auction is complete and the wedding vows spoken, I’ll lock yer chamber door at nights, and ye won’t be permitted ta venture out, without Armitage or meself! And then at the roup we’ll see what high price ye’ll bring!”Rey heaved several breaths, clenching her jaw. “I will go to my room now. And I will stay there, no matter if the door is locked or wide open. I will go to your auction, but you had best be sure of all the arrangements beforehand. The marriage must take place the next day, for I will only stay in your house one night after you’ve sold me; and after I leave, I will no longer recognize that you have any authority over me!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Hear ye, hear ye!”
Armitage’s piercing voice came to her through the open window.
“In only thirty minutes, it will begin! Gather roun’! Draw near!”
Rey stepped to the small window. Armitage busied himself, sweeping the porch of the inn and directing the growing crowd.
“Don’ push, now, there be plenty o’ room fer all!”
As she watched, he lifted his gaze to where she stood at the window, observing him dispassionately. He froze for a moment, eyes wide, then he clamped his mouth tightly shut and applied himself with renewed vigor to his cleaning.The multitude had been amassing all morning.For the most part it appeared to be eager spectators: farmers, tradesmen, housewives of the village with a voracious appetite for fresh gossip. The Plutts certainly made themselves unforgettable today; Force knew Unkar hadn’t done anything notable or noble as mayor to distinguish himself.In only a few moments, she would have to move among them, enduring their staring eyes and the humiliation of the whole affair.She closed the window and turned the latch.Today she would be sold; tomorrow wed. She had resigned herself to that.Whether she could abide her husband remained to be seen, but she strenuously hoped it would be neither the Baron von Hutt, nor Wilhuff Tarkin; both of whom could be seen below, in the fray. Who else might be bidding, she could not venture to guess.Rey smoothed her hair back from her forehead. Her father had ordered her explicitly to leave her hair down, but in a final act of disobedience she had twisted it up even more severely than usual. If she appeared the shriveled and pinched spinster, it would suit her mood and purposes just fine.Glancing around her room, everything appeared foreign to her eyes. The low ceiling, the bare wood floor, the tiny window. After tomorrow she would not have reason to think back on it ever again and the details would mean nothing to her.She would have a new home – which would, gods willing, be happier than this one had been, of late. She would be a wife, and perhaps a mother.Now, she must put away all the childish hopes and dreams that had been indulged in this room; stow them away, along with her meager possessions in the small trunk, waiting near the door. Assuredly, none of her girlhood fantasies had come to such an end.With a steadying breath, she left the room and made her way down the stairs, to confront her father.“Oi! I expected I’d ‘ave ta pry ye from the room!”“You needn’t trouble yourself, father. I told you I would go to your roup.”Her calm acquiescence seemed to unnerve him more than a fight would have done, and he squinted mistrustfully at her for long moments. “Well…!” he humphed nervously, slapping a handful of rolled papers into the opposite hand, “we’d best get on with it, then!”Rey swung her cloak around her shoulders, fumbling with the tie.“Be quick, girl! There be time to let the gentlemen look ye over afore the bidding! An’ that might bring the bidding all the higher! Why, t’ain’t every day there be an auction like this, with such a maid ter be bartered off!”“Indeed. It is rare that a father should sell his daughter.”Unkar chuckled, “an’ I thank ye fer givin’ me th’idea!”Stolid, Rey raised the hood, pulling it well over her face, to protect her from the chill, and to hide her sallow complexion. She stood, immobile, staring at the door.As the seconds passed, her disquiet grew. She had given her word that she would go through with both the auction and the marriage, yes; but those pledges did little to soothe her mounting fears.Grumbling, Unkar jostled her aside to heave the door open, “out with ye!” and thrust her over the threshold.At the opening of the door, the multitude turned expectantly to face her; with much whispering and tittering behind raised hands.Lord Snoke’s carriage was standing at the side of the road, not far from the Mayor’s cottage. Bazine, dressed in full mourning, leaned out the window, surveying the whole business with barely suppressed glee.She called out, “my dear Rey, I do hope you can find yourself a pleasing husband from among this ragtag lot!” When Rey didn’t respond to this provocation, she continued, “you have certainly drawn the attention of an opulent riffraff, but I’m very glad it’s not me!”Rey didn’t bat an eyelash. Bazine’s cackling laughter trailed after her, but this only stiffened Rey’s resolve to accept her circumstance with as much composure as she could rally. She had no other choice; and no course of action on her part would make any difference, at any rate.All the townsfolk were there, and Rey saw several strangers. The men were looking her over carefully, leering at her in ways that made her extremely uncomfortable. If Benjamin’s gaze had ever made her feel exposed, then these men’s lecherous stares made her feel positively filthy.Von Hutt’s coach had pulled right up next to the inn, and the Baron remained inside, his every shifting move causing the whole conveyance to creak precariously on its thoroughbraces. Even from this distance, Rey could hear his low, grating voice; could discern his swollen tongue, the strings of white spittle stretching between his lips and accumulating at the corners of his mouth. His butler stood at the ready, anxious to convey his master’s orders.The company parted to make way for her as she walked. Armitage had constructed a small platform, atop the porch. Rey kept her eyes upon this, purposefully not meeting anyone's gaze. She had no desire to meet the regard of any man – to inadvertently communicate consent or favor – and especially those she had already rejected.In a daze, she moved to mount the steps, finding a ready hand extended to assist her: strong, lean, and well-manicured. Against her better judgement she looked up, already knowing whom she would find. Mr. Solo; tall, broad-shouldered, and so handsome he took her breath away.Unkar shoved in between them, “if ye’ve read the bills, Mr. Solo, ye know ye’re excluded from the biddin’!”“The proclamation was exceptionally clear, sir,” Benjamin nodded mildly.“Why are ye here, then?”Benjamin laughed, “I have a great financial interest in today’s venture. May I remind you of a gambling debt, that you assured me would be remunerated? I await your pleasure, sir, to satisfy this obligation.”“I’ve not forgotten, ye son-of-a-Sith-harlot!”“Ah, well…” Benjamin reached inside his coat and pulled out a sheaf of papers. “And what about these? Do you remember these as well?” Benjamin carefully rifled through the pages, angling them so Unkar had a clear view of their contents. “You should recognize that these are the debts you left behind in Coruscant. And two or three in Jakku.”Unkar’s mouth dropped open, his expression pale in profound shock, and he began to quake.“Is this your signature, sir?” Benjamin insisted.“Why…?! How…?!” Unkar blustered, “what concern are they to you?!”“These debts are of great importance to me.” Benjamin spoke calmly, cordial and pleasant. “I discharged them from the Coruscanti and Jakkuvian merchants, thereby increasing your obligation to me.”Utterly flummoxed, Unkar could make no sense of this information. “Why…? Wha’ reason would ye possibly have, ta…?”“I know you don’t have the capital to pay them.” Benjamin carefully straightened the bundle in his hands, slowly, deliberately; allowing Unkar to grasp his full meaning. “I’m not usually a hasty man, but you have forced my hand. I will give you a document of settlement, for all of these debts, in exchange for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”Armitage had come up beside them, indignantly listening to this dialog, and now screeched, “I’ll never allow it! No sister o’ mine will wed the likes of you!”Benjamin replied patiently, “perhaps you should ask her, what her preference would be.”“I’ll kill ye meself, ta preven’ it!” Armitage bumped Benjamin roughly with his shoulder.Benjamin scoffed quietly, “be careful of your threats; you have yet only one arm to lose.”
“Ye were lucky once, ye won’t be so again!”
“I shall not concern myself overmuch, based on your past performance.” Benjamin turned dismissively from Armitage, to again address Unkar. “Consider carefully, sir. Surely you can calculate, ‘tis no small sum.”Rey observed her father’s mental reckoning; he blanched in a way she had never before seen.Unkar mumbled to himself, “… why, ‘at’s… it mus’ be…”“You could give her to me right now, or take your chances with the auction.”This whole conference infuriated Rey! Vividly she remembered the nights she had sat at Armitage’s side after his wounding! How she had longed for revenge against the one who had harmed her brother; and now that same man was demanding either marriage to her or repayment of a debt, as if he didn’t care which he received!And surely, in his arrogance, he would expect her undying gratitude, her groveling at his feet, when he had never wasted either breath or effort to convince her of his adoration! She had no assurance whatsoever of devotion, tenderness or fidelity! The only sentiment Mr. Solo had unmistakenly confessed had been a licentious urge, as if she was an itch to be scratched! And so, she could not hold back from demanding, “and could you be contented, sir, with a bride who hates you?”Benjamin looked down on her a moment, then softly challenged, “would you really prefer the kind I see here?”Rey clenched her teeth, and turned from him.Unkar snarled, “she’ll take her chances on the block! There might be those ‘ere, willin’ ta pay the bride price fer such a maid! An’ besides, I might ‘ave trouble, if’n I disappoin’ those ‘ere, withou’ givin’ ‘em a chance at her! Some o’ these be me friends! No!” He nodded firmly to himself, “I canna do that, ter me friends!”Benjamin stuffed the papers back into his coat. “Fine. You’ve made your decision, and I will wait upon events. Assure yourself that I will expect full payment before the matter is settled between us.” He touched the brim of his hat, “until later.”Unkar huffed, and began prodding at Rey, to impel her to move. It was her intention to maintain an air of unruffled indifference and serene defiance, but her fear for the future kept bubbling up to interfere. She felt tears rushing to her eyes, and as she climbed the stairs, the toe of her slipper caught in the hem of her gown.A firm hand supported her elbow, remaining steady until she could get her feet under her again. Flustered and disappointed with her own show of weakness, she looked up into those hazel eyes, now full of concern, and pity.Steeling herself, she yanked her arm from his grasp, “let me go!”“As you wish, madam,” and Benjamin turned on his heel, to stride away from the porch.Rey sternly dashed her hands across her eyes, watching him from under her hood.Bazine had directed her driver to move the carriage up close to the porch, and she called out to Benjamin, “why, Benjamin Solo, what are you doing here?! You couldn’t possibly be taking part in the bidding?” She laughed, “surely a man of your affluence and prestige could do better than Rey Plutt?!”“I am here to collect a debt, lady.”Bazine flapped her hand, relieved, “ah, well, that is understandable! I feared you had taken leave of your senses!”Benjamin smiled blandly, “not as of yet.”Unkar pushed Rey into place on the platform. “Gather roun’! Come close, and feast yer eyes upon this lovely! Ye won’ see her like nor her equal, once she’s taken! The roup will start in jus’ a moment! Come now, look yer fill!”With that, he tugged Rey’s hood from her head.Rey gripped the cloak tightly around herself, but with the removal of her hood, and the clamor of encouragement from the crowd, Unkar was emboldened to quickly loosen the tie and sweep the mantle from her shoulders.She spun around, caught off her guard and breathless.Such a roar of approval reached his ears, that Unkar went further, catching his thick fingers in her hair and pulling out the twisted knots, spilling the long waves and draping the length over her shoulder and breast.Enraged, Rey lurched from the platform, snatched up Armitage’s broom, and swung it whistling through the air to connect with Unkar’s belly.
“Oof!”
Unkar caught the broom in his meaty paw, jerking the stick from his daughter’s grasp, then raising his arm threateningly against her.The resultant gasp from the crowd now gave him pause, and he instead cast the item well out of reach, laughing nervously and eyeing the rabble, “well, lads, ye can see she’s strong and hale!”Rey clenched her jaw and her fists, looking out at a sea of lecherous oglers; every man in the throng filling her with detestation and disgust. Her skin crawled, and she felt herself start to panic. Her eyes met Benjamin’s, his full attention upon her; and suddenly she was overcome with regret, that she hadn’t begged her father to accept Mr. Solo’s proposal. Bazine did not take kindly to any man’s attention long away from herself, and so she called out, “I would like to invite you, Mr. Solo, to go for a ride with me in the country, but you seem very invested in the proceedings. I suppose you’d rather stay here.”“Forgive me, please,” Benjamin smiled cooly, keeping his eyes locked with Rey’s, “the debt is for a substantial sum, and this might be my only opportunity to secure it.”At this, Rey exhaled forcefully, turning her gaze from him, but she could hardly avoid hearing their continued conversation as Bazine was speaking so loudly.“I will leave you to business, sir, but will I see you later?”“I shall be leaving Takodana as soon as my business here is finished, and I don’t know when I’ll be back.”“Oh, no! It cannot be! You cannot stay away, sir, because then I won’t see you!”Benjamin coughed, and cleared his throat, “I will be keeping my room at the inn. It shouldn’t be very long before I return.”“That is quite a relief! We always give a ball during the winter, and I should like to invite you, expressly!”When Mr. Solo didn’t reply, Bazine went on, “I must leave, but if you change your mind about that ride in the country, I shall be home all evening. By myself. Father is still in Coruscant, and will likely be gone for several days still.”“I shall remember. Good day.”Rey chanced another look in their direction, to see Bazine nodding to Benjamin – setting that ridiculous brim of her bonnet bobbing – but clearly annoyed at how easily he should let her go. She directed one last conceited, self-satisfied look at Rey; and settling back into her velvet cushions, called for her driver to move on.For his part, Benjamin casually leaned against a post, watching Rey. She averted her eyes once more, staring unseeing out over the multitude, and settling her breathing.Unkar was in his element, stomping back and forth, pulling at the lapels of his coat, pushing out his belly pompously, and attempting to excite the crowd. “‘Twill be marriage only, I vow! Nothin’ less will be accepted, an’ I’ll be overseein’ the nuptials meself! I’ve given me word ta me daughter, is tha’ good an’ clear?”Rey was overcome by revulsion as she looked out and saw that Major Piett had moved to the front of the herd, along with a glaring Count Dooku. The Baron carried on in noisy communication with his servant, yelling from inside his carriage; his low and ominous laugh setting Rey’s teeth on edge. Von Hutt sneered smugly, and Rey feared he would be bidding seriously; he might even punish her, if he won, for her rejection of him previously. Once the marriage vows were spoken, she couldn’t say “nay.” Rey shifted her position slightly, so he couldn’t easily see her from his seat.She didn’t see Mr. Pryde, or Coronet Canady. But Wilhuff Tarkin was there, wringing his hands, his shabby carriage standing nearby, and his old, wrinkled driver shivering in a tattered greatcoat.When viewed together, the men who had pushed to the fore were a motley lot, with few redeeming qualities, and all were watching her intently. All except one.To one side of the porch, underneath a tree, sat an older gentleman on a small folding chair. He wore a suit of lustrous gold satin – knee breeches, waistcoat, and tails – immaculate white stockings and cravat, and buckled shoes. His white hair was cropped short, and he wore a tawny tricorne. Propped on his knees was a monstrous ledger, upon which he was fully transfixed, and whereon he looked through gold-rimmed spectacles.Unkar stepped forward, spreading his arms and calling for silence and attention.“Now gents, ye know I wouldna do this, if I weren’t sorely set upon by me creditors! Closin’ in upon me from every side, especially this one!” and here he pointed to Benjamin, “who came ta me own home ta demand payment! Take pity upon me, and upon this young lass who has never known a man!
“She’s been a right blessin’, ta me an’ her brother since their mother died, but it be high time she take a husban’ instead o’ lookin’ after ‘er own kin!
“I urge ye, lads, be charitable ! Consider the beauty of the lady! Be pruden’! Be wise!
“Come forward! Come now, let those who be serious bidders gather close!”
He extracted a huge pocket watch, and held it up high. “The time has come, and now it will begin! Come, now, gentlemen, who will start the biddin’? Do I hear a thousan’ druggats?”After a few moments of silence, Wilhuff Tarkin hesitantly raised his hand, “yes. Yes, I’ll go one thousand druggats!”Using sweeping and exaggerated movements, Benjamin opened his bundle of papers and drew out a couple, holding them carefully in his fingertips and waving them about.Flustered, Unkar continued indignantly, “come now, men, consider what ye’ll be gettin’! Me own daughter! Strong! Intelligent! Able ta read an’ write; a good head fer numbers! She’ll be a credit to ye!”Some poor sot in the back called out, “I’ll pay fifteen hun’red fer the wench!”“Stars above! ‘Wench’ it be now?!” incensed, Unkar reiterated, “the sale will be final upon marriage only! ‘Twill be wedlock only, I vow! Me daughter won’ be party ta anythin’ untoward!
“It be wedlock only I be speakin’ o’, an’ I’ll see to it, meself!
“Come now, gents, loosen yer pursestrings! Open yer billfolds! Ye see that man standin’ there, gloatin’ over me! Certainly more than a thousan’ druggats! Certainly more than fifteen hun’red!”
The man on the folding stool raised his quill, speaking disinterestedly, “two thousand.”
“Capitol, capitol! He has the bid! An’ now who will make it twen’y-five?”
Raising up on his toes, Wilhuff Tarkin squeaked out, “twenty-one, I’ll go!”
“Fine, fine! Now the bid be twen’y-one! Who else?!”
Inside his coach, the Baron wiped his fat lips with a handkerchief, rumbling to his servant, who then called out for twenty-three.“The bid is twen’y-three! Twen’y-three, lads!” Unkar trumped up and down the porch, glaring at the horde, “this ain’t even close ta me debts, an’ I’ll need somethin’ fer meself, an’ me crippled son! Dig deep, men, come now, the bid be twen’y-three!”The drunk in the back, now slurring his speech and chortling with his friends, hollered back, “aye, twen’y-four!”Tarkin – ruffled and frenzied at this much action – raised his hand and crowed, “twenty-five!”“Twen’y-five hun’red, it is!” Unkar took off his hat, rolling the brim in his hands, “now gents, ‘ave pity on an old man an’ ‘is crippled son! Look a’ this fine example of womanhood! She’ll be a credit to ye! She’ll ease yer burdens, an’ be kind to ye, an’ bear ye many children!”Thus far, Rey had endured the humiliation as stoically as she could, but this last! She grit her teeth. She had been avoiding looking in Benjamin’s direction, knowing he was staring at her. But now she glanced over nonchalantly to see he had drawn out maybe half of the bills, and continued waving these in front of Unkar and the crowd, as if he too was begging them to be generous.Rey strove to slow her rapid breathing.Benjamin had astonished her with his eleventh hour offer of marriage, but now, only a few minutes later, he was the picture of indifference! So charming, so gregarious, waving the bills, goading the men, smirking and smug.Rey felt all the vexation of the last few days, all her wrath, congealing and settling on Mr. Solo; were he within arm’s reach, she would claw his eyes out!
“Who will make it twen’y-six? Why not twen’y-seven? Come on, lads, we’ve only begun, surely the biddin’ mus’ be livelier than this! Reach into yer purses! I can’t ‘ave ‘er go fer a pittance, when that man is waitin’ ter collect! Twen’y-eight! What about twen’y-eight?!”
The Baron’s butler priggishly called out for three-thousand.The company murmured at this, and Rey’s knees began to shake.Tarkin took out his purse and started counting bills.The drunkard in the back conversed noisily with his friends.The Count and Major Piett commented stiffly to each other.Unkar grinned, until he noticed Benjamin taking out another debt from the stack, to add to all the others. “The bid is three-thousan’! Who will make it thir’y-five?!”A hush fell over the multitude; Tarkin counting and counting again, Hutt laughing lowly to himself, and his servant looking about menacingly.
“What say ye, ta thir’y-one? I beg of ye, consider the prize ye stand ta lose!”
The man on the folding chair placed his quill in its case and slammed his book closed. He stood and announced, “five thousand druggats! Five thousand, I say!” His face was devoid of emotion, but his voice rang out for all to hear.The throng went dead silent.Tarkin stopped counting, slack-jawed; then stuffed his bills back into his purse.The Baron began raging such Huttese obscenities as Rey had never been taught but could guess.The lush in the back was yelling how he had been robbed, and so forth.Even Benjamin had stopped waving his vouchers about to gape at the man, just as surprised as everyone else.Unkar slapped his hand down on the small table that had been brought out to serve as desk, “five thousan’ once, five thousan’ twice… yer las’ chance…!” He looked around, in high spirits, “five thousan’, ter this man ‘ere! Ye’ve won an exquisite jewel fer yerself, sir!”The gentleman raised a finger emphatically, “oh, no, I didn’t buy her for myself!”“Ye were biddin’ fer another?” At the man’s nod, Unkar demanded to know whom he represented.The man quivered gravely, “Lord Ren!”Rey gasped, and stared at the man. All she could remember of Lord Ren was nightmare visions with no face, no shape.
“Have ye proof ye were actin’ in his name? I thought ‘e was dead!”
The gentleman produced a letter with a heavy wax seal, which he handed over for Unkar’s inspection. “If I may introduce myself, sir, I am Conrad Philip Percival Polonius Ostler. As stated in the letter, I have been a barrister for the Ren family for many years. If you have any doubts, surely there are those present who recognize the seal and can validate its authenticity.”Talk swelled up in a fury amongst the rabble; Rey could hear some of their exclamations, and began to tremble.
“Maimed!”
“Disfigured!”
“Crippled!”
“Monster!”
The barrister approached the porch, dropped a large bag of money on the table, then signed the banns identifying himself as agent of Lord Ren.Benjamin pushed up to the platform, waving the packet of debts in Unkar’s face. “I claim it all but fifty druggats! Four thousand, nine hundred fifty druggats is my price for these. Do you have any objection?”Unkar opened and closed his mouth several times like a gooberfish, clearly wishing to contrive some legitimate opposition. Instead, he sagged heavily back on his heels, exhaling loudly and waving his hand, mutely giving consent.Benjamin took up the purse, counted out fifty druggats, and left these coins on the table. Then he ceremoniously handed the bundle of debts to Unkar, speaking loudly for everyone’s benefit, “I didn’t believe you would come close to paying these, but you have, sir; and now I am satisfied. There is no further obligation between us, Mayor.”If Rey could have blasted them all, she would have done it without remorse! “A pox on you!” She dashed to the table to snatch a handful of the coins, and the parcel of debts from her father’s hand. Clutching these to her bosom, she flew from the porch, driving into the crowd at full bore and thrusting aside any who stood in her way.
“Oi! The girl ‘as stolen me money! Get out o’ me way…!”
Rey fled the ensuing kerfuffle: much hollering and jostling and what could have been a thump or two.Armitage cried out, “ye did that a-purpose, I saw what ye did!”Then Benjamin’s voice answering, too low for Rey to hear at a distance.She pushed inside the Mayor’s cottage, spinning and breathless in the foyer. She heaved deep breaths; then stomped to the parlor, and cast the pages into the fire.Unkar arrived, wheezing and gasping, “what ‘ave ye done?! Don’ ye ken? Those papers is importan’! I need ‘em, ta prove the debts is paid! An’ what ‘ave ye done wit’ me money?!”“The money is mine! My dowry! ‘Tis a mere pittance, and the only thing I’ll take from here!” She smoothed the front of her gown, “you had better be sure of all the preparations, for the morrow! I will only spend one more night in this house! Do you hear me, father? I will never set foot in this place again!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Rey arose early to find the house quiet. She doubted her treasured relations had yet returned from their long night of revelry.She carefully laid out the clothes she would wear: her own mother’s wedding gown, retrieved from the bottom of the trunk and meticulously pressed the night before. Though woefully out of fashion, it was still beautiful – the amaranth silk damask unblemished – and to Rey’s mind it lent a solemn air to the occasion that befitted her melancholy.As her privacy was unlikely to be interrupted, Rey had brought the wooden tub into the kitchen and now poured in the heated water. She had one last slip of scented soap – soap Armitage had brought to her when he was still thoughtful and would sometimes bring her small gifts from Kamino. But these days he was more and more like his father, and forgetful of the guidance he had received from his mother. She washed herself unhurriedly, attentively; and the last sliver of soap melted away into the water – gone, just like her freedom. The hired coach, dilapidated and shabby, rattled along its way to the small bourg of Lothal, where the wedding would take place. T’was crisp and chill outside, but even colder – frosty and silent – inside. Rey kept to her own corner, huddled in her wrap, not having spoken a word to either her father or her brother, and doing her best to ignore them.Unkar and Armitage held their heads, grousing at every bump and jolt of the carriage; unable to rest despite the fatigues of having stayed out all the night before.As the hackney clattered through the narrow streets of Lothal, Unkar called out directions to the driver; and by midmorning they finally arrived at the stone church. Lord Ren’s carriage already rested out front, the driver and footman both standing at the ready.Unkar lurched from the gig, stretching up to peer inside the Ren carriage; and was affronted to find it empty. He huffed and puffed, then charged to the church, brashly shoving the doors wide, Armitage and Rey following in his wake.His brusque entrance drew the attention of the reverend and the barrister – Mr. Ostler whom they had met before – standing together by a small desk near the chantry, and they spun around to face him.Armitage collapsed into the back pew, threw his arm over his eyes with a loud groan, and there he remained, only moaning occasionally.Rey circumspectly removed her cloak and bonnet and hung them from a convenient peg, then waited on events, maintaining a façade of calm.Unkar stomped his feet, blustering, indignant when he didn’t immediately receive the respect and deference he felt were his due, as father of the bride. The clergywoman, dressed in austere brown robes, spread her arms wide in preparation of welcoming the Plutt family, when the door to the rectory crashed open.A man emerged, stooping significantly to pass through the doorway, as he was tall as a braga bear, and just as broad.Rey gripped a nearby pew, gasping. For all that her remembrances of Lord Ren were vague, she certainly didn’t recall him being so very large.The man was speaking, in a deep rumbly voice, but accented so strongly she couldn’t make out his meaning. At the end of his declaration, he looked to Plutt expectantly.Unkar, a monoglot if ever there was one, had most likely not understood a single word whatsoever; but eager to make a good first impression, cleared his throat noisily and exclaimed, “yer lordship!” and stumbled toward the man, offering his hand to clasp.The man started back, raising up to his full, shocking height, then chuckled a low and rolling laugh, his blue eyes twinkling from behind a thick, brown beard.Before Unkar could take offense, Mr. Ostler stiffly intervened, “oh, no, sir! This is Mr. Chewbacca, Lord Ren’s man!”Embarrassed, Unkar grasped his lapels, bouncing importantly on his toes, “mmph, of course! Needless to say, indubitably!” Rey exhaled, somewhat relieved. Though for all his substantial bulk this man didn’t seem dreadful, or ghastly; merely enormous. As she studied him covertly, she did note that his dark brown suit of clothes was sturdy and well-made, but by no means of the elegant quality one might expect of a lord on his wedding day.“An’ where is ‘is lordship, if I may be permitted ter ask?” Unkar demanded, “‘is majesty is ‘ere, ain’t ‘e?”“Lord Ren is awaiting in the minister’s chambers. He will join us at the appointed time, sir,” Mr. Ostler asserted.Not entirely sure of his standing in this company, Unkar bided his time, mumbling something under his breath about being too lowly to be invited to join his son-in-law.Rey sank down in one of the front pews, miserable and nervous, and snapping her trembling fingers rhythmically against a tiny fold in her skirts. Although Mr. Chewbacca’s appearance had served to lighten the mood to a small degree, truth be told she felt like a criminal awaiting hanging. And only time would tell if the noose marked the end of suffering, or if the true hell lay beyond. Despondent and preoccupied with her dismal thoughts, Rey had no doubt someone would alert her when she was wanted.The parson seemed serenely incognizant of any perturbation or quandary, and busied herself organizing all the proper paperwork. She carefully read through the wording, then applied her wax seal and signature. Plutt and Mr. Ostler were both invited to sign, as witnesses. And then Rey was encouraged to come forward, and imparted the quill.Rey pressed her shaking hands against the tabletop and bent over the document, blinking through blurred vision to discern the proper placement of her signature. By arduous dint of will she penned her name, leaving only one small marring blot of ink to betray her agitation.The proceedings ground to a halt, however, when the groom failed to appear.“An’ will ‘is lordship be joinin’ us, or will ‘is barrister again act in ‘is name?” Plutt made little effort to hide his aggravation.“I feel certain Lord Ren will want to speak the vows for himself,” the vicar replied; and then, still unruffled, she motioned to Mr. Chewbacca, who ducked back into the rectory.There ensued an extended wait – wherein Mr. Ostler occasionally emitted nervous little sighs of, “oh my!” and wrung his hands; Unkar paced, only pausing to grumble various epithets and blasphemies; Armitage snuffled and snored; the clergywoman repeatedly smoothed the front of her vestment; and Rey strived to slow her breathing to save herself from falling in a swoon.All turned to watch when Mr. Chewbacca reappeared, and then stood, holding the door.There was a noise… of footsteps. A loud stamping of a heavy boot, then a dragging, and a clop. Stamp, drag, clop. Stamp, drag, clop.Rey’s mind flew to the words of the crowd…“Maimed!”“Disfigured!”“Crippled!”“Monster!”And suddenly, Lord Ren came into view, out of the unlit doorway; a large dark form, cloaked in black with the hood pulled forward.The first feature Rey could comprehend was the reason for his limp: the boot of his right foot had a thick, heavy, wedge-shaped sole, that appeared to be so for the purpose of straightening a clubbed or twisted foot. After each step, this weighted foot was dragged sideways to meet the other; and he gripped a heavy cane.Suddenly cold and thoroughly unnerved, if she hadn’t been frozen in place Rey would have run away screaming in hysterics. Slowly, Lord Ren raised a black-gloved hand to put back the hood. Rey reluctantly dragged her gaze upwards; and in the dimly lit church, with the flickering candlelight falling upon him, the sight that met her eyes was more frightening than anything she could ever have imagined or tried to prepare herself for.Lord Ren’s face and head were completely covered by a black leather helm, neatly stitched and close-fitting so there was no hint of the features beneath. Around the eyes and inlaid into the cheeks were strips of silver filigree, which perhaps concealed the vents that allowed him to breathe. The eyes themselves were obscured by a thin sheet of smoky crystal or dark glass, expertly set into the leather.Rey was numb with shock, and it was only with a dazed sense of awareness that she comprehended additional details about him. He was very tall, and broad, and his left shoulder rose higher than the other. Whether this was due to some additional deformity or ascribable to his lame foot, she could not tell. He was very richly dressed, all in black and deepest blue, and all of the finest cut and quality, his dark velvet coat stiff with elaborate gold stitching on the high collar and cuffs.Taken together, he presented a most fearsome aspect for a young woman looking upon her future husband for the first time.Lord Ren moved to face them and bowed laboriously. “Miss Plutt.”His voice sounded hollow and distant, distorted, and his breath hissed strangely through the mask.He turned to curtly acknowledge, “Mayor.”At this, Unkar blinked, then snapped his mouth shut, and gruffly stumbled over his reply, “Lor… Lord Ren.”Lord Ren then faced Rey, giving her his full attention. “I must ask your pardon, lady, for my appearance. I was once straight and strong like other men, but misfortune befell and I was scarred in a fire. Now, dogs bark at my heels and children wail at my approach, so I choose to wear a mask. “Perhaps you can understand why I have labored to remain unseen, and why I conducted my business through an agent. But this is one occasion I couldn’t ignore. “After seeing you in my home, and presented with the opportunity to make you my wife, I hastened to make the arrangements.”With a flick of his fingers toward her, he continued, “before we proceed, I must ask, madam, if you are of age.”Rey stared at him, bemused and unsure if her voice could be trusted, when a loud guffaw erupted from Unkar.“Why, ‘is lordship mus’ be blind, if’n ‘e cannna see she’s past ‘er prime!” Plutt chortled and laughed, but choked a cough when he realized his blunder. The vows hadn’t yet been spoken, after all, and Lord Ren might still withdraw his troth. “Ah! Tha’ is…!”Lord Ren interrupted, “I was addressing the lady.” Rey quietly cleared her throat and rasped, “I am 24 years of age, sir.”“Very well. It is now your choice.” Lord Ren seemed to look on her intently. “Will you stand by your father’s words? Will you accept me as your husband?”Rey was astonished – she had never expected the opportunity to demur. But she had promised her father she would see the marriage through. And, her father might refuse to take her back, if she were to renege on the deal she had made. The money was all but gone, and Unkar would never be able to repay it. Truly she had no other choice. And so she replied, her voice ragged and strained, “yes, my lord. I stand by my father’s words.”Unkar rubbed his hands together enthusiastically, completely recovered from whatever upset he had undergone and now gesturing urgently toward Rey. “Let’s be abou’ it, then! We’ve wasted precious time as ‘tis!”Rey was shaken by her father’s callousness; casually committing her to a life of horror. Here he was, impatient to hand his daughter over to this frightful man, whom they knew nothing about! Plutt’s eagerness shredded whatever vestige of love or respect she could have felt for him. After this day, she vowed, he would no longer merit her parental honor; and she would readily confess feeling no sadness at the thought that she might never see him again.Unkar had used Armitage, and now he used her ruthlessly and for his own purposes, without compassion, even when confronted with the twisted, misshapen man who would be her husband. He would hardly be more than a stranger to her, henceforth.With a nod, Lord Ren twisted about and lurched toward the desk, and the marriage license. Hunching in on himself, he removed one glove, taking pains to keep the hand hidden, and was occupied for long moments, first reading and then signing the banns. After replacing his glove, he again faced the company.Rey caught only a brief glimpse of his signature on the document, and could only determine that he displayed a neat, graceful script, and that there was quite a lot to it, as he undoubtedly possessed many names and multiple titles.The reverend solemnly directed everyone into place, and Rey reeled now the moment had arrived, and feeling dwarfed with Lord Ren standing next to her. As they waited for everyone shuffling about, and the parson sought the proper place in her ecclesiastical volume, Lord Ren inclined toward Rey. She withdrew minutely, to avoid touching him.His whispering voice was low and meant only for her ears, “Aurora?”“Ah…” muddled, Rey bobbed a slight curtsey and murmured, “that is my given name, yes.” Out of the corner of her eye she saw him dip his head in acknowledgement.In trembling tones Rey breathed her responses to the marriage vows, and in his turn Lord Ren did likewise, his grating voice echoing hauntingly through the chapel.In only a few short moments the ceremony was concluded, and with that Rey’s last hope that she could escape this doom was snuffed out.The vicar droned on, imparting some wisdom, but Rey heard only a buzzing in her ears, her breath coming with difficulty, and a heavy black gloom descending over her.She stared at the floor in desperation, when gloved fingers brushed her arm, breaking her trance. She jumped slightly, with a startled gasp, and lifted her eyes to look up into the face of the mask.“The ring, Rey! Take the ring!” Unkar whispered loudly.Impassively she looked down to see the black-leathered fingers, holding a massive jeweled ring, of such value as Rey couldn’t even begin to imagine. The round center stone was a clear, unoccluded garnet, or ruby, with a smaller square-cut gem to each side, in a gold bezel setting.Plutt panted in eagerness as the ring was placed on her finger. To Rey the whole affair was bizarre and dreamlike, and she could only perceive the strange reptilian coolness of Lord Ren’s gloved hands. And the knowledge that she would soon have to submit to those hands was truly terrifying.In too brief a time it was done. And now she was the wife of the dreadful Lord Ren.Rey despaired! How could she go on, living in this nightmare! And how could it be otherwise when she was bound to a creature who looked like he had crawled from the pits of hell!Breathlessly Unkar grasped Rey’s arm, turning her to face him and kissing her on the cheek in an uncharacteristic show of fatherly affection. Then he snatched up her hand to inspect the ring, betraying his true motivation. In his eyes glittered pure greed, and Rey could see the workings of his grasping mind. He would most happily appropriate an added portion of Lord Ren’s wealth for himself!Of all the Plutt family, certainly Unkar would be most pleased to live at Ren Manor, and partake of its luxuries. Of course, Rey cynically appended to herself, Unkar wouldn’t have the added burden of sharing a bed with the master of the house.In high spirits, Unkar directed the party toward the doors, and was emboldened to suggest, “an’ o’ course, yer lordship, ye will observe the Coruscanti custom, of a celebratory ale? The Haven Inn be jus’ across the way!”Rey could have died on the spot, of embarrassment for her parent’s shameless proposal.Lord Ren paused for long awkward moments, leaning on his cane and observing Plutt. Finally he hissed, “of course. And surely, sir, as the father of the bride, you will wish to observe the long-established tradition of bearing the expense.”When Plutt merely stared, slack-jawed and confounded, Lord Ren reluctantly sighed, “very well. The honor shall be mine.” A more uncomfortable gathering, Rey could not conceive of.Mr. Ostler had offered Rey his assistance with her cloak, after which the party had proceeded to The Haven, Lothal’s small but hospitable public house.Any discomfiture the proprietor had felt at Lord Ren’s unusual countenance had been immediately assuaged by the appearance of his heavy purse.Armitage had roused himself sufficiently to join Unkar in vociferously drinking the health of each member of the bridal party. Plutt was, no doubt, all the more keen to imbibe on someone else’s zukkel.Mr. Chewbacca, Lord Ren’s coachman and the footman too had been invited to refresh themselves, each with a pint, though these three did so in a significantly more subdued manner.Rey sipped the light wine Lord Ren had bidden for her, and Mr. Ostler, declaring his constitution too delicate for spirits, had nibbled instead on a digestive biscuit. He had kindly offered the second to Rey, who did find it helpful in settling her stomach.And all this celebration was overseen by the dour and forbidding Lord Ren, ensconced in a corner – silent, legs crossed and hand resting on his cane – glowering from under his hood.Before Plutt could call for a third round, Lord Ren deliberately put away his purse, then stood and motioned to his men it was nigh time to depart.Unkar quickly downed the dregs of his mug, then swiped his arm across his mouth, and unctuously approached Lord Ren. “Ah, yer lordship, I believe me daughter will be wantin’ ter come home, ter collect what remains of ‘er belongin’s.”Rey was taken aback by this request, as every possession that was truly hers presently rested within a small trunk at the bottom of the Ren carriage boot. She had watched the servants transfer it from one coach to the other, herself. And she knew Unkar knew this, as well.Lord Ren countered, “that won’t be necessary. All she needs will be provided at the manor.”Plutt foolishly persisted, “bu’ she dinna pack all her clothes, hardly a thing ta wear!”“There are clothes for her at Ren Hall, and more can be purchased if she wants them.”“Milord, will ye deny me a last few precious hours with me daughter?”Rey was ashamed of her father’s brazen behavior. Surely Lord Ren could perceive Unkar’s true intent.Unkar fawned pathetically, hat in hand. “Oh, I tried ter be a good father, an’ I hated what mus’ be done fer ‘er own good! But despite the pain it brought me, I resolved ter see ‘er properly wed ter a man who could take care of ‘er! An’ her kin!” Lord Ren struck his cane ominously against the floor, turning fully toward Plutt and regarding him for long moments. Unkar began to stammer, beads of sweat popping out on his forehead, and shrank under Lord Ren’s unfaltering stare.“You have been paid generously for your daughter.” Lord Ren’s tone was curt and frigid. “There will be no more haggling. The time for negotiation is past, and you’ll get nothing more from me. Now begone with you before I decide the bargain has been ill met!”Plutt staggered backward, shocked, and shoved his hat on his head, pushing Armitage out the door without a single word to Rey.The slamming of the tavern doors echoed strangely in Rey’s ears. The resonance seemed to mark the end of one life and the beginning of another, but all Rey could feel now was a hollow disquietude for the future.She roused herself from her dark musings to see her husband limping toward the door. Mr. Ostler tapped her arm lightly, “Lord Ren wishes to leave, madam; are you ready?”Rey stood and donned her cape, then accepted the barrister’s proffered arm and assistance to the coach.When they reached the carriage, Lord Ren was already inside, and Rey was relieved that there was no room for her on the seat beside him. He was settled in the middle of the bench, with his hands braced on his cane, his knees spread; the grotesque boot with the thick sole stretched out to the side in full view.Mr. Ostler handed her into the carriage’s dark interior, and Rey took the seat opposite her husband, apprehensive of his imposing mien and occupying herself as long as possible with arranging her skirts to avoid looking up or meeting his gaze.Mr. Chewbacca joined the coachman in the driver’s seat, with a great creaking and groaning of axles and spring bars as he settled his appreciable weight. With the crack of a whip they swung out into the road, and Rey twisted around for a final look at the church, and Mr. Ostler standing by himself, his arm raised in farewell. Despite the presence of her husband, she had never felt so alone.The silence stretched uncomfortably between them for what felt like hours.Over the clopping sounds of the horses’ hooves, and intermittent conversation and laughter between the servants, Rey could hear her new husband’s rasping breath.Multiple times, Lord Ren raised his gloved hand to the side of the mask, as if he would adjust a fastening, or as if the piece pained him. Each time, he paused, and then dropped his hand with a sigh. Several times, too, he drew breath as if he would speak, but thought better of it and held his tongue.Finally, he breathed, “it’s just us now.”Her anguish must have shown on her face, because he continued, “take heart, lady. Reverend Billaba has enough experience to know the difference between last rites and a wedding ceremony. “I can assure you, this carriage isn’t taking you to hell.” He straightened, shrugging, “then again, it won’t be heaven, either.”His lisping voice resonated strangely in the small compartment, and the only indication Rey had that there was a man under the mask was an occasional glint of his eyes through the darkened lenses. Rey understood from this statement, however, that Lord Ren was aware of his frightening appearance and, at least to some degree, he understood her trepidation, if not her revulsion.Rey didn’t trust herself to speak. It seemed more likely to her that she would break down in sobs, or throw herself from the coach, rather than engage in civil conversation. She was utterly terrified, and not at all certain that Lord Ren was earnest in his assertion that the carriage wouldn’t deliver her to hell, posthaste.As the tense moments continued, Rey sincerely regretted not having thrown herself at the mercy of Benjamin Solo, or begging her father to accept his proposal.And then there was Wilhuff Tarkin, or Count Dooku, or even the Baron von Hutt! No matter how detestable or unhandsome they might have been, would they truly not have been better than this hooded creature, who watched her like a hungry hawk?! He was her worst nightmare, and now she was caught in his sharp talons, tender bait for the devouring.Rey was shaken from these bleak thoughts by the carriage hitting a rough and rutted section of the road. For a long stretch the going was very rocky and rugged, indeed.All her worries were pushed to the back of her mind as she occupied herself with keeping her dignity and her seat.She tried to brace herself against the opposite walls, but found her arms too short. She tried to brace herself against the seat back, but found herself bouncing all the more. She really had to give the carriagemaker his due: the seats offered a springy and resilient ride.Lord Ren swayed with the motion, seemingly undisturbed. Bumping and thudding along, Rey’s bonnet fell back; and as the ride continued, several pins worked loose and her hair fell down about her shoulders in waves, but she had no calm moment to repair her appearance.Once the jolting stopped, Rey reached up to twist her hair back into some semblance of order, but Lord Ren gestured, indicating she should defer. She slowly lowered her hands into her lap, even more disconcerted than before and unsure if he was watching her or not, as she couldn’t really see his eyes through the mask.After another strained interval, Lord Ren spoke once more.“Aurora.” Her name was spoken in a most peculiar way, long and drawn out.When he didn’t continue, she hesitantly replied, “yes, milord?”For long moments he didn’t seem disposed to say anything else at all, but finally he whispered, “a handsome name… for the most handsome woman of my acquaintance.”“Oh, I…!” This compliment was so unforeseen as to completely flummox her, “… I… thank you, milord,” and she released the fold of skirt she had twisted up in her fingers, “…ah…” and clasped her hands primly, not knowing where to look.At long last they crested a small rise and Ren Manor came into view, giving Rey some reason to direct her gaze out the window.The manse was beautifully situated, a large, imposing building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of woody hills. As they approached by way of the wide lane, the burned wing was only barely visible; and the billowing clouds, and the golden afternoon sun, and the glittering view of the sea in the far distance. The road brought them to the front of the manor, where she could see a small curving river at the remoter side, with an eddying inlet forming a small fishing pond.Despite the beauty of her surroundings, Rey sensed she approached a mausoleum, or rather a prison; and no prayers could ease her trepidation.Sooner than she could have believed, the carriage pulled up in front of the tower entry and Lord Ren maladroitly descended. Rey dreaded having to take his hand, but could think of no way to refuse his assistance. Once his boots touched the shale of the drive, he raised his hand – but it was to signal to the footman that his service was required, and this gentleman dashed forward.Rey nearly sighed with relief, grateful her husband didn’t offer to touch her, but she wondered if her husband knew how afraid she was of him, and how unwilling to touch him. Since she didn’t know his character, she couldn’t guess his motivations.Rey stood next to Lord Ren for a moment while the footman ran ahead to open the door. She held her hands tightly clasped, not wishing to draw either his attention or his ire.“Not being fleet of foot, madam, I would prefer if you would lead the way, and I will follow.”Rey startled at his voice, but was all too happy to acquiesce, as it would neither require her to take his arm, nor walk alongside him. She scuttled away, doing her best to ignore the sound of his limping. Stamp, drag, clop.Just inside the open door, Mrs. Kanata awaited, beaming up at Rey, and enthusiastically motioning her in and past the footman and butler. The lady’s patent joy at Rey’s arrival did much to calm her, at least momentarily.Rey was overcome by surprise at the change in the hall! The dust and cobwebs were all gone, and the walls were adorned with tapestries, shields, and other regalia of ancient chivalry.Maz took her things then led her into the parlor, where a pleasant fire burned in the hearth. Golden light poured in through the windows, and many candles were set about the room, and in large candelabra. It was a warm and inviting scene, that helped to put her at ease.“We’ve all done our best, mum, to see the manor scrubbed and cleaned for you!” Maz looked around, satisfied with their accomplishments. “A stranger wouldn’t know how grand this room would be, under all the dust and grime! But I was here as a young woman, when the old lord ruled the manor, and I knew how fine it could be!”Lord Ren’s grating voice was heard from the entry, calling Maz’s name, and both Rey and Maz turned with a start. Maz recovered quickly, however, and faced the master of the house with no trace or sign of fear.“Do you have need of me, my lord?”The butler had just taken the master’s cloak, and stepped aside.Lord Ren suggested, “show your mistress to her chambers. She might wish to freshen herself before dinner.”Maz agreed with a curtsey, and directed the butler – calling him ‘Mitaka’ – to see Rey’s trunk suitably dispatched, then brightly turned to Rey. “Your room is prepared and waiting for you, mum.”Rey followed Maz up the stairs, knowing her husband watched her ascent. She found herself more and more uneasy about what was to come, thinking of his rasping breath, his scarred hands touching her, and wondering how she would endure the long night in his arms.Maz led down the long hall. Even though the light here was dim, with sconced candles providing a soft glow, it was clear that this passageway had been carefully scrubbed as well. “Here we are, mum! You’ll have the lord’s chambers, just as before, and we’ve taken special care to see them cleaned for you, and fit for a king! Or his queen!”“Everything looks so different,” Rey’s voice shook, betraying her distress, but Maz bustled about, just as cheerful as before.“Just wait until you see what the master has bought for you! The loveliest gowns! They must have cost him quite a lot to see them made so quickly!” Maz pushed the door open, turning back to look at Rey, her eyes twinkling. “He must be very taken with you!”“Mmm.” Rey hummed, putting on a front for the lady, but inwardly unimpressed and only thinking, yes, he had enough money to win her from the other hagglers!As she stepped over the threshold, Rey was overwhelmed by memories of her stay there. The room had been thoroughly scoured and looked completely different, but she remembered a dark shape slumped in the chair by the fire. And now that she had seen Lord Ren in the light of day, her mind completed the features she hadn’t previously been able to make out: his uneven shoulders, his heavily booted foot, his appalling leather helm.The remembrances of these ordeals made her shudder, and her panic again began to rise. It took her utmost restraint to prevent herself from fleeing! She looked about, waiting for a few moments for the feeling to subside.Maz scurried to the wardrobe and flung the doors open, to show the large variety of clothing inside. She brought out several rich gowns for Rey to inspect. She showed her a chemise with delicate lace, and some beautiful nightgowns. Slippers with short heels and intricate embellishments. Bonnets adorned with feathers and lace, any one of which would make Bazine Snoke suffer a twinge or two of envy.Maz eagerly awaited her reaction, gazing up at her with such a look of expectant hope, that Rey couldn’t deny the gentlehearted woman. “Everything is lovely, Maz.”Rey acknowledged to herself that most brides wouldn’t be given so much on their wedding day; in point of fact, it would usually be the husband who received whatever his wife offered as a dowry. And this led Rey to the rueful thought, once again, that it was this very lack that had brought her to her present fate.Maz drew back the draperies of the small bathing chamber, “Lord Ren was desirous you should be made comfortable, and he thought of everything!” It was clear she was anxious Rey feel welcome and happy, and wanted her to be pleased.Inside the bower all was immaculate as well. Crisp linens, a tall mirror, and crystal bottles of scented oils and vials of perfume were all set out on the dressing table. Everything she could ever want or need; all was in readiness to answer her merest whim.Now seeing these generous gifts from Lord Ren, Rey dared ask, “you seem to know Lord Ren well. What sort of man is he, Maz?”Maz’s cheerful face sobered, and Rey watched the lady struggle for a moment with her response. “I know the master well enough to understand why he does the things he does. His family has suffered much at the hands of murderers, and many who would plunder what isn’t theirs.“The old lord was called out in the dead of night, and slain before the eyes of his kin! Lady Ren feared they would all be killed, and so she fled.“Three years ago, her son returned to claim the title and the lands.” Maz gestured with her chin toward the hall, “some claim the east wing was set afire on purpose at a time when the son was within, by the same ones who had murdered his father.”Captivated by the story, Rey couldn’t stop herself from asking, “and, was Lord Ren caught in the fire?” Maz paused for long minutes, staring into the hearth. Finally she replied, “the master has suffered much in his own way. But he bade me not speak of him at all.” She turned toward Rey, imploring, “I sought only to ease your fears.”Rey felt her shoulders sag, and a great exhaustion came over her with the weight of all the events of the day. “I feel in great need of a few moments to myself.”Maz took Rey’s hand sympathetically and asked if she could turn down the bed, or lay out clothing for her.“No, I thank you. Nothing now.”Maz patted her hand, then moved to the door and waited for a moment with her hand on the latch, until Rey looked up.“It’s none of my business, mum, but I ask you to please have faith. Lord Ren is…” she stopped herself. “Lord Ren asked me to say nothing of him. But I will give you this much. When you come to know him, you will be amazed at the man you find beneath the robes. And if you can trust me at all, I don’t think you will be disappointed in the least bit.”Maz bobbed a curtsey and swept out of the room before Rey’s tired brain could fabricate any response.Rey stood there, alone for the first time since leaving her father’s house. She looked about dully, and whispered to herself, “the Bride of Ren Manor.”Carefully, she removed her mother’s gown, brooding. What would her mother think of her plight? She had known her so little, in truth; had so few recollections of her. On the other hand, Rey knew exactly what Eleanor would think, and if that lady were still here, how different her circumstances would be!She mused sardonically how much the manor had changed in only a day or two since she was there last, like a chameleon. If only the same could be done with the master! Oh, that under his austere garb he might prove to be an acceptable husband!Rey reprimanded herself for such foolish dreaming. She must accept the reality of being married to Lord Ren, just as he was! More than an hour passed before Rey could rouse herself from her doldrums. She rummaged indifferently through the gowns in the wardrobe; even the beautiful silks, velvets and fine cottons couldn’t convince her she wasn’t doomed.She couldn’t find anything to dislike about the gowns and accoutrements Lord Ren had purchased, but she couldn’t take pleasure in them either. Yes, they were luxuries every woman dreamed of, but how quickly she would trade them to any woman who would take her place as the bride of Lord Ren!The time was quickly approaching when she would have to submit herself to her husband, and in that moment the thought of death held no greater fear for her.Rey didn’t really care about the clothes, and so she randomly chose a red velvet with gold embroidery, and laid it on the bed.She felt no enthusiasm for joining her husband downstairs for the wedding supper, but neither did she wish him to seek her out, to dispense with the formalities between them. Unwilling to appear anxious for his lovemaking, therefore, she bestirred herself to action. Perhaps someone could assist her!Rey clutched the dressing gown close at her neck, and peeped out into the hallway. Oh!A girl was there – very pretty, but her brown eyes were anxious – pacing back and forth. Seemingly relieved at Rey’s appearance, she introduced herself as Kaydel, and explained that she had just arrived from Coruscant to act as lady’s maid to the new mistress.Kaydel had been well-chosen, and proved adept each task she undertook. She first drew a bath – hot running water, imagine! – and added a few drops of scented oil. Rey did not linger overlong, but when she had finished, Kaydel helped her out of the bath, assisted her with the linens, and rubbed some perfumed oil into her skin.She helped Rey into a gossamer-thin chemise, her stays and petticoat, and bid her sit before the mirror. Kaydel dressed Rey’s hair in an elegant, upswept twist, weaving in silk ribbons to match the gown Rey had chosen. One tress was curled with a hot iron, and fell down to the side against her bosom. Then she helped Rey into the dress.But Rey immediately had serious regrets about the gown she had selected so insouciantly.It was exquisite, truly: a deep scarlet silk velvet, with long, fitted sleeves and an abundance of intricate gold embroidery at the front of the skirt, and at the shoulders, and also framing the decolletage.And herein lay the difficulty.The neckline was deep, and bared her bosom in a shocking display, barely safeguarding her modesty. And considering she had no desire to tease or encourage her husband’s advances, it was a terrible choice.Of course, during her illness, Lord Ren had seen much more than the gown revealed. And, judging by the gowns he had purchased for her, he had taken special, careful note of her size and form.But now she couldn’t very well put the gown aside, seeing as Kaydel had spent the last half an hour and taken such painstaking care to weave matching ribbons into her hair!Rey agonized over her appearance, even considering feigning illness, to avoid her husband seeing her in the gown, when Maz came in to check on her progress.“Oh, my lady! You are positively radiant!”“Thank you, Maz, the gown is lovely, but I’ve started to worry it might be a little chilly downstairs. Perhaps I should change?”“Hmm.” Maz considered her for a moment, laying her finger aside her cheek, thinking. “I do believe I saw a shawl… let me fetch it for you!” She then spent several minutes rooting around in the wardrobe. When she finally straightened and spun about, she held a cream chiffon shawl, embroidered with tiny blue, yellow and pink starflowers, and dainty green leaves.“I’m sorry, this is the only one, but it’s too thin to do much.”Rey accepted the delicate cloth, affecting an indifferent air, “it will have to do, I suppose,” and wrapped it round her shoulders, draping the fabric and tucking carefully to cover her chest. Having exhausted every excuse for delay, Rey queried, “where is Lord Ren… ah, where is my husband, please?”Maz gestured toward the door, “he’s in the common room, below. Waiting for you.”This declaration set Rey to fretting again. She took in a long, measured breath, gathering her courage, and left the room.Her slippers pitapatted in the quiet hall; the sound very loud to her ears.As she came around the newel at the top of the stairs, she could hear the ponderous stamp-drag-clop of her husband’s footsteps at the bottom of the tower, and she was filled with dread at this doom she must face.There was a long, drawn-out moment, wherein Rey waited with bated breath at the top of the stairs, and Lord Ren waited with rasping breath at the bottom.She couldn’t see his eyes, but she knew he was watching her, his gaze passing raptly up and down, and taking in every detail of her appearance.Heart pounding, Rey wasn’t sure she could descend the stairs without fainting.Taking a firm grip on the banister, she made her way gingerly down the stairs, breathing slowly and relaxing her jaw. She stopped on the last step, and still he was the taller. She raised her eyes to where his would be.“Madam, I compliment you on your beauty. However…” deliberately and cautiously, he raised his hands and removed the shawl. “You require no additional adornment. I prefer the simple elegance of the gown.”He lay the shawl over the balustrade, and Rey could see enough of the glint of his eyes through the glass to know that he was carefully observing her bosom. She fought the impulse to cover herself with her hands.Her heart was beating so fast, she felt certain he could see her breasts quivering. This was all but confirmed by his next utterance.“Come, my love, near the fire. You’re trembling.”Thankfully, he didn’t offer to touch her, but only moved aside and motioned for her to precede him to the parlor.Rey hurried past him, into the drawing room, where she chose a chair near the blazing hearth, and there she perched, tensely, like a little bird poised to fly at the first provocation.Lord Ren considered her for a moment, then busied himself at the side table. After a few moments, he offered her a crystal snifter of Starlight brandy.She took the glass from him, keeping her fingers far from his.Rey stared into the fire, sipping the wine through a very stilted and difficult silence. Lord Ren stood at her side, watching her, his grating breath sometimes hitching as if he would speak.Finally buckling under the pressure, Rey set the glass on a small table with a tiny clink, and leapt from her seat. She wandered the room, pretending to admire a portrait here, a vase there, but could not find a way to escape Lord Ren’s constant regard. She inspected a collection of blue Endorian butterflies, pinned under glass, that under normal circumstances would have fascinated her, but tonight she couldn’t force her eyes to focus on the small labels.And all the while, Lord Ren watched her, clenching and unclenching his fists.As the minutes dragged on, Rey realized that, even more frightening than the impenetrable mask he wore, was the uncertainty of what would be found beneath.Many years before, in Coruscant, she had been confronted by a drunken beggar – a disfigured veteran of the wars – his face marred by shot and frozen in an angry snarl. Perhaps under Lord Ren’s mask she would find a face horribly burned and warped!Just being in the same room with him unnerved her; every move he made caused her to jump. Finally, afraid her wobbling legs wouldn’t support her, she sunk to the chair again.“How did you find your rooms?”His sibilant voice started her, and her hand flew to her neck.“Ah…!” she cleared her throat quietly, “they are very fine. Thank you.”Lord Ren waved his hand dismissively and inclined his head contemplatively, pausing a moment. “Maz has done an exemplary job of it. There is still much to be done, of course, but we can enjoy some of the manor’s comforts now.” His voice resonated so strangely! “I do apologize for the state of the hall before. I was staying here alone at the time of your accident.”“Yes, I thank you,” Rey’s heart beat the faster for the reminder, “thank you for taking care of me.”If t’was possible, his whisper took on a warmth, of humor or emotion she could not tell, “I was pleased to be of service. It was fortunate I came upon you in time.”Uneasy, and wary of broaching the topic of her state of undress at the time, or reminding him of it, she offered, “I don’t remember much of what happened. Of your finding me, or my illness.”“Mmm.” He sat awkwardly upon the chair opposite her. “I heard the hounds, and knew someone was poaching on my lands. I simply followed the din, and found you. I brought you here, and cared for you until Maz arrived. By then the fever was gone and I knew you would recover.”“I should argue, it was then you decided to buy me as a wife.”“No argument is necessary, lady. You have the right of it. The opportunity proved to be a temptation I could not resist.”Just then, Mitaka appeared in the doorway, looking about nervously and announcing, “dinner is served.”Lord Ren stood, and once again didn’t offer to touch her, but motioned she should lead the way.Rey followed the butler to the dining hall, where a single place had been set at the end of a long table.“Oh!” Rey halted, unsure, “is this…? Am I…?”“I shall be taking my supper later, madam.”She glanced over her shoulder at her husband. “Ah. Of course.” Clearly, he couldn’t partake while wearing the mask. In truth, Rey didn’t wish to be present for the removal of his mask. Now that she was convinced the visage underneath would most probably be hideous, she wasn’t sure she could endure eating, after the mask’s removal. And the sure knowledge of his appearance might make facing him in the bedchamber all the more difficult.Lord Ren limped past her, then drew out her chair. Despite his menacing appearance, he was certainly well acquainted with all the gentlemanly etiquette and courtesies one would expect of a man of exceptional breeding. Rey only prayed that such gallantry would extend to all facets of their married life.After Rey sat, Lord Ren remained behind her chair, still, for an exceedingly long time.Rey froze, unsure if something was expected of her, or if she had angered him in some way. But as the moments ticked on, she began to sense that he was watching her intently, and she suspected that this was in some way related to her gown.Finally, Lord Ren clumped to his own seat, and while his back was turned Rey dared a look down at her decolletage.It was just as she feared! The neckline had slipped, and one rosy nipple was partly visible. She quickly pressed her fingers against her breast, tucking all within her chemise.“I suppose you chose this gown, milord? Are you satisfied with the fit? Shall I wear it again, perhaps when we have guests?”As he took his chair, Lord Ren chuckled quietly. “Indeed, lady, I would prefer you choose your gowns more carefully, and reserve such sights for my own eyes. I find I very much despise the thought of other men beholding that which I have claimed for myself.” He regarded her for long moments, tapping his gloved fingers softly against the table. “It did not seem, my love, that there were any of your suitors you preferred. Therefore, as I wanted you for myself, I endeavored to bring my desires to fruition. Was I mistaken? Was there another gentleman you would have preferred?”Amber eyes and a crooked smile immediately flashed across her thoughts, and Rey turned away, humming indifferently. She swiftly reminded herself, she hated Benjamin Solo! For all his glib proposals, he had been content to see her sold to someone else, as long as he got the money he was owed! “No, milord. There was no one.” She heaved deep breaths.When she finally turned to face him again, Lord Ren was gripping the arms of his chair, fit to snap them clean in two!But before she could recoil or even ask if he was unwell, a servant swept in, bearing the first course: a creamy nuna and quinto soup.By the time Rey had set her napkin in her lap and lifted her spoon, Lord Ren appeared to have recovered his good humor. “Good. I won’t suffer any qualms about snatching you out from under their noses.” He waved his hand flippantly, “it was either one of them, or myself, and I do believe you are better off with me. Let us consider, shall we, the Baron von Hutt.”“You mean the bog slug?”Lord Ren laughed, “an appropriate appellation, my dear! Did your father divulge to you, that his most recent wife fell to her death on the stairs?” He paused meaningfully, and Rey stared at him for a moment. “You could be dining with him tonight, if I hadn’t given Threepio express instructions, to top all bids.”Rey blinked, parsing all Lord Ren had communicated, and settled on, “‘Threepio?’”Lord Ren chuckled again, “‘Threepio’ is the nickname I gave Mr. Ostler, when I was a child. Owing to his very long name.”“Ah. I see.” She lifted her spoon again and took a sip of the excellent soup. She hadn’t been aware of the fate of the previous Baroness von Hutt, and of course she was relieved not to be her successor. However, she had no guarantee beyond his own opinion that life with Lord Ren would prove any better. “Clearly, you took time and pains to learn about my suitors. Why?”“I wanted to be informed of your options. And when I was, I decided I was the best choice.”“Indeed sir, however,” Rey dropped her spoon down again on the table, sitting up straighter in her chair. “You gave precise instructions to your servants, that they should return me to my father. If you had not done this, I could have continued on my journey to Coruscant, or elsewhere, to find employment! I could, at this very time, be living a quiet, modest life in other climes!”Lord Ren regarded her for long moments. “As a gentleman, I couldn’t leave you to the whims of fate. In good faith, I couldn’t allow you to continue, unescorted, in any metropolis. And indeed, lady, the chances you could have traveled the roads, alone and unmolested, were very slim. No. A happy ending to that fairy tale is most improbable.”“Then you could have assisted me, sir! You could have sped me on my way, with a letter of recommendation to an upstanding household of your acquaintance! Or,” Rey paused a moment, as a new thought occurred to her, “you could have offered me employment in your own household! I know very well how to scrub a floor, and cook a meal!”Lord Ren had returned to tapping his fingers. When he replied, it was very quietly, “yes, my dear, I could have done that. But consider, my love, with you so close under my hand, my restraint might have found its limits. Were you then willing to become my mistress?”“Of course not!”“Then I see no advantage in further discussion of the matter.”In the awkward silence that fell, Rey didn’t dare broach any other subject. And Lord Ren seemed content to watch her, in silence, as she ate.The food must be delicious, Rey knew, but she could barely taste it. She forced herself to take small bites, so she wouldn’t choke. And she drank more wine than she knew she should. She must fulfill her duties as wife, and very soon.The room was quiet, aside from the servants coming and going, and the occasional soft plink of cutlery.Rey amended her previous thought, of the jaunt to the inn in Lothal earlier that day as the most uncomfortable gathering she could imagine. Indeed, she would heartily wish herself there again.Despite her slow progress, the meal was finally complete, and Lord Ren assisted her at her chair.“I bid you good night, lady,” Lord Ren bowed to her, and motioned to someone in the hall. Then he limped away, without another word.Kaydel crept in, pointedly avoiding crossing paths with the master, then hastened to Rey’s side where she curtsied, “milady.” “Thank you, Kaydel, you may go.” Maz dismissed the girl, then stood a moment, pensively scrutinizing the new lady of the manor.Kaydel had prepared Rey for bed: changing into a nightdress and dressing gown, then removing the pins and ribbons from her hair and spending long minutes brushing the long tresses. It had been a very long time since Rey had had anyone to perform such a service for her, and despite her apprehension for events to come, she closed her eyes and sought to savor the experience.Rey had attempted, with middling effectiveness given its massive size and dominance in the room, to avoid glancing at the curtained bed. She had also avoided thinking about what would soon transpire there, or wondering if the drapes were meant to retain warmth and privacy, or to stifle the cries of a woman trapped in the arms of a brutish husband.She had also attempted to feign nonchalance before her maid servant, with regards to the filmy translucence of her nightclothes.Now, Maz opened and closed her mouth, huffing with seeming annoyance at her own indecision. Finally, she steeled herself and blurted, “crink it, child, I must know, do you wish to speak to me, as a married woman? Can I allay your fears, or answer questions for you?”Rey stared at her for a moment, not grasping her meaning. “I… ah, I do wish to know if Lord Ren will come to me here…? Or, is he expecting me to…?”This somehow struck a chord, and Maz was suddenly nettled, squinting and pursing her lips. “Lord Ren doesn’t share his plans with me. However, his room is at the end of the hall.” She shook her head dismissively, her manner softening once again, “no, child, I meant to ask, do you know what happens between a husband and wife?”“Oh! Yes! My stepmother explained things to me!” Rey felt a flush rising in her chest.“Well. That’s something, at least.” Maz nodded, satisfied. Then she extracted a small vial from a pocket of her apron and approached, offering it to Rey. “What is this…?”Maz raised one eyebrow, “give it to Lord Ren. Put it near the bedstead. He’ll know what to do with it.” She took Rey’s other hand in her two, rubbing her thumb against Rey’s wrist soothingly. “Good night then, child. If I survived my wedding night, Force knows you will as well.”The lady grinned up at her, laughing inwardly at some joke Rey didn’t understand. Then she was gone in a swirl of purple skirts, leaving Rey alone, to wait.And wait.And wait.As the grandfather clock in the entry hall chimed the passage of two hours, then three, Rey paced, Rey lay on the bed, Rey curled up in the chair by the fire, Rey cursed.Whatever comfort had been granted her by the wine she had imbibed at dinner was long since dissipated, and now she seethed.The audacity of the man! How dare he leave her waiting in this state!She would damned well take matters into her own hands!Barefoot, Rey stormed from her room, spinning a moment in the hall and examining the closed doors. There! She could see firelight, under the door at the end of the hall, just as Maz had said.In a fury, she stomped to his door, and raised her fist to pound on the wood – wait! If she caught him unawares, perhaps he would have removed his mask. No! The waiting was untenable!Rey knocked.And waited.She clicked her tongue, and knocked again, more forcefully. Then tried the latch.The door was unlocked, and she pushed it open an inch or two. “Milord…?”Lord Ren’s strained voice sounded from within, “a moment, please.”Rey waited, and waited, her irritation mounting again, arms akimbo.Finally, “you may enter.”Rey pushed the door wide and stepped inside.Lord Ren’s rooms were less spacious than her own, though still elegant and comfortable; draped in blue velvet where hers were draped in red.He slouched in a large stuffed armchair near the fire, legs splayed, wearing trousers and shirtsleeves; his boots, gloves and mask hastily redonned. The remains of his supper, plates and dishes, were stacked on a small table at his elbow – along with a large decanter of Johrian whiskey and a glass tumbler. From his movements and demeanor, it was clear he had already indulged in at least two full drams.Seeing her husband, casually dressed and lounging at his ease, cooled her ire somewhat. “How might I assist you, milady?”His speech was slightly slurred, and even more sibilant than usual.“I… ah…”Lord Ren waved his hand blithely, “woy kae ree banki danko, dobyen.” *Rey observed him, cautious now. Plutt was not one to be trifled with, when he was inebriated, and there was no telling how Lord Ren might behave in such a state.Flustered, Rey spun around, deposited the little vial on the bedside table, and returned to confront her husband. He followed her movements closely, but did not question her.When he said nothing…! Did nothing…! Rey huffed, cross once more, “I thought you would come to me, my lord! The hour is very late!” Now she set her hands on hips, steeling herself for whatever he might say or do.After a long pause, in which Lord Ren straightened, surprised, his interest now piqued, he inquired, “have I understood correctly, lady? Have you come to join me in the marriage bed?”Rey clenched her fists, straightening stalwartly, “I am ready to do my duty, sir.”To her great astonishment, Lord Ren responded to this declaration by laughing; long and forcefully, bracing his elbows against his thighs.Finally he quieted, clearing his throat and pounding his fist against his chest, and coughing. When she only stared at him, confounded, Lord Ren sobered, whispering, “my apologies, lady. You do seem rather resigned.”“Indeed, sir. I am.”He considered her for long moments. “No. It shall not be so, between us.”“But I… I don’t… milord, I…” Rey stammered, utterly perplexed. “Will we not… ah…? Do you not wish to…?”He snorted humorlessly, “I wish to. You do not. And therefore, one of us shall remain unrequited.”“But, I…” Rey scrambled, “am I not your wife?”“As far as I know, lady, the marriage is legal and binding.”“That isn’t entirely accurate, milord, and you know it.”Lord Ren slumped back in his chair, “as far as anyone else knows, the marriage is legal and binding, and the only two people who could deny it are in this room.”Rey stomped her foot, exasperated, “did you not buy a wife, my lord?”“Don’t be preposterous. I would never buy another human being. Slavery is illegal.”“My lord! Be reasonable…!”Lord Ren expounded, “as part of the bridal arrangements with your father, I acquired, and disposed of, several of your father’s debts. That is all.”“Indeed, milord, and I thank you, as I know my father never will.” Rey watched him, more unsure than ever of what she should do, and stalling, “you do seem able to afford whatever you want.”“I have enough, for my needs.”“And will your wealth also buy revenge, for all that has happened to your family?”Lord Ren straightened, “be not mistaken, lady. There is revenge, and then there is justice. Sometimes the two are joined in one.”“Is your revenge directed toward me, or my family?”He waved his hand toward her, “have you done aught against me?”“How could I, milord? I hardly knew you before today!”“The innocent have naught to fear from me.”“Then why?! Why am I here, my lord?!”“Because I wanted you.”“But why?! The bidding at the roup was neither eager nor frenzied!”“Men have been known to hoard wealth, and make of themselves paupers. What good is gold, if it cannot bring a man what he wants?”“As your wealth has brought you a bride?”“Not just any bride, Aurora, but the one of my choosing! You!” He paused, “I could not have won you any other way. You would have refused my proposals as certainly as you rejected all the other suitors brought forward by your father! Would you censure me, for using my wits and my wealth, to acquire what I wanted?”“But you know nothing of me, milord! I may prove to be an acquisition you regret!”“Whatever your failings, my dear, the fact remains that I have become hopelessly entangled in my desire. You have captured my hopes, my dreams, my fancy!”“And what do you expect of the bride you have acquired, milord?”“What does any man want of his wife? To give him ease and comfort, to hear him out and give counsel when she can. To bear his children in due season.”Rey’s mouth dropped open.Lord Ren chided, “do you doubt my ability to sire offspring, my love?”Feeling her cheeks redden, Rey faltered, “I only… that is, I only thought you would not want children, my lord.”“On the contrary. I tire of solitude, and I can think of no greater succor, than to be surrounded by a loving family.”Rey swallowed nervously, then sidled around his chair to warm her hands at the fire. “You ask much of me, milord.” She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Before I was put on the block, I wondered if I could yield to the man who won me. A stranger!”Wrapping her arms around herself, she spun around, “but you, milord! More than merely a stranger, you are everything I fear!” Rey knew she risked much, with this admission. But neither did she wish to start her marriage with rape. “I have every intention of fulfilling my part of the vows! I only need time!”“I know mine is not the most desirable of appearances, but no matter what you might think, my dear, I am not such a beast, as to trap you in a corner, and force myself upon you.” Slowly, he raised his hand to the side of his mask, as he had done in the carriage. After long moments, he dropped his hand, minutely shaking his head. “Congress between husband and wife can be most pleasurable. For both parties.”At her doubtful scoff, he continued, “I have it on good authority. And I am most anxious to claim my rights as your husband. But clearly, you are not ready to be my wife.”Lord Ren heaved himself from his chair, and Rey shrank from him. He raised his hands placatingly, “I trust you will inform me, madam, at such future time as you are amenable. I shall seek to honor your desires; you need only make them known to me.”She nodded her head, willing to agree to anything if he would waive his immediate claim upon her.“I have only one request of you, lady.” At her frenzied nod, he continued, “just as you will have freedom of this house and grounds, so too shall I come and go as I please. I bid you never bar your door, nor turn your lock against me. Do you understand?”“Yes, my lord.”“For now, it is enough that you are safe.” His shoulders fell, as if in defeat, and he turned from her. “You may go. I won’t follow you.”Rey slowly backed away from him, glancing behind her anxiously at the door to check her progress, afraid he would change his mind. Quietly she moved through the portal, pulling the door until she heard the soft snick of the latch.She remained there, gasping, unsure how she had evaded this dire fate.There arose, from within Lord Ren’s room, a muted wailing; long and mournful.Then, a harsh shattering of glass. Rey spun on her heel, and fled.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Rey woke to the sound of cheerful singing, as Maz Kanata pulled back the curtains of her bed.“Good morning, lady!”Rey very reluctantly pried her eyes open; swollen and dry as they were from crying herself to sleep.Maz bustled about the room, filling a basin with water and laying a robe at the foot of the bed.“The master is coming up to see you, mum.”Rey groaned and pulled the bedclothes over her head.“Come now, child, you’ve too pretty a face to hide it! You’ll be sorry, if you don’t put your best self forward!”Remembering the shattering glass of the night before, Rey peeped out from under the blankets, “I don’t suppose Lord Ren has ever shown… violent tendencies?”Maz pondered a moment, “the three Ren Lords I’ve known sometimes wield sharp words, but would never raise a hand to their Lady.” She nodded to herself, satisfied with this answer.Rey sat up, swung her legs out from under the quilts, and accepted a wet cloth from Mrs. Kanata.“For your eyes, mum.”Rey pressed the cool cloth to her eyes, feeling her headache diminish a little.But the lady continued, “if you’re wise, mum, you’ll show deference toward Lord Ren. He’s powerful, wealthy beyond most, and…”Rey bounced from the mattress, dropping the cloth into the basin and interrupting, “pah! I don’t care about his money! I never wanted his money! All I wanted was a reasonable husband I could show some fondness for, and who would respect me in return! Not someone who would scare me out of my wits, with his mere presence!”Rey stood, shoving her arms into the dressing gown and tightly cinching the belt at the waist. She knew she was being indiscreet! But it must be obvious to anyone: she wasn’t exactly elated to be here! And she had seen, she wasn’t the only one nervous of Lord Ren! Kaydel, and some of the other servants were timid of him, as well!Maz sighed, “the fear will pass, child. For now ‘tis sound advice to take a care for your appearance, no matter the circumstance.” She waved Rey to the dressing table, where Kaydel awaited.Overseen by Mrs. Kanata urging them to haste, Kaydel soon had the Lady of Ren Manor brushed, smoothed and polished, with no lingering sign of the difficult night she had spent. And when Lord Ren entered, a few minutes later, Maz pushed the girl out of the room ahead of her.“Good morning.”Rey replied stiffly, “good morning, milord.”“It does not appear you have suffered any ill effects of your first night as Lady of the manor.”“Kaydel is very skilled. And Mrs. Kanata is very persistent.”Lord Ren chuckled quietly, “you must forgive Maz, my dear. She is extremely loyal to the family, and is most anxious for us to produce an heir.”Not wishing to pursue this topic of conversation, Rey only hummed, suddenly preoccupied with the various bottles and decanters on the table before her.Lord Ren continued, undaunted, “I would be just as pleased with a daughter, with her mother’s eyes.”“And if a son were to resemble his father, sir, what would he look like?”“You needn’t fear, lady. A father’s scars are not passed to his offspring.”Rey pursed her lips, then dared ask, “is that my purpose, then? To carry on the family line?”Lord Ren observed her a moment, “I have already told you. I acquired you, because I wanted you. Everything else is secondary. The children you bear will be beloved because you are their mother. You are the one, my lovely Aurora, that has haunted my thoughts and dreams.”Rey pressed, “and am I therefore to be a prisoner here, until such a blessed event takes place?”Lord Ren was brought up a bit by this, “nothing of the sort, lady, I assure you! If you want an outing, you need only inform me, or one of the servants, and the carriage will be made ready. If you like to ride, there is a fine gray mare with a sweet temperament in the stables. Temiri will saddle her for you.”Rey nodded, folding her hands primly in her lap.“But I must warn you lady, with some strength: you mustn’t stray any distance from the manor. For your own safety, I must urge this.”“Mmm. I’ve heard many stories since we arrived in the north country, of villains who would harass the incautious. But I’ve yet to encounter any more dangerous than the ones who seek to warn me of them.” Even as she spoke, Rey knew this wasn’t precisely true; thinking to the band of men she and Benjamin had encountered, on her flight from Kamino. But she reasoned to herself that it was never really proven, that they were highwaymen.“It is my greatest wish, milady, that you never meet those who prey upon the countryside.”“Have you met them, milord?”“You can be sure, madam, it wasn’t Corellians, that burned the east wing! I promise you that!” He lurched a step nearer the hearth, clenching and unclenching his fists. After a moment he continued, more softly, “as my life depends upon it, I have learned to be wary of many.”He turned to look upon her. “Your life depends upon it now, as well. And all the household.”“Do you know why the hall was burned, milord?”Lord Ren slashed his hand through the air, “like a pack of Loth-wolves, they lash out at anything that threatens them.”“And do you threaten them, milord?”“By my very presence, yes.”“Then they will try again.”“Undoubtedly. But this time I won’t be caught unprepared.”“You seem very sure of yourself.”He snorted quietly, “of all people, lady, you must know that I leave as little as possible to chance.”With that declaration and a bow, Lord Ren bid her good day, and limped from the room. The next days dragged by.Rey didn’t dare request an outing, despite Lord Ren’s suggestion that the carriage was at her command. She had no real desire to visit the market in Takodana, as she had no errand there in the first place. But neither was she eager to endure the brazen stares of the village gossips. Half would marvel she had survived the week, while the other half would be surveilling her belly and counting back not to the day of her marriage, but to her earlier stay at Ren Manor.Without occupation, however, the days were exceedingly long and oppressive.She often heard the ominous echo of her husband’s stamp-drag-clop.But she soon came to be even more leery of silence, as on more than one occasion she had turned to find Lord Ren watching her, or discovered he had long been mutely seated in a chair.Rey wouldn’t have believed she was so insensible to her own surroundings, but the only other explanation was that Lord Ren was capable of moving silently when it suited his mood or purposes.Twice now at her morning toilette, Kaydel had blanched and expeditiously vanished, leaving Rey alone, with Lord Ren standing in the doorway. Her room had a stout lock but she hadn’t tried it, by Lord Ren’s request. She was nervous of rousing his anger or aggression, as once that boundary was breached, it could more readily be repeated.He had promised to honor her desires, and asserted he wouldn’t force himself upon her, but in all these circumstances and meetings, especially if she was informally dressed or if they took place at odd times, she couldn’t interpret his motivations and she feared he had reached the end of his restraint. She could readily imagine herself screaming, unheeded, overpowered by his greater bulk and strength.Whether while breakfasting, exploring some far-flung corner of the house, or starting from a doze in her chair by the hearth; he would disappear as quietly as he had come, and Rey’s relief was profound. But in the back of her mind she knew that one day the debt would come due, and she must make good.Rey found some respite in her discovery of a very fine and well-stocked library, and spent an entire morning there, undisturbed. The rumblings of her stomach had only just begun to rouse her to conjecture of the hour, when her husband plucked up the top two tomes from the little stack at her elbow, to read out their titles.
“A Dissertation Concerning Candorian Plague Inoculation.
“Machines for Family Use, For the Workshop, and for a Lady’s Boudoir.” He considered these for a moment. “Mrs. Kanata has informed me that the household is in want of one of these new sewing machines. When they are more readily available.”Rey responded only with a little hum.“Your interests are exceptionally diverse, lady.”“You have an excellent library, sir.”Lord Ren faced away, contemplating the wall of tall shelves. “Many of them belonged to my grandmother. She was a great scholar.” As always, Lord Ren was impeccably dressed – if somewhat outmoded – his tailcoat fashioned of an embroidered green velvet of the darkest shade.After long moments, Rey returned to her reading – though with little comprehension, distracted as she was by her husband’s alarming presence – when a leather-clad finger gently prodded at the book in her hands. She raised the publication, to show him the cover.“Pneumaticum Universalis.” He hesitated, then, “when I was a boy, long ago in Chandrila, I witnessed for myself a steam engine trolley. Some say that in a day not long in the future, there will be a steam-powered horseless carriage, self-contained and without tracks, that can travel wherever the driver chooses.”“A horseless carriage?!”“Indeed, madam. Perhaps you should like to discuss the possibilities, while you take your luncheon?”Rey placed the ribbon in her book and rose from the divan, where she had been ensconced, but paused, turning back toward the pile of books she had selected, “ah… might I take these…?”“Certainly, my love.” He lifted the stack to carry for her. “This is your home now, Aurora. Everything in it is yours.” “… ik'aad ori'skraan… baby delicacy…? What is a ‘baby delicacy’…? Could he mean ‘colostrum’?” She scribbled furiously, taking care not to blot the ink.“… jatisyc ori'shya… more than delicious…? More flavorful…? More toothsome…? Tastier!” Rey had been working on the translation from Mando’a for hours, the last several by candlelight. Aryr Be Tarba a'Yao an Calyr Bal Bralhaor Loras, or, The Art of Preserving Animal and Vegetable Substances, penned by a Mr. Nicolas Appert, of Chandrila. Mr. Nicolas Appert: a tedious, verbose windbag excessively fond of his own prose, who had yet to provide the method! And already ten pages in!Luckily there were many enlightening notes in the margins, inscribed by the original owner of the book; someone named Padmé.Rey read over her last sentence, “… The milk turned out to be a yellowish color, somewhat imitating that of colostrum, of a density greater than that of ordinary milk; tastier and…” she yawned, her eyes watering, “… katagine… what is katagine…?”She weighted the corners of her parchment, set aside her quill and stoppered the inkwell, stretched her back and shoulders, snuffed her candle, and determined to make a fresh start in the morning.After a visit to the privy, she removed her dressing gown and kicked off her slippers, and lay down in the bed, staring into the lowering flames.
… katagine…
… katagine…
… sweet… of course…Benjamin murmured from his place in the armchair, “you smell as sweet as honeyblossom…”… and the glowing coals dropped to the brick firebox…Rey sat up, gasping in the dark room, and squinting to descry the armchair, empty by the fireplace. She hadn’t been married a full week, when Maz came to collect her breakfast tray, and also to inform her that Lord Ren wished to speak with her in the parlor.Rey dreaded the confrontation, despite their cordial conversation of the other day, as she was anxious to avoid several subjects.However, with Kaydel’s help she was soon presentable and peeping around the corner into the sitting room.Lord Ren stood with his back to her, leaning with his arm against the mantle. She was struck once again by his size and overwhelming presence.Apprehensively, she slipped into the room and sunk into a chair, fastidiously arranging her dressing gown to avoid his gaze. When she finally looked up, he spoke without preamble, in his strange, low, whispery voice, “there are some things that need to be purchased, in Kamino, and I thought you might enjoy the outing. I’ve asked Maz to accompany you.”Rey cautiously inquired, “and will you be chaperoning us, milord?”“No. I have other business I must attend to.”“But… milord, I’m not sure I understand. What am I to do?”Lord Ren cocked his head slightly, “I expect you to spend the day shopping, for whatever you will.” He removed a weighty purse from his coat and set it on the table near her. “This should suffice for the day, but if you find something you want, of greater value, simply inform Rio, and he will mark it, and return for it later.”“Ah… ‘Rio,’ milord?”“Mr. Durant. Our driver.”Rey gingerly picked up the wallet, “I am sure this will suffice.”“Undoubtedly Maz is eager to make a start. However, I…” He paused, “… I hope you will be considerate of Mrs. Kanata, and give her no uneasy moments.”“Milord?”“She would feel remiss in her duties, if anything were to… go awry.”“Ah.” Rey felt herself blushing, as she comprehended his meaning, and acknowledged to herself that she had considered escape, several times in the last few days. “Maz will have no reason for worry, milord. I shall not wander off.”“Very good.” Lord Ren turned again toward the hearth, “I shall impatiently anticipate your return, milady.”“Am I free to go, then?”“Of course.”Rey removed from the room, slow and reservedly; but this with some difficulty, as she felt wildly unfettered and could sense Lord Ren’s eyes upon her as she climbed the stairs.Once again in her room, she stood before the wardrobe, considering.She brought out her blue brocade. After the last few days of wearing the new day dresses that Lord Ren had gifted her, this gown, that she once had considered her best, now appeared very shabby.Rey wondered if it was a sign of an inflated vanity, this desire of hers, to appear well-tailored on her first foray in public as Lady Ren. It was doubtful she should encounter any acquaintance, in Kamino. As she considered, however, she thought perhaps it wouldn’t be advantageous to give the impression that Lord Ren was tight-fisted with her. She knew from experience how the gossip mill could churn, if granted even the tiniest seed of rumor.She returned the brocade to its place at the back of the wardrobe, and instead chose a beautiful walking dress with skirts of fine, snow-white muslin and a bodice of emerald green satin, with matching slippers. She also drew out a white bonnet trimmed with pink silk flowers.The skies promised clear weather, though chilly temperatures were to be expected this time of year: and so Rey brought out an embroidered blue mantle, lined in softest white fur.With Kaydel’s assistance, Rey was soon hastening toward the entryway, when she heard a whispering and soft giggling, and checked both her speed and noise of passage.“You great lummox!”That sounded like Maz! But the giggling was certainly very un-Maz-like. Rey peeped over the edge of the landing.Maz stood on the staircase, about five or six steps up from the bottom, and she had her arms around Mr. Chewbacca’s shoulders, holding him close, while he stood on the floor below, his arms extended through the rungs of the banister to encircle her hips. The two spoke lowly together, their quiet interaction punctuated by an occasional squeal from Maz, seemingly occasioned by an impertinent pinch or squeeze on the part of Mr. Chewbacca.Rey edged closer.When she came into their view, Maz smoothed Mr. Chewbacca’s thick hair back from his forehead, then pushed him away, extricating herself from his grip, and turned toward Rey. “Milady! Are you ready to depart?”“Yes, Mrs. Kanata. Ah… yes, quite ready!” Rey continued down the stairs, looking back and forth between the two servants, struggling to reconcile what their relationship could be. Were they clandestine lovers? Could she have misunderstood the interaction?“Very well!” Maz turned toward Mr. Chewbacca, pointing her finger accusingly, “make yourself useful, and tell Mr. Durant to bring the carriage around!”With a low comment and a soft chuckle, Mr. Chewbacca went out the back way, while Maz good-naturedly shook her head after him. “Twenty years, and he’s still as endearing as the day we married!”Rey stopped in her progress, gripping the handrail, her eyes darting to Maz. “He’s… ah, you’re…?” Several of Maz’s previous comments suddenly took on new meaning. “Mr. Chewbacca is your, ah… your…”Maz’s eyes twinkled merrily, “Chewie is my husband, yes!” She flapped her hand toward the back of the house, where doors could be heard slamming, and men’s voices raised jovially. “We’ve certainly been told often enough that we’re ill-matched!”“Oh, no! No, I wouldn’t say ‘ill-matched!’” Rey thought for a moment. “‘Disproportionate,’ perhaps.” Maz took Rey’s hand, giving it a pat and grinning up at her, and directing her toward the front door. “Indeed, mum. But does it follow that the disparity must be unwelcome?”Rey looked down, wide-eyed, on the little lady, as they walked outside to await the carriage. The ride to Kamino had been comfortable: Rey snug in her cloak, and with accompaniment of the housekeeper’s cheerful banter.But Rey couldn’t shake the sentiment that the excursion was a reprieve from hell, and Maz’s presence was a constant reminder that she wasn’t entirely free.Though now she thought on it, Lord Ren hadn’t treated her unkindly. Despite his disconcerting appearance, he had always behaved gentlemanlike, and courteous. Nevertheless, the whole week had been strained and tense, and now she could relax without worrying she would have to face him.After a hearty luncheon at the Dancing Pikobi tavern, and leaving the men with the carriage, Rey and Maz set about their tasks.At the first shop, despite her newly-elevated station, Rey saw no reason to prolong the undertaking, and bargained over the wares efficiently and attentively, just as she had always done. Maz observed this interaction, then nodded, satisfied.Outside again, Rey looked over the list and suggested they separate in order to conclude their errands more quickly. Maz agreed, and made for the fresh fruit and vegetable market, while Rey continued up the street, seeking a new pot for the kitchen, by way of the quill merchant, the druggist, and the Jedhan spicer.Hadn’t Maz indicated this direction? Perhaps the coppersmith was on the other side of the road.Rey better situated the several packages she carried, then passed over the cobblestoned street. She would return to the carriage to leave the bundles, and if she didn’t come across the craftsman’s storefront, perhaps Mr. Chewbacca could direct her… oh!Quitting the corset maker’s shop in a disorderly jumble was a party of garishly-dressed courtesans. Rey was roughly shoved aside by one of their number, “take a powder, duckie’,” and did her best to avoid being impaled by their parasols.She was still amid the group, being bumped and tossed about, when without warning a set of burly arms, clad in rough homespun, encircled her from behind, and the parcels flew from her grasp.An old tar, scruffy and unkempt, the rank stench of ale on his breath, spoke growlingly into her ear, “I ain’t never seen such a doxie like ye!” “Sir!” Rey struggled to escape the man’s grip and avoid his puckering lips, pushing against him, while he wrested her about, rudely grappling at her back with grubby hands.“Let me go!” Rey braced her arm against his throat, kicking him, anything she could do to break free, but he hooted and howled, easily thrusting her hand away and squeezing her tighter, his slobbering lips skimming her cheek and throat.“Ye smell as sweet as sin, girlie!”Suddenly, at the arrival of a looming dark presence, Rey glanced up, and gasped to see Benjamin Solo standing at the man’s elbow. The brute finally turned aside to see what had commanded her attention.“Oi, ye milksop! Get yer own, this un’s mine!”Benjamin smiled mildly, “if you wish to live, sir, you will promptly release the gentlewoman. Lord Ren won’t be pleased to learn you’ve mistreated his Lady.”The sea dog’s mouth dropped open, his hold loosening slightly, but he wasn’t yet convinced if he should take Mr. Solo’s threats seriously.Benjamin prodded, “you have heard of the Master of Ren Hall, haven’t you?”“Naugh!”Mr. Solo leaned in as if sharing a secret, “the ghost of Ren Hall, some say, burned to a crisp! But he lives!” Benjamin eyed the old salt, “the way the rumors have been flying around, you must be either deaf, or a stranger, that you haven’t heard them. I do encourage you to take a care for your own hide, and not cross him.”The gruff seafarer hastily set Rey away from himself, begging forgiveness, “why, I didn’ know tha lady was married! I was only ‘avin’ a bit o’ fun, I was!” and he anxiously retrieved the scattered packages, shoving them into her arms. “Ain’t no harm done, ye see!”Benjamin considered, “mmm… perhaps Lord Ren will let you go this time.” He looked Rey over critically, “she doesn’t look any worse for the wear.”With a mumbled salutation, the man hastened away, around the corner and out of sight.“Might I escort you away from this disorderly rabble, lady?”Rey huffed, “you have some cheek!”“Have I done aught to earn your displeasure, milady?”“Only spreading gossip about my husband!” Rey irritatedly rearranged the parcels she carried, inspecting them for damage.“Might I assist you with those things?”“Indeed not!” then, to her dismay, one of the smaller packets slipped from her grasp.Benjamin caught the package in midair, and brought it to his nose, inhaling. “Perfume for milady?”She held out her hand, exasperated, “kessinnamon, and tigmary. For the kitchen.”“Mmm. I’m glad to hear it.” He winked familiarly, “it isn’t your usual sweet fragrance.”Rey snatched the sachet from his hand, “we were talking about my husband!”“Yes, and so is everyone else! They’re all afraid of him!” Benjamin’s mouth curled up slyly at the corners.“Well, you’re no help, adding fuel to the flames! With all your loose talk of hearsay, and ghosts!”Benjamin straightened, his good humor not dulled in the slightest. “T’was only my aim to convince the old sailor to release you without violence. As I gained your displeasure by defending myself against your brother, so I now sought to avoid further besmirching of my reputation with you by using words and warnings. Did I err? Would you have preferred I kill the man?”Rey chuffed, “don’t be ridiculous!” and pushed past him to continue on her way along the boardwalk. “Can’t you… find some poor woman to ogle, Mr. Solo?”Benjamin followed after her, amused by her annoyance, “I beg your pardon, lady, for not defending you, blade in hand!” Rey clicked her tongue, pausing to peer into the window of the next shop.“I would have thought your husband would still be panting about your skirts. Where is the poor chap?”Rey shrugged lightly. “He didn’t accompany me.”“Really?”“He had business elsewhere.”Benjamin grinned, “and could I be so lucky as to find you unescorted?”“Of course not! Our housekeeper is with me…” Rey paced a few steps down the street, trying to avoid his laughing eyes, “she should be somewhere near.”“I would have thought by now you would be ready to leave Ren Hall.”Stunned, Rey swung around to look at him, her mouth agape.“I know Lord Ren well, and he isn’t the type that a beautiful young woman would want as her husband.” Despite Rey’s incensed look, he continued, more lowly, “wouldn’t you prefer my lodging in Coruscant? It must be more comfortable than a cold and drafty manor house.”“Mr. Solo, I feel absolutely certain I could never afford the rents on such a place.”“You needn’t worry, my lady, we could make the arrangements with little discussion.”“I see you have perfectly understood my meaning, sir.” Rey turned up her nose and continued her progress, stalking down the walk.At the next storefront, she paused again to inspect the wares in the window, when Benjamin came up closely behind her. She stomped her foot and spun around to face him again. “Truly, you confound me sir! I’ve barely been married a week, not long enough to know my husband well…”Mr. Solo interjected, “… if at all.”Rey glared at him, continuing, “yet I don’t believe you know my husband at the slightest! But still you are happy to insult him!” She paused, thinking for a moment, “there is more to Lord Ren than what others see. He’s been kind and courteous, providing for my every comfort. And he has never stooped to rudeness… unlike some others!”Mr. Solo bent toward her, speaking quietly, near her ear, “pray tell, lady, what else could he be? Has he taken you in his arms and proven his manhood?”Rey spun away, affronted, shoving him aside with her shoulder.He smirked down at her, “I assure you, sweeting, I wouldn’t have wasted any time. By now you would have no doubt of the readiness of my passion.”Rey stared at him, open-mouthed, shocked at his coarseness. “You insufferable lout! How dare you speak to me so, and in public, no less! I perceive your opinion of me, that you should openly suggest I become your mistress!” Rey hugged the parcels to her bosom, “you think I take my vows lightly? Indeed, sir, I do not! I am bound by my word, and you may best express your esteem of me by henceforth removing yourself from my sight!”“I can’t do that, milady.”“Whyever not?!”“Because, madam. You have captured my deepest desire, and most probably my heart.”“‘Most probably!’ Ooh!” Rey swung out at him with her slippered foot, which he easily dodged with a quick step back and out of the way.“Temper, temper, pateesa.”“You… you barvy villain! Get away from me before I retch at the very sight of you!”Mr. Solo grinned, bowing imperiously, “very well, I shall depart.” He glanced down the road, “I believe someone is seeking you; your housekeeper, I suppose. I will be about my business.”Rey turned toward the carriage – where Mrs. Kanata was indeed craning her neck, peering up and down the street – and then started off toward her, angry and grinding her teeth in vexation.Benjamin called after her, “if you have need of me, or if you change your mind, my ship will be here in Kamino, or in Coruscant. Captain Beckett will know where to find me.”Rey shook her head derisively, marching toward the Ren carriage, only wishing she could think of some scathing retort.Maz looked up at her concernedly. “Are you well, lady? You look flushed.”“Yes, yes, I am well. There are simply too many churlish ruffians about for a decent woman to manage on her own.” Rey stole a furtive glance back up the street, but Benjamin was gone, and she breathed more easily. “Once we find a suitable kettle, I should like to return home.”“But you haven’t gotten anything for yourself, mum!”“Lord Ren has been most generous. I can think of nothing I lack.”After a long moment, studying her worriedly, Maz yielded without further argument. “Very well, mum.”Chewie directed them to the coppersmith’s shop, and in short order they had made their purchase. Upon exiting the shop, however, Rey was surprised to find the carriage directly outside, waiting for them. There was a small group of onlookers amassed, women gossiping and whispering; but when Rey looked over at them they quickly quieted and feigned interest elsewhere.The carriage door swung open, and the massive person of Lord Ren descended from the conveyance to the road, there to await her.Rey hurried toward the coach, acutely aware of the many eyes upon them. Mr. Chewbacca approached to collect the packages she carried, and Rey turned to face Lord Ren.“I wasn’t expecting to see you, milord.”“I had business with Mr. Ostler, and when that was concluded he had obligations here in Kamino, so I begged a ride with him. Have you finished here, madam?”“Yes, my lord.”Lord Ren offered his arm and assistance into the coach, at which Rey froze.He whispered, “t’would be unseemly, my love, for you to embarrass me before so many, by refusing to take my arm.”Stifling a shudder, Rey reluctantly set her hand on his arm.She was surprised to find there was no deformity, and it felt warm and well-muscled. Strong and secure; not at all unpleasant. Somehow, this made Lord Ren seem less frightening.Rey mounted the step, and felt Lord Ren’s steadying hand briefly at her waist.Mrs. Kanata joined her husband and Rio in the driver’s box, “make room! I won’t be smashed to smithereens by the likes of the two of you! Keep to your places!”Rey could hear the buzz of the crowd, as Lord Ren got into the carriage, bracing his foot on the step and heaving himself inside, then settling across from her on the rear-facing bench.Mr. Durant whistled to the horses, and they got under way.After a few moments, Lord Ren chuckled, and Rey was too nervous to ask what diverted him.“You see? It was not at all like touching a snake.”Rey’s eyes widened, and she quickly looked out the window, too embarrassed to admit that she had thought this exact thing on several occasions. She hadn’t really thought of him as a man, but something diabolical.“I am a man, my darling Aurora.” All laughter was now gone from his voice, “with all the needs and desires of a man. And you are so beautiful it tortures me.”Rey heaved several nervous breaths, then steeled herself to implore, “my lord… I fear my imagination runs wild! I believe the mask makes me more fearful than it would to see what lies beneath!” She searched the impenetrable mask for any reaction, but found none. “Perhaps if I could see your face, milord…”“You would feel only rage and horror.” He thumped his cane on the carriage floor, with a curt shake of his head. “Wild imaginings might one day be conquered by fondness, and devotion. But if you saw my face now, it would forever bar the door between us. I must rather have darkness and uncertainty between us for a time.” Rey sunk back resignedly into the cushions.“I will bide my time to win your affections.” He too leaned back, arranging his lame foot more comfortably. “Surely you must know, lady: all that glows is not kyber.”Rey turned her gaze out the windows once more. Lord Ren had told her he wanted her, and one day she knew, she must submit.Yet on the other hand, he seemed unwilling to submit to her request, and she could not as yet reconcile the two in her mind.They were yet a far distance from Ren Hall, when shots rang out from behind them. Rey jumped, at first not recognizing the sound.It was the reaction of the servants that indicated there was some danger, as Lord Ren remained calm as usual.Mr. Chewbacca threw open a little door between the driver’s box and the coach body, bellowing, while Mr. Durant urged the horses to a greater speed, and Mrs. Kanata could be seen tightly gripping her husband’s arm.Lord Ren simply nodded at Chewie’s communication, then leaned out the window, but quickly ducked back in when a shot splintered the wood of the door near his head. He yelled for Rio to keep them at a good distance, and then, “I will see what I can do to dissuade them! And for Force’s sake, get Maz down!”Chewie responded almost cheerfully and slammed the little door, while Maz could be heard being shoved into the boot, outraged and yelling insults; but those stopped abruptly when a stray ball whined against a boulder at the roadside.“Highwaymen,” Lord Ren explained, for Rey’s benefit. “A dozen or so, and gaining fast. I am sorry to inconvenience you, my dear, but I must ask you to take the forward seat.”Rey scrambled to comply as the carriage bumped fleetly over ruts in the road, and Mr. Chewbacca fired a few wild shots from the top of the carriage.Lord Ren moved to kneel before the rear bench, seized the cushion, and pulled.Rey was surprised to see that the seat opened like a trunk, and inside there was a stack of over a dozen flintlocks and a store of premeasured charges in silk tubes.He took up one of the muskets, opened a small window in the back of the coach, then leaned against the open seat, cocking the flint and checking the priming pan; then he waited, watching, with the gun at his shoulder. A deep-throated bark filled the coach, and one of the highwaymen was swept from his horse.Lord Ren set down the gun and took up a fresh. Before Rey could brace herself, there was another deafening blast and the marauders suffered a second loss, the rider rolling in the dust.He took up a third musket, then looked over his shoulder at her, rasping, “stay behind me!”Chewie flung open the hatch, grunting in his heavy accent, and Lord Ren called out, “it is well! Just to the other side, then!”The little door snapped shut again, and Lord Ren tucked a matchlock under each arm, and braced himself by the door. “Ready yourself, madam, for a jolt; after we cross the bridge!”Rey settled further down in her seat, nodding wide-eyed. She could see through the rear window that one of the riders was bolder than the rest, spurring his horse nearer.The carriage rounded a sharp turn and Rey was flung to one side of the bench, but she quickly righted herself. She gasped at the sound of a hollow roar, and realized they were passing over a narrow wooden bridge with low post rails on each side.The roaring stopped, and there was another violent lurching and heaving as the driver stood on the brake and hauled back on the reins.Before they had completely stopped, Lord Ren threw open the door, one hand on the jamb, and leapt out, skidding into the middle of the road.He set one gun down, then checked the pan of the other, raised it to his shoulder, and waited.The lead rider rounded the head of the bridge, returning into their view.Lord Ren waited until the horse hit the bridge, then fired.The horse was hit square in the chest, and the animal collapsed nose first, turning end over end through the air, sending his rider flying in a high arc. The man landed with a loud grunt of pain, then rolled along the bridge at the side of the thrashing horse.The man staggered to his feet, dazed, looking about; then yelled, ineffectually, waving his arms at the others coming up behind him. At the last moment he vaulted over the railing and into the icy water below.One by one, the other men plowed into the dying horse; the last one avoiding the heap, but his mount charged into a thicket of briars instead, and horse and man together could be heard screaming as they disappeared into the brush.Lord Ren rose to his feet and discharged the other matchlock into the air.The outlaws had lost all interest in the chase, and were busy untangling themselves from the jumble.Rio whooped, “you did it! You unseated every last one of them! No one has an eye like you, milord!”Lord Ren wheezed hoarsely, “is everyone alright?”Chewie sniggered his rolly laugh, while Maz groused about her squashed bonnet.Lord Ren chuckled, and dragged himself back into the carriage. “And you, milady? How did you fare?”Stunned and dizzy, Rey stared at her husband. “I am quite well, milord. Thanks to you.”He got in and shut the door. When he was seated, he rapped on the little hatch with his cane and they lurched into motion. She intently watched him reload all the flintlocks, and return them to storage in the seat.“Would you stare at a cripple, lady?” His voice was no more than a whisper, yet she could hear the humor in it.“I am amazed by you, sir! One might expect you to be ill at ease in this world, but you manage its difficulties remarkably well! Despite your afflictions, I am of the view that you are a step or two ahead of most people.”Lord Ren inclined his head, “I will take that as a compliment, my love.”“You handled the muskets with exemplary skill.”“‘Tis the end result of much practice, my dear Aurora.”Rey wasn’t sure if she should press him further, but finally decided to ask, “you have heard, no doubt, of Benjamin Solo and his purported skill at dueling?” At her husband’s hummed assent, she continued, “do you think you could best him?”He huffed at this, “such an event would prove fascinating, but I don’t like to dwell on remote possibilities.”“No, milord, I didn’t mean to suggest that such a thing was possible, rather, I wish to know where you would place a man of such skill.”“By my side, if that were possible. It is foolish to antagonize a man adept with weapons.”Rey considered, “my father, and brother? Are they fools in your eyes?”“Your father, I do not hesitate to judge,” he snorted, brushing some dust from his knee. “I would prove myself a fool many times over, before I gave you up.” At this, he seemed to gaze upon her, until she looked away, blushing. “Your brother? He made a rash choice. Bravado of youth, perhaps, but his suffering is much of his own making.”“I cannot fault you, milord, for your truthfulness.”“If you’re feeling so generous toward me, then I have somewhat more to say. I don’t hold with dueling, but I have never shrunk from a contest of arms. If I could assure your love for myself with such an occurrence, I would challenge any who would come against me.”“Oh, ah…!” Rey had no inclination what to say in response to this. When she had spoken her wedding vows, she had been full of bitterness, with no notion of what her life would be like afterwards. Now after a week of married life, she still felt very uncertain about the future. After several moments of stilted silence, Rey turned to gaze out the window. Feeling Lord Ren’s eyes upon her, she surreptitiously drew her cloak closed at the front.The horses trotting along at a steady pace, the spirited conversation of the servants; Rey might have found it all soothing, under different circumstances.Lord Ren sighed quietly, “would you like to stop in Takodana, to see your family?”“No. I have nothing to say to them, milord. I should much rather continue on to Ren Hall.” Rey’s anger toward her father had not cooled in the slightest, in the week since she had quitted the Mayor’s cottage. Though as the silence stretched on, Rey did worry that Lord Ren might misinterpret her eagerness to return home.As the sun sank on the horizon, she squinted at Lord Ren; the golden light lent the eye pieces of his mask a strange glow that was most unnerving.Rey despaired she would ever feel comfortable in her husband’s presence. The next morning, Rey woke to find that Lord Ren had gone away on business, and would most likely not return for several days.She did feel quite relieved at this, but her conscience was pricked. Even if she was a disappointment as a wife, there were still many tasks she could accomplish, and in this arena, at least, she felt some confidence.Rey set out to prove that she was the mistress of Ren Manor.She rallied the servants, with Maz’s assistance, and organized them to continue the work that still needed to be done in the other rooms of the house.She consulted with the cook to determine needs for the kitchen, and sent Mitaka with Mr. Durant to procure those things at the market.She gathered healing herbs, teas, and medicinal salves – then asked Mr. Durant to bring the carriage around – and, together with Kaydel, visited the tenants, to introduce herself and see if they had any needs she could help fill.The people seemed happy to meet her. All were very kind, offering shy congratulations regarding her marriage. They were patently overjoyed at the return of Lord Ren, despite any rumors they might have heard about him, and despite his startling appearance.Rey was taken aback by their fierce loyalty to the family, and didn’t miss the tight-lipped looks, whenever Lord Snoke’s name was mentioned.They had had some difficult years with Lord Ren gone, but now that he was here to stay, they were again hopeful for the future.Rey felt a burgeoning respect and admiration for her husband, as she learned that he had reduced the rents and removed the onerous laws enacted by Lord Snoke, and instead put in place statutes that were fair, and that all could abide.He had also brought in a pair of bull moof and a dozen rams from Corellia, which would help create healthier stock for all the tenants.And Rey began to understand why the people so heartily welcomed her husband’s return.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Frinking firestriker ain’t worth a bucket of bantha spit!”
Armitage Plutt crouched at the hearth, striking the flint again and again, cursing, until finally his tinder caught. “Damned rubbish!” He shoved up from the floor, knocking his head painfully against the mantel, then stumbled around the room, snatching up unwashed clothes to toss into a pile.As the previous evening had been consumed in revelry, he had, yet again, neglected to bank the fire, and the parlor was colder than a siren’s teat. He flumped down on the settee to pull on the first two stockings he found.There was no help for it, the washing must be done, and soon – but it was a rotten day for it, cold and sleeting.Head in hands, he contemplated the rug, swallowing dryly and willing himself not to retch. A cool flagon of ale was what was called for, but in his need even a hot mug of tea would be welcome. But pursuant to the racket and profanities emanating from the kitchen, the latter was most unlikely; at least anytime soon.There was a knock at the door.“Ugh.”Dizzily he straightened. Through the grimy window and the storm, he could see the dark shape of a carriage, the driver bundled up and hunched over against the cold.Taking a deep breath, he scuffled to the entry, the knocking becoming louder and more insistent, every blow echoing inside his skull. “Hold yer dewbacks, ye son of a mudscuffer!”He yanked the door open, a scathing diatribe ready on his lips… gah!T’was Lord Ren!Armitage reeled back, aghast at the man’s terrible aspect. Though he’d seen the fellow before, and even stood by while his sister was bound to him in wedlock, Armitage doubted that horrible countenance should ever cease to impart considerable disquiet.“Yer lordship!” His voice cracked only slightly.“I have a matter to discuss with the Mayor.”That voice, so inhuman! Armitage began to suffer some qualms for his sister’s safety. Nevertheless, he nodded dumbly, standing back to admit Lord Ren.Once inside, the brute loomed even larger than before!As Armitage went to close the door, he peeped outside, “ah, yer lordship, would yer man care ter warm hisself, by the fire in th’ kitchen? ‘Tis a spittin’ mis’rable day out…” The driver was wrapped in a heavy bantha robe, making him appear even bigger than he had at the wedding; mammoth and shaggy.“No. My business won’t take long, and Mr. Chewbacca seems to prefer the cold.”At a loud crash and more howled epithets in the kitchen, Armitage chuckled nervously, “‘e’s rustlin’ up somethin’ ta eat.” Black smoke seeped around the door jamb, now accompanied by a cacophony of violent coughing and rhythmic thuds.“I do not share your optimism.” Armitage shrugged uneasily, “‘tis rare we get a good meal these days. Father ‘as only now begun ta reckon me sister’s true worth.”Lord Ren made a noise that must have been a curt laugh. “‘Tis a late hour for that.”Armitage massaged his aching elbow, eyeing Lord Ren, “an’ now me sister be under yer lordship’s authority, I s’pose we won’t never see ‘er again?”“That is completely up to my wife.”“Ya mean ye’ll allow us ta come an’ visit ‘er?”“Ren Hall is her home, not a prison.”“Oi, ‘at’s bumblefluff, ‘at’s what that is! Why, she done flew from ‘ere, an’ ye’re not exactly…” Lord Ren leaned forward ominously, “ah… well, what I meant ter say was…!”“Fetch your father,” Lord Ren hissed, then limped into the parlor and settled in the large stuffed chair, turning his head side to side, looking about.Rather than engage the man further, Armitage threw back his shoulders and braved the kitchen. “Father…”“Well?! Who is it, then?”“It be Lord Ren, ter see ye, sir.”Unkar’s face went white, and he whispered, “what does ‘e want?”“‘E didn’t say.”“Ah… well, ye’d better see what ye can do wit’ this,” and he pressed the lid lifter into Armitage’s grip. Then, grumbling, Unkar licked his hand – wincing at the taste – and smoothed his hair back, hitched up his trousers, and shoved the door open. “Yer lordship, welcome ter me humble abode…!”Armitage investigated the stove, but it appeared Unkar had finally gotten the flames under control. He set the kettle on; they could at least get some tea…
“Armitage!”
At his father’s summons, Armitage presented himself in the foyer.
“Tidy up this mess, boy!”
Armitage dutifully puttered around the room, quietly gathering laundry and stacking dishes, and listening to their talk.“I see ye’ve made yerself ter home!” with a sweeping gesture, Unkar installed himself on the sofa.“Not likely.” Lord Ren unflinchingly drew a crumpled waistcoat out from under his haunch and held it away from himself between pinched fingers. Armitage quickly accepted the garment from him.“I s’pose ye’ve come ta grouse about me daughter.” Unkar held his hand up in protest, “whate’er she’s done, t’ain’t me what’s ta blame! T’was ‘er mother’s influence! Filled the twit’s head with education! T’ain’t right, fer a girl ta know all tha’ twaddle!”Unkar wheezed, breathless from this tirade, while Lord Ren observed him impassively.“You settled too meanly, Mayor. Five thousand druggats was nothing compared to what I was willing to pay.” He laughed chidingly, “but the business is done, and I got what I wanted.”Unkar’s mouth dropped open and he slowly sank back, into the settee. “Ya mean… ya would’a paid more fer tha’ empty-headed ninny?”“I would easily have paid twice as much.”Unkar shook his head despairingly, “why…! I’d a’ been a wealthy man!”“Never mind, it couldn’t have lasted long.”Armitage snorted, then quickly looked to Unkar, anxious to avoid his wrath. But his sire didn’t seem to have comprehended the slight, his eyebrows knit together in a look of puzzlement.Unkar ticked his head, shrugging dismissively, “if’n ye ‘aven’t come ta complain ‘bout me girl, then what is yer business ‘ere?”“I have come to report an attack on my carriage.”Unkar blinked slowly.Lord Ren leaned forward slightly, then continued at a greater volume, “my wife and I were returning from Kamino, when highwaymen attacked the carriage. Luckily, I was prepared for them.”“Yer… coach?”
“Aye! My coach!”
“An’… ye say ye were prepared? Ye were expectin’ ‘em?”Lord Ren sat back again, waving his gloved hand, “I didn’t know the place or time, but I expected they would try to attack me sooner or later.”“Well. Ye’re ‘ere ta tell th’ tale, so I ‘spect ye must ‘ave fought ‘em off?”“Two of them were killed, and the rest were badly rattled.”Unkar declared, “I ain’t heard a word of it.”“As the mayor, I would have thought you would be better informed.”Unkar huffed, blustering, affronted, but under Lord Ren’s aggressive scrutiny he seemed to temper his response. “It’s th’ sheriff’s duty, ta keep me apprised of such things.”Lord Ren thumped his cane against the floor, “then clearly I should have sought him out instead. But perhaps it’s just as well, as undoubtedly you should be relieved to know your daughter is safe.”Unkar flapped his hand, “nah, I don’t never perturb meself with Rey! She’s strong, an’ willful! She always seems ta do alright fer ‘erself!”Lord Ren’s hand tightened on his cane, and Armitage feared for a moment he might strike Unkar with it. But instead, he drily intoned, “it’s rare a father would show so much confidence in his daughter.” He laughed derisively, “it could easily be mistaken for lack of care.”At this, Armitage expected some retort or defense, but Unkar simply stared blankly, his lips pursed.Lord Ren shook his head incredulously and abruptly stood, making for the door. “I’ll be on my way. I have business in Mandalore.”Realizing that their guest was leaving, Unkar heaved himself up from the settee to give chase. “Ah… yer lordship!”Lord Ren halted.“Ah… seein’ as ye’re me daughter’s husban’ an’ all, I wonder if’n ye might spare a few silvers fer her family?” When there was no reply, Unkar blundered on, “we be in reduced circumstances, me an’ me boy, with hardly two coins ter rub together! We had ta sell Armitage’s horse! An’… since ye said ye was willin’ ter pay more…?”Lord Ren twisted around and grated, “I have set aside an allowance for your daughter. If she elects to help you, she can, but I will give you nothing more without her approval.”Unkar blurted, “ye let a woman run yer affairs?!”“Her family is her concern.”Unkar hooked his thumbs into the pockets of his waistcoat, sheepishly settling back on his heels, “I suppose she would still be angry with me.”“And that, Mayor, is your concern.”Armitage laughed under his breath, eliciting an angry look from Unkar. With his father glaring at him, Armitage backed away toward the kitchen, while the departure of Lord Ren was punctuated by the slamming of the door. Weary man and horse, Benjamin Solo and Grimtaash, arrived by the south road from Coruscant, and Benjamin proceeded directly around back of the Rose and Thorn, to the stables. He tossed a shiny zukkel and a friendly word to the stableboy, and once he was satisfied Grimtaash would be capably seen after, made his way inside.No sooner had he come through the door, than Lor was plucking at his sleeve, “I ain’t seen ye fer a week! I was afeared ye’d met yer destiny, Cap’!”Benjamin slapped old San Tekka affably on the shoulder, “only the good die young, Lor. You and I shall be around for many years yet.” Together they trod the back hall to the common room, where Benjamin chose a table near the window. “I had to see to my ship in Coruscant.”He sank into the chair tiredly, dropping his hat onto the table. Zorii started at the noise and spun around, her face lighting up when she spied him. Benjamin motioned for 2 mugs of ale, and she scurried to bring them, shrugging her blouse off her shoulders as she came.“Aw, lovey! Ye had me all aflutter ye wouldn’a return ta Takodana!” She pressed her hands against the table, squeezing her breasts together and bending brazenly toward him to afford a private view. “I would’a been crushed, if ye hadn’a come back!”Benjamin trained his regard elsewhere and leaned back disinterestedly, throwing down payment. “Just the ale, Miss Bliss, nothing more.”The hoyden straightened angrily, tugging at her chemise and scowling, then flounced away.“‘At’s right kind o’ ye, frien’.” Lor savored a hearty draught, then wiped his sleeve across his mouth. “Since ye’ve been away, ye’ve missed all th’events and goin’s on!”Benjamin raised his eyebrows in mild interest and lifted his mug, stretching out his legs and settling in to hear the latest tales and gossip.Lor licked his lips eagerly, delighted to have news to share. “Lor’ Ren up an’ married tha Mayor’s daughter! An’ then, jus’ yesterday, ‘e nearly got hisself kilt by brigan’s!”“Mmm. Was anyone hurt?”“‘Is wife was with ‘im, ‘at’s a fact! But don’ worry yerself!” Lor pounded his fist against the table, “t’was only tha riders what was damaged! ‘Is lordship kilt a couple ou’right, an’ unhorsed tha rest!” Lor leaned forward, his good eye twinkling with mirth, “why, ain’t none o’ ‘em what can walk wit’out a hobble!” He laughed roughly, then took another slug.Benjamin hummed, considering this report, when there was a loud clattering out on the front porch. Lor got up to look out the window, then quickly returned, thanked Benjamin again for the ale, and guzzled what remained. “I’ll be lookin’ after me health, an’ bid ye good day, Cap’!” He slunk to the shadowed back corner, leaned his chair up against the wall, and immediately began to snore.The front door burst open, and Snap Wexley stomped in, with Finny close on his heels. Finny was in high spirits, but quailed when he caught sight of Benjamin, and snatched at Snap’s sleeve, stuttering and mumbling.Snap crossly yanked his arm away, scanning the room to see what Finny was on about. Once he discerned the person of Benjamin, he drew up as well.“I’m stricken,” Snap held out his slinged arm with a grimace, perhaps as explanation for his uncharacteristically subdued manner and disinterest in stirring up a quarrel.Having no desire for trouble himself, Benjamin responded with a slight nod in cordial acknowledgement – mentally taking note of the man’s condition.Wexley’s greatcoat looked shrunken, and his clothes were badly wrinkled, as if they’d been put on wet, and his boots curled up at the toes.Zorii bounded to his side as soon as she saw him. “Ye look like ye’ve been trampled by a herd o’ Hoth hogs!”“Nearly was!” Snap put his good arm around her shoulders, mumbling, “mob o’ brainless fools!” But then, speaking louder, for all to hear, he continued, “me ol’ nag slipped on th’ice, an’ threw me!”Finny joked nervously, “sure wish I’d ‘a seen it!”Snap glared at Finny, then turned away, ignoring him, and leading Zorii toward the bar. “T’ain’t broke, jus’ a bit sore. Bu’ I had ta put ‘nother shot in me horse.”Zorii squinted up at him, “‘nother’?”Snap clarified, “uh, since ‘e snapped ‘is leg, I had ta finish ‘im off!”“‘Ow’d ye get ‘ere, then, if ye bumped ‘im?”Snap puffed out his chest, “I gots me a new one! A better one!”“Sure!” Zorii laughed, “an’ who’d ye steal it from this time?!”“Why! I’d never stoop ta thievery!” Snap pursed his lips, fishing in his waistcoat and extracting a pair of gold earrings to taunt her with.Abandoning her teasing, Zorii leaned into him fawningly, pawing his chest, “aw Snap, ye’re so good ta me! Bringin’ me trinkets an’ baubles!” She plucked the pieces from his fingers and held one up to her ear. “Wanna come up, an’ see ‘ow they look on me?”“Where’d ye ‘ave a mind ta wear ‘em?” Snap winked.“In me room, o’ course!” Zorii squinted up at him, then comprehending the jest, she punched him in the shoulder, “aw, Snap, ye’re al’ays clownin’!” then she hitched up her skirts and darted to the stairs.Wexley winced, rubbing his shoulder, but hastened to follow her to the upper floor.Benjamin swallowed the last of his ale, tucked his hat under his arm, left a druggat on the bar for Kanan, and stomped up to his room. Snap Wexley lay in bed, fitful, unable to sleep. His wife’s snoring would have been adequate disturbance, but add into the bargain his aching arm and multitudinous bruises, and he was left fully conscious, to ruminate on his uncommon misfortune of the last week or two.He’d been shamed in front of his friends, but if that wasn’t enough, that lickspittle Finny – damn his loose lips! – had prattled on about Snap’s plan to bid a hundred druggats in the Mayor’s roup, needling Snap over the five thousand that won in the end.All this idle talk had been intercepted by Snap’s own wife, Karé. The woman dutifully looked the other way when it came to Snap’s various indiscretions, so long as he provided a roof over her head and a few coppers come market day.But the information that he might have a secret hoard of cash had been too much for her to bear, and she had hounded him relentlessly ever since. The household needed a new hearthrug, new dishes, a new pot, a bolt of cloth, and on, and on, and on!He sat up in bed and ran his fingers through his hair, scratched his chin through his mangy beard. The woman must think he was made of money, like some Benjamin Solo!At the thought of the name, Snap’s anger found something new to congeal around.That man had been a thorn in Wexley’s side since the moment he’d trotted into town on his fancy horse; upsetting the natural order of things!Wounding Armitage! Falsely accusing the Mayor, and then stealing the money he’d collected in the roup as soon as it was won; not even leaving him enough for a decent drink, nor hardly a spira to wager!The more he thought on it, the angrier he got! How could Solo cavort about, passing himself off as moneyed aristocracy, as if he wielded as much power and influence as Lord Snoke, or… or… that Lord Ren!Now there was another one!His pulse pounded through his injured shoulder, and he rubbed at it distractedly, testing the joint with a hiss.He’d set out to prove that the rumors about Lord Ren being a ghost were false, and he’d been so close! But then his plan had been ruined! And now he craved revenge! And, oh, he would have it!Lord Ren would receive his just deserts; Snap would serve it up personally!He rolled out of bed, quietly; careful not to wake his wife. She’d grown very amorous of late, and he didn’t particularly relish the attention. She’d lost another tooth, just that morning, and he hadn’t yet grown accustomed to her lopsided grin nor the new lisp in her nagging speech.His stomach roiled, and his throat burned, belching up remnants of the greasy stew he’d shoveled down for supper. The discomfort gurgled lower, and he quickly moved outside, picking his way in the cloudy wan moonlight, murmuring to his hounds, “be still, Maris.” His favorite bitch had just whelped seven pups, making her even more twitchy than usual. The yard was littered with debris: bones, shite, churned and dug-up earth, and mangled small carrion. Snap chose his path carefully.He settled himself inside the outhouse, half asleep.He heard a… snort. Snap’s ears pricked up and he listened closely.Eh… must just be the hounds. Or a gust of wind, maybe.No! That was the ill-tempered pawing of a horse’s hoof! Snap lunged up and shoved the door open to peer out on the premises.T’was too dark to see anything… but just then, the clouds parted…He choked a deep breath, but his shout caught in his throat.There was a monstrous black horse, with eyes that blazed with white fire. The rider was veiled in inky shadow, with a cloak flying out from his shoulders like great wings, and poised to leap from the horse’s back to pounce upon him.Snap screamed, but the sound was weird: strangled and harsh. He spun about and charged back into the outhouse, scrambling over the seat and busting out through the back of the shanty, to get away.His legs were pumping before he even hit the ground, and he bolted as fast as he could pound, toward a thorny thicket.Behind him echoed a haunting shriek of laughter, and Snap found the will to sprint even faster, barely feeling the thorns shredding his nightshirt or his skin.Later, when he told the tale, he would swear the horse was a specter.His wife laughed, and said he had run like a scalded tooka; so fast it had taken him until four in the morning to get back to the cottage.His friends knew how much he loved a good brawl, and so they buried their twitching lips in mugs of ale, and nodded along with Snap’s recounting of his stout bravery in the face of such a terrifying apparition. Lord Ren had been gone four days. Rey had found plenty of tasks to occupy her time, but still, she began to grow restless.She remembered her husband had told her there was a horse available for her, and so she determined to investigate. There was a lovely, deep blue wool riding habit – complete with smart hat and supple leather gloves – amongst her things, so, she donned these and directed her feet toward the stables.Since her marriage, Rey had considered several possibilities and means of escape, including speculating how far she could get on horseback. T’was only her firm belief that Lord Ren would follow her, in his wrath, that kept her from further developing any of her imagined plans. The only safe haven she could hope to find, would be with Benjamin Solo.She couldn’t go to him; her pride wouldn’t allow it! If he had really cared about her, after all, he would have objected more strenuously at the roup! On the contrary, he had been perfectly content to collect his money.And at their last meeting, he had been so sure of himself and his merits, sure she would debase herself for the chance at an illicit relationship with him. If she were to go to him now, it would only puff him up further!Rey had no doubt an affair with Benjamin would be intensely thrilling; intoxicating!But eventually she would have to admit that he was only using her, and surely he would cast her aside at the slightest provocation. Or as soon as he met a woman he preferred. Rey knew it was better to save herself from the suffering of falling in love with him.Within the stables, Rey found a boy, about her own size, whose age she estimated to be about 15. Upon her entrance, he straightaway left his labor of mucking out a stall, to see how he might be of assistance. He came at a run, hastily tucking his shirt into his breeches and wiping his face with his sleeve; and as he approached, his eyes widened, his mouth dropped open, and he snatched his hat from his head.He bobbed his head awkwardly, seemingly not sure if he should bow – and not knowing how such a thing was to be done at any rate. He grinned at her shyly.“Is your name Temiri?”His eyes opened even wider, “yes, mum!” and he more vigorously attempted another awkward bow.“I don’t believe we’ve met, I’m…”“Oh, no mum! I ken who ye are! I’ve seen ye about, comin’ an’ goin’, an’ father tol’ us ye be the new lady o’ the manor! But, yer pardon, mum, I would’a known ye anyhow, ‘cause ye’re so pretty!”Rey laughed, “why, thank you, young sir!”The boy bit his lip, blushing and stammering, as if just coming to the realization that he had been speaking out loud. He rubbed his hand against his neck and gestured toward the stalls, “ah… the master said ye might come ta see Sosha! Might I saddle ‘er for ye, mum?”“Yes, please.”He excitedly spun about, shoving his cap over an unruly mop of dark hair; then after a few moments, he led the horse out for her inspection. The mare was lovely, long and elegant, but not overly large. Her silvery gray coat was brushed to a high gloss, with a fine dappling over her withers and croup, and a darker mane and tail. She blinked patiently, and nuzzled at Rey’s outstretched hand when she stepped nearer. Rey believed that Grand Admiral Thrawn would have suffered an apoplexy of embarrassment, to stand in her regal presence.“She’s beautiful.”“Aye! An’ she belongs ter yer ladyship! The master said so!”Rey felt very overwhelmed at this. She had never owned a horse, and never would have dreamed she would possess one so fine.As Temiri worked to saddle Sosha, Rey wandered about to peer into the nearby stalls. She mused that, even though she hadn’t upheld her side of the bargain, Lord Ren’s gifts continued to flow. Certainly if she had found herself married to Count Dooku, or the Baron, they would have punished her, or at least withheld their generosity, at any sign of rejection.The stable was large, and most of the stalls were empty. But there were several work and draft horses, and two sleek and long-legged thoroughbreds – all well-cared for – their boxes clean and snug. At the end of the row, there was a larger stall – two combined with the middle wall removed – and inside was the largest horse Rey had ever seen; or indeed, could ever have imagined.He was very handsome, a dark bay with a silky black mane and feathering on the legs. He turned about to look down upon her curiously from over the gate, and began to snuffle and nudge at her, begging for sugar cubes.“Tha’s Mr. Chewbacca’s horse, Dantari, but ‘e’s no’ above pullin’ a cart when needed.” Temiri drew near, with Sosha, and he cupped his hands together, offering to help Rey mount.Rey patted the enormous horse’s nose, then set her foot in the boy’s hands to be tossed up. It took her a moment to arrange her skirts and divine the purpose of several of the saddle’s parts, as it was a new design with which she was unfamiliar. But once she did, the sidesaddle was very comfortable and she felt quite secure in her seat.She directed the mare toward the great doors, and Temiri walked beside her, observing her movements. “D’ye wish fer me t’accompany ye, milady? T’would only take a moment ta saddle up ol’ Peregrine.”“No, thank you Temiri, do not worry yourself. I shall stay close to the manor.”Despite her reassurances, Rey could feel the boy’s eyes upon her as she rode out into the small courtyard. She shifted in the saddle, turning to wave and noting when he finally saluted and returned to his previous occupation.At first, she wandered close to the manse, avoiding the eastern addition, as this was a stark reminder of the reason for her husband’s mask, and what lay beneath. She didn’t want to think about him at all.The air was brisk, but the sky clear and with the sun upon her, Rey felt quite refreshed.Rey tried the horse’s paces, urging the mare into a trot, then a canter, and for a few exhilarating minutes, a gallop. The horse had a very smooth stride. She had been well-trained and was responsive to Rey’s direction, requiring only light touches with the crop; and the saddle was excellent.As they flew together across the extensive grounds, Rey felt the tension of the past days drain away.Perhaps an hour later, she reined Sosha about; walking to cool her and to thoroughly take in their surroundings. They were in a small valley, bordered on three sides by thick woods, all in blazing autumn color. Suddenly, there came to her ear the baying of hounds.She twisted in the saddle, toward the noise; remembering the last time she had heard such a sound.Rey felt a terrible sense of dread in the pit of her stomach, as she realized they had traveled farther than intended. The manor was very far away indeed.Taking a firm grasp on the reins and forcing herself to breathe steadily, Rey directed the mare back the way they had come.As they passed an outcropping of the wooded area, Rey calmed herself, thinking that with such a swift horse as Sosha, she would soon again be under the manse’s protective shadow.Movement at the edge of the copse caught her eye. Snap Wexley emerged from the trees. He wasn’t coming at her at a particularly fast pace, but he had a very smug, self-satisfied expression on his face.Rey sidled away, surprised, and sensing he meant her harm.Abruptly, Wexley kicked his horse, surging forward and ahead, to cut off Rey’s retreat.Sosha jigged about, and Rey wrapped the reins around her hands, struggling to keep her seat as the horse moved in opposition to Rey’s bidding.It was thus as Rey’s back was turned that Wexley converged upon her, taking a swipe at her reins. Rey slashed at him with the quirt. “Leave me be!” Sosha sidestepped, bringing Rey momentarily out of Snap’s reach. “Rot you, Wexley! Poachers and their rabid curs aren’t welcome on these lands! Get off!”Wexley sucked at a small cut on his hand, glaring at her, “fer a wench sold on th’ block, ye’re awful high an’ mighty t’day!”“No matter my circumstances before marriage, nor how it took place, I’ve always been above your kind! You’ve always been a ruthless knave, Temmin Wexley, treading cruelly upon others! And I know you’ve been poaching on my husband’s lands!”“I’ll be treadin’ upon more ‘an jus’ Lord Ren’s lands this time, yer ladyship!”The hatred in Wexley’s eyes and the tone of his voice sent sick fear into Rey’s heart. She knew enough of his reputation to know that he wouldn’t hesitate to do her some real damage – in truth, she had seen for herself his viciousness with others.Rey spurred the mare forward, but Wexley was expecting her move and kicked his horse to intercept, quickly snatching hold of Sosha’s bridle to prevent their escape.But Rey still had the riding crop, and started beating him with it as hard as she could, slashing his arms, hands and face.Wexley howled and cursed, clouting her hard across the shoulders and back, driving the air from her lungs. Rey struggled to remain in the saddle and was grateful for the improved design. The mare too pulled and jerked to escape his hold, but this made it even more difficult for Rey to keep her seat.Snap caught at the sleeve of her riding habit, grappling painfully at her arm; to pull her into his own saddle or to the ground, she didn’t know, but Rey felt a red rage building in her, and she determined not to cede this battle.She lashed him again across the face, and brought the crop down on the mare’s flanks. Sosha reared, tearing the bridle from Wexley’s grip and nearly unseating him.Rey spurred her horse and they careered away at a flat-out gallop.“Ye kriffin’ schutta! Ye’ll pay fer this!”Without warning Rey heard a gunshot, and she could hardly believe it, but Snap must be shooting at her! She bent low over the horse’s withers, urging her to greater speed. Through the mare’s dark mane, whipping into her eyes, Rey spied the giant Dantari, approaching at frightening speed with Mr. Chewbacca astride. The two together were truly fearsome, compounded by Chewie’s ominous roar of warning, reloading his musket as they came.Mr. Chewbacca drew up, standing in the stirrups and raising the musket to his shoulder.Rey pulled about, to see Wexley make a quick circle and a mad dash for the woods.Another shot rang out, and Snap’s beleaguered horse leapt over an explosion of dirt and rocks.Wexley laughed maniacally, surely knowing it would take Chewie a moment to reload; he jeered and gestured obscenely over his shoulder, then disappeared into the thick brush and trees.Rey reined up near Mr. Chewbacca, winded and wheezing for air but relieved nonetheless, just as Temiri and his horse charged over a small rise and skidded to a halt at their side.Chewie spoke, but Rey could not yet parse his thick accent.Temiri served as translator, “‘e’s askin’ if ye’re alright, mum?”Still breathless, Rey could only nod.“That Wexley is an evil man.” Mr. Chewbacca glared after him, where he had withdrawn into the woods. “‘Is lordship wouldn’a missed!”Rey panted – reeling and taking stock of her condition and grateful that only her habit had been torn – barely comprehending Mr. Chewbacca’s words as conveyed by Temiri.“It’s fortunate ‘e an’ th’ master returned when they did!”“Oh!” Rey looked between them, wiping her brow, “has Lord Ren returned?”“‘E has. An’ ‘e won’ be happy when ‘e hears what happen’d. ‘E won’ be happy ‘t’all.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The night was cold, and one by one the cottages went dark; their tenants snuffing candles and barring doors. A murky vapor seeped up from the moorland, with only a crescent moon and dark clouds to dapple the light.Horse and rider streaked over the heath at perilous pace, the mist swirling up at their passage.The animal’s hooves flashed like silver, his sable coat gleaming, his breath steaming in the chill air like a dragon’s smoky expiration, eyes ablaze.The hooded rider moved as one with the horse, his cloak billowing out behind in the shape of dragon’s wings.Together they flew, neither heeding nor curtailing for man or beast. Snap jerked awake, groggy in the still night and turning to find the other side of the bed empty and cold. He listened…There was the scudding of a chair being pushed hastily across the floor, and Karé screamed, “Snap! Snap! ‘E’s back!”He leapt from bed to hastily pull on his trousers, tucking his shirttails as he stumbled out to the kitchen.
“I never doubted ye, love! I never doubted ye fer a moment!”
His wife whimpered in real fear, floundering back from the window and flailing about for him, “it’s Master Death, come ta take us!”Wexley shoved her behind himself and leaned up against the sill, peering out into the dark.Oh gods, t’was ghastly! Demon horse and rider, the face ghoulish, wraithlike, a gaunt, emaciated skull!
“Come out, Temmin Wexley! Come out and receive your just reward!”
“I won’ do it!” Snap slammed the shutters, barring them against the voice, echoing and eerie and calling him by name.
“Come out, murderer! Come outside and die!”
He spun around, heaving, “we won’ let it in!”Karé backed away from him, pale, her hands outstretched, “it’s Death, come back again! It’s the Soulworm, come ta devour us!”A terrible laugh pierced the night, “if you won’t come out, then stay inside, and burn!”Karé shrieked again, pointing at him, “‘e means ta torch tha house! The sins be upon ye! We won’ be crisped, fer yer sake!” She dashed into the back of the cottage, screaming for the children, “Jax! Zara! Merrik!”Snap faced the door.
“Come out, Temmin Wexley! Or burn!”
He snatched up the axe, deciding he’d rather die cleanly than burn to death. He’d seen a man burn, and while he’d found it diverting at the time, he didn’t fancy that end for himself. If Death desired to take him, he’d damned well put up a fight!He kicked the door open.The weird laughter echoed through the valley.
“Temmin Wexley! You’ve killed more than once, and for that, your death will be painful and slow!”
“I ain’t done nothin’ to ye, ye whoreson!”
“But you have!” The apparition dismounted in one fluid motion, drawing a sparking saber from its scabbard as he approached. “For murder, you’ll be escorted to hell!”
“I won’ go down easy!”
The saber shrilled, crackling through the air, blazing in the moonlight, and the specter laughed. “You’ve killed the best among us, and now the debt is due!”
“Who are ye? Who are ye?!”
“You remember the night you set fire to the Manor? You remember the man who was burned?”
Snap shook his head in violent denial, “no! Tha’ man is dead! Ye canna be him! I saw ‘im burnin’ in tha flames! I heard ‘im screamin’! There was others what saw tha same!”The shade closed in, “am I not standing before you? Am I not accusing you of the act?”
“No! No man could ‘ave escaped that fire! Only a ghost could!”
“Yes! Yes! And now you’ll burn in hell for it!”
Snap held the axe up before his chest, “No! T’ain’t fair ta single me out! T’ain’t right, when I can name a dozen an’ more, who was there!”
“I’ll hear their names, while I hone my sword on your axe!”
The blade flashed, nicking him, fast as a Tatooinian sandstorm. Snap tried to deflect the strokes, but his arms were slow and clumsy.
“Your time is brief! You’ll tell the truth now, before you meet your Maker!”
Wexley dropped to his knees, sobbing and blubbering, and pleading for his life.The phantasm moved all around him, his cloak flapping in the wind so, Snap couldn’t see where he was from one moment to the next. He swore he could feel the flames of hell licking against his flesh.And as the shadow bore down upon him, Temmin Wexley found himself bawling truths that he’d once vowed were forgotten. The scent of Tarisian roses steamed up from the bath.Rey relaxed, leaning her head back, letting the hot water soothe her sore muscles.The day before, when she had returned home, she had found Lord Ren waiting by the hearth. Upon her entrance, he had turned, to extend a pleasant greeting.But the moment he saw her – disheveled, the sleeve ripped from her riding habit – his words had stuttered to an awkward halt.Mr. Chewbacca had followed behind her, presenting himself to field her husband’s queries, and Rey had watched Lord Ren’s hands clench into fists as the tale was recounted. He muttered a low curse and promised Temmin Wexley would answer for it. And when he had moved to face her again, Rey braced herself for the scolding that was sure to come – had he not warned her, only a few days since, of the danger of straying far from the manor?To her surprise, however, nothing of the sort had been forthcoming.Instead, he had borne himself as one tenderly anxious for her wellbeing; bidding her sit near the fire, then offering her a small snifter of brandy. While she sipped the calming draught he knelt at her feet, settling his warm hand over the bridge of her foot, speaking quietly and soothingly of trivial matters until she could relax.Later he had come to check on her while she was preparing for bed, but he hadn’t stayed long, and he had promised to visit her again in the morning.At the sound of the door opening and closing, Rey was nervous the time of his visit had arrived, but she soon recognized Kaydel’s brisk footfalls. The girl brought a stack of fresh and clean-smelling towels, setting these at the ready and opening a small vial of oil.Though she would have happily lingered a while longer, Rey rose from the bath, and Kaydel patted her skin dry, tossing the towels aside. Then Rey secured one of the towels around her hair, and Kaydel rubbed some of the scented oil into her skin. Wrapped in her dressing gown, she settled before the mirror.Kaydel extracted another vial from the pocket of her apron, removed the cork, then gently tugged the neck of Rey’s robe aside to bare her back and shoulders.Rey held the gown closed at the front, watching what Kaydel would do.Rubbing a few drops between her fingers, Kaydel massaged this new oil into Rey’s back, and it both cooled and warmed her skin with a tingling sensation. Though as the scent wafted up, Rey’s nose crinkled at the pungent smell.Noting her expression in the mirror, Kaydel attested, “it’s Mrs. Kanata’s own elixir, mum, for contusions and muscle aches.”Suddenly, Kaydel wheezed, snapping her mouth closed and becoming very intent upon her duties.Rey could see Lord Ren in the mirror, peering in at them from the opening in the velvet drapes.“Good morning, my love.” He entered the little space, and settled upon a small bench, leaning his elbow casually on the table.Kaydel sought to continue with her tasks, but was quickly overcome with agitation, and, squeaking out an excuse, fled the room.Lord Ren chuckled quietly.Rey heaved several deep breaths, not sure what she should do, but acutely aware of the deep blush spreading up from her neck.“You are exquisitely lovely this morning, madam, though I am greatly displeased by the marring bruise on your back.”This statement startled her, and she twisted around to observe for herself, in the mirror. “Oh!” She hadn’t realized there was any visible mark at all, though the purpling of it did help to explain her lingering discomfort.“Are you in pain?”“Only a little, my lord.”“Mmm.” He crossed his legs at the knee. “It is a strange coupling of perceptions for me, to find you so alluring, while at the same time being so outraged at the marks on your skin.”Rey had no inclination as to what response she might make, but she did grip the robe more closely at her neck, and slowly drew it up to settle over her shoulders.This only made her husband laugh.“The bruises don’t make me ugly in your eyes, milord?”“Nothing could ever do that, Aurora. I believe I will always find you beautiful.”Rey laughed self-consciously, “I’m sure you won’t feel so when I’m fat with childbearing!”But her attempt at humor had the opposite of her desired effect. Lord Ren sat, particularly still and regarding her intently, his hand gripping the edge of the table. When he spoke, it was faintly indeed, “there is only one way we can know for certain, my love, and I am ready at any moment to begin the experiment.”Her face burning now, she countered, “milord, you jest with me!”“I assure you, wife, at the smallest signal from you I am ready, instantly, to retire again to bed, though not long ago having left it, and despite the hour.” He rose slightly from his seat, “any sign might serve: the crooking of a finger, or the bobbling of a shoulder.”Though Rey could hear the teasing in his voice, still she sat unmoving, her hands clasped tightly on her robe, her shoulders held still, and her eyes trained away lest any arching of an eyebrow should mislead the man.He sat again, chuckling softly.Rey pushed uneasily at the towel on her head, “I am grateful for your patience, my lord.”“Have you considered, my dear, that when one has a distressing and unfamiliar task ahead, it is often best to proceed, rather than to delay?”“I know that, but…”“I know, I know. You cannot face that moment.” He leaned toward her intently, “will you ever be able to face that moment? You made the vows. Were you not in earnest?”“I keep my promises, milord!”He waved his hand, “isn’t there one of your suitors you would have preferred? Can you give me the name…”“You also spoke the words, my lord!” Rey leaned forward accusingly, while inwardly fretting her rejoinder hadn’t been spoken swiftly enough. That other, the one that haunted her thoughts – Benjamin Solo. She must only feel infatuation for him, and surely she would forget about him in time, just as he had, most probably, long since forgotten about her.Lord Ren looked upon her for long moments, in which she turned with a huff and began to order the bottles and decanters on her dressing table by size.“Very well. I actually came to speak to you about something else, milady.” When Rey inclined her head to indicate she was listening, he continued, “I have business in Coruscant, with the Marquess Calrissian, and I would like you to accompany me.”“The Marquess Calrissian?”“He is an old friend of the family. I am sure you will find him charming, as well as his gracious wife. We will be with them for several days, so you will need clothing packed. Including something for social affairs.”“And do you have a preference, milord, as to what I wear while we’re abroad?”“You have proven proficient in knowing what is appropriate, my love, so I shall leave it all to you, since my own true preference would not be practical.”Rey raised her eyebrows in question.“I much prefer you as you are, but that would surely draw more attention than I would like.”“Ah…!” Rey turned from him once more, embarrassed. It seemed that every time they spoke, Lord Ren found ways to turn the conversation toward his longing to claim his due as husband.“Make yourself ready.” Lord Ren stood and moved to leave, “I shall await you downstairs, for the sake of my own comportment.” Rey did not enjoy her preparations for the day.If her husband were to cast her off for another woman, she could not truly claim despondency.Though Rey didn’t care overmuch about her own appearance, Kaydel was well-chosen for the job and very dedicated. The girl had made it her duty to be carefully acquainted with every garment in Rey’s wardrobe, knowing the use and function of each, as well as ensuring that none were worn more often than befit a gentlewoman. She was also uncommonly skilled with the curling tongs and had never once burned Rey’s cheek or nape, or singed her hair.The maid was in high spirits, choosing Rey’s finest chemise and stays, over which was placed a silk dupioni gown of deep plum, embroidered with gold roundels. It seemed a trifle formal for Rey’s taste, but the fabric was of high quality, very sturdy, and should be comfortable for a day or two of travel. There was a lovely pelisse of rich purple wool brocade laid out for her as well.However, when Kaydel brought out a stove top poke bonnet, extensively trimmed with silk, ribbon, and fluffy white and blue aryx plumes, Rey finally balked. It was simply too reminiscent of something Bazine Snoke would choose. “Wait a moment…!” She ducked her head out from under the descending millinery colossus. “Isn’t this a bit much?”Maz paused in her employment of packing Rey’s trunk to see what was to do, approaching and looking back and forth between her mistress – now standing at the side of the dressing table – and the bonnet in Kaydel’s hands.“Surely it’s a tad ostentatious!” Rey waved her hand toward the headdress.“You’re the wife of a lord, milady, shouldn’t you look the part?” Maz approached slowly, “we wouldn’t want to start any rumors about Lord Ren being miserly with you.” Rey rolled her eyes, but Maz continued, “especially when he laid out so much for your apparel.”Maz indicated the large, full-length mirror, “truly, mum, take a look and see how fetching you are.”Reluctantly, Rey followed Maz’s entreaty.“T’would be foolish not to enjoy the luxuries he’s provided.”Rey turned to and fro, examining her reflection.“Be frank, now! Do you look like a nerf herder’s daughter, or a grand lady?”Rey would concede, if only to herself, that Kaydel had done an excellent job with her, and no one would call her dowdy. She could perhaps even understand why Lord Ren thought she was pretty. Her complexion was clear and bright – though marred with freckles – and her hair did have a certain brilliancy. She was strong; though most men would find no value in that, instead dwelling on her narrow hips and insufficient bosom.She huffed, considering the bonnet still offered her by Kaydel, then pointedly and assertively plucked the feathers from their attaching stitches, laid them aside, and finally sat again at the dressing table to allow Kaydel to pin the hat in place. It was expertly trimmed, and handsomely complemented the pelisse.Rey was apprehensive of her husband’s reaction, when he would see her. It would be a long journey to Coruscant, and she didn’t know what the sleeping arrangements would be once they arrived. She certainly had no desire to draw more of his attention than she already had.Maz pinched her cheeks to bring out the color, “you’re lovely, just lovely! ‘Tisn’t difficult to see why the master is so smitten!” Maz observed her a moment longer, then amended, “it wouldn’t hurt to add a smile, mum.”Rey managed a lame, toothy grimace.“If you don’t mind my saying so, lady; I’ve seen better on a steaming bivalve.”Kaydel slapped her hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle.Rey grit out another smile, and Maz sighed in resignation.“If that’s the best you’ve got, then I suppose ‘twill have to do.”Maz’s primary objective seemed to be ensuring the continuation of the family line, and Rey suspected that as such, she had no sympathy or compassion for her at all.These suspicions were confirmed, later, when Rey went out to the carriage, all loaded with their baggage.The moment she stepped out the front door, Lord Ren’s attention was immediately upon her, leaving the driver unheeded midsentence.Kaydel bounded toward the coach, and sprang up into the driver’s seat, drawing a heavy woolen cloak around her shoulders.Rey looked up at Lord Ren, exasperated; but he misunderstood her unspoken question.“You will need Kaydel’s aid while we visit the Calrissians,” he snickered, “unless you can abide my assistance at your bath.”Ignoring this quip, Rey retorted annoyedly, “milord. Surely the girl could sit with us, inside the carriage and out of the weather!”Overhearing this interchange, Kaydel quickly interjected, “oh, no mum! Mrs. Kanata made me promise I would sit up here, with Mr. Durant. And Mr. Chewbacca!” The young lady presented a bright and delighted mien, and Rey divined she was excited enough about the excursion to endure some inconvenience.But Rey vowed Maz’s meddling efforts would be in vain; and surely Kaydel would be amenable to her overtures after being crushed for several hours between the two men.Rey ascended first into the coach, and chose the forward-facing bench. Lord Ren removed his cloak and joined her there.He leaned back against the cushions, stretching out his right foot and casually resting his left leg against her right.She discreetly glanced down at his leg, and found it long and leanly muscular. The other thigh appeared the same. His boots came to his knees, hiding any deformity, and his hips were hidden under a long waistcoat.Rey sought to edge away from her husband, bracing herself in the corner, but as they got under way and moving on the road, the bumps and jolts of the landau had her slipping against him.For his part, Lord Ren took no trouble to move away, and despite her best efforts she couldn’t keep to her own corner.“‘Tis futile.”Lord Ren’s rough voice broke the silence, immediately garnering her attention. Rey, however, had no notion of his meaning. “Milord?”“This thing you’re doing. Continuously laboring to avoid touching me. ‘Tis futile.”Rey quickly turned to stare out the window, unable to give voice to any plausible denial, because his accusation was absolutely accurate.No matter how much she disliked the idea, as his wife, one day she would have to bear his children. One day she would have to cease paddling upstream and let the mighty rushing force take her where it would.In the short time she’d been married to Lord Ren, Rey had learned she must use wisdom in dealing with him. However horrible his appearance, his mind was sharp and he seemed able to easily discern her thoughts. Her countenance and bearing must give her away. This set her at a significant disadvantage, because unless he chose to speak, Rey had no means of guessing his thoughts and sentiments. If she were to maintain her sanity, she must come to know him as a man, and then perhaps she could accept him as her husband.She turned toward him again, straightening her spine resolutely. She had much to learn about him, but since she couldn’t see his face she would have to go about it in a different way: by asking her questions directly. Rey inhaled deeply and resolved to make some inquiries, starting with the questions she most wanted answers to.“Milord, I am curious. How was it you were able to survive the fire?” When Lord Ren turned his attention upon her, Rey hurriedly continued, “the east wing is now mostly rubble, and therefore I surmise it was a devastating and violent conflagration. I have tried to imagine how you might have escaped, and haven’t been able to contrive an explanation.”“I assure you, madam, I am not a ghost.”“Of course not, my lord. I’ve never believed in ghosts.”“You may not believe in ghosts, but neither do you believe me to be a man.”Rey huffed, staring forward and inwardly reviewing her choice of words, castigating herself. With only a few phrases, she had already managed to anger her husband.“Do you fear I will prove to be a callous brute in your bed?”Rey clicked her tongue, feeling her face heat. “Milord…! I…!” She clenched her hands tightly in her lap, not knowing where to look. “It wasn’t my intent to anger you, milord.”Lord Ren shrugged, “all new brides are curious about their husbands, and you have more reason than most.”“My lord…” she cleared her throat, determined to clarify her question, “I’m not curious because I’m worried about going to bed with you, but because…” Even as these words escaped her lips, Rey knew they would be misconstrued, and Lord Ren did not disappoint, swiftly interrupting.“If that is the case, lady, then perhaps you will allow me to share your chambers tonight. You will find I am eager to prove myself an attentive and devoted husband. I can request a single room for us at the inn, and we can warm each other through the night.”Rey marveled at how quickly this conversation had devolved, and shook her head minutely, whispering, “I would rather not, milord.” “It will be as you wish, milady. I shall await your pleasure.” He nodded, sounding pleasant enough, and twisting his cane between his gloved palms.She felt greatly relieved at the cessation of this dialog, but didn’t dare sigh aloud. He seemed rather committed to keeping her in the dark, despite her endeavors. Perhaps there was safety in ignorance, and she resigned herself to appreciating the silence until Lord Ren chose to break it. As the wordless pause stretched out between them, Rey regretted she had lacked the forethought to bring a book. T’would be a long journey indeed.As they approached Takodana, at the bridge there was a large group of people milling about, and much commotion. Everyone was observing something near the stream.Mr. Durant slowed their pace, and the people moved out of their way as they passed. However, as they entered at the head of the bridge, it was clear they couldn’t traverse the river completely, as at the far end of the bridge there was a small cart blocking their exit.Rey sat forward, peering out the window, trying to see what had drawn so much attention.There were several men, standing together in a group and looking down.Sprawled grotesquely at their feet was the body of a man, his head and trunk completely soaked in blood, his eyes and twisted lips open wide in a frozen howl of terror.Rey sank back into the seat, squeezing her eyes tightly against this horrific sight, and pressing her gloved hand against her mouth and a rising wave of nausea.Reacting to her apparent shock, Lord Ren leaned over her, searching, and quickly stiffening. He rapped on the little door with his cane, and Chewie immediately opened.“See if you can find out what happened, and the name of the man who was killed.”Mr. Chewbacca snapped the door closed, and called down to several people in the crowd, but was unable to draw anyone’s attention.Finally, old Lor San Tekka spied their coach and came near to inform them.“Temmin Wexley, it be! ‘E was stabbed, an’ ‘is throat slashed fer good measure! ‘Is poor widder be up at th’inn, sayin’ the las’ she saw of ol’ Snap, ‘e was fightin’ an angel o’ death, up by their place! A rider, all dressed in black!”Lord Ren slipped the man a coin, and once Lor had wandered away again into the crowd, he spat quietly, “damn.” Rey turned toward her husband in surprise. As usual, she had very few clues as to Lord Ren’s temper, but his hands gripped his cane so tightly as to threaten to split his gloves.Lord Ren had promised Wexley would be dealt with, and Rey couldn’t help but wonder if this murder had been his retribution – and if his apparent anger now was only a ruse to conceal his guilt.Lord Ren rapped again, “instruct someone to send for the sheriff! And find someone to move that cart!”The whole conveyance shook as Chewie descended to carry out his master’s orders, and Lord Ren leaned back, clutching his cane.The only thing Rey could be sure of, as regarded her husband in that moment, was the tension radiating off him in waves. But she daren’t speak again until a group of youth had been prevailed upon to move the cart out of their way, and they had been able to cross the bridge and leave the unsettling assembly well behind.Timidly she ventured, “are you angry because Wexley was killed?”
“Mmph.”
Rey could not yet parse her husband’s grunts and snorts, and couldn’t tell if this utterance was meant to be a “yes” or a “no.” After a few moments she knew she must inquire further, otherwise what she had seen would haunt her. “Please, milord, did you speak with Wexley about what happened yesterday?”Lord Ren whipped around to face her squarely. “Murder has no part in justice, madam. I did not kill him.”His answer was curt and final, and he immediately turned from her again. Rey wouldn’t risk making even the smallest peep – not even to apologize – as she already felt she had pushed too far.With all opportunity for conversation truly quashed, Rey had no choice now but to follow her husband’s example and stare out the window at the landscape as it slipped by. The sun had already set, when they stopped for the night in Ord Mantell, at The Lady Fate.Lord Ren put out his hand to assist Rey from the coach, but she couldn’t bring herself to take it. He reached out and grasped her fingers, very softly. Once she descended, he didn’t release her, but stood looking down upon her. It had gotten too dark for Rey to hope for any glimpse of his eyes, or any hint as to what he was thinking. She began to tremble.He drew breath, held it for a moment as if he would speak; then released it with a sigh, and shook his head. He relinquished her hand and stepped aside, indicating with a gesture that she should precede him.The dinner hour was past, but those remaining in the tap room suddenly became very quiet at the entrance of Lord Ren and his Lady. All, that was, with the exception of one gallant at the bar, who had obviously already indulged in a few too many top-ups.This dandy, incognizant of any activity outside his own concerns, beat his flagon against the counter, “oi! Sam, me mug is dry…!” When he received no immediate response, he spun around, nearly toppling his stool and standing unsteadily to look blearily about, yanking importantly at the front of his waistcoat.It was at this juncture that he caught sight of Rey – in her finery – and with a salacious leer, he bowed deeply, “my lady…!” Unfortunately, his reach exceeded his sobriety, and he fell sideways, catching his elbows against the countertop, “oof!”As she ascended the stairs, Rey could hear the lush banging about, “where ‘as me lady gone…?” and, “Sam, me ale…!” and finally a wet, fleshy sound, followed by moist snoring; and Rey imagined his face pressed against the bar in an uncomfortable doze.A hearty repast was brought up to Rey’s room, and Lord Ren joined her there for a few moments; but when Kaydel appeared and began to bustle about, setting out Rey’s nightclothes, he bid her good night. Rey was quite relieved to see him go.She marked his limping gait and the closing of the door across the hall.Long after Kaydel had sought her own quarters, Rey sat near the hearth, staring into the flames and struggling to persuade herself that there was no reason to fear her husband.She thought of his suggestion earlier, that a task dreaded was one best quickly seen to. Rey knew his proposal was sound. If she could get over the first hurdle, perhaps the whole business wouldn’t be as disagreeable as she expected. If only she could live up to her vows, perhaps her fears would subside.But the vision of Temmin Wexley’s bloodied face kept intruding upon her thoughts, and she knew it would be some time before she could forget what she had seen.The hall clock had already chimed the midnight hour, and the inn had finally quieted, all the voices in the common room finally stilled.Intent on finding sleep, she slipped into her bed.There sounded a thumping, out in the hall.After a few moments of attentive listening, she heard nothing more and decided it must have been the inkeeper’s Felucian mastiff. She closed her eyes, assaying to calm her thoughts, and settling.There was another thump.Then a thump and a scrape.Then a quiet knocking on her door.Rey was sluggish, half asleep, her thoughts scattered.The knocking was heard again.Rey was now fully awake, and believed it must be Lord Ren. And there could only be one reason he might knock, at this late hour.She felt herself start to shake, but she arose from the bed – telling herself she must accept her fate – and donned her robe. She lit the candle, then hastened to the door, determining to open before her wild imaginings could overtake her and destroy her resolve.The knocking sounded a third time.Rey took a deep breath, gathering her courage, and turned the key.The door was forcefully shoved open, and Rey stumbled backwards.T’was immediately apparent that she had made a terrible mistake. It wasn’t Lord Ren, but the drunkard from downstairs! The man wore breeches and stockings, with a loose-sleeved shirt hanging open to reveal a flabby chest. He leaned confidently against the door jamb, presenting a jug of wine. “It be Beaumont Kin, at yer service, cheeka.”He brandished the bottle, “I brought somethin’ ta entice ye, afore I put me hand to the plow.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively at her, to make sure she had comprehended his meaning. He laughed, traipsing inside, and then kicked the door shut behind him.Belatedly, Rey regained her wits. She was still somewhat relieved it wasn’t her husband come to press her, but still she must be shrewd in dealing with this drunk. He wasn’t especially intimidating: an inch or two shorter than her, and scrawny. But Rey knew from experience that liquor lent the bibber increased strength and decreased judgement – a dangerous combination.“I am not alone,” Rey retreated, raising her hands in warning, “my husband is near.”“Aye, I saw tha’ cripple! I thought ye might prefer a superior inamorato!” He flexed his saggy arms, “be assured, I could best ‘im! If not, I’d be dead already!”“You must abandon this foolishness,” Rey continued to back away, “otherwise my husband will certainly make the arrangements. He is an accomplished marksman.”Beaumont hitched up his trousers, winking, “never fear, I’ll be in an’ out, afore quasimodo there ‘as even dragged hisself out o’ bed!” He set the sloshing bottle aside on the table, looking her up and down and licking his lips, edging toward her and scratching his paunch. “If’n yer husban’ were a man o’ any sense, ‘e’d be in ‘ere with ye! I wouldn’a leave a little filly like yerself alone, no I would not!”“If you do not withdraw instantly, I shall surely scream.” Though she didn’t wish to wake the other guests, Rey’s tolerance for such foolery was reaching its limit.“Aw, c’mon popsy! No need ta take umbrage. I’ll jus’ ‘ave me amusemen’, an’ make m’escape!” He rolled up his sleeves, “no harm done to ye, ‘ceptin’ a touch o’ wear an’ tear.”He made a dash for her, but this move was so similar to something tried by Coronet Canady, that Rey knew exactly what to do. She ducked deftly out of his grasp, then seized the iron poker, swinging about and walloping him across the backside.With a yowl, he pushed up against the wall and spun around, rubbing his rump. “oi, missy, if ye wan’ it mean, ol’ Beau can play it as mean as ye like!”The man spread his arms and lunged toward her, seeking revenge, his eyes angry now.Rey waved the poker before his face, stepping backwards until she bumped up against the bed.Seeing his moment, Beau made a dive toward her, but Rey bounced over the corner of the mattress to avoid his reach. In the commotion, however, she lost the poker.He too bounced off the bed, getting tangled up in the blankets and foundering, while Rey fled for the door. Beau swiped for her, getting a handful of the neck of her dressing gown. But Rey wasn’t about to quibble over trifles, so she hastily untied the robe and left him staring at the empty garment hanging from his hand, baffled.Rey darted out into the hall, wearing only her thin nightdress. Behind her, she heard Beaumont run aground with a thud and a wrathful curse, scrabbling at the bedclothes entwined around his ankles.Spinning in the hallway, Rey considered – she could hie downstairs and try to rouse the innkeeper? But in only her nightgown…?She could hear Beaumont cussing, shouting obscene promises – and while she wasn’t sure of his meaning, she was quite sure she didn’t want to participate – and he was most certainly making headway and bumbling toward the door. The decision was made, and she quickly knocked on Lord Ren’s door. Impulsively, she tried the latch, and, finding it open, scurried inside.The room was utterly dark, apart from a single ray of moonlight, streaming in through a small window. T’was just enough light to perceive the shape of a naked man, rising from the bed.Rey froze, confounded and vacillating: should she leave? Speak?Just then, however, the sot blundered into the room in pursuit of her.So intent was he upon her, that he didn’t notice the form of Lord Ren moving in the darkness.As Beaumont made a grab for her, Rey spun around to avoid his clutches, but stumbled.Beau managed to seize the back of her gown, and as she fell she could hear the fabric give way, from neck to waist.At this ripping noise, her husband growled angrily, and Beaumont finally took heed, grunting in surprise.Beaumont chirruped as this dark figure painfully gripped his wrist, then he received a blow to the gut. He doubled over, holding his stomach and moaning, when a bare knee came up to strike him on the chin, sending him careening flat to his back.Beau rolled and scrambled, seeking the door, crawling on hands and knees, on belly and elbows, anything to escape! Finally reaching the safety of the hall, he sobbed; blessing the fates that saw him evade that choleric fiend! The door was slammed upon him, and Lord Ren turned the bolt.Lord Ren limped to Rey, still crouching on the floor, holding her ripped nightgown closed at the front. The single beam of moonlight shone just so, hitting her husband from mid waist to upper thigh, revealing more than she cared to view.She could perceive no scar or deformity.His hips were lean, the belly flat and taut. And despite her naivete, she was inclined to believe he was as much a man as any could hope to be.He must have felt her eyes upon him, because there began a change with him, and his altered condition brought a rushing warmth to Rey’s cheeks. She quickly lowered her gaze and sprang up from the floor, letting her hair swing down to cover her hot face.His hand slipped to her waist, and Rey braced herself at the contact. The warmth of his fingers quickly pervaded the thin cloth of her gown.“Are you alright?” His voice sounded different, without the mask. It lacked the hissing quality, but still sounded curiously strained.“I’m sorry to intrude, milord.” Rey kept her face turned from him, “I heard a knock at my door, and since I thought it was you, I answered.”“You needn’t apologize.” His fingers twitched. “I can’t be offended by your willingness to open to me."He caressed her back gently through the thin fabric, and Rey felt her whole body tighten nervously.“Will you stay here, with me?”Rey knew the time had come, that she must put aside all her qualms; but she couldn’t force herself to say the word. Even after seeing him unclothed, and being assured that there was at least some part of him that was unscarred, she couldn’t bear to say it.“I would rather return to my own room. If you don’t mind, milord.”His hand fell away.“If you will please wait, I will inform the innkeeper of this incident.” Lord Ren moved aside, reaching for a robe and donning his mask and gloves.Rey looked toward him, thinking maybe she could get a glimpse of his face, but this notion was too late and he had already turned away from her.She decided it was all for the best, and perhaps she wasn’t ready to see his scarred face. Perhaps she wasn’t ready to have all her questions answered so unequivocally.Shrouded in the darker part of the room, Lord Ren pulled on his boots, then went to the bed and folded back the covers.“You could at least stay warm. I trust you aren’t opposed to sharing my bed, while I’m not in it?” His tone was mildly chiding.Rey didn’t dare respond, but crawled into the bed.It was warm and comforting, and there was a lingering scent, one she recognized from when she had been in his bed before, after her accident. It was pleasant, but elusive, bringing to mind something… some event or emotion… something.There was something about it, a vague memory of some other time or place.But she couldn’t bring the impression to clarity.T’was beyond her grasp.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
T’was late morning, when the Ren carriage left the busy Coruscant avenue to pass through a tall, wrought-iron gate. Majestic, branching trees and clever parkland design enhanced the impression of seclusion and sweeping capacity, while muting sound and providing an elegant haven in the heart of the city. The grounds comprised lawns and formal gardens, now austere in the crisp autumn, and a hedged evergreen labyrinth.Rey contemplated on the stark contrast drawn between these premises and the Ren estate, with its rough and wild environs. And it occurred to her for the first time that Lord Ren, too, had wealthy and influential friends.Her husband’s harsh voice interrupted her musings, “I wish to reassure you, my dear: the Calrissians are excellent people. They have been friends to my family for many decades, and I hold them in highest esteem. There are several matters I must redress, and they have provided invaluable advice and support toward those ends.”The slate drive led up to a circular turn-about, rounding a dry marble fountain at the foot of a mansion: graceful in classic Felucian Revival architectural style, and constructed of red brick and stately white columns. As Lord Ren handed her out of the coach, Rey was grateful that Kaydel had insisted she take special care with her grooming that morning, and glad for her rich gown and pelisse – why, even her fancy hat was well-suited to the circumstance!Rey felt quite overwhelmed by her surroundings. The home’s interior was high-toned and luxurious, all the furnishings of outstanding quality and taste.A prim butler in a white wig met them in the foyer to take their cloaks, and they were shown into the parlor, where the marquess and his lady waited to greet them. An older gentleman rose from the sofa; tall and robust, mustachioed, his dark eyes sparkling. “Kylo, my boy!” He spread his arms, laughing heartily, “we are delighted, just delighted you would visit us! And so soon after your marriage!”Rey turned toward her husband, startled, and whispered, “‘Kylo?’”Lord Calrissian crossed the room, reaching for Lord Ren and enfolding him in a fatherly embrace, thumping his back and grasping his shoulders, shaking him firmly. The marquess wore a long, loose coat, woven of bright brocade – iridescent Ithorian molsumes twining through the folds – and a soft cap of the same fabric. His garb gave the impression of a man utterly at ease with his situation and unconcerned with any extrinsic opinion of himself; but also of an exotic formality that was both romantic and mysterious.The marchioness was a tall and willowy woman, fair in her coloring, and much more sedate in her manner of dress than her husband. Her gown was white, fashioned of fine muslin, the long sleeves adorned only with blue ribbons at the wrists, and a regal standing collar. Her slippers and velvet turban were also blue.Lady Calrissian stood by the couch, hesitant and eyeing Lord Ren with a mien that Rey first supposed must be fear; but as she observed the lady, Rey was persuaded instead that her deportment revealed irritation, or resentment.Lord Ren grasped Rey gently by the elbow to draw her forward, “may I present my wife, Lady Aurora Ren.” He then gestured with a flourish, “My Lord Landonis Balthazar, Marquess of Calrissian. And his charming wife, the Marchioness Tendra Risant Calrissian.”“Oh, no!”“Oh, no!”“Oh, no!”All three spoke at once.Lord Calrissian laughed, “we do not stand on ceremony with family! And Kylo is family!” He reached for Rey, “hello, what have we here?” then taking her hand between his two, “you must call me ‘Lando,’ my dear!” and he playfully kissed her knuckles.“And of course you will call me ‘Tendra.’” The lady stepped forward to take Rey’s hand as well, smiling down on her jovially.Rey curtsied to them both, “‘tis my pleasure, to be introduced to friends of my Lord husband. And I must also insist you call me ‘Rey.’”Tendra drew Rey toward the settee, sending Lord Ren one last oblique glance, “Rey! You are lovely, just lovely! Do, come sit down! You must be exhausted after your long journey!”It was only at that moment that Rey realized she hadn’t heard her name, ‘Rey,’ since her marriage, and she keenly felt the lack.Once they all were seated, the ladies on the sofa and the men in facing chairs – Lord Ren’s lame leg stretched out before him – Lord Calrissian urged, “we are immensely gratified, Kylo, that you would bring your new wife to visit us! I had been so looking forward to meeting her, and now that I see her, I understand why you’ve been so distracted lately!”Lord Ren chuckled softly, “I’m not the only one who’s become besotted, Lando. We had to fight off one lovesick admirer en route.”Lady Calrissian took Rey’s hand, squeezing her fingers kindly and clucking soothingly over her.Despite the opulence of their home and the eminence of their titles, the Calrissian’s warmth and affability set Rey promptly at ease.“I see how it must be!” Lando winked, “why, Kylo probably hasn’t told you the first thing about us!”“Hmm,” Rey hummed wryly, searching her husband’s masked face, “indeed. It would seem there are many things he has neglected to tell me.”“You must forgive him, sunshine! We must blame his disregard for practical matters, and lapse of decorum and manners, on the fact that he’s so smitten with you!” When Rey clicked her tongue, shaking her head, Lord Calrissian continued, “I’m sure his mother is just as horrified as you are!”Rey choked a breath, eyes widening. This was the first she had heard of any surviving Ren kin, and she questioned Lord Ren quietly, “your mother?”Lord Ren gripped his cane, shifting in his seat, “you will meet her, my love. As soon as may be.”Lando leaned back, his smile fading for the first time since they had arrived, “Kylo’s father and I were as close as brothers. His death was appalling! Just horrific! And the burning of the manor – vicious! I won’t rest until those responsible are brought to justice!” Tendra patted her husband’s knee placatingly, “let us not speak of those dreadful circumstances, my darling.”Lord Calrissian’s vision cleared and he returned to the present, “of course, lambkin, you keep me cool-headed.” He shrugged, shaking off those unpleasant thoughts, and looked about again, his gaze falling once more upon Rey. “You are beautiful, my dear, just as beautiful as my own Tendra!”“Fond husband.” Lady Calrissian chuffed softly, “I was never as beautiful as this child.” She took Rey’s hand again, “I do hope that we will be great friends.”As they conversed and reminisced, Rey noted that Tendra avoided looking at Lord Ren; she kept her body turned away, and if her eyes inadvertently fell upon him, she appeared angry, or upset. Lord Ren apparently noticed this as well.“Do you dislike me now, Tendra? Have you grown to hate me since we last met?”The lady clenched her jaw and finally confronted him squarely, gesturing toward his mask, “I hate that thing!”Rey was exceedingly surprised that Lady Calrissian would speak to Lord Ren so bluntly, but didn’t have long to reflect upon this, as her husband briskly reached over and took up her hand, his leather-clad thumb stroking across her knuckles.“Believe me, Lady, my wife hates what is concealed, even more than you hate the mask.” Before Rey could dispute this statement or defend herself in any way, her husband continued, “Lord Calrissian and I have urgent matters to address, my love, and so I leave you in the practiced care of our hostess.” And without further ado, he limped from the room, accompanied by Lando.Tendra had remained unmoving, and at Lord Ren’s departure she shook her head indignantly, and Rey thought she heard her mutter, “obstinate whelp!”“Milady, did you speak?”Lady Calrissian faced her, smiling, her aspect affected innocence, “only talking to myself, child. ‘Tis a symptom of aging, as I’m sure you’ve heard.”Tendra put her arm around Rey’s shoulders solicitously, “you must be famished, after your long ride! We have been altogether abandoned by our husbands and their terrible business, my dear! And so I propose we take a meal together, and then a carriage ride about Coruscant; what say you to that? The day is lovely, and there’s no sense in wasting it, waiting on the menfolk! Why, if we plan it properly, we shall be splendidly occupied all afternoon!”They were, indeed, and Rey was pleasantly surprised to find she could enjoy herself so thoroughly and feel so at ease with a stranger. Tendra Calrissian was gracious, kindly and warm, and possessed of an infectious, lighthearted manner, and Rey felt her apprehensions abating with the laughter.The evening passed delightfully, as well. In the presence of the Calrissians, who most clearly held no fear at his appearance, Lord Ren seemed less forbidding. Even during the evening meal, with the acute awareness that she was closely watched, Rey was able to relax and enjoy the excellent repast. As usual, Lord Ren didn’t eat with them, but elected to take his meal later, in the privacy of his room, and so was free to bestow his full attention upon Rey at supper.As she climbed the stairs to retire for the night, Rey was mindful of her husband and his ponderous gait directly behind her, but she was perfectly untroubled. She had indulged in a light blossom wine, and this, coupled with the Calrissian’s genial company, left her feeling quite comfortable and unperturbed.Lord Ren didn’t come to her room, but bid her goodnight in the hall.When Lady and Lord Ren had been shown their rooms earlier, Rey had at first been nervous to have her husband so close and in an adjoining room, but once she saw that the lock was on her side of the door and already turned, she felt quite secure.Rey’s room was snug and beautifully appointed in soft green, the four-poster bed and furnishings fashioned from turned silveroak, the draperies woven of heavy brocade.Moonlight shone through the cut glass of her windows, painting faint rainbows across the walls and rug. The crackling of the embers and the halt pacing of her husband lulled her to sleep, but the comfort of the bed could not prevent strange dreams from intruding upon her rest, and Rey woke muzzily several times to her unfamiliar surroundings.… gusty wind sighing through the tree branches and dry leaves…… low moaning and hitched breath…… the soft hooting of a convor, roosting for the night…… a man, standing in the shadows at the foot of her bed, shirtless, assured, observing her, his thumb hooked in the waist of his trousers… his eyes glowing in the dark, his hair wild about his face… she sighed and turned toward him… he plucked open the ties of her nightgown to kiss her breast, lick at her nipple… his mouth hovered over hers…
“Benjamin!”
Rey sat up abruptly in the dark room, frantically looking about in the shadows.No one was there.Rey folded back the top quilt, then fell back against the pillows, breathing erratically and pushing her hair back from her heated forehead.She was confused and disoriented and… disappointed?It was many long moments before her heartbeat slowed, and she was able to banish the stirred-up emotions provoked by the images of her dream, and once again find sleep. Rey awakened, feeling well-rested and refreshed, stretching. She flung her hands down against the bedclothes and… oh! Remembrances of dreams from the night before, and the feelings they had evoked, came flooding back to her mind.Even in slumber she couldn’t escape that Alderaanian!Distressed by her traitorous mind’s nocturnal wanderings, she slipped into a velvet dressing gown and stepped out onto the small balcony, breathing in the crisp air and enjoying the clean, frosty look of the gardens. It was a beautiful and serene morning.After only a few moments she was thoroughly chilled, but she was glad for the brisk, mind-clearing sensation of it.Just as she was about to seek the refuge of her room’s hearth, Rey heard muted voices, carrying to her on a slight breeze.Through the trees, she could see her husband in the garden below. And walking with him was a woman in a hooded cloak, much smaller than he, though the lady moved with confidence and poise.Rey couldn’t discern their words, but the woman seemed to be imploring, supplicating. She boldly reached out and grasped Lord Ren’s arm, with no trace of fear or hesitation.The lady appeared at times to be beseeching, and at others explicating, but periodically she would pause and Lord Ren would shake his head or give the impression of denial, or of rejecting her counsel or questions.She rested her hand on his arm for long moments, speaking, and he listened patiently. After an abrupt reply, the lady presented one final appeal. Lord Ren responded with a curt and final inclination of his head, bowed to her, and limped away toward the manse.The woman looked after him, seemingly perturbed, or as if she would follow after him to continue their dialog. Instead, however, she turned away for a few moments, breathing deeply, then finally moved toward the Calrissian’s home as well.Bemused, Rey stole into her room once more and moved to stir the fire. It wasn’t her business, who her husband chose to speak to, or his topics of discussion with anyone. She had no right to question him; and even if she did, she lacked the courage.As she bundled up in a blanket and settled in a cozy chair before the hearth, Rey mused for long minutes on the unknown lady’s confidence in her husband’s fearsome presence.Later, when Rey joined the Calrissians for breakfast, Tendra enthusiastically described one Lady Holdo, a particular friend and a widow, who had, only the day before, acquired a new pianoforte. This lady had apparently not only invited them for afternoon tea, but also an intimate performance, as she was quite the proficient. They were then to stay on at the Holdo estate, at their leisure to rest or explore the grounds, until that evening when Lady Holdo was to play hostess to a large gathering of high society. Rey was then surprised to learn that Lord Ren would not be accompanying them, as he was otherwise occupied with urgent business in the city. Rey didn’t understand why he hadn’t forewarned her of this himself, especially since their rooms abutted. When asked for the time of Lord Ren’s return, Tendra responded that he didn’t say, but that they wouldn’t have any time to spare in rumination over his absence. Rey had no desire to gainsay her new friend, but sincerely doubted this suggestion, as Kylo Ren wasn’t a person one could easily forget. His frightening countenance haunted her constantly. With a low bow and a click of his heels, Lady Holdo’s butler presented Rey with a small box. “A gift, milady, from Lord Ren.”Rey considered the packet, tied with a satin ribbon, and a note tucked beneath. Written in an elegant hand, the missive proposed that it would honor the Ren name if she would accept this gift and wear it to the reception, and was signed only with the initial “K.”She didn’t understand why Lord Ren would have a servant deliver his gift. If he had exerted the effort to bring it to Lady Holdo’s residence, why not offer it himself? Perhaps he was angry with her, or becoming disinterested in her, and questioning his own judgement in marrying her?Kaydel, standing behind her with the curling tongs, stifled a small cry when Rey lifted the lid. Inside, upon a bed of white satin, Rey found a necklace: a triple strand pearl choker, the clasp made of diamonds and a fiery opal – iridescent and flashing green and blue. The parure included matching earrings, a small jeweled hair comb, and a dozen pearl-adorned hairpins. Kaydel immediately went to work, to determine how Rey’s coiffure might best show these last to utmost advantage.Rey amended her previous thought: it was unlikely her husband would grant her such an extravagant gift if he was angry with her. She believed it was much more than she deserved, especially as her mind flitted to the lusty dream of the night before, and Rey resolved to keep her thoughts and fantasies to a more maidenly inclination.The jewelry was a lovely complement to the gown she had brought for the evening – a beautiful silk dupioni in a pale, duck-egg blue, with cream piping and slashed accents, and long, sheer sleeves. Her outfit complete with gloves and matching slippers, Rey was confident that, at least in her appearance, she could not harm the family name.Her stepmother had described to her some of the lavish social gatherings of Coruscant, but Rey had never attended one herself, and so she was quite nervous.From Tendra’s comments, she expected there would be card-playing, some refreshment in small nibbles and punch, a good deal of talking, and perhaps dancing.When they descended from the family quarters, many guests had already arrived and Tendra cheerfully took it upon herself to facilitate Rey’s presentation, introducing her as the new mistress of Ren Hall. And if anyone began to ask too many questions, she simply whisked her away to acquaint her with someone else.Lord Calrissian had arrived at some point as well, and his hearty laughter could be heard – sometimes nearby, and at other times from the opposite side of the spacious receiving room.After more than an hour of this, Rey began to think she was to be introduced to all of Coruscant in one night, and she wearied of these formalities. She found herself encircled by a group of older ladies, all anxious to speak with Tendra, and Rey was gradually edged out. Having escaped all attention for the moment, Rey backed to the room’s perimeter, observing the silked, feathered and bejeweled multitude, and then slipped into a small parlor, just to catch her breath. Since the death of her husband, Lady Holdo simply could not be relied upon to keep any decent liquor in adequate reserve, her own personal taste tending toward cordials and liqueurs.As it chanced, Lord Snoke had met many times with Viscount Holdo while he was still living, and therefore felt no compunction about investigating the lingering contents of the old chap’s bureau. There yet remained a bottle of a reasonably tolerable Shesharilian vodka, and Snoke helped himself to a generous share.Many things had changed since the passing of her husband, including Amilyn Holdo’s guest list for affairs such as the one this evening. Gone were the days when a man could be certain of securing companionship for the night, from among the company. Lady Holdo was entirely too sanctimonious.It was exceedingly tiresome.Perhaps Hego and Sheev would have better luck, and they were always willing to share.Keeping an eye on the entryway and watching for his friends, Snoke was just considering filling a second glass when a woman slipped into the dimly lit room.She ducked through the doorway and leaned against the wall, pressing a gloved hand against her forehead and inhaling deeply.She was pretty, though nothing out of the common way; a bit reedy for his taste. Sitting quietly in his dark corner, Snoke waited to see if he must make his presence known, or if she would depart.The lady lowered her hand and stepped toward the fireplace, and… oh! T’was Rey Plutt! A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. Perhaps he might turn this chance meeting to his distinct advantage.Snoke arose from his chair and set his glass on a little table with a tiny clink. The girl swung about at the sound, gasping when she caught sight of him.“My goodness. It’s Rey.” Approaching slowly, he openly looked her up and down. “Sweet little Rey.” He reached out and took her by the arm, “you look lovely, my dear. Isn’t it astonishing what the proper clothes can do for a person.”The naive child subtly tried to pull away, but Snoke refused to relinquish her arm, his long fingers overlapping around her slender biceps. He looked around, feigning guilelessness, “could it be that you are attending this evening’s soiree unaccompanied?”Still resisting his hold, she squeaked, “no, I assure you milord! I am here with the Calrissians!” She gestured toward the receiving room, “we were separated in the press.”Snoke clicked his tongue, “does this mean your husband is not here?”“Ahh… he had urgent business elsewhere.”“Scandalous.” Now he started moving with her toward the foyer, and stooped to speak near her ear, “to leave such a fetching new bride, all by herself!” He released her arm, but kept his hand near her shoulder and began to make for the cloak room, nudging her ahead of him. “Well, from what I’ve heard, I can understand why the man would prefer not to appear in public, and why he wears that horrid mask. Poor devil.” To his utter delight, the girl huffed indignantly, straightening and squaring her shoulders, and speaking just a bit less timidly, “I have seen no evidence that Lord Ren is anything but human, sir.”Snoke stopped in his progress, wedging Rey against a small side table and leaning in for a better view of her – admittedly meager but still prettily flushed – cleavage. He whispered, “mmm, tell me now, my dear, what does Lord Ren look like, under the mask? Is he as awful as everyone says?”The girl’s mouth dropped open, her eyes flashing fiercely, but she still spoke lowly to avoid drawing the attention of any in the crowd, “if he wanted people to know what he looked like, my lord, he wouldn’t wear the mask.”“No! Could it be?” Lord Snoke gasped dramatically, “surely you have seen your own husband!”Rey turned up her nose, holding her shoulders as far from him as the close quarters allowed, “I have seen him. In the dark.”With a long forefinger, Snoke pressed against her chin, directing her gaze back to him and raising an eyebrow at her, “oh, ho? In the dark, you say?”At this, she pressed her lips together and might have dashed away if given the chance, but Snoke gripped her arm tightly once more. A large group of people had just arrived, crowding the entry and overwhelming the servants. He would have to keep the girl quiet and placated, so as to avoid her making a scene. In the better-lit room, he looked her over more closely, and leaned close, murmuring.“There is something about marriage that gives a woman a certain glow; enhances her beauty,” he pressed closer against her hip, “opens her up like a ripened fruit.” He hummed, contemplatively, then continued, “I should like to compliment your husband on his taste, at least when it comes to his choice of wife. But I do have a few sharp words for him, regarding his neglect of you.” He smiled down at her, “I assure you, my dear: I won’t neglect you.”The girl was pulling more forcefully against his grasp, wriggling against him and making little panting noises that were simply delicious. The evening was developing into something exhilarating after all.It would all be for naught, however, if he couldn’t take his leave without the girl causing a commotion. His greater height gave him an advantage, and he scanned the throng. Ah! There was Sheev, already wearing his cloak, with a garishly-clad lady on his arm, nodding to him and leering, and motioning toward the doors.“I arrived this evening in the company of friends.” Snoke looked down, making sure he had the girl’s attention, “gentlemen of the highest repute, of course. And it would appear they are ready to leave.” He shook his head and shrugged, “I see that I must do my duty to Unkar, by seeing after his daughter. In good conscience I simply cannot leave you with strangers! There’s nothing else to be done. You must come with me.”Keeping Rey tucked closely into his chest, Snoke moved out into the gathering, toward the head butler.“Sir! Milord! Truly, you needn’t have a care! I am very well escorted!” The girl was overtly resisting him now, digging in her heels, though not yet raising her voice.“If you were so very well escorted, then you wouldn’t have been alone in the parlor! Why, any unscrupulous knave could make off with you, and no one would be the wiser!”“Indeed.”“It’s time to go.” When she opened her mouth to defy him, Snoke wagged a finger in front of her nose, “I must do my best for Unkar’s daughter. I won’t hear any more of your refusals. You simply cannot remain here alone.”“I am not alone!”“Of course not, my dear! Most assuredly, you are not alone while I am with you. Now, come along.”He hooked her hand around his elbow, and pressed her arm firmly against his body, keeping tight control over her as he made his way through the crowd. “I was terribly displeased, when Unkar went ahead with his roup, without consulting me first. I would have liked to negotiate some kind of arrangement.”“I do not believe… my father was aware…” the girl wrenched her arm, “that you were seeking a wife.”Snoke checked his progress, snorting down at her, “heaven forfend! I confess, the thought of marriage never crossed my mind.”“T’was a strict condition of the roup.” The girl’s face had become flushed, with a light sheen of perspiration over her skin.Snoke smiled mildly, “bah! A weighty purse would have met the condition just as well!” With a flap of his hand, Snoke continued forward, but Rey’s hand suddenly jerked, and he nearly lost his grip on her. He looked back to see she had wrapped her other arm around a slim column, and had a very determined expression on her face.“Now, my dear. What I meant to express, is that you could have occupied a very special place in my household. It certainly would have been more agreeable to you than the situation where you currently find yourself.” He drew a lacy handkerchief from his coat and dabbed at his brow. “Unkar was very wrong, to force you to marry that horrid beast of a man!”“My husband might be scarred, sir, but he isn’t a beast!”Snoke licked his lips delicately. The girl’s color was up. She could certainly put up a fight, and he did really prefer it that way. “You know, child, if your circumstance becomes intolerable, accommodations could still be made.” He leaned closer, “I don’t consider marriage to be an impediment, as some might.”Keeping a firm hand on the girl, Snoke snapped just as the butler turned toward them, “bring my hat and cloak, and fetch the Lady Ren’s wrap as well!”The servant looked back and forth between them, lingering overlong on Rey, pursing her lips and shaking her head minutely, her arm still wrapped around the column.Snoke snapped again, “this instant!”The butler hesitated only a moment longer, then scurried away, leaving his fleet of under-butlers and footmen to deal with another large group just entering.“Sir! I will not go with you!” The girl continued to tug, trying to free her arm, “I am the guest of the Calrissians, and they will be most distressed if they cannot find me!”“Do not worry, child. I will leave a message, informing them that I shall play the part of your escort, and will see to it that you are well cared for.” He smiled down at her, “we really must not keep my friends waiting.”She had let go of the column, but was prying at his fingers, pushing at him, pulling her arm and hissing, “sir! You are hurting me!”Music to his ears! Where was that damned man with their coats?! Ah! Finally, the butler approached, carrying his greatcoat and cane, and his hat, and the lady’s cloak.Suddenly, a man separated from the group of new arrivals and stumbled toward them, tripping and dropping his cloak at their feet. The man awkwardly reached down to retrieve the garment, then stood again jerkily, his head striking against Snoke’s arm with enough force to compel him to release his grip on the girl. Before Snoke could snare her again, she darted away, back into the interior of the home.The fellow bumbled and fumbled with his coat, shoving against Snoke with his shoulder and flinging his arms about, knocking Snoke powerfully on the chin, making him bite his tongue and stagger back, seeing stars. The man grabbed the lapels of Snoke’s coat, steadying him and pressing him up against the wall while he regained his balance. The chap did seem to push with considerably more energy than was necessary, driving the breath from his lungs.Snoke shook himself, and the man released him, “your pardon, sir,” and tugged roughly at the shoulders of his coat, righting the fit and then slapping him vigorously on the arm, making him stagger again to the side. Snoke tested his jaw, finding it tender, and felt around his mouth, tasting blood. “You idio’!”“You must excuse my clumsiness.” Snoke chuffed, pressing his handkerchief to his lips, the fabric coming away red. He looked angrily at the buffoon now standing before him – and finally recognized the man as Benjamin Solo! The man should pay for this outrage – but Snoke paused, remembering the plight of Armitage Plutt, and hesitated to call the man out.“My sincere apologies, milord. I was distracted by the beauty of the lady.” He lay his cloak with the velvet one draped over the butler’s arm, and directed that they should both be put away. Snoke clenched his jaw. “It was the Mayor Plutt’s daughter. Now Lady Ren.”“Indeed, a handsome lady. But then Lord Ren must be more aware of that than anyone.”“Wealth agrees with the wench.” Snoke flapped his hand, testing his teeth with his tongue and finding none loose. “Such a shame. That cripple couldn’t begin to do his duty by that filly. Can’t even mount a horse.” He sniffed.Solo’s eyes narrowed, “mount a horse?”Snoke rolled his eyes, “the rumors are, the man is too lame to even ride a horse.” He pressed his arm gingerly against his rib, fearing it might be cracked. “Excuse me sir, I must retire and repair my appearance.”Gesturing toward the waiting butler, Solo suggested, “if you’re leaving, you’ll need your cloak.”“I’ve changed my mind.” Snoke thought of the girl – challenging his advances, her cheeks blushed, her eyes bright – and decided he would like to continue the game. He waved the servant away.“Lord Ren is notoriously quite capable with a musket. Take heed, sir, lest you be clipped.”“Tosh! The man is far too clumsy, I need have no fear! Why, with that limp, I’d hear him coming a mile away! Good evening, sir.” “Sir! You are hurting me!” Rey pried against Snoke’s fingers, yanking at her arm. If he would not release her, she would have to abandon decorum and cry out for assistance.The valet approached, hesitantly. The cape he held was not her own, but that was the least of her worries, if Lord Snoke thought he could force her to leave with him.With a jolt, Lord Snoke wheezed as if in pain, and Rey caught a glimpse of a head of dark hair. Suddenly, her hands were freed! She didn’t hesitate, but fled deeper into the home, not stopping until she found Tendra – seated at a small table for card playing. The gentlewoman smiled at her cheerfully and patted the chair beside her in invitation.“Sit, my dear! You were gone so long, we were beginning to worry, and I just sent Lando in search of you! But now you’re here, you can join the game!”Rey had no love of cards, as her only experience had been vicarious, through her father and brother. She did wish, however, to stay near the older woman. “I fear I don’t know how to play.”“It’s a simple game: Chandrilan Ruff. It won’t take long to learn, and then you shall be as keen a devotee as I, and you won’t want to stop!”Rey still believed that cards were wicked, but that certainly paled in comparison to what Lord Snoke had in store for her – so she agreed to be dealt in. She tried to pay attention to the rules, but her mind was more intently occupied with stealthily observing any who might stop to watch the game. She kept an alert eye out for the pink satin and gold embroidery of Lord Snoke’s coat and knee breeches.After a few hands, Rey was actually enjoying herself.She did have a few moments of disquiet, when Lord Calrissian quietly requested a private word with his wife. They assured her, however, that they would swiftly return. Rey nodded, smiling brightly and trying to calm herself.Another woman took Tendra’s place, and a new hand was dealt.This newcomer took up her cards and laughed, “I am not very good at this game!”The other players shot each other knowledgeable winks and sniggering looks.Rey looked over at her, leaning toward her friendlily, “I confess myself very pleased to hear it!”The lady wore a shimmering olive gown, a small peridot tiara, and matching bracelets over white elbow gloves.“I am the Countess Organa, my dear. And you are…?”“I’m Rey. That is, ah… Lady Ren.”“‘Tis my pleasure, to make your acquaintance. You are very beautiful, child.”“May I return the compliment, milady?” The countess appeared to be about Tendra’s age, though much smaller in stature. Her eyes were dark brown, clear and sparkling, her dark hair streaked with silver. By Rey’s appraisal, she was possessed of a timeless beauty, that age could not dim.One of the others at the table asked if they might not start the game, to which the countess assented, and picked up her cards.Rey studied her cards very carefully, trying to decide on her first bid. After a few moments, she sensed someone standing behind her, and this caused her no little anxiety. She discreetly angled her body so she could peek past her hip at the floor behind her. She was relieved to see a black shoe, and a man’s leg clad in dark stockings, and so felt free to concentrate again on the game, knowing it couldn’t be Lord Snoke, as he was wearing white hose.Since she was a novice at the game, she uncertainly fingered the commander of coins, and considered playing it.“You would do better with the master.”Rey froze instantly, when the man behind her spoke. She knew that voice!Her heart began to pound, and her cheeks grew hot.Though startled to discover Benjamin Solo’s presence, Rey surprised herself to realize that she felt completely protected. She did wonder at this feeling of safety, however, as not all of her experiences with Captain Solo would substantiate such trust.She looked up covertly to see if anyone at the table had noticed her discomfiture. The countess smiled at her kindly, “to you, my dear.”Rey scrutinized her cards again. Her father and brother could both vouch for Benjamin’s proficiency at cards. Deciding his advice was likely sound, she played the card he had suggested.A mistress fell, and when the round was finished, Rey had won the hand and the tokens.The Countess Organa threw down her cards, affecting annoyance, “I am not skilled at this game. Would you like to take my place, sir? I do rather enjoy observing others match wits, but not against me.”Benjamin granted the countess a charming grin, and pulled up a chair. “I hope I will prove worthy of your confidence, my lady.”“I feel certain that you will.”Rey kept her jaw tightly clenched, as Mr. Solo took his place next to her. He wore his customary ebon coat and breeches, a flawless white shirt and stock, and a lustrous blue shot-silk waistcoat. He was devastatingly handsome, and Rey held her breath, and absolutely did not think on her dream of him the night before.“Good evening, Lady Ren.” Benjamin smiled gently, inclining his head toward her.“Mr. Solo.” Rey’s heart leapt in her chest.He introduced himself to the others at the table, a lady and a gentleman, then took up the cards to shuffle deftly. At this moment, Rey knew her father was a fool, not to have recognized right away that Solo was an adept. But then perhaps Unkar had been too intent upon his ruse to notice anything else.Rey inquired lowly, “do you have business, sir, that brings you to Coruscant?” She tried to keep her tone mild and nonchalant. “I would have expected you to be in Takodana, or Kamino.”Benjamin dealt lightning fast, but kept his attention upon her. “I saw no reason to be there, if you weren’t.”Rey snapped her mouth shut and took up her cards, hoping no one had heard his comment.He continued, “although, one of my ships is currently in port. And I do have a home in town.”Benjamin’s loose talk flustered her, and Rey looked around the table to see if anyone marked them. The other players were still occupied by the cards in their hands, and the countess was sipping a cup of Corvani rum and appeared distracted. Rey frowned at him disapprovingly.“It’s your bid, my lady,” Benjamin smiled mischievously.Rey studied her cards, but not feeling confident, and not wishing to make a fool of herself, she decided to pass.“Are you sure, milady?”“Yes. I am sure.”“You won’t win, with such cautious play. I did expect more of a challenge from you.”“Perhaps you should make the opening bid.”“I believe I shall.”There ensued a brief bidding war, between Benjamin and the man at the table, with much posturing and bluffing. Like Rey, the lady passed as well.Play returned to Benjamin, “you assail me from all sides!” He scrutinized his cards, held close to his chest, “you won’t make it easy for me, I see.” He added another token to his bid.“You’re very bold with your bidding,” Rey jibed.“When I’m allowed,” Benjamin smirked. “I am very stubborn, and apt to act boldly, if I think I can win.”“Of course. With cards.”“With everything, milady.”Rey might have argued further, if the others hadn’t been likely to overhear.The game continued, and Rey observed the others’ strategies intently. With the bid so high, she longed to see Benjamin brought low.Benjamin played the ace of staves, and the other man slammed down the master of flasks in pretend frustration, commenting, “you’re lucky I have no other staves.”As play went round, Benjamin took her commander with his mistress. She held her one good card, the ace of coins, until the last, hoping it would be enough.Benjamin played his last card, the ace of flasks, and inquired innocently, “have you anything better, lady?”Rey threw out her card irritatedly.Benjamin chuckled quietly, gathering up the cards, as well as the tokens he had won, while the others at the table leaned outwardly to converse with the countess.Benjamin turned toward Rey, with a sly smile, “I believe you owe me a token, lady.” He teased, “unless you should prefer I extend credit?”“What, so you could claim later that I owe you something in recompense? By no means!” She flipped him a wooden chip.“What a shame. I was looking forward to collecting.”“You always are, sir.”“Surely you can’t fault me for that. You sorely test my restraint, lady.”Rey sniffed down her nose at him, “I’ve seen evidence of no such thing.”“If you really knew, milady, you’d think me a scoundrel.”“I already do.”“Mmm.” Mr. Solo shuffled the cards one last time, and placed the neat stack in the center of the table. “Has your husband left you unescorted this evening?”“You needn’t worry, sir, I am attending with the Calrissians.”“Ah. I was hoping.” He stood and extended his hand to her, “but no matter. What say you, to offering these wealthy bumpkins a display of real beauty?”Rey stared wide-eyed at his steady hand.“Surely the Calrissians wouldn’t protest, and the music is very fine. Would you honor me with a dance?”Her first instinct was to refuse, and to put him down with some mocking witticism – but, the music was lovely; and instead, she imagined herself on his arm.Rey had received abundant dance instruction from her stepmother, and it had also been part of her formal education; but thus far she had had very little opportunity to partake. And so she very quickly changed her mind, and began marking the tempo and likely figures and steps that might be called, all rebuff now forgotten.She rose and took his hand, and he bowed to her with a smile.They excused themselves from the table, especially acknowledging the countess, and Benjamin led her to the hall where the dance was forming up.He handed her into place, and made a leg; taking her breath away with his broad shoulders and his tousled wavy hair curling about his collar, and his roguish wink from across the line. Rey curtsied in turn, feeling very naughty.As a newly married woman, she should only be able to think of her husband, but instead here she was dancing with the most envied bachelor in all of Coruscant! She did have a twinge of guilt, thinking of her husband, and imagining what he might say if he could see her behaving like a silly girl with such a man.“You dance charmingly, milady; pray, who was your instructor?” Benjamin jested as they crossed in the figure, “could it have been one of your suitors?”Rey clicked her tongue, somewhat annoyed that he should continue to vex her on this score, but unwilling to allow him to dampen her spirits. “Chiefly, it was my mother, sir.”“She must have been an exceptional woman. Did you inherit your beauty from her?”Rey continued the conversation as they passed, “I was actually speaking of my stepmother. She was redheaded. I don’t remember my own mother. She died when I was very young.”Benjamin quipped, “you certainly don’t resemble your father.”At this, Rey only laughed and spun around gaily.As soon as the set was complete, Lord Snoke appeared at Rey’s elbow, cocking his leg vainly, “my sincere apologies, lady, if I offended you. I must blame the effects of your beauty, which transformed me into a churlish rascal. Will you forgive me?” He completely ignored Benjamin’s scowls.Rey didn’t feel she had any choice, other than to acquiesce; though she dearly would have liked to give him a dressing down. Lord Snoke was a very influential man, with direct power over Unkar and her brother. She curtsied shallowly, and replied as curtly as possible, “milord.”“Then you will grant me the next dance.” Lord Snoke put out his hand expectantly.Benjamin stood quietly aside, observing this exchange, but by his expression it was clear he was becoming piqued. Rey knew she must tread a fine line, because on one hand it was doubtful Lord Snoke would take “no” for an answer, while on the other hand Benjamin was unlikely to defer to the older man. To avoid any unpleasant incidents, she reluctantly and gingerly took Lord Snoke’s hand.Lord Snoke motioned to the musicians, who then struck up a lilting Chandrilan waltz – a dance still considered scandalous in the commonwealth.Snoke led Rey to the dance floor, and unabashedly set his hand at her waist.She resisted being drawn too close, but because Lord Snoke was so tall, it was exceedingly difficult to dance with him. He tended to mince his steps, prancing and flouncing around the floor, and Rey was wholly occupied with preventing her toes from being crushed under his heeled pink satin slippers.“You dance divinely, lady.” Lord Snoke glanced toward the edge of the room, where Benjamin stood watching them angrily, “how well do you know Mr. Solo?”Rey didn’t trust Lord Snoke’s whys and wherefores, so she answered warily, “why do you ask, milord?”“I simply wonder at him being here at all. Do you know if he holds a title?”“I am not aware of him holding a title, my lord.” Snoke’s hand crept up her side.“Gatherings like this are generally reserved for titled gentlemen and landed lords.” His hand slipped around toward the front of her body, as he swung her around, “Solo must be the guest of some unwitting ninnyhammer.”As subtly as she could, Rey pushed his hand back down to her waist, “the Calrissians did mention that these assemblies have become more relaxed, and that any gentleman of genteel manners and means can attend, with proper invitation.”“A horrifying alteration! The plebians shouldn’t be allowed to take part! Every savage can dance, of course; but the lower classes lack the conventionalities and etiquettes that one wants.” He peered down his nose at her, continuing, “why, that lumbering brute smote me the moment he walked in! I’ll be sore for days!”Rey looked up with surprise, to see Snoke’s angry regard trained upon Mr. Solo. “Benjamin?!”“Indeed. That bungling dullard!” His eyes narrowed indignantly and he tested his jaw with a flinch.She looked back and forth between them as Lord Snoke spun her near once more. Now she thought on it more carefully, she had noticed some dark hair and a flash of blue silk just before Snoke’s grip on her had loosened. Rey choked back a giggle, then glanced up contritely to see if Lord Snoke had noticed.“The man is lucky I chose not to challenge him.”Rey only nodded in response to this assertion, but believed it was likely a wise choice on Lord Snoke’s part.“Look at him! Such an irascible firebrand!” Lord Snoke purposefully swung her around in front of Solo, taunting him, and then swept her away again.As Rey caught further glimpses of Benjamin from across the room, she realized Snoke was correct: Benjamin did look angry. But as the dance continued, this nettled her as well. What right did Benjamin Solo have, to be jealous of her, dancing with another man?The music ended, and Benjamin was instantly at her side.“I claim the next dance,” and without waiting for any reply, he took her hand and led her away, leaving Lord Snoke frowning on the sideline.Just as Lord Snoke had done, Benjamin gestured to the musicians and they struck up another waltz. He put his hand to her waist and swirled her away.Once he had her in his arms, his countenance changed, and he was calm and pleasant.The difference in dancing style between the two men was vast. Where Snoke’s movements were stilted and forced, Benjamin was bold and assured. Rey was acutely aware of his arm about her, and the strength of his shoulder under her hand.And as they whirled around the room, she noted that they were closely watched by more than just Lord Snoke. Ladies stared and whispered jealously from behind fans, their companions nodding cooly. As the dance went on, Rey found herself once again resisting being held too close, but for different reasons this time. She must acknowledge to herself that any close proximity to Mr. Solo was dangerous, and her heart beat erratically. The gentle pressure of his strong hand at her waist, his pleasant demeanor, his warm scent. She became wary of meeting his eyes, and stiffened her arms to force distance between them.“Is milady displeased?”Rey hesitated. She couldn’t very well admit that her reserved demeanor was all to hide how distracting she found his nearness, and the attraction she felt for him. And she certainly wouldn’t risk inflating his ego any more than it already was. Instead, she asserted, “you treated Lord Snoke very rudely.”“Rudely?!” A muscle twitched under his eye as they took two turns in silence, and when he spoke again it was with a constrained sharpness. “My lady, Lord Snoke was more than ready to drag you away, and his intentions are anything but honorable.”Rey held up her head proudly, “he apologized, and comported himself in a… mostly gentlemanlike manner during the dance.”Benjamin scoffed, “lady, you are in sore need of instruction about the behavior of a gentleman! Lord Snoke is a depraved and shameless libertine, and you must be very cautious in dealing with him!”“He can’t be worse than some others I know.”“And would you prevaricate similarly, lady, if Lord Ren were here warning you of Snoke?”At this, Rey stuttered and almost tripped, looking up at him, “I have always tried to be forthright with my husband.”Benjamin leaned down, grinning lopsidedly and speaking lowly, “then of course, you’ve told him all about us.”And now Rey did stop right in the middle of the other dancers, dropping her arms angrily. He had no right to harry her! “And pray tell, sir, what exactly would I tell him about us?”Taking a step closer, Benjamin smirked, “you weren’t exactly cool to my kisses.”Rey’s mouth dropped open in embarrassment, but she could think of no quick contradiction. Instead, she spun abruptly to stalk from the dance floor. But Benjamin quickly clasped her wrist and half guided, half dragged her out onto a small terrace. Once they were out of sight of the others, she snatched her wrist away, rubbing it and grumbling to herself about the overbearing nature of men.With her back to him, she was totally conscious of his presence, but strived to maintain an attitude of aloof contempt.He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her back against himself, murmuring into her ear, “Rey, my love…”His warm breath on her neck sent a thrill through her, but she hissed, “don’t touch me!” and pulled from his grasp. Utterly discomposed, she whirled around, holding up her wrists, “you’re no better than Lord Snoke! This whole evening I’ve been pulled every which way by men, who claim they want to protect me!”“I beg your pardon, my lady. I was only trying to warn you about Snoke, a verified Loth-wolf in gentleman’s clothing.”“Certainly sir, but naturally your own intentions are pure!” She gestured toward the stables, “if we were to proceed to yon stable, of course you would restrain yourself! We would admire the fine horseflesh and speak politely of urbane topics!”Benjamin stepped in very close, but refrained from touching her, his eyes burning and hungry. “I do not deny that I desire to take you in my arms and make love to you! If your husband cannot satisfy your needs, then please, let the task fall to me! But I beg you, do not allow yourself to fall into Snoke’s clutches! He would use you to the full extent of his boredom, and then pass you to his friends for whatever amusement they could conjure up!” He shoved his fingers into his hair, “he wants what he can’t have, and his interest evaporates as soon as he takes it by force!”Rey snorted, “and you sir? Would you be any different? If I were to yield myself to you, would you also cast me aside, or would you honor me?”“Honor you? My love, how could I do aught else? You are constantly in my thoughts, tormenting me! I am overwhelmed with my desire for you, and if I believed for one moment that you wouldn’t hate me forever, I would take you this very night, whether you be willing or nay. But I long for your hand upon me in a soft caress! I prefer to hear your voice speaking my name in loving cadence, instead of hatred! ‘Tis the one thing that keeps you safe from me, Rey. ‘Tis the only thing!”Rey stared at him, feeling an energy crackling between them. As she watched several emotions play over his face, his lips parted, and his gaze dropped to hers.She vividly remembered the night he had kissed her in the stable – the passions he had awakened within her. Heat pooled in her belly, and she knew if she stayed one moment longer, she would dishonor herself, her husband, and her vows. She was afraid he would press her; and equally afraid of her answer.She spun on her heel, and ran.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Ensconced in a window seat and wrapped snugly in her dressing gown, Rey peered out at the shadowed gardens, her breath frosting the paned glass.Listening carefully for any sound from the next room, she was relieved she hadn’t had to face Lord Ren, as she wasn’t certain she could hide her agitation. Troubled, she moved to a stool by the fire.Her exhaustion upon returning to the Calrissian’s home had subsided with the removal of her finery, and by the time Kaydel had brushed her hair and bid her good night, all fatigue had been displaced by disquiet.She couldn’t stop thinking of Benjamin’s words.“Why won’t he leave me alone?!”The man’s gall knew no bounds! How dare he badger her so! For her own part, surely it was the music, the movement of the dance, the exhilaration of the party, that had caused her to respond to him as she had. Of course!It couldn’t be the pleasing timbre of his voice, the strength of his hands. His nearness. The little indentation in his cheek when he smiled.Dammit!Rey threw herself into the bed and yanked up the quilts, squeezing her eyes tightly closed and willing herself to calm. To sleep.The cloaked form of her husband rose from the darkness to loom over her, watching her.She woke with a gasp, looking around the room, thinking of all the times she had believed herself alone, only to have Lord Ren emerge from the shadows to startle her.Throwing back the bedclothes, she pulled her dressing gown tightly around herself and began to pace – from the bedstead, to the hearth, and back – feeling bemused, ill at ease, and after several turns, quite warm.She yanked her arms from the sleeves of her robe, dropping the garment to the floor and falling back into bed, allowing the air of the room to cool her.Staring at the low fire, Rey slipped again into a doze; Benjamin’s taunting amber eyes wavering before her, mocking her, slowly supplanted by the mask of her husband, dark and ominous.Glowing embers fell crackling through the grate and Rey started up, wheezing, “stars!” for now Lord Ren truly stood near her, at the side of the bed.“Your pardon, lady, I thought you were sleeping. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He spoke in a whisper.Her heart pounding, she dropped back against the pillows, clutching the front of her nightdress, her eyes trained upon him. In truth, her greatest fear was that, in her half sleep, she might have cried out, speaking a name that wasn’t her husband’s.She posited shakily, “you were gone so long, milord, I began to believe you had forgotten me.”He chuckled lowly, “nothing could be more unlikely, wife.”Rey lay, trembling, chilled now and wishing to cover herself but afraid of rousing his ire, and utterly at a loss as to what she might say. He reached out his gloved hand – slowly, slowly – and brushed aside a long wisp of her hair; then drew his finger down her arm – gently, tenderly. He took one halting step closer…Rey leapt out of bed, bouncing across the mattress and away from him in a panic. She darted to her dressing table, and took up the pearl necklace in its box, spinning around and holding it out to him. “I wanted to thank you, milord! For the necklace, and the comb, and the…” she paused, tipping the box toward him and clearing her throat quietly, “they are a perfect complement to the blue gown!” Her hands quivered as he limped closer to examine the jeweled parure as bidden.He inspected the items for long moments.“My sweet Aurora.” His voice came to her as a sigh. “Do you know how much I want you?”Rey quietly set the box aside, her chin trembling, her eyes welling with tears. She knew she should… but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Her fear overwhelmed her still.Lord Ren exhaled heavily, “never mind. I can see you’re not ready.”She raised a placating hand, but couldn’t bear to touch him. She couldn’t think of him as her husband.He limped slowly from the room. “I have more business on the morrow, and will be away early, before you rise.”And thus he left her: miserable, with tears streaming down her cheeks. When Rey joined the Calrissians, next morning for breakfast, she was staggered to find that she was not their only guest.She froze.Benjamin Solo stood at the tall window, his hands clasped behind his back, surveying the gardens beyond.He was so very handsome, and tall, his hair so…… how dare he?! The presumption! The audacity of the man, to present himself at the home of her husband’s friends!She stood in the doorway, her mouth open, unsure if she should quickly retire to her room or brave the rancor’s den.But before Rey could withdraw unnoticed, Tendra spied her and came to clasp her elbow. “Rey, dear! Here is someone I would like you to meet!”Rey resisted being drawn forward, and avoided meeting Benjamin’s mocking gaze, “please excuse me, milady, but Mr. Solo and I are already acquainted.”“Acquainted, perhaps, but I’ll wager you’ve never been properly introduced.” Rey allowed herself to be led closer. “Lady Ren, may I present Mr. Benjamin Solo. A kinsman of yours, I believe.”Rey found herself surprised a second time already, though the day was yet young, “kinsman?”“Certainly now; let me see,” Tendra lay her finger against her chin, thinking, “the Rens and the Solos are related in several different ways.” After a few moments she flapped her hand dismissively, “it doesn’t really matter. The latest was by marriage, and I believe there is a common ancestor somewhere. So, minimally, that would make you cousins!”“Cousins?!” Rey squeaked.“Mmm. At the very least. And most probably something else as well!”“But he’s an Alderaanian!”At this, Benjamin’s face crinkled with mirth, but this just irritated Rey further.“Now, dear,” Tendra squeezed her hand, “not everyone can be so fortunate as to live out their whole life on good commonwealth soil! Nevertheless, blood ties are strong! I, for one, have long ago forgiven…”Lando cleared his throat noisily, standing from the table abruptly, “darling! Lambkin! Let’s not become embroiled in the family tree!” He grinned cheerfully, gesturing toward Benjamin, “I’m sure Benjamin can explain it more simply,” and here, the older gentleman turned toward Mr. Solo expectantly.Benjamin shrugged insouciantly, “the relation is on Kylo’s mother’s side. I am considered something of a black gruffin, and the whole clan most likely would disavow any familial claim I might assert.”Rey raised an eyebrow, “goodness, I can’t imagine that.”Mr. Solo bowed to her gallantly, “thank you, cousin.”“If I had known there was a connection, I would never have agreed to the marriage!”“Do you mean to tell me it isn’t a love match with Kylo? He hasn’t yet won you over?”When Rey stumbled over an answer, her eyes wide, Benjamin leaned in familiarly.“Don’t worry, I don’t care for him either. We only tolerate each other because we must!” He snickered lowly, “we are constantly at odds! I envy Kylo his new bride, and he is jealous of my good looks! We are simply incompatible!”Rey certainly had no ready answer for this quip, and was dismayed he should speak so before the Calrissians.“We had best press on with our breakfast, my dear,” Lando approached his wife, “or we shall be late.”“Bring Rey along, Benjamin.” Tendra took her husband’s arm, and the two proceeded toward the dining room.“Of course,” Benjamin took Rey’s hand and wrapped it around his arm, not giving her the chance to refuse.Rey hissed, “you are outrageous, sir!”Benjamin simply smiled happily down at her, “has anyone told you this morning, kurva’ri, how beautiful you are?”Rey clicked her tongue, shocked at his brazen conduct, but felt her face heat all the same, pleased with the compliment.“Tendra has informed me that my cousin is quite smitten with you, but because of his ill-favored looks, he is hesitant to appear in public with you.” Benjamin smirked, “I should therefore be honored to offer my services as escort.”“An excellent idea, sir, except that I won’t go anywhere with you!”“But you are in need of a chaperone, milady.”“Thank you, Mr. Solo, but I believe I would be safer alone.”“The Calrissians have an engagement scheduled this morning, and since Kylo isn’t here I sought their permission to take you for a ride around the city.”Rey’s mouth dropped open in surprise, and she gawped up at him, truly stunned at his cheek. “I am inclined to refuse, sir.”“Mmm. I thought you would enjoy the outing, but if you’d rather stay here, alone with me, I’m sure we can find something to do.”“Oh!” A terrible idea, indeed! “I am astounded by your persistence, sir!”“I simply know what I want, that is all.”“I am a married woman!”“How well I know it, madam.”Benjamin held her chair, then took his place next to her.Rey realized that his presence caused her as much distress as when her husband sat at table with her, but for different reasons. She felt she was being devoured, as his eyes were constantly upon her.When their meal was finished, the Calrissians made their apologies and hurried away, leaving Rey no other recourse but to fetch her gloves and hat, and to accompany Benjamin outside, where the hired livery awaited. He had apparently spared no expense, as the landau and team were very fine, and the driver genteel and dapper. Benjamin handed her inside.“As I do wish to court your favor, lady, I shall endeavor to be on my best behavior.” He mounted the breach, and sat beside her.“My husband shall hear of it, otherwise.”“I will strive to recall my mother’s lessons of etiquette and propriety.”Rey rolled her eyes, “‘tis a fine time for the resolution of your amnesia!”He leaned back casually into the seat, “I am gratified to have this opportunity to accompany you, lady. You are an exceptionally handsome woman, and I am pleased to see you wearing clothing equal to your beauty. At least Kylo isn’t miserly with you.”Rey didn’t deign to reply, again feeling the enjoyment of the compliment, but also experiencing some guilt at the reminder of all that her husband had given her. She smoothed her skirt. Mr. Solo was correct, the gown was lovely. It was one of her favorite day dresses: the emerald green bodice and whitework skirt, paired with an excellent taffeta spencer.Mr. Solo did seem to have a keen eye for fashion; he was always impeccably dressed, himself. She had to admit, that in some ways, her low estimation of Alderaanians generally had been improved by virtue of her association with him. However, the acquaintance had also confirmed her opinion that they were – as a lot – brash, overbearing, and arrogant.“May I know, sir, where we are going?”“Anywhere milady wishes. I thought perhaps the Skydome Botanical Gardens?”“It really isn’t the season for it.”“You’ve already seen it?” Benjamin did look a trifle deflated.“My mother took me there several times.”He thought for a moment, “what say you to tea at Manarai, at the Monument Plaza?”“I wonder if it will have undergone any change?”“You’ve been there already as well.”Rey laughed, “I lived in Coruscant, for many years! I really can’t think of a sight I haven’t seen.”Benjamin thought this over for several minutes, then leaned forward and opened a little door, to speak quietly with the driver. He closed the door and leaned back, looking smug. “I can be assured there is at least one thing you haven’t seen. However, it will take us a little time to arrive, so please do make yourself comfortable, and enjoy the ride.”Rey really did try, but having Benjamin Solo so close was incredibly distracting, and she could not calm herself. Why, he was just as unsettling as her husband! Though the two were as different as night and day, they were disconcerting in equal measure.Even though, so far, Benjamin had kept his promise to be on his best behavior, he was observing her closely and making her very uneasy. She decided she would rather have some conversation.“How well do you know Kylo?”“As well as anyone, I suppose. Though no one knows him very well.”“And had you heard that Temmin Wexley was killed?”“I did hear that,” Benjamin nodded.“Kylo seemed… distressed over the man’s death.”Benjamin thought over his response for long minutes. “Kylo may realize that he could be accused of the murder. Some of his tenants had voiced their suspicions that it was Wexley who set fire to the hall. He certainly had motive, as he had been chased from the lands often enough, for poaching. It hadn’t been proven, but the man made himself a frequent nuisance.” He gazed out the window for a few moments, “Kylo lost much in that fire.”Rey queried, “and do you believe it was Wexley who started the fire?”“I have heard many rumors about it.” Benjamin’s answer was careful and deliberate, “one was that Lord Ren happened upon the highwaymen’s camp, and recognized some of the men. Lord Calrissian received a message to this effect, but before any action could be taken, the new wing where Lord Ren had his personal chambers was torched.” He huffed, “Kylo often complained about the draftiness of that old house, and now he is installed there yet again.”Rey was startled by the melancholy of Benjamin’s answer, but didn’t fully understand the depth of his emotion. Perhaps it was inspired by sympathy for his cousin? She had never seen him in such a somber mood. “If Kylo knows who set the fire, he could accuse them, and bring them to justice.”Benjamin paused again, “Lord Ren isn’t the man he was before. He thinks differently. He saw his father murdered, and he remembers hiding with his mother, and how frightened he was that the men would find them and kill them as well. When the manor was burned, he suspected that the events were related. The murder of the old lord… The driving of the family away… The fire, and even the lawlessness that has been permitted these last years. “Perhaps he believes there could be one single hand behind it all, and prefers a true justice, in one fell swoop, that will include all those involved – even the mastermind.”Rey considered all of this information carefully, and wondered what part she should play in it all. If her husband was only fixed upon revenge, what did this implicate of his character? And, could she someday find his wrath turned upon her?“Do you know why Lord Ren’s father was killed?”Benjamin sighed, “it is difficult to know why. There were accusations against him, because of his efforts to come to peace with the Corellians. And some in Parliament had called his loyalty into question, because of the woman he married, and her relations. At the same time, highwaymen began to prey upon the north country, thieving and murdering. And of course the Corellians were accused of this as always, but Kylo’s father claimed it was a band of locals making the trouble. He was bent on substantiating these claims, but was killed before anything could be proven. And then his murder was blamed on the Corellians too.”Rey pressed, “if all of this is true, I don’t understand why Kylo came back at all.”“A man might have many reasons. To claim his heritage. To clear the family name. To take his rightful place as lord of his own lands. To avenge the murder and destruction of his family, and to bring to justice those who were responsible.”She studied him for long moments. “You seem to know quite a lot about my husband, after all.”Benjamin smiled wryly, “even though I might not like it, I’m kin to the man, and am therefore privy to all the family secrets.”“And Kylo’s mother? Where has she gone?”“After her husband was killed, Leia Skywalker took what was left of her family and left the north country. I have no doubt she will want to visit Ren Hall, once her son sets his affairs in order. Until then, she wouldn’t want to intrude.”“She must have been grieved, by what happened to her son.”“She is a great lady. I think you will like her.”Rey hummed, “but will she like me? A wife purchased on the block?”“You needn’t worry, lady. Leia had abandoned hope that her son would ever marry at all. She will undoubtedly consider you a fine choice.” Benjamin’s smile broadened, “but if she doesn’t, I hope she will convince Kylo to give you up, so I can have you! After being married to such a beast, perhaps you will finally find me tolerable!”“My husband is not a beast!” Rey drew back, squaring her shoulders, “and I am sick to death of everyone calling him one!”“You rise quickly to his defense.” He regarded her closely, “I hope you’re not falling in love with the man.”Rey raised her chin, “who better to do it, than his wife?”“Ah, you distress me, lady! You give me little cause to hope for myself!”“That’s as it should be!” She sniffed down her nose at him, “I am a married woman!”Benjamin laughed, “you seem to take special delight in reminding me, madam.”“If you hadn’t been so concerned with your precious debt, perhaps you might have…!” Rey choked back anything further she might have said.“I might have… what, milady?”Rey flapped her hand and turned to stare out the window, thinking she really must guard her thoughts more carefully and not allow herself to be drawn into revelations of the innermost workings of her mind!“I might have… purchased you as a wife?”“Of course not!” she turned away from him further.“Has my lady so quickly forgotten? I was strictly prohibited from participating in the roup. Did you expect something more of me?”“What else could you have possibly done?” Rey sneered, “after hounding my father repeatedly, until he had to seek a higher bid!” She huffed. “You came for the money eagerly enough, as soon as it was all over.”“Could it be, lady? Could you resent me because I didn’t swoop in on my faithful steed to steal away with you to some hidden refuge?”Despite the chill of the day, Rey could feel that her face was very hot. “I do resent you. But not for the reasons you state.”“May I remind you, milady, I proposed marriage! And you refused my offer – more than once! You conveyed to me, in no uncertain terms, your disdain and hatred for me. Was that a lie?”
“No!”
“You seem content with Kylo.” Benjamin watched her for long moments – her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her lips tightly pursed. “Could you possibly prefer the cripple over me?”“Kylo has been very kind.”“If that’s the best that can be said of him,” he snorted, “then he’s useless as a man.”Rey twisted around to face him, “that’s not fair!”“It is fair. Unless you’re the one keeping him at bay.”She looked away again, pink to the ears, and unwilling to meet his gaze.“I cannot fathom how you might have managed that, madam.” When Rey didn’t reply, after several moments, he went on, “by now the man must be in torment – knowing you are his, but unable to touch you.” He chuffed, “I understand his plight perfectly.”“Enough, sir! This is not a proper discussion, even for cousins!”Bejamin hummed, but said nothing further, leaning back against the cushions and clasping his hands calmly.They traveled in silence for many minutes, Rey’s anger cooling with the swaying motion of the carriage, the rhythmic trotting of the team, and the familiar noises of the city. She was grateful when the carriage came to a halt, as it had become very close quarters with Mr. Solo so near.When she had calmed a bit and looked around, she realized they had made their way to the waterfront, drawing near the port, and a huge, three-masted ship. Rey peered out the window. The barque was beautiful – regal and shining – the paint and varnish freshly applied, the rigging crisp and orderly. And, aft, her name gracefully carved; the Falcon.Benjamin descended from the coach, and offered Rey his assistance. Befuddled, she glanced up at him curiously, but he just smiled. He led her past piles of goods to the ship’s gangplank.A man in a blue coat waved down to them, and Benjamin called up, “Captain Beckett, might we have permission to come aboard?”The captain saluted jauntily, “as it pleases you, Mr. Solo!”At this, Benjamin doffed his hat and bowed to her, “may I invite you on board, milady?”Rey looked up again to see that half a dozen men now crowded the railing, laughing and talking quietly together, but she couldn’t hear their words. However, it was easily surmised that Mr. Solo – and she too – was their topic of conversation.“With so many men available to offer ready assistance, I trust I’ll be safe if you decide to stop behaving like a gentleman, Mr. Solo.”Benjamin chuckled, “evidently you know little of sailors, madam; but fear not, my own pledge of propriety is unshaken.”She took his proffered arm, and they made their way up the gangplank. Rey looked over the edge, grasping Benjamin’s arm all the tighter when she realized just how far up they were. He more firmly pressed her arm against his side.When they reached the deck, the captain approached. He was wind- and sun-burnt, his blond hair wispy, his steel-blue eyes bloodshot, but smiling broadly, “welcome aboard, sir! Milady!”Benjamin kept her close at his side, “Rey, may I introduce Captain Beckett, my companion through many voyages. Tobias, this is Lady Ren; I am sure you remember my mentioning her?”Beckett took her hand, smiling toothily, “I thought Benjamin had abandoned all sense when he described how beautiful you are, but I see now his claims were quite well justified!”Rey appreciated the compliment, “you are too kind sir,” but still was puzzling out Benjamin’s previous comment. She turned to him, “this is your ship?”“Indeed, lady, the Falcon is the largest of the five ships I own.”Rey tipped her head back to observe the tall masts, wondering at the size of the vessel. This made her feel dizzy, and she grasped his arm tighter.Captain Beckett made a sweeping gesture, “would you like to see her, lady?”“Thank you, sir, I was hoping for an invitation!”It was clear that Captain Beckett was very proud of his ship; everything was neat and trim, and well cared-for. All hands, though brawny and much scarred, still were clean and well-dressed. As Rey strolled the deck, led by the captain, some stared outright while others glanced at her more subtly; but each studied her with twitching lips and a nudging elbow to his companion.The tour was thorough, including the lower decks and holds, all in good order. “Might I offer you some refreshment?” The captain showed them into the largest cabin and poured them each a small glass of blue Jedhan gin, “from our last crossing.” He gestured, the broad motion including two smaller rooms off the main cabin, “it might seem a bit close, but this is where Mr. Solo and myself have spent many an hour on the high seas.”Rey sipped her gin, “mmm… and, do you have a voyage planned for the near future?” She kept her tone as indifferent as she could manage.“Where we go, and when; why, that’s up to Mr. Solo. We’ll do as he directs.”Rey boggled at that kind of wealth and power: that by his whims Benjamin could command a whole ship and her crew. And, it could be surmised, the other four vessels as well.The ship’s cook prepared their luncheon, “thank you, Trudgen,” a thick and creamy vinefish chowder, served with a crusty loaf of light shava bread.Captain Beckett was engaging and witty, if a tad bawdy at times, and shared many amusing tales as well as harrowing stories of events that had taken place at sea. Rey was charmed and entertained by the levity of the men together. Clearly they were fast friends, bonded by many years of hardship and adventure. Laughing heartily, they spun their yarns and even argued the finer details of each account – all in good humor. They soon had Rey thoroughly diverted, and she couldn’t remember a time she had felt so much at ease and in such delight of conversation and genial association.The rest of the afternoon was pleasant and tranquil. She and Benjamin did go to the Skydome, and Rey had to admit that even in winter it bore a quiet, restful beauty. Walking among the bare trees and statuary, Benjamin kept his word, behaving like a true gentleman and making Rey feel that she was the only woman in the world.The gardens were followed by tea at Manarai, and a lovely stroll through the Monument Plaza’s conservatory, where a quartet of musicians played, and the two continued their quiet conversation.When the day came to an end, she did feel some regret. She knew that she and her husband would be leaving on the morrow, to return to Ren Hall. She felt a dull malaise, watching the hired coach depart and take Benjamin with it.At their parting, Benjamin had clasped her hand and pressed a cousinly kiss to her cheek. It was a simple contact, but the memory of it lingered for so long that she couldn’t idly dismiss the effect. The day was chill, misty and drizzly; the homes and fields they passed remained enshrouded in fog well past midday.Kaydel had finally relented and settled inside the coach. Though she was still wary of Lord Ren, the biting cold and Rey’s urging had convinced her to relinquish her position wedged between Chewie and Rio in the driver’s box. She pointedly avoided looking at Lord Ren, and now napped in her corner. Rey sat on the bench with her, and tried to do the same.The busy common room of the inn where they stopped for luncheon went deathly still when Lord Ren entered with his Lady, and the service was remarkably brisk. As usual Lord Ren didn’t join Rey at her meal, but excused himself for a spell after she had finished.Once on the road again, Rey steeled herself for another long stretch of awkward silence, when, from a distance, there was heard a faraway shout, and Mr. Durant opened the small hatch.“There’s a coach, comin’ up fast behind us, milord! A big one, with a small band of riders!”Lord Ren directed, “be careful of them, and as soon as the road allows, move aside so they can pass.”Rio grunted in assent and snapped the little door shut.From her vantage point Rey couldn’t see anything, but she could hear the swift approach: hoofbeats, the heavy breathing of the horses, their harness jangling, and the shout of the driver. Mr. Durant slowed, and moved to the side.With the crack of a whip, the conveyance flew past them. The magnificent team of Mandalorian blood bays drew a large black coach, all the curtains carefully closed. The driver was accompanied by an armed guard, and two footmen at the back. Six uniformed horsemen followed closely behind, as well fortified as His Majesty’s own soldiers.The company had the appearance of great wealth, but there was no identifying coat of arms or family crest.Rey couldn’t understand why such an obviously affluent house would choose to travel incognito? If their objective had been to deter thieves, they had done a poor job of it; on the contrary, the extravagant fortification of the retinue might prove a compelling temptation for bandits.Lord Ren made no comment, only checking his pocket watch as they waited, and afterwards leaned in his corner of the bench opposite Rey, his arms crossed over his chest. And though he was still, Rey occasionally saw the glinting of his eyes and so doubted he could be sleeping.That evening in Ord Mantell they expressly chose a different inn than on their outward trip. When they entered the crowded common room of The Bright Jewel, the guests there were abuzz with speculation about the mysterious black coach. Though it hadn’t stopped in town, everyone had seen its passage, or knew someone who had. And everyone had something to say about it: who the passengers might be, why the need for secrecy, and their possible destination.“Ye’ve been chewin’ tha luna weed, ye ‘ave!”“I saw ‘im, I tell ye! Seven feet tall, if’n ‘e was one! An’ wearin’ a black mask, ‘e was, ta hide ‘is hideous face!”“Aw, come on!”“An’ ‘e’s collectin’ wives! ‘At’s right, keeps ‘em in chains, fer ‘is own wicked purposes!” The sot took a deep pull of his ale, then slammed his flagon down on the bar. “Who else could it ‘ave been, eh? Who else ‘as reason ta hide ‘is identity?”His friend just laughed, shaking his head and turning around on his stool, bringing his mug to his lips. His eyes widened, though, when he caught sight of Lord Ren, staring in their direction from the entrance, and he urgently nudged the speaker.“Well, wha’ is it now?” The man twisted about to see what had caught his companion’s attention, just as the room went unnaturally quiet. He choked.Lord Ren directed Rey across the floor to the stairs, up to the guest chambers – his stamp-drag-clop louder than ever, his hand possessively set against his wife’s back. Once they had ascended, and the commotion of the room below had resumed, Rey was quite certain she heard her husband chuckling quietly behind his mask.Next day, everywhere they stopped, still they heard tales of this enigmatic black coach, and so Rey surmised it was keeping to the same road as they.By early afternoon it began to snow, and at first the black coach’s tracks could be seen; but as they continued, the snow obscured all trace of the other carriage, and its entourage.The snow slowed their progress, it being evening when they passed Takodana village, and Rey was so tired, that Ren Hall was a welcome sight.Too exhausted to eat more than a bite or two, she was eager to retire for the night, in her own bed.Memories and visions from the trip flickered in her mind, and foremost among these was Benjamin’s face. As she drifted off, her imaginings wavered back and forth between Benjamin and Lord Ren, until finally her husband overwhelmed the other, and she fell into a deep sleep. Every night there were new tales of the Dark Rider ranging the northern hills, and now all residents carefully barred their doors and windows, contrary to their long-standing habit.Finny appealed to the sheriff, expounding a harrowing report of his encounter with some villainous creature in the night, and of his eager willingness to take up arms against it. He would be proud, he said, to be named one of the sheriff’s men and gifted a weapon. His wish was granted, and from that time on Poe Dameron couldn’t move ten feet without the man appearing close on his heels in an awkward jumble.Since Wexley’s death, Finny had been lost, without direction, but now as Dameron’s faithful companion he enthusiastically received orders and tried the sheriff’s patience to the utmost.Benjamin Solo returned to Takodana, giving the village busybodies fresh fuel for their chattering. Zorii had noised it about that she had caught him with a woman in his bed weeks gone, but wouldn’t reveal the lady’s name. And since Solo had been seen several times in the company of Bazine Snoke, it was passed around that it must have been her.By the time this scuttlebutt reached the Lady Ren’s ears – by way of whispering maids and womenfolk at market – it was much inflated and embellished with stories of their exploits, and Rey couldn’t readily banish the sick feeling in her belly by reminding herself that she hated the man. Less than a week after their return from Coruscant and the Calrissian’s home, Lord Ren made a request of his wife; and so, pursuant to his wishes, she descended the stairs for dinner wearing that same red velvet gown she had worn on the night of their wedding.Rey believed she knew perfectly well why he might make such a request, and his reaction this time was similar to the first. He attended her at the bottom of the stairs, one hand held behind his back.“You grow more beautiful every day, my love.”She halted on the last step, just as before, and as attested by the glimmer of his eyes behind the mask, she was sure he again was studying her bosom. She did have a moment’s trepidation that she was indecently exposed as the time before, but forced herself not to look down or cover herself with her hands.“I told you before, my dear, that your beauty needs no added adornment. And while I still harbor that belief, I think a small bauble would not prove an excessive detraction.” Lord Ren brought his hand from behind his back to show he held a jeweled necklace. “I would be honored if you would wear it.”It was a large, faceted red gem in a gold setting, so similar in style to her wedding ring that Rey supposed the two might be part of a larger parure. She also presumed that the gown she wore would have been specifically commissioned to complement the pieces.“It was my grandmother’s. She was very fond of rubies.”“‘Tis very beautiful.”Instead of offering the necklace for her to take it, he held it up in such a way that she understood he meant to put it on her. And so she leaned toward him, breathing shallowly.He reached behind her neck, fumbling with the clasp.“Can you… with your gloves on?”“Wait a moment.”Rey reached up and held the pendant against her chest, while he removed the gloves behind her head. His bare fingers touched her skin and she nearly sagged in relief to find them warm and human, masculinely firm.This close to him, his clean, manly scent came to her and this stirred up confused memories and obscure sensations, bringing her a sense of pleasure that she couldn’t make sense of. Bewildered, the only connection she could logically make was the memory of waking in his bed after her fall from Thrawn.There was a quiet click of the clasp fastening, and Rey expected him to step away.But instead, he brushed his fingers against her back and shoulders, caressing her in soft strokes.She raised her head nervously to look up at him.He whispered, “I have long desired to touch you, but I may have made a grave error in doing so.”Her eyebrows knit together in silent question.“Now that I’ve touched you, I only want you more. The temptation might prove too great to resist.” He paused for long moments, taking in and releasing breaths as if battling with himself about what he would say next. “Have I been a fool, Aurora, to marry you? Perhaps you will only continue to hate me, or find someone you prefer. Was I unfair to us both? Perhaps it is only my cruel jealousy that spurred me to take you for my own.”“Milord, I…” she shook her head minutely, “I went into this marriage with full understanding, and I intend to honor my vows. You comprehend as well as I, my lord, that there is a barrier between us. My fears are as difficult for me as your scars are for you, but in time perhaps we will overcome these obstacles. I only beg your patience, milord! I only need time to know you better. It is my full intention to be a good wife to you. In every way.”He brought his hand up, just out of her sight, as if he would touch her cheek, but hesitated. After a moment he brought both hands behind her head and pulled his gloves on again.Rey placed her hand against his chest, finding it firmly muscled. “You see? I can touch you now.”Slowly and gently, so as not to frighten her, Lord Ren stroked her cheek with his gloved hand. “Beneath this twisted exterior there beats a human heart warmed by your beauty and sweetness. I will endure any wait, as long as there is hope.”He pulled back from her and offered her his arm, “you must be hungry, and I need a chilly hall to help me calm.”She took his arm, jesting in turn, “perhaps I should be the one to wear a mask, milord, or anyway, more clothes.”He chuckled, “my preference would be fewer of the latter, my love, but we must consider the servants.”Rey eyed him askance, laughing nervously.“I remind you, madam, I am anxious to claim my husbandly rights, so if I misunderstand your signals and overwait the moment, please simply inform me and I shall most eagerly respond.”Though she understood that Lord Ren was teasing her, still she felt her face heat to the ears, and looked away.With a quiet laugh, he squeezed her hand upon his arm. Eleanor sat on a stool, playing the valachord, while Rey knelt beside her. Armitage’s little red head rested against her on the other side.Though she knew she was dreaming, still she desired to enjoy and prolong the peaceful moment as long as possible.Rey woke, confused and disoriented when the musical strains from her dream continued to echo in her ears.The instrument was badly out of tune, and the ferocity with which it was being played gave her the milligrubs. The musician seemed frustrated… or angry.As she listened, she realized she knew the tune. It was a melancholy air from a bygone era, and she vaguely remembered some of the lyrics.
So let the world in revels spin, While I remain, alone, bereft; For in my heart, where love has been, A hollow ache, and naught but theft.
After a time, she rose and donned her dressing gown and slippers. She couldn’t remember seeing a valachord in the house, as she had continued the reclamation efforts with the servants. But there were still many rooms where she hadn’t hitherto ventured, to remove the dust covers and reveal the treasures beneath.She followed the sound of the violent chords to a hall where her wanderings had not yet taken her. At the far end, one door was ajar, and a dim light came from within.She pushed it open.A candelabrum rested on a table. Only the valachord had been bared, its cloth thrown back, while all else remained shrouded and in shadow.Lord Ren was seated on the bench, his back to her, his mask and gloves cast aside on the floor.His hair was wildly matted and growing in clumps. He attacked the instrument, venting his aggravation and dissatisfaction with the world; and most probably with her as well.Still feeling half asleep as if this too might be a dream, she moved forward, further into the room.Abruptly, the music stopped, and his head jerked up.Hesitantly she whispered, “Lord Ren?”“Get back, woman!” His voice was harsh and strained, “come no closer, lest your sanity forsake you!”Rey froze, as his tone brooked no opposition. She waited in the silence, unsure of what to do, and suddenly very cold.Quickly he pulled on his gloves and jerked on the leather helm, not pausing to fasten the ties. He pulled his robe tighter around the neck.Standing with his back to her still, he braced his hands against the instrument, “do you play?”Rey laughed uneasily, “long ago I knew a few simple songs. But I never played with such feeling as you display, milord.”He turned toward her slightly, gesturing impatiently, “I can’t make it come out right.”“You have too much anger in you.”He snorted, “are you an oracle, my lady, that you read me so easily?”“I too have felt grief, anger and hatred, Kylo, and so it isn’t difficult to recognize them in others.” It felt very strange, using his name in his presence. “Truly, I have known little else, these last years since my stepmother died. Your mask cannot always hide your emotions from me.”After a prolonged silence, she ventured, “should I fear you, milord?”“You need not. I would never harm you.”“I recognize that beyond any pains of the body, your soul suffers the greater, Kylo, and I pity you.”“Bestow your pity on someone more deserving, I want none of it!” He turned to face her fully, “and I must counsel you, madam, to use caution when addressing me. The use of my given name in public could bring about your speedy widowhood.”“I will use discretion, then.”There were another several moments of quiet between them, and Lord Ren seemed to have composed himself somewhat. Rey looked around, “is this the music room?”“It was my father’s study. He appreciated his lady’s skill with the instrument.”“I have explored the manse, but hadn’t yet found this room.”“While you sleep peacefully in your bed, lady, I wander the manor in torment. I welcome whatever distractions I may find.”She whispered, “I don’t begrudge you anything, Kylo.”He limped nearer her, “your fear would not abate, but increase, if you knew the full weight of those emotions I now restrain.”In the dim, flickering light, Rey looked up at her husband’s masked face, in thrall.Slowly, he reached out his hand.She trembled, longing to flee but tapping all her strength to tarry.Gently, he brushed aside her dressing gown to cup her breast through the thin nightdress. She stood still while he caressed her taut nipple with his thumb.He brought his other arm around her waist, to draw her close.Losing all her nerve, she twisted out of his embrace and ran in a panic, back to her room where she leaned, panting and grateful against the door which, though unbolted, had thus far kept her safe.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The night was icy clear, too cold for snow.Finch Dallow set a large log on the fire, hissing and smoking as a light crust of ice melted from the bark. His compatriot held out a steel flask, which Finch gratefully accepted. He took a generous swig of the burning liquid, coughing quietly as he replaced the lid and returned the vessel, with a grunt and a nod, then settled once more on a large stump that served as campstool. He pulled a woolen blanket closely around himself.The two men watched the flames in companionable silence for another quarter hour, passing the flask between them. “‘Tis a damned shame. ‘Bout Wexley.” Gandris Dyun tucked the empty flask into his breast pocket.“Aye.”“Karkin’ Dark Rider! Spawn of a slug!” He spat. “Stuck, an’ split open, an’ left ta die!”“Aye. Edon, an’ Threnalli ‘ad a close call wit’ ‘im, a week gone.”“Yea. An’ Seastriker, yesternight. ‘E’s gettin’ too close!”“Tha Captain needs mus’ find us a new place!”“T’ain’t wise, ta stay in one place too long.”“Aye.”“We gots enough boodle, ta sustain us fer a while. Why, I wouldn’a mind a few nights in Lothal! We could live high, fer some time!”“Aye, an’ ye remember, tha’ sweet li’l doxie, who serviced tha rooms?”Gandris chuckled, nodding. “Mmm. Plump an’ sweet.”After several moments, when ol’ Gandris had nothing further to say, Finch stood, stamping his feet and looking about. “Who ‘as tha watch?”“Nix. ‘E’ll wake Asty at midnight.”Finch gestured toward his tent, “I’m fer bed, then.”“G’night.”Finch made a circle, avoiding the patches of old snow that crunched under foot. He added another log to the fire, then lit a lantern from the shallow cave where was stored their supplies: wooden crates of foodstuffs and spare blankets, as well as kegs of ale and black powder. He murmured lowly to the horses and patted several snuffling noses as he passed their shelter, roped-off under the dense canopy provided by a small copse of blackneedle trees.He made a quick inspection around his tent, making sure the straw and dry leaves were still well-banked about the base. The small shelter was only nominally larger than the cot within, and not quite so tall as he could stand at full height. But it was his private space, and he had sufficient quilts and bedding to sleep comfortably; his belly was full, and no man dictated his conduct. Except the Captain, of course.He pulled off his boots and trousers – setting these aside with his greatcoat – put out his lantern, and settled for the night.One by one all the others bedded down as well and the sounds of quiet talk were replaced by harsh snoring; the familiar sounds lulling him to an unperturbed slumber.It seemed only a moment later, when Finch was awakened by the nervous nickering and stamping of the horses.He listened carefully, but could perceive nothing else. He drew his blanket more closely around his ears, and nodded off once more.
“Sweet mother of chaos…!”
“What the karking hell…!”
Finch woke to the sounds of men and horses tramping and screaming, and the bright flickering light of a bonfire. He leapt from his bed, tangled in quilts, and staggered, frantically digging for his boots and breeches.His tent suddenly filled with smoke, and he stumbled out in his shirtsleeves, overcome by a violent fit of coughing, just as the whole structure burst into flames.The camp was wild mayhem.Horses and men stampeded, wild-eyed and shrieking, in every direction, away from tents set ablaze.A single rider – all in black, saber drawn – careered around the camp, screeching, his black horse dragging a flaming branch or small tree, bouncing behind them and throwing sparks, coals and flares.He reined up at the mouth of the cave, bellowing, “you’ll flee, if you wish to live! There’s no haven for cutthroats, no sanctuary where I won’t seek you out!” Then he slashed the rope free from his saddle and swung the flaming timber inside the cavern with a crash.The stallion reared, and they vaulted over the makeshift scullery and away; the rider’s eerie laughter echoing through the valley.Finch turned in a daze as the last of the horses disappeared from sight, while the men – barefoot, muddy, charred – lurched hither and yon, beating at the flames, striving to salvage what they could.Someone fired a gun, too late, the ball ricocheting with a loud scree.
“The powder! The powder’s gonna blow!”
To a man, all turned toward their repository, reeling back and away. There came a series of explosions inside the cave, and kegs and caskets flew out, burning and smashing anything still standing.The men dove for cover – behind trees, logs, boulders – yelping and howling in pain and fear, and lying wet and half-dressed in the melting snow and trampled mud.Nix Jerd limped into camp, gasping and heaving – with a lump the size of a kaadu egg on his skull, as proof of how the Dark Rider had slipped by him unopposed.T’was a long night and a long walk to the nearest refuge – over five miles – long enough for Finch Dallow, Gandris Dyun and their esteemed associates to thoroughly consider and revaluate their life prospects and the choices that had led them to this dire calamity. Rey carefully balanced the tray on one hand, took a deep breath, and knocked.“May I help you, madam?”“Ah…!” She spun about, fumbling and desperate not to drop her tray. “Ah, yes, milord! I… yes! I’ve brought you some supper!”“Mmm…” Lord Ren, clearly stifling his amusement, turned the latch and pushed his door open for Rey to enter ahead of him.She bustled inside to set the tray on the small table near the hearth and turned to face him, brushing her hands against her apron and fighting the urge to curtsey.“To what do I owe this honor, my lady?”“I… well, I gave everyone the night off. Without thinking ahead.”Now he did chuckle. “Indeed, I had begun to wonder where everyone had got to.”“Quite so, milord; however, I don’t yet know the kitchen well, and…” she indicated the tray, “I do hope this will be acceptable.”Lord Ren limped nearer, to inspect her offering. Several hot scones, a small crock of butter, a portion of cold nerf roast, a wedge of yellow Sentuvian cheese, and a peeled and sectioned jogan. With a flagon of sunberry ale, first mug drawn from the newly tapped keg.“Thank you.”“It’s nothing like what you are usually served, I’m sure! I don’t precisely know what you are usually served; but it’s nothing like what they usually serve me, and so I do apologize! I had a slight disagreement with the cook this afternoon, you see, and felt that I must exert my sway! As lady of the manor…! And also feeling that a small respite for them might be appreciated…!”“My love.”Rey clamped her mouth shut and looked about nervously, her gaze finally resting on the mask of her husband when he didn’t speak further.“Aurora. You are mistress here. You may direct the servants as you will.” Here she did curtsey, not knowing what else to do. He continued, “I trust you will consult with me before permanently dismissing anyone?”“Oh! Of course! I don’t think that will be necessary, I wouldn’t…!”“Of course not.” The laughter in his voice was unmistakable. “I shall savor this small feast, as it was prepared by your own hands. And I thank you for attending to my needs.”Rey felt her face heat. “Of course, milord. Naturally.” She cleared her throat, “ah, good evening. Kylo.”“Goodnight, my love.” Next day, Rey found herself in the master’s chambers, but this time the master was not present, and it made her feel uncomfortable, like a child afraid of being caught in some mischief.She and Maz had been making a tour of the various guestrooms and bedchambers, to ascertain if anything need be done, to make each more comfortable. But when they confronted Lord Ren’s door, Rey might have suggested that Maz proceed alone, save for the knowledge that even in her own household the younger servants would whisper about such an event, if they happened to witness it. Lord Ren wasn’t at home, she knew this. She had seen him depart more than an hour before, and so there seemed little probability he would suddenly appear to confront her.His room was very like Rey’s, only smaller. The hearth and seating area, the privy and bathing alcove, the large bed with all the velvet curtains drawn except at the foot, which was nearest the fire. There were two enormous wardrobes, both locked, and under the tall windows, a large greel wood desk, whereupon was set both an oil lamp and a candelabra, and a large, worn, leather-bound ledger. Maz offered, “that ledger is where the Ren Lords have kept all the records of the tenants, as well as the births and deaths of all who have lived on these lands. One day the births of your own younglings will be written within, in the master’s own hand.”Rey blinked and took a small step back from the desk. While she didn’t appreciate the reminder of all she must eventually do, she did nevertheless value Maz’s devotion to the family – and to Lord Ren specifically, much like a doting great-auntie, completely blind to his fearsome aspect.Responding to some commotion and noise outside, Maz moved to the window, and peered down at the front drive. “There’s a coach coming up the lane, mum.”Rey went to the window, to see for herself, and recognized the coat of arms of Lord Snoke. Taking into account his behavior at the Holdo reception, she was particularly wary of receiving him when her husband wasn’t present. And while this did cause her some trepidation, she was also curious what his business might be. Perhaps she could send Mitaka to deal with him.But as she watched, instead of the gangly form of Lord Snoke, there appeared an absolute froth of chiffon and charmeuse silks, velvet, and wispy feathers – in pastel colors – enveloping the person of Miss Bazine Snoke. Stepping out of the coach with the assistance of her footman, she scrutinized the manor’s façade and made no effort to conceal her look of contempt.“What could she be doing here, mum?”“Mm. I’m not sure, Mrs. Kanata, but I suppose I had better find out. Will you bring tea?”As Maz scurried away, Rey caught sight of herself in one of Lord Ren’s mirrors. The gray gown and woolen shawl she wore were high quality, sturdy and well-made, but she had dressed for warmth and work. She smoothed her front. Bazine’s opinions of Rey’s appearance were sure to be disdainful. But at the same time, Rey had no inclination to change her clothes just to receive the woman. To do so seemed vain and pretentious.And so, she took one final look around. The room’s comfort could be ameliorated, she decided, by the addition of a rug before the hearth. With a nod, she swung about and steeled herself for a conference with Miss Snoke.Descending the stairs, Rey listened as Bazine was shown to the drawing room. She heard Mitaka’s voice, proper and polite, but Miss Snoke did not deign to reply. As Rey thought of it, the Snokes – both father and daughter – were equally distasteful, one just as insufferable as the other. And she realized that she was just as reluctant to welcome Bazine, as she would be to meet with Lord Snoke.Bazine had settled in Lord Ren’s large chair, before the fireplace, and now thoroughly scrutinized the room, one eyebrow raised.When Rey entered, Bazine barely stifled a scornful titter, “why Rey, how well you look! I was expecting something much worse!”“And why would you think that, Miss Snoke?”“It’s no secret, of course, that Lord Ren is a beast! Simply terrible to look at!”“And is your visit therefore borne out of curiosity?”“Why, of course not! I am here, Rey, to offer my condolences!”Rey sat in the chair opposite, “that is very kind of you, Miss Snoke, but I am afraid you have been misinformed. My husband is very much alive.”“Pitiful Rey! You try so hard to be brave!” She leaned forward, speaking in a strained whisper, “be truthful now, does he beat you?”Rey laughed outright, “oh, Miss Snoke! Do I look like I’ve been beaten?”“Mmm. Tell me, then, is he as ugly as the rumors say?”“I really can’t answer that.” It was just then, that Maz arrived with the tea service.Bazine looked back and forth between the servant and Rey, and finally chose indiscretion, “but, why? Why can’t you answer the question?”“Because I’ve never seen my husband’s face. He wears a mask.”“Even to bed?!”Maz nearly dropped the tray, setting the cups and saucers rattling. Placing the tray carefully at Rey’s elbow, she regained her composure, “is anything else needed, mum?”Grateful for the moment’s pause in conversation, Rey cleared her throat, “no, thank you Mrs. Kanata. Nothing else.” Rey poured the tea, “I’ve never seen my husband’s face at any time. That is his preference.”Accepting a cup, Bazine gleefully wriggled back in her seat, “it must be simply horrible, not to know what your own husband looks like!” She laughed, “why, without the mask, you wouldn’t even be able to recognize him!”“No.” Rey thought about this for a moment, “I believe I would know him, as he walks with a very distinct limp.”Bazine’s mouth dropped open, “it’s even worse than I imagined! What a monster!” She giggled, “does he lap his food, or must you feed him?”Rey’s patience for this line of inquiry was growing very thin. “My husband is a gentleman.”“Oh, Rey, you seem not to know what a gentleman is!”“Miss Snoke. I have dealt with all sorts of men, and I have learned to judge a man by his conduct, not by the shape of his nose. My husband might not have the coddled looks of a domesticated fwit, but he is a man of honor and gentility.” She poured her own tea and added pointedly, “he is an exemplary gentleman. Better than most.”“Well then. If you think so highly of your husband, you should be pleased to show him off, at a ball I am hostessing. He should undoubtedly feel most at ease at a masque, but this will be a much more refined affair. My father bid me invite you and your husband.” Bazine pursed her lips, once again studying Rey’s apparel, “my dear, would you have anything suitable to wear?”Just at that moment, there was the creaking of a door, and Lord Ren’s interrupted gait could be heard in the entryway.Bazine’s eyes grew wide and she sunk back in her chair.Lord Ren limped to Rey’s side.“I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon, milord.”“We have a guest.”“Indeed, milord. May I present Miss Bazine Snoke. Bazine… my husband. Lord Ren.”Bazine finally closed her mouth.“Bazine has invited us to a ball, my lord.”Lord Ren didn’t speak for long moments, keeping his gaze firmly upon Miss Snoke. “When will this affair be?”Bazine swallowed hard, “ah… two weeks hence!”Lord Ren looked down at his wife, “and do you have anything suitable to wear to such an event?”“Yes, milord. Any gown of several.”“Very well. I see no reason why you shouldn’t attend.”Bazine noisily set her teacup aside, clattering against the saucer. She sprang up, “sadly, I must go! I shall inform my father that you will take part!” Her voice shook and cracked, “good day!”Lord Ren took a small step sideways, subtly blocking Bazine’s escape, and she squeaked, pale-faced, lifted her skirts, and made a dash for the door without a backward glance. Rey called after her, “do come again, Miss Snoke! Perhaps sometime when you can stay longer!” but the only response she received was the sound of someone, Mitaka probably, being rudely pushed aside with an oof.Bazine fumbled with the door, her voice getting higher and higher and the expletives she screeched becoming less and less ladylike, until finally she heaved the door wide. She screamed at her driver, “get me away from here!” and cuffed the footman, “the door, you oaf!”Rey could scarcely restrain her mirth until Bazine was out of earshot. She fell back in her chair, laughing heartily, “my dear Kylo! Did you see the look on her face?!” She shook her head and wiped the tears streaming down her cheeks, “she was utterly terrified of you!”Lord Ren chuckled lowly, “‘my dear Kylo.’ Those are words I have longed to hear. Is it too much to hope that you are growing fond of me?”Rey quieted quickly, “I, ah… at least I’m not as afraid of you as I once was.”“Then I must express my gratitude to your friend, for improving my circumstance with you.”“Oh, no milord! I beg your pardon, but Bazine Snoke is not my friend!” Rey carefully set her teacup and saucer on the tray. “She only came because of the rumors she had heard about you. And because she requires an oddity to bring some interest to her ball.” She looked up at him, explaining further, “some have said that she and I resemble each other. And I believe it is for this reason that she despises me.”Lord Ren leaned on his cane, observing Rey closely. “My own appearance may not be the most pleasing; but still, I know something of feminine beauty. And it is therefore my expert opinion that Bazine suffers not from hatred, but jealousy.”“What?! No! Pardon me, milord! Bazine has no reason to be jealous of me! Why could she possibly be jealous? She has everything she could ever want!”“I disagree, milady. Bazine needs much more than a powdered nose, a fine gown, and wealth, to make her happy.” He watched Rey closely for several moments, as she, flustered, tried to think of some response. “And you, wife? What more would you need, to make you happy?”“Oh!” This question startled Rey, but she could think of no rejoinder, and so looked away, blushing.She recalled what she had so incautiously divulged to Maz: that she only wanted a reasonable husband, one whom she could show some fondness for. It was no use, pining after such childish fancy now! She must be content with the fact that she could have a conversation with her husband, without cowering in fear! T’was the very next day, whilst Rey was at work in the study, cleaning away cobwebs and thick dust, and assisted by two of the maids, that Maz arrived in a rush.“There’s a coach coming up the lane, mum.”“Oh?”“‘Tis the hired carriage, from Takodana.”“Oh.” Rey wiped her brow with her sleeve, “I can’t imagine anyone from Takodana who would visit us.”“Perhaps it’s your father, mum? Wanting to see how his daughter fares?”Rey snorted, thinking if anything, he would only want money, but replied, “I shall go to meet him.” She wiped her hands on her apron.“Perhaps you’d care to clean up first, lady? You wouldn’t want to give the impression that you’re only a hireling here.”Rey looked down at herself, realizing how dirty she was, and nodded. She untied the apron as she made for the door, “have you seen Lord Ren?”“No, the master and Chewie left early this morning, and I haven’t seen them since.”Rey tossed the apron into a pile of rags to be laundered, and hurried away, calling behind her, “if you see him, please advise him we have a guest.”“Very well, mum.”Rey sped up the back stairs and toward her room, fully passing the person of her husband, emerging from a side hall, before his presence penetrated her preoccupied mind.He reached out and wrested her at the waist, pulling her around to face him.“And where are you going in such a hurry, milady…” she could hear the amusement in his voice, “for all the world looking like you just crawled out of a dustbin?”After a quick inspection of him, Rey brushed dirt and cobwebs from his sleeve, “I could say the same of you, milord.” She glanced down the hall from whence he had emerged, and wondered how he had gotten there without Maz noticing him; that wing had no outside door, of which she was aware. “Have you sprouted wings, my lord, that you can swoop about without being noticed? Maz said you were out.”“Is it any wonder, madam, that Maz should miss my comings and goings, as busy as she is? Were you seeking me?”“We have another visitor, milord; and I have reason to believe it is my father.”“Mm. And what might his purpose be? Mayhap he’s come to fetch you back home with him?”Rey rolled her eyes, “improbable, milord. ‘Tis more likely he needs money, and his need has become great enough for him to cast aside his pride in the asking.”“And what think you of this, wife? Should I help him if he asks?”“He would only gamble it away. Or allow Armitage to drink what it could buy. No, milord, they are probably better off without.” Rey looked down and realized her hand still rested on Lord Ren’s arm, and thought it strange that she should so casually touch him in such a familiar way.She stepped back. “I was just on my way to tidy up.”Lord Ren followed her into her room, leaning against the closed door while she scurried to fetch a clean gown, and disappeared behind the drawn drapes of her bathing alcove. She speedily wiped her face with a wet cloth, then took down her hair, ran a brush through the tresses, and quickly twisted the mass into a simple knot.“I never thanked you properly, milady.”“Hmm?” She reached for the clasps of her gown…“I do believe I’ve gotten my money’s worth, with your scone making skill alone.”Rey laughed, “a high price for scones, my lord!” Her frock fastened in the back, and without Kaydel’s assistance she couldn’t very well…“Indeed, but worth every spira!”Rey peeked out from behind the curtain.Lord Ren observed her in return.With clenched teeth she came to stand before him, presenting him with her back and peering over her shoulder, eyebrows raised, in silent supplication.She waited patiently while he removed his gloves, then deftly loosed her gown.Then she hustled behind the curtains once more, pulling her arms out of the sleeves as she went.“Have you noticed, my dear, that it’s started to snow? If our guests stay too long, the roads won’t be fit to travel and they will have to stay overnight.”Rey took this to be a warning. “I’m hurrying!” She stepped into the clean frock, but, poodoo! This one fastened in the back as well!She pulled up the sleeves, squared her shoulders, and presented herself once again before her husband, smiling shyly.As before, he doffed his gloves and carefully secured each button, then released a slow, ragged breath as he replaced his gloves.Lady Ren descended the stairs, on the arm of her husband.Unkar Plutt could be heard, speaking very loudly in the foyer, his pronouncements resounding through the house.“Ah, me boy, when I lived in Coruscant I had it all, and one day I will again! One day we’ll have a home as fine as this, and servants ter wait ‘pon us, hand an’ foot! ‘Twill be fine, jus’ fine!”Lord Ren’s boot thumped upon the stone floor.Unkar swung around, to contemplate them both. As he looked Rey up and down, his gaze hardened.The gown she wore was simple, but still of a higher quality than Plutt could afford. Rey could fairly see the workings of his mind: figuring the cost, and deducing that if she had access to such finery, then why shouldn’t she share with her family!“The passage of time ‘as done ye well, girl!”Rey didn’t reply, but continued past him, into the parlor, nodding civilly to Armitage as she went. Lord Ren led Rey to a chair, and she sat, while he stood at her shoulder. The Mayor and Armitage, following behind awkwardly, took chairs as well.Flustered by the silence, Plutt began, “aye, well, ye mus’ wonder why I’m here! I bear news! Bad news, I mus’ admit, yer lordship, but since we now be kin, I fel’ t’was me duty ta warn ye!”“Warn me about what?”“Well! T’other day, I was at Lord Snoke’s, wit’ Poe Dameron. Mr. Dameron bein’ the sheriff, ye ken! An’ I overheard the two o’ them conversin’, when they thought I couldn’a hear! T’was only a quick exchange, ye follow, afore they knew I was listenin’!” Unkar paused to catch his breath, and to tug at his lapels.“Well?”“Indeed! They was talkin’ ‘bout yer lordship! Sayin’ as how they thought it could be ye, what be the Dark Rider!”Rey caught her breath, and looked up at Lord Ren.After a moment, Lord Ren started to chuckle.The Mayor snorted inelegantly, “aye, I thought t’was absurd, too! Why, ter me knowledge, ye canna even sit a horse! An’ ye’re a bit slow!” He sniggered heartily for a moment, but then, when no one joined him in his merriment, his eyes widened and he choked, “ah! I didn’a mean ter say, ‘slow,’ here!” He pointed to his head, “bu’ rather, ye ken… ye’re a cripple!“‘Tis a bit farfetched, ter think ye might be the Dark Rider, tearin’ across tha moors like some lunatic!” He wiped his hand down his face, “I said as much ter Lord Snoke! But then ‘e asked me who the rider might be, and I couldn’a rightly say.”“And were you able to convince Lord Snoke of my innocence?”“I canna rightly say. But, if ye ‘ave proof of yer whereabouts, las’ night, I’ll be sure ter tell Lord Snoke what ye say!”“Why last night?”“‘At damned rider done struck again, las’ night! Kilt ol’ San Tekka, right outside tha inn!”Shocked, Rey cried out softly, her hand flying to cover her mouth.Lord Ren didn’t speak for several moments. “What proof is there, that it was this Dark Rider that murdered San Tekka? Did anyone see him?”“‘E was done in, same as ol’ Wexley! Run through wit’ a saber, an’ ‘is throat slit!”Rey shuddered, and turned her face aside, her eyes squeezed tightly closed.“Enough, man!” Lord Ren roughly censured Plutt. Then he limped to the side table, poured a splash of Bespin port into a glass, and pressed this into Rey’s hand, murmuring softly, “here, this will help.”“Must’a been summat she ate! I didn’a raise no squeamish nitwit!” Plutt looked between his daughter and Lord Ren, squinting. “Unless… mayhap ye’ve started yerself a wee one, growin’ in ‘er belly?”Lord Ren spun around and leaned over Unkar, menacing but silent.The Mayor shrunk back, clearing his throat and harrumphing, and pulling his coat tightly around himself.Rey was horrified, imagining poor San Tekka, alone and afraid! She took several deep breaths, and a sip of the port. After a few moments, she spoke shakily, “Lord Ren couldn’t have done it. He was with me last night.”Unkar shrugged, “t’wasn’a my idea. But I’ll tell the sheriff what ye’ve said. That Lord Ren was wit’ ye, all night.”Rey started, and momentarily thought of correcting her father’s misquoting of her assertion. But then she closed her mouth. Lord Ren had turned toward her, as if he expected her to speak; and straightened, cocking his head when she didn’t.Throughout all of this exchange, Armitage avidly watched the drink in Rey’s hand, observing the liquid slosh back and forth, swaying slightly in time with it, and swiping a sheen of perspiration from his forehead, blinking and swallowing.“Ah, yer lordship…?” Armitage hesitantly queried, “might I prevail ‘pon ye, ter fill another cup…?” He motioned toward the decanter.Lord Ren slowly looked over the younger man. Clothing rumpled, shirt and stock dirty, his face unshaven, and a sallow gauntness in his cheeks. Very reluctantly, Lord Ren poured a small portion, and Armitage reached out an unsteady hand to accept it. “I understand, Mr. Plutt, that you were a decent shot, before your injury.”Armitage froze – the glass halfway to his mouth, his lips still puckered – and stared at Lord Ren.“Have you considered developing your skill with the other hand?” Lord Ren asserted, “it might prove difficult, and would no doubt require persistence. But it is possible to learn to handle a weapon, cack-handed.”Plutt chortled, “why, yer lordship mus’ be blind! Tha’ arm is jus’ as useless as t'other; only good fer bringin’ a flagon ter ‘is lips! ‘E’s a cripple, canna ye see tha’?!”Armitage downed the port in one gulp, and held out the cup, as if begging a refill.Lord Ren took the glass, and replaced it forcefully on the tray. “He’ll be as much of a cripple as he wants to be. Or he can be his own man.”Unkar burst out, “like you, my lord?!”Rey gasped, “father!”Looking over his shoulder at her, Lord Ren reassured her, “never mind, my love.”“‘My love!’” Unkar sneered, “well, vench my skug, will ya listen ta that! I never thought ter hear a man call ‘er that!” He pointed at Rey, while glaring up at Lord Ren. “That girl caused me a load o’ pain an’ sufferin’, an’ I ain’t recovered from i’ yet!“Bereaved, I was! I lost me wife! An’ then me son was crippled, and this ninny was so high an’ mighty, she insisted she had ter have a man she admired!“An’ now she’s married yer lordship, she defen’s ye, as if ye were the grandest-lookin’ man since the dawn o’ time! If she abandon’d ‘er scruples now, why not afore?! Why not long ago, wit’ someone who could’a taken pity on me in me old age and difficult circumstance?!” He shook his head, red-faced and wide-eyed, “I’ll never understand ‘er! Never!”Silence echoed unpleasantly in the room.Lord Ren stared at Unkar.Rey stared at Unkar.Even Armitage stared at Unkar.Stunned, Rey turned to peer up at her husband, and Lord Ren peered down upon her.Lord Ren cleared his throat. “I believe we were discussing Armitage’s shooting ability.” He turned his back on the Mayor, and continued, “I myself know something of firearms, and you might be interested in my collection. After we have taken a meal together, I have one piece in particular that you might find intriguing: the new Oriolanis bell-muzzle pistol, with a spring-loaded bayonet. ‘Tis quite extraordinary.”Armitage’s eyes were bright, and he replied with some enthusiasm, “an’ do ye think I could shoot somethin’ like that?!”“It might set you back on your heels today, but if you work at strengthening your arm, eventually you will be able to handle it. However,” he paused pointedly, “it will require a clear head and a steady hand.”The storm blew in, wind gusting and snow drifting so the carriage couldn’t pass. Guest chambers were prepared and fires stoked, the occupants shown to their rooms.When the house had quieted, Rey pulled on her dressing gown – insouciant of her bare feet and unbound hair – and knocked at her husband’s door. “May I come in?”After a moment, he opened to her.“Am I disturbing you?”“Yes. But not in the manner you mean.”Rey blinked up at him, then shook her head minutely, “I wanted to thank you for what you did for Armitage.”Lord Ren waved her into his room, and she went to stand by the fireplace, holding her hands out to warm them, while he took a chair near her.“I saw a spark of life in Armitage today, that I feared had been put out!” She spoke over her shoulder, “why! I actually heard him laugh at dinner!”“Your father is blind to your brother’s needs.”“That is an understatement, my lord, and if my father continues in his treatment, Armitage will eventually become just like Lor!” She paused a moment, choking up. “He was such a pitiful old man!” Brushing away tears, she continued, “there are some in Takodana who will miss him.”After a few quiet moments, Lord Ren queried, “why did you allow your father to believe I was with you all night?”She flapped her hand dismissively, “I wasn’t about to explain our… arrangement… to my father! I know you didn’t kill Lor, just as I believe you didn’t kill Temmin Wexley! Those were the actions of a coward, and you are no coward!” She turned to face him, wringing her hands, “if there’s a coward in this family, milord, ‘tis I.”“I thank you, lady, for your trust in me. And I am heartened by your use of the word ‘family.’ I hope someday soon we will become a family in truth.”She took a halting step toward him, and his breath stuttered. He sank lower in his chair as she approached, his legs splayed.“Kylo.” She stepped between his knees and set her hands delicately upon his shoulders, “thank you.” She leaned forward and pressed her cheek against his.After a moment, she straightened, then darted from the room. Armitage Plutt found himself in a very favorable circumstance, indeed.Lord Ren had a most fascinating collection of slugthrowers – breechloaders and muzzleloaders, flintlocks, muskets and pistols – from a wide variety of makers: Oriolanis, Merr-Sonn, Bryn & Gweith, and Theed Arms, among others.After that first night, the snow had cleared out, and Unkar had seemed pressed to depart, ruffled and irritated. After breakfast he’d gone in a huff, and Armitage assumed his father hadn’t found occasion to speak with either Rey or Lord Ren about his financial matters, as had been his object.As for Armitage, however, he stayed to end out the week, and was so enthralled with attempting to fire the guns – Lord Ren being amenable to this effort – that he felt no desire for strong drink. Though in truth, he was offered none.Loading proved to be the most difficult. He used his teeth, the clamp of his thighs, a bracing against his injured arm – even though up to that moment he had thought the limb utterly useless – and he managed to prevail without assistance. Though in truth, he was offered none.His elbow ached something fierce, but at the closing of the first full day Lord Ren’s diminutive housekeeper – Mrs. Kanata was her name – met him with a small vial of pungent oil, and bid him rub a few drops into the joint, night and morning. And after two or three applications, the pain had diminished and the joint loosened somewhat.He was pleased also to have had the opportunity to observe his sister’s several interactions with her dreadful husband.One night at dinner, for example, she had risen from the table to converse briefly with one of the servants, and upon her return, her foot had caught against Lord Ren’s chair, causing her to fall partly into his lap. The man had gently righted her, murmuring quiet words and inquiring after her welfare. And for her part, Rey had laughed over her clumsiness, not flinching in the slightest from her husband’s touch. And thus, Armitage was satisfied that his sister was not being abused or mistreated in her current situation.At Rey’s insistence, Armitage had soaked in a hot tub, and then sat near the hearth with a sheet drawn closely about himself, while she cut his hair and shaved the light fuzz from his chin and cheeks, and blithely ignored his protests. His shirt and stock came back to him clean and mended and smartly starched, his coat brushed and pressed, and his boots blacked and polished to a dull sheen.He barely knew himself in the glass.And when he descended from the Ren carriage in Takodana, there were some of the village who didn’t recognize him. His friends whistled when they saw him, but groaned with chagrin when they learned he had no money to spend. They crowed in disbelief when he declared he would be seeking work to occupy himself. And they hooted incredulously, when he declared he would be visiting Ren Manor once again, in three weeks’ time, at the invitation of Lord Ren himself. Only three days remained, until the Snokes’ ball, and Rey still hadn’t decided on what she would wear.She longed to wear the ruby necklace that Lord Ren had gifted her, but the gown that showed if off best was also the one that immodestly showed off her bosom. She had no desire to wear that gown where Ambrose Snoke and his friends would be gawping at her. Obviously, she couldn’t do that.The other evening gowns hanging in her wardrobe were beautiful, but none properly highlighted the piece: they were either the wrong color, or the neckline was wrong.As sorry as she was, still it seemed the necklace would have to remain in its velvet-lined box.That afternoon, she was bidden to present herself at Lord Ren’s bedchamber; and so she knocked uncertainly. And then entered at his invitation.Her husband rose from his desk and the open ledger, pulling on his gloves.There was a large dressmaker’s box, tied with ribbons, resting on the bed.“Please, come in my dear. I have something for you.”Her uneasiness abating, she smiled up at him.“Mr. Chewbacca went this morning to Takodana to meet the coach from Coruscant, and he brought this back.” He indicated the box, “Tendra sent it, pursuant to my request.”“What is it, milord?”“Open it.”Savoring the pleasant sensation of being surprised with a gift, she slowly untied the ribbons and lifted the lid.She was staggered by what she saw, and nigh too nervous to even touch the fragile organza and silk that made up the gown.“It’s lovely, milord! But how can I accept more, when you have already given me so much?”“I do what pleases me. And it pleases me to see my wife dressed in apparel equal to her beauty. Do you like it?”“‘Tis the most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen! I’ve never dreamed of owning its like!” Carefully, she lifted the gown from the box, and held it before her, spinning around to face the long mirror, to assay the effect.T’was made of softest ivory silk charmeuse, with a gossamer gold overlay, intricately beaded in gold, with a delicate pattern of shava grain at the hem. The square neckline would perfectly accentuate the ruby pendant.“I left all the details to Tendra, and as usual she didn’t disappoint.” Lord Ren leaned on his cane, watching her. “There is something more in the box.”Rey gently lay the gown aside to investigate further. There was a luxurious red velvet cape, lined in cream satin, and set atop this were white elbow gloves and silk stockings, and a sheer chemise. And peeking out from beneath the velvet, satin slippers with intricate gold filigree buckles.“You have thought of everything, my lord.”He hummed, inclining his head, “I tried to, madam.”
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“This one, milady?” Kaydel held a red velvet ribbon over the top of Rey’s coiffure, nestled among the curls. After a moment, she removed this and replaced it with a torsade of delicate plaited golden silk.“The gold, I think.”Kaydel nodded, pushing the attaching pins in place, and then set to the final placement and securing of each twist and loop of Rey’s complicated chignon.Rey sat at her dressing table, raptly watching the girl’s nimble fingers. Everything was in readiness. Her gown waited on the bed, spread out carefully. Her necklace in its box waited on the table. She already wore the sheer chemise and her short stays – the latter lifting her bosom to fullest advantage – and a chiffon dressing gown. Rey was exhilarated, but also apprehensive.She wasn’t so naive as to believe that Bazine Snoke would treat her husband with kindness. Nor perhaps even politeness. Her mind had fabricated all sorts of horrible scenarios, wherein Miss Snoke and her friends sought to humiliate and denigrate Lord Ren. Rey knew her husband could manage whatever schemes Bazine might have in store; and in truth, watching him frighten and intimidate the whole company would likely prove quite diverting. But she castigated herself for this thought as soon as she had it! What a tedious affair it would prove to be for Lord Ren, since he couldn’t dance or take any refreshment while they were there.Her true worry was that her own temper would reach its limits, or that she would behave in such a way that would embarrass him, or herself.And then she considered that she was simply being selfish for desiring to attend at all, and that she should have declined the invitation from the outset.It was in this state of agitation, and watching Kaydel decide on the placement of the last curl, that Rey looked up, startled, to find Lord Ren standing at the curtain, observing them in the mirror.“Are you almost finished?”Kaydel patted the last tress into place and curtsied. “Yes, milord.”With a brief gesture from Lord Ren, the girl scurried out.He limped to stand behind Rey. From her seat, she couldn’t see his face in the mirror, but she watched her chest and neck blush, and she drew the dressing gown closed at the front.He lightly set his fingers on her shoulders. “You are ravishing, my love. The sight of you now would surely send old Tarkin to his grave in an apoplexy.”“You tease me, Kylo. I am but a simple maid.”“Indeed! So simple, that when the spoiled Bazine sees you, she too will suffer an apoplexy of pale jealousy.”Rey laughed and squeezed his hand on her shoulder. “You exaggerate, milord. If anyone should be envious of me, ‘twill only be because of the fine raiment I wear.” She got up, and moved to sit by the fireplace, where she donned her stockings, tying the ribbon garters just above her knees. Lord Ren followed her, clearing his throat uncomfortably after a moment. “I would speak to you, Aurora.”Rey tossed down her hem and raised her eyes to him.“I have been troubled… I desire for you to be properly presented at this evening’s ball. I do not wish for anything to detract from your beauty.” He paused for long moments, looking toward the fire. “I am much aggrieved, that an evening of gaiety should turn instead to scorn and insults, because of me and my appearance. And I have therefore conceived of a plan, to thwart whatever stratagem Bazine and her friends have concocted to snub and ridicule you.”He turned to face her, bracing his legs. “I have arranged a chaperone for you. The man has such a commanding reputation, that no one would dare to trouble or torment you.”Rey inhaled deeply, ready to protest, but her husband raised his hand abruptly.“I will hear no counterstatements on this matter. I am resolved. As your husband, I insist; I must assert my authority, and I plead with you to consider my reasoning. The gentleman will be arriving forthwith, and while you may have some trepidation, and I understand that you might, he has pledged to watch over you with all the care that I myself would bestow.”Lord Ren completed his stern delivery of this dialog. His stance and bearing communicated more loudly than words, that any refutation on her part was unwelcome.She breathed, “I have no wish to displease, my lord.”He looked upon her for several long minutes, then nodded, and limped again to her dressing table and awaited her there, his hand resting near the necklace.Rey hastened to join him, offering him her back, shrugging the dressing gown off her shoulders, and then waiting.After a moment she felt his ungloved fingers as he lay the necklace in place, the cool gem settling perfectly between her breasts.His warm hands brushed down her back, coming to rest firmly at her waist. After another long, fraught moment, he cleared his throat again, taking his hands from her and pulling on his gloves.“I bid you enjoy yourself, madam. I won’t see you again before you depart.” He limped to the door, “I will send Kaydel to assist you. And Maz will inform you, when the gentleman has arrived.” He turned toward her. “Good evening, milady.”“My lord.”As final preparations were made, Rey became more and more uneasy. Whom could Lord Ren have secured, to perform such a service? Could he have petitioned Lord Calrissian’s aid? She dreaded that Lord Snoke could have flattered her husband into agreeing that one of his friends, or any of their ilk, should serve as her escort; as a pure act of good will, of course.Once Maz had sent word of the man’s arrival, Kaydel scooped up the red velvet cloak, offering to follow and see her off.Rey crept as quietly as possible, along the hall and down the stairs, motioning to Kaydel to stay back, to hush, but the girl wasn’t recognizing her signals! Rey hoped to get a look at the man, before he saw her!She slipped into the foyer, and around to the entryway, peeping into the parlor. Ah!Her hand flew to her throat, when she saw who awaited her there.Rey couldn’t believe that her husband would be so foolish, as to trust the Alderaanian – cousin though he may be – to protect her honor and respectability!He stood by the hearth, staring into the fire. He was dressed all in black, even the shirt and stock, his tailcoat and breeches molded to broad shoulders and powerful thighs; and she caught just a glimpse of a charcoal and black brocade waistcoat, with a design of roses.His face in profile was a study in male beauty and pensive repose.Rey’s heart raced, which excitement she sought to quash. Surely, it was no reaction befitting a married woman, and she reminded herself of all the rumors she had heard of Mr. Solo, painting him as a shameless rogue. She forced her breathing to slow as she entered the room, and at the sound of her footsteps, he turned to greet her.The transformation of his expression was extraordinary – like the sun, emerging from clouds. And though Rey strove to affect cool nonchalance, Mr. Solo did appear genuinely staggered; and to say she was unaffected would be untrue. He smiled, his eyes sparkling, carefully observing every aspect of her form and dress; taking in her beauty. He bowed gallantly.“Lady Ren. I am honored.”“Benjamin Solo.” She spoke forcefully to conceal her shaking voice, “your gall is without bounds.”He straightened abruptly, affronted, “lady?” as if baffled by her reaction.“I cannot fathom how you could have done it, sir, but somehow you have convinced my husband that the womp rat should watch over the nuna coop.”He chuckled lightheartedly, “your husband’s skill with weapons is widely known, madam, and I have no doubt the man would seek retribution of any who maltreated you. Even a cousin.” He bowed to her again, “you have my promise, milady, that while we are in public I shall act with gentility and propriety, and you will need have no fear for your reputation.”“Mmm. And are you confident that Lord Snoke will admit you?”“I would never have offered my services as escort otherwise.”“I already assured Lord Ren that I would act in accordance with his request.” Rey held out her hand, “I therefore propose a truce. For this evening, you will treat me as a lady, and I will treat you as a gentleman, just as we did the last time we met.”Benjamin softly grasped her fingers, “agreed. Until the ball is over.”“Agreed.”At her word, there was a slight tick under his left eye, but Rey reassured herself, remembering his behavior when they had been abroad in Coruscant. He had acquitted himself a perfect gentleman. Furthermore, Mr. Chewbacca and Mr. Durant would be accompanying them – surely they could be relied upon to come to her aid, should any need arise.With a satisfied nod, Rey returned to the entryway to address Kaydel. “You needn’t wait up for me; it might be quite late when I return.”Kaydel curtsied, “yes, mum.”Rey reached for the cloak, but Benjamin took it from the maid instead.“Allow me, please.”She turned, holding her breath, while he placed the soft satin and velvet around her shoulders. Together, they went out to meet the coach, and Benjamin handed her inside. There was a large fur pelt and a foot stove in readiness, so Rey arranged herself on the bench, with her feet near the warmer, and the blanket over all. The curtains were all drawn closed, and Rey considered opening them as she was nervous of an excess of privacy with Mr. Solo; but before she could act, Benjamin entered the conveyance and settled on the bench opposite her.She was somewhat surprised by this, but he smiled wryly, as if overhearing her thoughts. “As I have every intention of keeping my promise, lady, it’s probably best if I not sit too near.”Rey relaxed, leaning back against the cushions. Perhaps her misgivings were unfounded, and Mr. Solo would continue to show her this same respect and deference all the evening long. There were two lanterns inside the cabin – shedding only a wan glow – and Benjamin was dashing in the low light. The sound of his voice quickly calmed her anxieties, and his recounting of several amusing anecdotes soon had her talking and laughing. The time was spent most pleasantly, an hour or so, and the carriage drew up at the front of the Snoke family seat. Rey leaned forward to peer out the window, her uneasiness returning in full force.Benjamin reached out and took her hand, giving her a reassuring squeeze, “the assemblage will be astounded by your beauty, pateesa.” He slowly raised her hand to kiss her fingers.The moment was intoxicating, but bittersweet too, as he gazed up at her: heart-wrenchingly handsome, completely captivated by her… and fully unattainable.His mouth quirked up at the corner as he beheld her, “we’d best go in, before I abandon the oaths I made.”Her heart pounded as they were shown to the foyer – whether from the excitement of the ball, or the thrill of being presented on the arm of Benjamin Solo, she could not rightly say.Benjamin took her cloak from her, his fingers brushing gently against her skin, and he conferred their wraps to a butler. They were then led to the great hall, where attended the seneschal to announce them, in all white-wigged splendor.
“The Lady Ren…”
An expectant hush fell over the room as everyone turned to observe her entrance. Snickers and sly looks were quickly replaced with visible confusion and craned necks, as all cast about – behind her, in the foyer beyond, at the majordomo’s station – seeking the rapaciously anticipated Lord Ren.
“… and Mister Solo.”
Sound burst forth in a breathy rush, with much whispering and wheezing behind many a gloved hand and an open fan.One vociferation in particular was raised over all others: that of Bazine Snoke. Her shocked exclamation drew Rey’s attention right away – though if not, her costume would have soon served the purpose.Her gown was… extraordinary. The fine white cotton sheath that formed the main body was long, pooling about her feet, so that as she hastened toward them she needs must hitch up the copious length or become entangled. Over this there was a fitted girdle, of lustrous blue brocade, that pushed her bosom to precarious heights and threatened an overflow of her bodice. As she approached, Rey became convinced that Miss Bazine was fearlessly essaying the new and scandalous fashion that required the dampening of a lady’s chemise; allowing the cloth to cling to the skin and more distinctly reveal the lady’s form beneath.Flouncing forward, Bazine doggedly shoved several ladies out of her path, and alternately scowled at Rey and batted her eyelashes at Benjamin. She finally stood before them, panting and flustered; her monstrosity of a headdress – beribboned and bejeweled – slipping down over her forehead, and the feathers at its peak flopping and bouncing like a child’s J’ak-in-the-Box.“What are you doing here?!”Benjamin moved slightly in front of Rey, angling his body protectively and smiling. “You invited me, need I remind you lady? I have the invitation right here; written in your own hand, I believe,” he reached into his coat to retrieve it.“I know I invited you, noddy,” she whacked Benjamin with her closed fan, “but you were supposed to come by yourself!”“I apologize, Miss Snoke, but my cousin, Lord Ren, was indisposed this evening, and requested that I accompany his lady.”Bazine straightened, squinting down her nose at Rey and righting her cap. “Mmm.” Rey watched many emotions pass over the lady’s face in the matter of only a few seconds; prevalent among them were steely anger, and contemptuous resolve. “Aren’t you precious this evening, Rey! Who would have thought the Mayor’s daughter could have come up so far in the world!” Her gaze dropped to Rey’s necklace, “my, what a very large bauble! Is it real?”Benjamin laughed, “I understand this particular piece has been in the family for several generations.” He indicated the ruby, “I would venture to guess it is genuine, but then, it would take a practiced eye to know for certain, don’t you agree, Miss Snoke?”“Indeed.” Bazine pursed her lips. “I do wonder that Lord Ren would trust you to escort his lady.”Benjamin motioned toward the full assembly room, “we are very well chaperoned. And Lord Ren sent two of his most trusted servants to watch over us, as well.” He shrugged, “no doubt you have heard that Lord Ren fought off a band of highwaymen attacking his carriage. Surely such a man is fully capable of redressing any wrongs done his lady.”Bazine smiled blandly, “do be careful, then, Mr. Solo. Wouldn’t it be a shame and a woefully tragic end, if you should fall in love with your ward? I’d hate to see anything happen to such a wealthy, charming man as yourself.”“I am deeply touched by your concern.” He bowed affably to her, “I will take care.”Bazine, seemingly at a loss for words, smiled at Benjamin – tossing her head with a flourish and a flash of shiny teeth – aimed one parting glare at Rey, then struck out in search of pleasanter companions.She quickly came upon the sheriff, Mr. Poe Dameron, standing and conversing with a group of men. Bazine instantly seized upon his arm and began animatedly chatting with them.Mr. Dameron, resplendent in a frock coat encrusted with gold braid, at first looked surprised to find Miss Snoke so attentive, but all was quickly made clear to him as Bazine whispered lowly under her breath, still glowering at Rey. Once he spied Benjamin and Rey standing together, he chuckled good-naturedly, then, after an appreciative and more thorough look, he bowed aristocratically to Rey. Incensed, Bazine jerked Mr. Dameron upright, and dragged him away, into the throng.Benjamin bent to whisper, “it is as I predicted, kurva’ri, you have set the whole room agog.”“They are only disappointed Kylo didn’t attend after all,” Rey whispered back. “Their evening’s entertainment of making a mockery of him has been routed, by his discernment and foresight.”“It sounds as if you admire the man.”“I do.”“I admit to being entirely confounded, madam. I was certain that before the conclusion of a sennight of marriage to Lord Ren, you would flee in horror. I was quite prepared to offer you safe harbor. Could you really prefer the cripple, over me?”Rey surveyed the room. Whichever way she glanced, there were women eying her escort in keen anticipation, with hopeful, eager smiles. Like a volt of Aurean vultures ready to devour, they only awaited the tiniest glimmer, the merest shred of opportunity, and they would move in for the kill. No doubt she was the envy of every woman present. However…Rey thought of her meeting with Lord Ren, only an hour before. Of his care and concern for her.“Preference is irrelevant. There is no going back. I made vows, and I am honor-bound to keep them.”She looked up to observe Benjamin’s reaction to this stark declaration, only to find that his attention was no longer centered upon her. Instead, he appeared to be taking stock of the gentlemen in the room; and apparently found them of similar inclination as Rey had judged of the ladies. Benjamin threw back his shoulders and offered his arm, defensively placing himself between her and those nearest. “I would like to claim the next dance, milady, before some other chap swoops in to steal you away.”He led her toward the music, the guests all scrambling to open the way for them, and staring at them as they passed. They had just entered a short corridor, when a manservant of the Snoke household intercepted them.“Lord Snoke requests that Lady Ren join him in his sanctum,” the butler droned – staring unblinkingly into the middle distance – and gestured with a white-gloved hand. “The lady will follow me, please.”Rey was caught off guard by this abrupt request, but before she could counter with word or deed, Benjamin took her arm.“Lead the way.”The servant’s mouth opened but no sound issued forth. After a moment, he shook his head minutely, “Lord Snoke has only requested the presence of the lady.”Benjamin smiled impassively, “then he will receive more than he requested, or nothing at all. I promised Lord Ren I would keep a careful and constant watch over his lady.”The man, manifestly unaccustomed to having his directives questioned, now fixed an incredulous gaze on Benjamin. He stifled a snort, then quickly regained his composure, “very well; follow me, please.”They passed through a door and down a long hall, finally reaching a set of ornate double doors.“Wait here, please.”The servant knocked thrice, and slipped into the room. When he returned, he held the door open for them, then disappeared as abruptly as he had appeared.A quick glance around the chamber revealed a plush fainting couch, positioned before the fireplace and draped with a velvet duvet, and next to this a small table, set with a bottle of wine on ice and two empty goblets.His Eminence, Ambrose Cecil Alistair Snoke, the third, rose from a gilded white desk. He wore a long, flowing cloth-of-gold dressing gown and a matching cap. “Young Rey! Welcome.” He approached, openly ogling her and leering at her decolletage.“Lord Snoke.” Rey curtsied circumspectly, “it is Lady Ren, now.”Snoke hummed, flapping his hand dismissively, “you are simply beautiful, child. I am so pleased to see you again.” He took both of her hands and bestowed a kiss to each. He looked around dramatically, ignoring Benjamin, “but where is your husband, my dear, why didn’t he come? I was expecting you both.”“As Lord Ren was unable to attend, he prevailed upon his cousin, Mr. Solo, to act as escort in his place.”Lord Snoke glared down his nose imperiously at Benjamin. He returned to his desk, tapped a pinch of snuff onto the back of his hand from his golden snuff spoon, and inhaled sharply.Benjamin advised, “Lord Ren required two things of me: first, to escort his lady, and, second, to deliver a message.” He reached into his coat and brought out a sealed letter, which he presented grandly, resting on the back of his forearm, to Lord Snoke.Snoke snatched the letter with a sneer, broke the seal, and scanned the page cursorily. Then he disinterestedly tossed the missive to his desk. “Now isn’t the time for business. Tonight, to the exclusion of all else, we will enjoy the merriment.” He stepped around Benjamin, to address Rey alone. “We have guests from Coruscant and Mandalore, and as far as Exegol! They have traveled a long way and are no doubt expecting an excellent evening. I do hope that is your intention as well.”Rey knew that Lord Snoke’s ideal pattern for an excellent evening differed greatly from her own, but she curtsied politely, “of course, milord.”“I shall insist upon one or two dances later; you may depend upon it.” He smiled tautly, “you are so new to your title, my dear, and your husband so little known, that surely you need someone to show you the etiquette and protocols of such functions. I am eager to serve in this capacity, as your mentor.”Benjamin stepped around to interject, “perhaps you aren’t aware of the Ren heritage. It’s an old family; perhaps older than your own.”Snoke spared Benjamin a sideways look, “it appears you know quite a lot about them. I myself wasn’t well acquainted. I barely knew the old lord, before he was murdered by the Corellians. And the new lord has remained reclusive.”“And would you censure him for it, sir?” Benjamin reached for Rey’s arm.Lord Snoke huffed, “if my appearance was likewise grotesque, I would no doubt hesitate to appear in public as well. But he must nevertheless commence in creating trusting relationships within the peerage and landed gentry. Force knows I mean him no harm!”“I have found Lord Ren to be reasonable, and willing to bestow trust; predicated on merit, of course.” He steered Rey toward the door, “you will excuse us, naturally. The Lady Ren promised me a dance.”Lord Snoke stood to his full height, outraged, but said nothing; his gaze hardening as they withdrew, Benjamin swiftly closing the door behind them.As they hastened down the long hall, Rey whispered, “Lord Snoke won’t soon forget that slight.”Benjamin laughed, “I don’t crave his approval.”“You should be cautious. He is a man of much influence!”“He is a man of much arrogance, and I should like nothing more than to see him vigorously chastened.” He slowed as they neared the doorway leading to the ballroom, and looked down upon her affectionately, “is your counsel borne of concern for me?”Rey chuffed, “you’re being reckless, and clearly you require someone to speak reason!”“I am glad to know you care.” She rolled her eyes, “do not presume more than was meant.”“Ah! You cut me to the quick with your aspersions!”“Your hide is thicker than a happabore’s, and your skull just as thick!”“Don’t be cruel, my love! Give me a smile to soothe this heart that beats only for you!”Rey pursed her lips, “the stories I have heard lead me to believe that your heart is quite fickle.”Benjamin halted near the door, and rounded upon her with eyebrows raised, “does my lady partake in gossip?”“This manse is unknown to me, sir, but can you declare the same? What would Bazine say, if I asked her?”He laughed, “how could you possibly believe I have interest in any other woman, when I’ve spent so much time courting you?”Rey looked up and down the hall, and finding them still alone she continued in a muted whisper, “you have quite a following of ladies in Takodana, sir, who make you the center of their tales. Why shouldn’t I believe what I’ve heard?”“And why should you care, whether the rumors are true or false? May I remind you, madam, you are a married woman!”“I know that!”“It seemed you needed a reminder, sweetheart.”“Stop calling me that! I am not your sweetheart!”“Oh, but you are.”Benjamin stepped nearer, looking into her eyes with a gaze so sincere, she started trembling, her knees weak, unsure of how to reply. And at the same time, she berated herself for giving ear to his lies and being moved by them.He explored her features, then his scrutiny dipped to the necklace; and then his eyes burned into hers once more. “I am very stubborn. You are the one that I want, and I won’t stop until you are mine.”“Benjamin, why won’t you accept that I’m a married woman?!”“I’ll accept it, when you are my wife.” He raised his head, listening to the music; one set coming to an end and another beginning. “Lord Snoke is excessively fond of a waltz, and he will insist you dance with him.” He took her firmly by the arm, and led her to the dance floor.As they spun through one melody after another, Rey noted how Benjamin kept a sharp lookout for Lord Snoke, and avoided the quarter where he was most likely to appear. In truth, he carefully kept her from several other men, who seemed to close in from every side, each time the music stopped. And she did own that he had safeguarded her from whatever designs Snoke had hoped to wreak upon her in his study. “Perchance I’ve misjudged you, Benjamin.”“In what way?”“You watch over me as carefully as Kylo does.” She pondered for a moment, as they sashayed down the long line of a lively cotillion. “Perhaps moreso.”“I haven’t given up hope that one day, you will be mine. And I wish to protect you from those who would harm you, or take you from me.”“And what about Kylo?”Benjamin deliberated during one change of partner, then taking her hand again, “when it comes to matters of love, I don’t consider Kylo a threat. But rather, a hindrance to be resolved.”She gasped indignantly, “a hindrance!”“I will have to deal with Kylo in time, and it will undoubtedly prove difficult. I can’t dispose of Kylo without rekindling your hatred of me. I am quite at a loss.”Rey was shocked by Benjamin’s nonchalant indifference to her husband. “You amaze me, Benjamin!”He grinned, “the feeling is entirely mutual, my love,” and he twirled her away, into the profusion of dancers. The privies of the Snoke estate left much to be desired. Rey returned from a brief sojourn by way of the ladies’ parlor – a small salon adjacent to the ballroom – and came up behind Bazine Snoke and several of her friends, sitting at their leisure, eating ices. From the dimly lit withdrawing room, they amused themselves by quietly providing smug commentary on the several groups of men visible to them in the brightly lit hall.“He is very wealthy!”Bazine brought her fan before her mouth, whispering, “his body is fine enough, but that face!”Her friends twittered giddily at Bazine’s audacity, provoking her to continue.“I shall have him. That schutta shall not foil my plans.”Rey took several steps backwards, to remain out of the women’s visual field, and peeped out, trying to see who might be the object of their derision. Nearest the doorway were Mr. Dameron, and Mr. Solo. It must be some other man they were discussing, standing farther away.Bazine cackled, “you must profess ignorance, should the children look like Poe.”The ladies simpered and smirked and nodded knowingly.Rey shrugged, rolling her eyes, and stole toward another portal leading to what appeared to be a library beyond. Perhaps she might claim just another few moments’ peace.The Snoke library was not well-stocked. The lower shelves were crowded with vulgar Chandrilan romance novels, and there were a great many publications on the middle shelves written in Sith, which Rey couldn’t read. These appeared to be textbooks and treatises.It was the reference works on the top shelves, however, that drew her attention. There were several tomes concerned with chemistry and human anatomy. Four touching on galvanism, and one on alchemy. And on the farthest side, on the highest shelf, there were two weighty volumes of a set – their black leather covers very old, but kept in excellent repair – that appeared to deal with reanimation, and necromancy.Rey glanced at the doors, this way and that, to confirm she was yet alone in the room, and stretched up to take hold of one of these. T’was just out of her reach…Suddenly, a large male body pressed up, very close against her…“Ah…!”… and a large hand enfolded her own.“Milady has a curious mind,” Benjamin breathed into her ear.“I…! Ah…!” she shoved back from the shelves and spun around, sheepish.“Loitering about, alone, in the Snoke manse is not, perhaps, the most prudent of choices.”“No, sir.”“At any moment, any disreputable fellow might take advantage of the vulnerability of such a sequestered locale.” He smirked down at her.“Indeed.”He grinned, holding out his hand, “are you sufficiently revived, lady? Might I lure you out with the offer of another dance?”Rey pursed her lips, clicked her tongue, and took his hand. “Such a handsome couple!”“Don’t they move well together!”“So well-matched!”Lord Snoke gripped his cane more tightly, to keep himself from dashing in a few heads with it. His daughter stood at his side, similarly aggrieved.Lady Ren and Mr. Solo together were the evening’s lodestone. In every corner of the room, the company spoke of nothing else. The beauty and natural grace of the lady, and the physical endowment and wealth of the gentleman. It was altogether too tiresome.Bazine was fuming; but at least the warmth of her choler had served to desiccate her gown, the brazen hussy. Dameron stood nearby, conversing with Lady Mothma and Dame Morvis; which ladies also had a profusion of vociferous praise to heap upon the event’s favorite dyad.Bazine snorted and huffed furiously at every offhand remark that inadvertently reached her ears.“Malevolence does your face very ill, my dear,” Snoke hissed.In a snit, she stalked to Dameron’s side, and, interrupting the Dame mid-sentence, insisted he ask her to dance.But it was just at this moment that Snoke caught the sheriff’s eye, demanding an audience with a look and a jerk of his head.Dameron bowed, smiling charmingly, “ah! You will excuse me dear ladies, I am required elsewhere.”With a scowl and a squeak of indignation, Bazine stormed from the room, unconcerned of the scene she created as she plowed through the rabble, leaving havoc in her wake.Snoke waved the sheriff ahead of him, and they proceeded to the study.Bazine was there already, stomping her foot and screeching like a stuck mynock.“This is my ball! I was supposed to be the evening’s jewel!” She rounded upon them both, “you cannot steal Poe away just when he was going to dance with me!”“Dameron and I must discuss some business, my child.”“Your business can wait until after the festivities!” After several expectant moments, when Snoke wasn’t moved by her argument, she threw up her hands, “very well, then, get on with it!” and perched on the arm of the sofa.“Dear angel, this old wound is acting up. Be a good girl, and fetch my cane. The one with the gold handle.”“I’m tired, papa, send a servant.”“I insist, child. Scoot.” He flicked his fingers at her playfully, but he knew his smile was forced, “along with you, now.”Bazine heaved a sigh, rolling her eyes, but pranced from the room, slamming the door as she went.Snoke took a deep breath, and strode to his desk, taking up the letter and slapping it into the opposite hand. “Lord Ren has served me with a summons to Ren Hall – like a peasant! Like common riffraff!” He breathed heavily through his nose for a moment, “he wishes to discuss the rents I collected in the family’s stead.”Propping himself on the corner of the desk, Dameron took up a sweet from a little tray and held it up to inspect, then popped it into his mouth. “That must be more than a few spira.”“I’ve been collecting the rents for almost twenty years!” Snoke slammed the letter down and pressed his fingers against his temples.“Do you consider this Lord Ren to be a threat?”Snoke tugged at the sleeve of his white satin coat, “I wish Ren had come in person, instead of sending Solo to deliver the letter. Then I could have judged if he is the one.”“Rumor has it, he can’t even sit a horse.”“I’ve heard that, too, but who else could it be? The only other outsider is Solo; but that would be too perfect a coincidence.”Dameron picked through the candy dish, “as far as I can determine, that one is who he claims to be. He owns several ships, and the Falcon has been in and out of Kamino a few times in the last months. Always with some new cargo to trade or sell.”“We must keep our eyes on Solo.” Snoke jeered, “hopefully, he will have a violent confrontation with the Dark Rider, and be the next man found in a bloody heap.”“If that should happen,” Dameron laughed, “do you think either of us will be prevailed upon to escort the Lady Ren?”Snoke snorted, “Ren is daft to trust Solo. His brain must be as infirm as his body.”“Ren was able to trounce Wexley and his bunch easily enough.” Dameron took another bonbon.“Karking cretin, that Wexley! Years of maneuverings may be destroyed!”Poe stood and tugged at his waistcoat, “have you heard anything more from your contact in Coruscant?”“No. Just the usual chatter.”Dameron opened his mouth to speak, but at that moment Bazine flung the doors open and angrily crossed the room, then shoved a walking stick with a silver handle into Snoke’s chest.“This is the only one I could find!” She cast round the room and spied his gold-handled stick, leaning by the fireplace. “Why! It was here all the time!” she laughed, “I declare, papa, you’ve become so forgetful!” She took up the cane and handed it to him, then squeezed his arm, giggling. “Does this mean you’re getting old?” She flapped the loose skin under his chin.Snickering, Bazine turned to Dameron, missing the nasty sneer directed at her from her father. “Come now, Poe! You will dance with me! It is my ball, after all!”Snoke left both canes leaning up against his desk, and followed them out – throwing back his shoulders and lifting his head importantly, and patting under his chin with the back of his fingers. Rey was enjoying herself thoroughly. Some of the other ladies had begun to complain of tiredness and aching feet, but Rey had never felt so invigorated!Whether it was the music and the atmosphere of the party, or the thrill of being swept along on the arm of a handsome and charming man, she couldn’t say; but she was utterly enraptured.Even Bazine’s glares and spiteful, whispered comments couldn’t strike a dissonant chord in Rey’s temper or mood.She did occasionally have to dance with another man, and in those moments her enjoyment was dimmed somewhat.Lord Snoke presented himself, in all his white satin and gold-embroidered glory, to demand his levy of dances. And Bazine thrust Poe aside to appear in that same moment and insist that Benjamin dance with her as well – in recompense for the invitation.At a signal from Bazine, the orchestra struck up an exceedingly long medley, that kept Rey and Benjamin with their new partners for a protracted period.Each time they moved past each other – which was quite often, as Benjamin purposefully remained close – Bazine would fleer triumphantly. She fully availed herself of the opportunity, gripping his arms, fluttering her eyelashes and pursing her lips, pressing her bosom and hips up against him.And in the meantime, Rey dealt with Lord Snoke, who had made a study of Benjamin’s movements in an effort to emulate them – moving in grander, more sweeping motions – but he still held her much too close and continually stepped on her toes.As soon as the musical pastiche was over, Benjamin made his excuses to Bazine – but she would not be dispensed with so easily, and hooked her arm through his. Benjamin agreeably led her to the sheriff, greeted the man, then foisted her off on Dameron. Bazine’s jaw dropped in disbelief, but Benjamin paid her no mind, promptly turning on his heel and directing his steps toward Rey.Rey had been thoroughly mauled by Lord Snoke, and was much occupied with extricating herself from his long fingers.Wordlessly, Benjamin presented himself with a gallant bow, hand outstretched, and as soon as Rey slipped her hand into his, he spun her away, to the far side of the ballroom.For the next several melodies, Benjamin kept a weather eye on Snoke, and carefully maintained distance from him, despite Snoke’s craning neck and long strides, tracking them like a bloodhound.“You’re being indiscreet,” Rey breathed.“My Lord Snoke is also being indiscreet, and if he continues, I’ll put a hitch in his step with the application of my boot to his backside.”“Benjamin!” Rey tittered, though scandalized. “Why does he vex you so?”“You know why.”“No, I am not certain I do.”“I am granted so little time with you, I am loath to share you with anyone; especially Snoke.”“Benjamin,” Rey laughed, “you protest the man overmuch!”For several turns, they continued in silence. But just when Rey was certain the matter was closed, Benjamin went on.“I do protest the man,” he clenched his jaw. “I protest his pomposity. I protest his careless flaunting of power. I protest his garish ostentation, while he leaves his tenants to grub for subsistence! I do protest him, and I’ll be damned if anything committed to my keeping should fall into his hands!”Rey leaned back, wide-eyed, to stare up into his face, and was surprised by the angry expression she found. She rarely saw him serious, and hardly knew what to think of it.But this dark mood passed fleetly, leaving no trace. He shook it off quickly, and was again charming and sure, moving boldly and smiling down at her. He began again to sweep her past Snoke, tauntingly, but they were away before Snoke could halt them or the music.Benjamin’s finesse made the other couples look clumsy, and made Rey feel very light on her feet.He whirled her over to a doorway, and guided her through it.Here was the banquet hall, where tables were laden with food and drink.“What are we doing?”“Didn’t you see how piqued Snoke was?” Benjamin laughed. “As soon as he loses sight of you, he will suspend the music to search the room for you!”He led her to a small cushioned bench, where he bid her be seated, and handed her a dainty porcelain plate. “What would you like?” He didn’t attend her reply, but instead proceeded to lay several morsels on her plate.“I am not hungry. Truly. Benjamin, I…!”He bent his head to whisper, “just hold the plate. Here, let me bring you a flute of Toniray as well, and then if Snoke appears you’ll have an excuse not to dance with him.”Just then, the music did stop, with a dissonant screech of the mandoviol and much bewildered murmuring from the dancers. Snoke could be heard, blundering through the room, “move, rot you!” Several minutes passed, much to Benjamin’s amusement, and the murmurs turned to annoyed mutterings and indignant whisperings, while Snoke made another circuit of the room.Finally, Snoke caught sight of Rey in the banquet hall and abandoned the ballroom; leaving Bazine to call for the music to begin again with a wave of her hand and an exasperated, “father!”Snoke forgot to calm his expression as he approached, and he was clearly displeased: sweating and red-faced.Rey quickly became very interested in the contents of her plate, and took a delicate sip of the sparkling liquid Benjamin had brought for her. She was very glad of his nearness.“There you are, child! I’ve been searching for you everywhere!” Snoke was out of breath, but made a leg, his hand casually cocked at his hip in a debonair pose. “You will, of course, grant me another dance.”Rey held up her plate for his inspection, “you have such a wonderful feast laid out, my lord, that it will take an hour, at least, to sample everything that has caught my eye! ‘Twill be a welcome respite, I assure you!”“Oh, my dear, you’re exhausted!” Snoke took her plate and set it aside, while inserting himself between her and Benjamin. “You must come lie down, in my private salon. I believe I must insist! Come now!”With two long strides, Benjamin placed himself once again at Rey’s elbow, and questioned drily, “your salon?”Louring down his nose at Benjamin, Snoke puffed out his chest and leaned haughtily on the table, opening his mouth to unleash some scathing admonition.His hand, however, came down in the center of Rey’s discarded plate, and black coodler roe squished up between his fingers.He jerked his hand back, and the plate shattered on the floor, splodging delicacies on his white shoes and stockings – deviled bulabird egg and purple zucca fruit pastry cream blending with the black roe in a most unusual pattern.Rattled, he spun around – but now the tails of his coat, stiff with gold embroidery, swept the table, toppling a carafe of iced Lothalian currant wine, which splashed his side and seeped slowly, red and purple, down his leg.Disgruntled, he raised his hand to swipe a y’luubi meat roll from its perch on his shoulder, the green jelly filling landing with a splat on the marble floor.Several revelers simply could not contain their laughter, but Snoke’s enraged glower quickly silenced them.Rey sipped her champagne and twisted minutely farther from the mess on the table. Benjamin blinked benignly, and now everyone else carefully trained their gaze anywhere else: at the cornices, the chandeliers, and the intricately scrolled paneling.Snoke clenched his fists, and removed himself from the hall with a squelching noise. After the slamming of the door whereby he made his exit, his thunderous voice could be heard: cursing the ball, the company, the head chef, his daughter, and that fragging Alderaanian! The grandfather clock in the great hall had chimed midnight, and Rey and Benjamin had bid good evening to an exceedingly aloof – and now arrayed in sky-blue velvet – Lord Snoke.The servant had just brought their cloaks, when Bazine skidded up next to them, out of breath.“You’re not leaving?! I simply won’t hear of it! Rooms have been prepared for you!” Her headpiece was droopy, the feathers limp and wilted, “separately, of course!”“I will release Mr. Solo to his own decision,” Rey beckoned to the wary butler, “but I will be returning to Ren Hall.”“That’s so kind of you!” Bazine wrapped both arms around Benjamin’s bicep and beamed up at him.“Apologies, lady,” Benjamin gently pulled his arm out from Bazine’s grip, “but I promised to see the Lady Ren home safely, and I cannot be released until this task is complete. Lord Ren would accept nothing less.”“But…!” Bazine floundered – her eyes darting about and finally resting on the open door where guests were departing – and pointed, “it’s starting to snow! There’s a storm blowing in!”Benjamin turned to Rey, for her reaction.“I must go.”Benjamin bowed to Bazine, “I must go,” and settled Rey’s cloak around her shoulders. “Thank you for a very pleasant evening.”Bazine trailed after them dully, her mouth opening and closing as she sought some other argument why they must stay.“Yes, thank you Miss Snoke, for a wonderful evening! Thank you so much for inviting me!” Rey took Benjamin’s arm and started for the courtyard, where the carriage had just drawn up.Bazine clamped her mouth shut tight and glared icily at Rey.“Good night, Miss Snoke,” Benjamin nodded cordially.Mr. Chewbacca waited at the carriage door, anxious to be off. Mr. Durant held both the reins and Mr. Chewbacca’s blunderbuss.Benjamin handed Rey inside, and she arranged herself comfortably with the foot stove and blanket while the men ascended to their various stations, with some commotion. Mr. Durant whistled to the horses.She leaned forward to pull the curtain aside.Moonlight cast a pale glow on the snow-dusted landscape, the soft snowfall muffling all sound and making everything feel hushed and quiet. The clamor of the Snoke estate, the talk between Chewie and Rio, all faded away and there was only the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses.Rey settled back, blithely ignoring Benjamin on the opposite bench – pulling his cloak tightly around himself and pushing the collar up around his ears. After several minutes, Benjamin gave it up for a lost cause, abandoned his cape and moved to sit beside Rey, tucking the robe around them both and staring down at her, eyebrows raised, daring her to protest.His relocation did give her pause. However, Lord Ren should have assured there were two blankets for the carriage on a cold night!Benjamin brought his arm up to rest along the back of the seat, and this again caused her some apprehension. She looked up at him questioningly, and he looked back, untroubled, taking in each of her features with a contented smile, drinking in her beauty until finally she turned her face away, blushing.It seemed overly self-indulgent to relish his unapologetic esteem, Rey chastised herself yet again.The ball had been… she hardly knew. The Snokes were, the pair of them, wholly insufferable. The occasion could have been a crushing debacle of the highest order, but instead it had been… delightful. With Benjamin by her side – so attentive to her ease and comfort, such a gentleman, so charming, so affable, such a wit – she needed have no fear of offense or abuse.She sighed and closed her eyes, swaying with the motion of the carriage.There was a jolt as the wheels hit a rut, and Benjamin’s hand dropped to her shoulder.Rey’s eyes flew open, but Benjamin’s expression was thoughtful and distracted, his regard trained elsewhere. As it didn’t seem he harbored any untoward intent, she leaned back into his arm, closing her eyes again, her head resting easily in the crook of his elbow.Combining the rocking motion, her warmth and ease, and the fatigues of the day, she drowsed in the shadowy dark.He leaned into her, reaching over to turn down the lantern nearest her.She blinked sleepily, watching the flame ebb and gutter out.Slowly, gently, he brought his hand up to touch her jaw, turning her face to him. All became dark as his large form blocked out the light from the other lantern.His lips moved upon hers, leisurely, tenderly, sweetly.Her hand slid up to his nape, but then… no! She pushed against his chest, gasping, and he turned, displeased, looking away from her.Her heart pounded, and the sensation was weird, dreamlike; her limbs felt heavy and not entirely under her control. But she compelled herself not to reach out for him.It was only one small kiss, surely no harm could come from it!But she knew the ice was thin. If she wasn’t alert, she would break through, to be swept away by a raging sea, with no return.She tried to put distance between them, but his arm around her shoulder tightened, and he bent quickly to her. Suddenly his mouth was on hers again, but this time the kiss was forceful, insistent, and demanding of an answer from her.She couldn’t find it in herself to push him away, as realization dawned that this was what she had hoped for all along.He recognized her answer, weak though it might be, and deepened the kiss. His arm slid down to her waist and he drew her nearer; her cloak falling away, unheeded, to the seat behind.He kissed her face, her cheeks, her eyes; then brushed aside her hair to kiss her ear, grazing the lobe with his tongue.The touch roused her to some awareness, and she brought her arm between them, pushing him away again. “You press yourself beyond the bounds of propriety, sir! You gave your word!”“Yes, kurva’ri, I did,” he whispered, “but the bounds were clearly set.” His eyes burned into hers, “sweet Rey, the ball is over.”He cupped her head, and her eyes widened in shock as his mouth descended again to hers, smothering whatever feeble protest she might have made.His hands moved upon her, at her waist, caressing her face, grasping her arms. His thumb stroked through the delicate cloth of her gown, against a pebbled nipple. Her sleeve slipped from her shoulder, biting awkwardly against her arm, and she gave way to the pressure.She could feel his hands at her back – there was a tugging, and her eyes flew open as her bodice came loose. His trembling fingers brushed her chemise aside, and his hand was upon her breast, petting and squeezing.She twisted away, but he took hold of her anew, wresting her against him. Her cries became moans under his mouth; his kiss was aggressive, thorough, tasting her, overwhelming her.A liquid heat spread from her belly.“Sweetheart, please,” he breathed at her ear, “I want you so. Yield to me.”“Benjamin. I can’t!”He withdrew minutely, perceiving her flushed cheeks, her plumped lips, “then speak a lie, pateesa, and say you want no part of me.”Her mouth opened, but no words came out. She was completely torn – she desired him, she could throw caution to the wind – but knew it was reckless debauchery.Deliberately, he lowered to kiss her again, meeting no resistance. He leaned her back against the cloak and the robe, steadily devouring her and gradually breaking down her defenses until she responded with a fervor equal to his own – her fingers tangled in his hair and grasping at his lapels.He murmured softly into her mouth, in some language she didn’t know; his lips touched her cheek, her jaw, her throat, then his mouth was on her breast. She gasped at the tingling feel of his tongue and teeth upon her.Sweeping his arm under her knees, he brought her legs to rest over his. Then his hand found its way under her skirts and petticoat, kneading and smoothing her thigh.“Benjamin!” She pushed him away lamely, but her fingers remained twisted in the fabric of his coat. “Please don’t do this! I belong to another!”“You are mine! You’ve been mine from the first moment I saw you!”“No. I belong to him.”Ignoring her faint denials, he brushed his lips against hers, his eyes smoldering; his hand stroked closer and then – he touched her as no one else had ever dared.His caresses became bolder, more purposeful, and she stared at him, confused, rasping and panting – writhing, and unable to restrain the warm lightning coursing through her veins. She shuddered, crying out quietly, in rapture.“Rey,” his lips pressed against her hair, his voice hoarse and breathless, “my love.”The carriage jolted, startling them both.Benjamin reached up to turn down the other lantern, then moved the curtain to peer outside. The snow still fell, heavier now in large, fluffy flakes.Ren Manor could be seen in the distance, the outdoor lanterns lit and light shining from several windows.He closed the curtain, and sat up with halting breath, bringing her with him.“It appears we will have to resume this interlude at some future time, sweeting. We’re almost home.”Rey was mortified, and wouldn’t meet his eyes. She fumbled with her gown, tugging the shoulders and sleeves up, and attempting to fasten the laces, but unable to reach.Benjamin lent his assistance, quickly tightening and tying the ribbons.How could she have allowed this! How could she have been so weak!He leaned forward, breathing hot on her neck, his lips brushing her skin, “I will be staying the night at the manor.”“No!” She twisted around, wheezing, appalled, “you must leave me alone! Please!”“There is a matter I must discuss with you, milady, and it must be tonight! I will come to your room, and…”“No!” She pleaded, “you must not do that!” Rey knew she couldn’t resist another onslaught of her senses! And she was sickened to think she might cuckold her husband, with him sleeping peacefully, unknowingly, just at the end of the hall!She could only be grateful nothing more had happened – Force knew it had been enough! But at least she was still a virgin; at least she hadn’t yielded to him fully! “I will not admit you! You must leave me alone!”“Very well.” Benjamin took a deep breath, gathering his composure. “I will restrain myself until the morning. But I will have a word with you, lady, and I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. We will finally discuss this matter, once and for all! And in consequence, you will be mine before the day is done!”She stared at him, dumbstruck. He meant what he said: he wouldn’t leave her be! Cost and harm be damned, he’d drag her to hell with him! She would not allow it!The coach came to a halt before the great front door of the manor. Rey sprang up and slammed open the carriage door, gathered up her skirts, and leapt past the step, into the unbroken snow.She dashed to the entry and heaved the door open, then flew up the stairs and down the hall.Safe in her room, she stood, exhaling hard, frowning at the door, with her hands braced against it.Then she reached down and turned the bolt, with an echo that resounded through the house, like thunder.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Cold, bracing air rushed into the carriage. Benjamin stretched, rolling his shoulders and raking his fingers back through his tangled hair.Chewie appeared at the door, staring in, shocked. “The lady is well?”Benjamin snorted quietly, “t’was a long ride, and the lady was in need of refreshment. Thank you, Mr. Chewbacca.”Chewie pressed his lips closed, merely raising one eyebrow, but shuffled away to assist Durant with the horses, while Benjamin quickly folded the fur, leaving it on the bench, then gathered up Rey’s cloak, and his own. He stood for a moment in the snow, breathing deeply, letting the cold wash over him, then stamped inside, where a distressed Mitaka stood at the foot of the staircase, peering up into the dark. Composing himself, Mitaka stolidly held out his arms for the mantles, “sir.”“Thank you, Mitaka. That will be all.”Slowly, Benjamin climbed the stairs, then strode to the Lady Ren’s door.There he stood in the dim hall for long minutes, gripping the jamb on both sides and staring at the latch, clenching his jaw.He took one backwards step. Two.Then he turned on his heel, and walked away, toward the guest chambers. Rey sat at her dressing table, her thoughts swirling like dancers in a cotillion.She had stood at her door for long minutes, her feet freezing and wet, her hand clapping over her mouth when Benjamin paused on the opposite side, unspeaking, unmoving for an interminable interval, her senses tuned to his presence.She had avidly watched the latch for movement, but there was no sound, not the slightest stirring, and finally he had gone, his steps echoing from the guest wing.Her finery carefully set aside, she had washed away all traces of the evening past, and now she stared, unseeing, into the mirror, thinking, thinking – trying not to think – her brush moving methodically, her fingers arranging the long tresses in a thick plait as was her wont.… the brilliance of the Snoke manse…… the lilting music…… the whirling colors, silks and velvets and feathers and jewels…… Benjamin, protecting her from Snoke and Bazine…… Benjamin, laughing, dancing, his hand outstretched…… Benjamin, impassioned, his hands upon her, his eyes burning into hers…
No!
She must not dwell on all that had transpired in the carriage!That she had allowed such intimacy, with a man who wasn’t her husband!… but still…… she hadn’t known…… had never guessed that she was capable of…… that it could be so…
No!
She must not dwell on all that had transpired in the carriage!Her ears were attuned to any sound in the hallway.She listened for the ponderous gait of her husband; if he should come to her door, what would his reaction be, to find the bolt secured? T’was very late, and so the likelihood of this occurrence was slim – but still. To lock her door was truly the single interdiction he had proclaimed, and one she had never defied. Until now.Nevertheless…Should Benjamin experience a change of heart and return to confront her…… Rey knew she could not withstand him.Why wouldn’t he leave her be!She was not well-pleased to have Benjamin under the same roof, even for one night; and the thought of facing him in the light of morning surpassed distressing!She could only thank Force the carriage ride hadn’t been any lengthier, else surely her fall would have been complete! Those words he had spoken – you will be mine! – echoed incessantly in her mind!When she thought of her own actions, the way she had reacted to him, clutched at him, ceded to him!How could she have done it!She sprang up – casting her brush down to the table with a clatter – and began to pace before the fire, wrapping her gossamer dressing gown more closely around herself and retying the cord at the waist. The room was warm, and she felt feverish as she moved back and forth, back and forth, in a frenzy; pressing her fists against her temples.She must calm herself! How could she meet her husband thus, her face flushed, her eyes bright!And what might happen, if the two men should meet; or fight over her!Both men were fully capable of violence, and if either should be wounded, or killed! The guilt and sadness should torment her for the rest of her days!Rey began to shiver, her thoughts roiling, and she couldn’t find peace!Her heart wanted Benjamin, but she knew she couldn’t have him without abandoning her honor. While at the same time, she cared for Kylo, but still feared taking that final step with him.She stood for a moment, her hand resting on the chair where Lord Ren often sat, near the fire. She had made sacred vows in a church! And even though her marriage was as yet unconsummated, still she was bound by her word. She had promised to be a proper wife!She couldn’t betray her husband in such a despicable way!Lord Ren wanted her too, but he had been waiting for her to be ready, just as she had requested, for time to know him better.He had always been kind to her, deferred to her. And he had shown kindness to Armitage too! And, he had never pressed himself upon her as Benjamin had. If he should come to her room now, surely he would perceive her upset – and what could she tell him? How could she explain herself to him? Would she tell him that she had almost given to another man that which she had promised would be his alone?The house was very still, all the servants having long since searched out their beds. The chime of half past two rang up from the grandfather clock in the entry.No one had returned to her door, neither Lord Ren nor Benjamin. There had been no thumping cane, no halting steps, no bold knock nor light tap.She sat again at her dressing table, plucking distractedly at the neckline of her nightdress and robe. They were one of the many sets Lord Ren had given her; all very similar, and very fine.Her thoughts had begun to calm a little, and she mused once again, about the ball. She snickered quietly, thinking of the horrible Snokes and their garish manse. And goodness, Bazine! That awful gown, and her droopy hat, and those feathers! And her terrible friends, with their snide comments and gaudy cosmetics! Stars!If she hadn’t been singled out by Lord Snoke, and if Bazine didn’t so patently detest her, then the evening would have been perfect. The orchestra had been excellent, and the food and wine as well. Though she must own that it had been her escort, that had contributed most to the quality of the evening.Why did every thought bring her back to Benjamin?From the first moment she had met him, it had been so.That first day, when he had come in out of the rain, he had been charming and considerate, and of course handsome, and so strong! And he had shown kindness for Armitage, even though he knew who he was. She did retain some embarrassment, concerning her own behavior on that day. But could she really be blamed, considering all her father had done in his efforts to marry her off?Her father!His cunning, and deceit, were truly disgraceful. And all for his own self-serving purposes – to settle debts that he had made for no good purpose, beyond his own entertainment!And despite all of this, now that his artifice had come to light, Unkar would, no doubt, still blame Benjamin; and in truth, couldn’t even hear Mr. Solo’s name without going red in the face and concocting more lies!Rey moved the candelabra closer, inspecting her face carefully in the mirror, searching for resemblances to her father.Was it in the shape of her nose? Or her eyes? It certainly wasn’t in her coloring, or the height of her brow.Now that she remarked upon it, she was startled to find no likeness in her outward appearance.But inwardly? What of that?Rey’s jaw dropped open, as she considered this possibility.Hadn’t she lied to Lord Ren, and breached her vows, not only through her thoughts and actions with Benjamin, but also by not yielding to her husband?She was troubled to recognize that she had withheld that which she had promised from the man who had shown her such kindness, such largesse, while almost submitting to the man who hadn’t made vows with her; who hadn’t promised her anything!Here! Here was where the likeness lay! Just as her father was covetous, and mercenary, and willing to use others for his own selfish ends…She was her father’s daughter! They were the same!She stood abruptly – her chair falling over backwards with a thump – and stared reproachfully at her reflection.Thus enlightened, she… “no! It shall not be! I will not allow it! My husband shall have all I promised him!”Without another thought, she found herself barefoot in the drafty hall, standing before Lord Ren’s door, her hand hovering over the latch for a very long time, just staring at the wood grain.She whirled about and dashed back to her own door, then paced back to Kylo’s. Again. And again.Arms akimbo. Hands clenched, fingers wringing.Palms pressed against her cheeks.Staring at the door, fingers poised at the latch.Teeth clenched, shivering, she hissed, “go in or go back to your own room, idiot!”In a flurry, she pushed the door open, slipped inside and closed the door. Then turned the lock.She spun around and stood with her back to the portal for a moment, breathing hard.The fire burned low.The dark blue velvet bed curtains were all drawn closed, except for those nearest the fire, at the foot of the bed.There was movement, then an abrupt shifting in the shadowy dark of the bed. And then, seeming very loud in the silence of the house, came a rasping, muffled whisper, “who has come to me?”Heart in her throat, Rey crept forward, intent on her chosen course and no more willing to retreat than the valiant Nomi Sunrider from the old tales of her girlhood.Slowly, slowly she padded to the foot of the bed, trembling. Within she could faintly see a dark, shadowed form: Lord Ren, half sitting up, with a light cloth hastily wrapped about his head to conceal his face.“‘Tis Aurora, milord.” Her voice quavered only slightly, as she untied the belt of her dressing gown and let the robe slip to the floor.She bent her knee, resting it up on the mattress.Encountering only silence, she climbed onto the bed, and sat on her heels. “Milord… Kylo… you must…” her voice failed her, but she coughed softly, inhaled, and continued, “you must… take me to you. You must… we must…” She cleared her throat and went on, more confidently now, “there must be no further question as to the state of our marriage.”There was a long pause, accompanied only by some low strangling noises and sharp breaths. Bafflingly, Lord Ren neither spoke nor made any move toward her, and Rey was now utterly flummoxed as to what she should do next. She waited for another several anxious moments, confused, then raised her hand, pointing accusingly, “you said you would eagerly respond!”“My love, I…” his voice sounded strangely choked, “Aurora…”“You…!” She shook her head restlessly, “you told me… you said I need only inform you!”There came a wheezing gulp, that might have been awkward laughter, then Kylo pushed himself upright, tugging jerkily on the bedclothes.Rey gestured toward the cloth about his face, “will you relent, milord, and…”“No,” he pulled back from her slightly, “in truth, it is this face that will drive you away.”She dropped her hand, to clutch her fingers in her lap, waiting.“My love…” his voice was quiet, oddly strained, but gentle, and tender, “pull the drapes.”Rey twisted around on her knees and stretched her arms wide to grasp the curtains. She looked out for a long moment on the room, breathing shallowly, then drew the hangings closed, cloaking herself in unbroken darkness with her husband.Fighting an almost overwhelming urge to run, as she had done so many times before, she was still, unable to move either forward or back.Kneeling up, Kylo moved toward her, his fingertips cautiously skimming up her back and making her shiver. He plucked delicately at the filmy nightdress, lifting it from her and dropping it aside. His fingers traced down her arm, slowly, and he paused, then gripped her wrist.“You’re freezing.” His hand slid up to her biceps, exploring, squeezing, “why are you so cold?”Rey laughed shakily, her voice jittery, “I… lingered, milord… a very long time, in the hall… before summoning the courage to come in.”With a wheezing exhalation, Lord Ren wrapped his arms around her, and, in one swift movement, brought her with him into the warmth of the bed, then tucked the blankets about her shoulders and snugged her into his chest, leaning against her slightly and laying one leg carefully over both of hers.Rey squawked, surprised by the rapid movement, but also by being crowded so fully against Kylo’s warm, naked body. She braced her hands against his chest, and he hissed.Alarmed at this reaction, she drew back, severing the touch, but he hastily covered her hands with his, pressing her to him again, chuckling, “never take your hands from me!”He settled with her for a few moments, pulling her closer at the waist, arranging his arm under her head, and drawing her plaited hair out from under her shoulder, then sinking with her into the pillows.As they lay together, Rey released an unsteady breath, turning her cheek against his chest; relaxing minutely when he didn’t do anything but hold her close.“Let me warm you.” Kylo leaned his chin against the top of her head, and tucked the quilt more snugly around her shoulder.She was taken with a violent fit of trembling, her teeth chattering until she clenched them closed; and Kylo held her tightly until the bout had passed.Softly, gently, he began to caress, her arms and back, her hip, and held her at the nape, his hand securely cradling her head.Unexpectedly, and by degrees, she began to calm, and could have dozed as she thawed, her exhaustion almost overpowering her.“Is this how you warmed me the first time?” she murmured, half asleep.Kylo drew back, his hands stilling, “the first time?”“When I fell from Thrawn.”“Ah.” She could feel his jaw clenching against her head, and after a moment his hands began to move again. “No. Your situation at the time was so dire, and my anxiety for you so great, that… no. I don’t precisely remember all that was done, but I assure you, lady, I derived no pleasure from it.” He brushed a wisping curl back from her temple, his breath trembling slightly, “I thought you were dead.”“Oh.”“I am very glad you were not.”Rey snorted a quiet laugh, “indeed.”“Indeed.”As the moments passed, Rey was confounded by the strength of her husband’s arms, and hands; and even more stunned to find that his touch brought her no sense of revulsion; on the contrary, she warmed to his gentle handling of her, her hands uncurling between them and pressing tentatively against his muscled chest.With her ear pressed against him, she could hear the steady beat of his heart, the tempo increasing gradually, and she tensed to feel the solid heat of him, twitching against her belly.His strokes became bolder, more purposeful, and she recalled the evening in Ord Mantell, at the inn, when he had been aroused by her presence. Her shock to see him then had been no greater than it was now, to feel his substantial bulk and rigidity.He inhaled several times, as if he would speak, and finally she tipped her face toward him, “… hmm…?”He chuffed quietly, then queried, “do you know, lady, what is to be done?”“Ah…! Yes! Ah… my stepmother warned me of a wife’s duty.”His hands tightened upon her momentarily, and he chuckled, “I take it as my duty, as your husband, to convince you that the congress between us shall never be a ‘duty.’”She hummed, questioningly, not understanding.“You may have heard that there must be pain, but you must not allow this; you must alert me if anything causes you pain.”She whispered, “I thought it must always hurt.”“No, lady. Not if done properly.”Rey snorted, unconvinced, but hesitantly smoothed her fingers along his pectoral; which action he seemed to appreciate, and so she tentatively continued, dragging her fingernail across his nipple.He groaned quietly, and inhaled sharply, then began to move, rolling her to her back. Most of his face and head remained covered, but he had adjusted the cloth to bare his lips; and he began to kiss her brow, her jaw, her neck and throat, using his tongue and teeth, and descended upon her breasts, first one, then the other.She gasped, as much from the sensations themselves, as from the realization that she could feel so with Kylo, and respond to him so rapidly.A word came unbidden to her lips, but she quelled it viciously, for it was the name of another.Disconcerted by the wandering of her mind, she resolved to remain focused on the present moment, and moved against him in an attitude of encouragement.She began to explore him with her hands, rubbing her palm up his arm, gripping his shoulder. Just inside the left shoulder joint, she discovered a large puckered scar, of the type that might be made by a burn. Her husband was the scarred one, not Benjamin Solo.She soothed her thumb over the furrowed skin. The rimpled weal helped her remember that it was Lord Ren she was making love to, not Benjamin. She reminded herself of this over and over, while Kylo became more assured with his caresses, sounding out her body with his hands and mouth.And all the while, he held his right leg away from her, and kept his face covered – excepting his lips, which moved upon her hungrily.Rey perceived some vague wonder at her husband’s unreserved comportment; she had half expected a blundering eagerness, an oafish uncertainty. But he was careful, tender – so gentle with her. His hands wandered over her deliberately, slowly discovering all of her. She began to tremble at his touch, her breath hitching, her heart hammering.He knelt between her thighs, and then just… stopped.Puffing and heaving for a moment – as if contending some inner battle – he choked a laugh and stretched aside, reaching for something on a small bedside table.He busied himself doing… something. And then he patted his fingers gingerly against her, daubing a small amount of some kind of fluid.He moved above her – resting his elbows at her sides to avoid placing his full weight upon her – and pushed.There was a strange pressure, and then he penetrated deep within her. It was a peculiar feeling, of fullness but not pain, and she cried out, startled.Immediately, Kylo froze, propping himself up a little, and rasped, “are you damaged?”“No, I…” she shifted slightly, the movement causing a little fizz of pleasure, and she moaned, “I am well.”Chuckling softly, he withdrew a fraction, and thrust inside again.“Ah…!” she grasped his arms, biting back the sounds that threatened to spill from her mouth.Kylo hummed, and applied himself with some vigor, slowly at first, with gentle care, but quickening, breathing harshly in her ear, “gods, Aurora,” his solid heartbeat pounding against her breast.She began to answer his movements, stunned at the increasing pleasure; that same as she had so recently experienced.Breathless, she dug her fingers into his back, his arms, his shoulders; their bodies moving together toward a common goal.She keened softly, while he shuddered above her, straining, groaning. He stilled, breathing hard for a moment, then scooped his arm under her shoulders, and rolled, settling her on his chest, their legs intertwined.Rey blinked, winded, stupefied and wheezing, “kriff!”Kylo froze, gripping her tight, then broke into sputtering laughter, bouncing her head against his chest in his mirth. “Indeed!”Still experiencing some residual tremors, and panting for breath, she rested her hand against his shaking belly. “That was all… very unexpected.” She angled her face toward his, though she still could see nothing in the dark. Though his exterior might be scarred and burned, her husband possessed a profusion of inner qualities, elevating him well above the common man. “If only I had known what awaited me, I wouldn’t have feared so intensely, nor waited so long.”Kylo chuckled lowly, stroking her arm, “I did try to reassure you, cyar’ika.”She hummed contentedly, listening to his heart, his even breathing. Suddenly she remembered, “did you, ah… did you put something on me?”He tensed for a moment, then snorted, “you brought it to me, do you remember? On the night of our wedding?” At her sound of acknowledgement, he continued, “Maz tried to give it to me, but I wouldn’t listen.” He squeezed her shoulders, “she said it would… make things easier. For you.”“Mmm…” Rey drifted, dozing, satisfied; her fingers wandering, grazing Kylo’s chest and belly, his shoulders. She found another long, wrinkled burn, on his right arm. But when her hand moved to his hip, his grip on her wrist was as a band of durasteel.His warning came to her whispered, yet firm, “remember all that you have, Aurora. Everything in the world I can give you.” He gently replaced her hand on his chest, pressing his hand over top, “I could not bear for this night to be turned to hatred. I could not bear to lose you.”She raised her head from his shoulder, “but…!”He softly palmed her head, settling her more comfortably against himself. “You might be ready, my love, but I am not.” Then he tucked the blankets more carefully around them, “I like the feel of you, so close; will you sleep beside me until morning? Will you stay?”Snuggling closer and smiling against his skin, she breathed, “yes, milord.”He groaned, chuckling but sounding pained, and Rey raised her head again, peering at him in the darkness, seeking some clue as to the cause of his distress. “Milord?”“Sleep! ‘Twill be impossible, with you in my arms!”“Shall I go?” she pushed up, preparing to leave.“Never!” He wrapped her in a fierce embrace, burying his face in her throat. “I’ve waited an eternity for this! And though I might be damned on the morrow, I won’t let it end so quickly!”“‘Damned,’ milord? How could that be?”“I will explain later, my darling.” He traced his fingers up her spine, “but now, I would savor once again the delights you have brought within my grasp.” The sunlight streaming onto her face bore a blue tinge, and for one disorienting moment Rey wasn’t sure where she was.The drapes were all drawn back, and she sensed a presence in the room with her. She tipped her head to find Lord Ren, standing near the fire, leaning against the mantle, and staring into the flames.Bright morning light filled the room, making everything look different – including her husband. Especially her husband.She studied him carefully, blinking. Now, instead of a beast, she only saw a large man, broad through the shoulders, wearing dark clothing and a mask. After all that they had shared, it must only be a trick of her mind that he seemed to stand taller and straighter.At her stirring, he turned toward her.“Good morning, Kylo.” She smiled and stretched, covered only by the sheet.“‘Tis an excellent morning, sweet Aurora, and you have made it so.” His gentle reminder of the night just past flustered her, and she felt her face heat. As he haltingly limped closer, she hurriedly scrambled for her nightgown and slipped it over her head, then fumbled with the ribbon at the neck. He scooped up her flimsy dressing gown and laid it carefully on the bed, within her reach.Then slowly, carefully, he reached out with his gloved hand to sweep her hair behind her shoulder. When she didn’t quail at his nearness, he softly stroked his knuckles against her cheek. She leaned into his warm caress.“You no longer fear me, my love?”Rey straightened, peering up at his face. Though he still wore the mask, this final barrier between them, she knew it would eventually be removed. She realized that it no longer troubled her overmuch. “I am content to be your wife, milord. In every way.”Lord Ren stood at her side, observing her for long moments, and seemed to become agitated, breathing heavily, his fists clenching – the leather squeaking quietly with the movement.Not understanding his disquiet and seeking to placate him, she tentatively grasped his arm. “We have a whole lifetime to know each other, Kylo, but…” she studied the inscrutable mask for a moment, “I still have not seen your face. Perhaps now, you might…”“No! I cannot!” He jerked away, and lumbered again to the fireplace. He was now manifestly discomposed, heaving deep breaths, shrugging his shoulders stiffly and rolling his head as if he was in pain.She twisted around in the bed, throwing back the bedclothes and swinging her legs over the side, pulling the nightdress over her knees – reluctant to go to him predominantly because of the revealing nature of her attire, and what must surely be an unkempt appearance.Instead, she offered meekly, “you granted me time, Kylo, and I will do the same for you.”He turned to consider her for long minutes, his breath slowing, but his hands still clenching and unclenching at his sides. Rey was almost convinced he would acquiesce, but instead, he stumbled toward her, falling to kneel at her feet, grasping her ankles and laying his head in her lap. She rubbed his shoulder, while he squeezed her calves, then wrapped his arms around her hips and sighed, “cyar’ika.”After a very long interlude, he stood unenthusiastically, “I must away this morning, my love. Mr. Solo will be joining you at your breakfast. I do not believe my business will be concluded before he leaves, and so I must ask you to extend my regrets.”She hummed, glancing aside uncomfortably. Truthfully, she would rather not face the man, but could think of no plausible excuse. And so she nodded in deference.Back in her own chambers, Rey lingered as long as possible in the bath, but Maz was bustling around the room in high spirits – briskly making up the undisturbed bed – and her mood spilled over to Kaydel, causing the maid to quicken her movements as well.Rey hoped if she dawdled about long enough, Mr. Solo would eventually leave, and she wouldn’t have to address him at all.But Kaydel had completed her toilette even more swiftly than usual, and now both she and Maz reassured Rey how lovely she looked, and encouraged her to descend the stairs.In the light of day, Rey found that her memories with her husband of the night before, being only tactile and in no way visual, were becoming twisted and enmeshed with those earlier remembrances of Benjamin, in the carriage. And, through all her thoughts, there was interwoven something, some wisp of something elusive, a scent perhaps, that continually brought her reflections back to Benjamin – to her dismay – and she feared she was confusing the two occurrences in her mind.At the top of the stairs, she paused; taking deep breaths but feeling faint and unsteady. The light had a peculiar quality, the edges of all she saw seeming both sharp and unreal, and she remarked upon strange details of the entryway; the bright violet thread of a tapestry, a shallow dent in a hanging shield, a small puddle of water – melted snow, perhaps, knocked from a boot and not yet mopped up.Rey knew Mr. Solo awaited her in the common room, and she became more and more distraught that she must face him. She was mortified, ashamed, by all she had allowed to happen! How could she exchange a civil word with the man!She pressed her hands against her hot cheeks, her fingers against her eyelids, as the humiliating memories continued to flood her mind. Best have it done with!Rey marched into the parlor, to find Mr. Solo seated at his ease in Lord Ren’s chair by the fire, his legs stretched out before him, crossed at the ankles.At her entrance, he quickly rose and stood, regarding her carefully; calmly taking in her appearance, appreciatively, but without the tiniest trace of ogling. His mouth curled up slightly on one side.“I…” she shook her head agitatedly, “… I had hoped you would be gone by now, sir.”“I waited expressly to see you, lady.”The sound of his voice upset her further, evoking the previous evening and all that had transpired. “You shouldn’t have.” Her voice trembled only a little, “there was no reason for you to, Benjamin. The past shall remain in the past, and shall not be revisited.” She wrung her hands, continuing, “I am troubled, that anything I said or did gave you reason to forget yourself. But you have my solemn promise that it shall not be repeated.”He murmured, “can you truly prefer the beast, kurva’ri?”“I…!” tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over, “…I care for Lord Ren!” Her nails bit into her palms, as she willed herself not to break down before Mr. Solo. “He is my husband! I won’t bring shame to him, or the Ren name!”Choking down a sob, she whirled around, wiping her cheeks, angry with herself for allowing her tears to fall.Benjamin came near to stand close behind her, “please don’t cry, sweeting, I can’t bear to see it.”“Then you must go away, and leave me alone!”“For the life of me, sweetheart, I can’t do that.”She spun about to demand, “whyever not?!”For several moments, he stared, unseeing, at the floor, then looked her squarely in the eyes, “because… I’ve fallen in love with you.”Rey’s mouth dropped open, and she gawked at him. How could this be! How could this have happened! He was a man of the world, with women waiting, undoubtedly, at every port, swooning at his feet! He wasn’t some untried youth who would pledge his heart to the first girl to bat her eyelashes at him! And she! She had been disagreeable, impertinent; dismissive on every occasion! How could she have won his favor with such conduct!As she studied his eyes, she remembered that Benjamin was Kylo’s cousin! As family, she may well have to see him again!In desperation, she cried out, “we shan’t speak of it again!”“Will not speaking of it soothe the hurt?!” Benjamin began to pace, “I’ve followed you from one end of this country to the other, Rey! I’ve done everything I could think of, just to persuade you to consider me as a fit husband! But it has all been for naught!“You still regard me as monster, a cruel villain, because of all that transpired with your family!” He flung his arms wide, “you’d prefer a beast of a husband, to me! Have I gone mad?!“Why should I trail after you like a hound, begging for crumbs of affection, while you feed the cake to the most unhandsome of men?!“If you think I am not jealous of your husband, you are wrong! I hate that mask! I hate that twisted leg! I hate that heavy cane! He has what I want, and not speaking of it won’t make the bitter medicine go down sweeter!“You’ve all but admitted it in the past, so admit it now! You would prefer me to him! If not for your father’s interdiction, you would have been content to be my wife!”He stood, heaving, red in the face and shoving his fingers back through his hair, glaring at her defiantly.“Stop this, Benjamin! I made vows to my husband, and I will not break them! I will not break faith with him, do not ask me to do this! I am happily settled where I am!”“I could take you away from here! You don’t have to stay here!”“I won’t dishonor myself in that way, Benjamin, and you wouldn’t want me if I could.”There was a brusque sound of a throat clearing, and Mitaka stepped into the room to announce, “breakfast is…”“Get out, man!” Benjamin barked, and Mitaka went pale in the face, stumbling backwards and away down the hall. “Benjamin!” Rey waved Benjamin back, and hastened toward the harassed butler, who looked like he might be suffering heart failure.
“Stay where you are, woman! I’m not done with you!”
Rey rounded on him, spitting mad, “you have no right to give orders here! This is my husband’s house!”
“I’ll give orders any time I damned well please, and for once you’ll stand and listen to me until I’m finished!”
“Listen carefully sir! I’m not a hired swabbie, on one of your ships! You have no authority here! Now, begone!” Rey lifted her nose and her skirts and hastened toward the tower staircase, “good day to you, sir!” but, hearing angry footsteps behind her she bolted toward the entry, hopped over the little puddle she had noticed before, and dashed up the stairs.There was the sound of sliding feet, a painful grunt, and an angry curse.Rey turned to see Benjamin sliding across the floor and slamming up against the wall, on his back.She blinked down at him, over the balustrade, confused at his undignified sprawl.He glared up at her, enraged and growling.She choked back a giggle, her hand flying to cover her mouth, but this only infuriated him further.“Are you hurt, Benjamin?”
“Indeed! My pride has been mightily bruised!”
She descended a step or two, to perch over him, smoothing her skirts, “oh, never fear sir, your pride will mend quickly enough.” She pressed her lips together, to keep from laughing out loud. “But if such a small spot of water can so easily bring you low, you must take extra care on the high seas!”He pointed to her angrily, “‘tisn’t a spot of water has brought me low, but a waspish wench who has set her barbs against me at every turn!” he slapped his knee with a thwack.“How dare you accuse me, when you come in here snorting like a raging bull rancor? You should be ashamed of yourself! You frightened Mitaka, and nearly made me swallow my heart!”“Impossible, madam,” he narrowed his eyes at her, “if such a thing exists at all, ‘tis surely made of cold, hard beskar!”“You’re only pouting because I haven’t been taken in by your flattery and honeyed words!”“I’m angry because you continually deny the fact that you should be my wife!”Loud steps sounded behind Rey on the staircase, and both she and Benjamin looked up to find Maz, peering down over the railing at Benjamin, utterly nonchalant and stone-faced; fully ignoring the commotion they were making and absolutely ignoring Benjamin’s furious expression.She swept around the bottom of the stairs to toe at him, still resting in an ungainly heap on the floor. “Aren’t you a mite old, sir, to be taking your ease on the floor like a youngling?”This made Rey giggle again, and Benjamin threw her a cantankerous look. He heaved up from the floor, brushing himself off. “I see I’ll garner no sympathy here! I leave you, then, to fare as you might with Lord Ren; and best of luck with him!”“Don’t leave angry, good sir,” Maz proposed, “ you haven’t had your breakfast! Stay, and take your meal with the delightful mistress!”He snorted, “I’m sure to find more hospitable companions at the Rose and Thorn!”The thought of this drew Rey up short. She hated the idea of Benjamin finding solace with the lusty Zorii, and the notion stirred horrible jealousy within her breast. Even though she had just given herself to her husband, only a few hours before, she couldn’t bear to think of Benjamin with another woman. With this impossible conflict raging inside her, she lashed out in anger.“Go, then, and make haste! The sooner I’ll forget that you even exist!”With a quick glance at them both, Maz slipped away.Benjamin came to stand nose to nose with her, “is that what you really want? Never to see me again?”“Frankly, sir, ‘tis my heart’s fondest desire!”He snatched his hat from the side table, and bowed gallantly, “I am most pleased, then, to grant the lady’s fondest desire. You shall have it, madam!”In two strides, he yanked the door open, stomped out, and slammed the portal shut behind him with a crash.In a fury, she flew up the stairs, slamming her own door behind her in like fashion. For the remainder of that day, all the servants behaved very strangely, indeed; gaping at her, or skittish, as if they feared her wrath should fall up on them. When Mitaka brought her noon meal, he was even more sheepish than usual.Even Maz seemed subdued, though she had been in an excellent mood when cleaning the master’s chambers – after shooing away the maids that usually completed that task – earlier in the day.There was much more whispering amongst the servants than usual, which gossip ceased immediately as soon as Rey entered the room. And she heard the name “Mr. Solo” quite clearly, several times amongst the chatter.Desiring to escape this commotion, and feeling a need for some fresh air to clear her head, Rey donned her mantle and undertook an excursion outside.After a visit with Sosha and Dantari in the stables, she wandered the grounds near the house. There was a small, overgrown herb garden, surrounded by a low wall; and a cacophony of rich, pungent smells was diffused when her boot struck certain patches of quiescent undergrowth.Beyond this there was a formal garden, badly choked with wild bracken, but the structures of stone and brick were still in place: statuary, stepping stones, and a small bench.The afternoon sun glittered against patches of melting snow. She breathed deeply of the cold air, and enjoyed the feeling of the light, icy wind against her cheeks. It helped her to order her thoughts and calm her emotions.Rey was very frustrated with herself, that she seemed unable to banish Benjamin from her mind and heart. She struggled to cling to the memories of her night of passion with her husband, but she found that recollections from the carriage kept intruding upon her musings. She earnestly aspired to be a faithful wife, but could not bring her mind to heel.She realized with a start that she cared for both men, her heart set against her will, but no measure of internal contention seemed to make any headway.The only answer was that she must wound her heart most grievously, by excising half of her affections – and it must be those for Benjamin. She had known it for some time now. It would be painful, but the path set before her was clear. What’s done was done. She was the wife of Lord Ren – she had made a commitment, and she must do what was right.Embittered, she kicked at a small pebble, and it bounced along the cobbled garden path, then came to rest near a small, dormant rosebush. Trembling in the cold breeze was one tiny, blood-red rose. The bush was small, and weak, but by some miracle it had brought this single, perfect bud to glorious bloom in the dead of winter.Rey bent to catch the delicate fragrance.She remembered a story, a legend she had read long ago when she still believed in romantic dreams for her future. A prince, bearing a single bloom through hardship and toil, to present to his beloved. And the telling was that a rose, blooming in winter, betokened true love found.She gazed upon the rose, softly brushed the delicate petals, and thought of this tale – imagined the knight in his armor. And in her mind’s eye, the face of her mythic champion was that of Benjamin Solo.Her envisaged hero, astride his faithful Grimtaash, had vanquished all foes and now, victorious, returned to claim his prize!But when he reached out to take her in his arms… the vision dissipated like a vapor in the wind.She sighed, heavy laden with grief and sadness, and yearning that circumstances could be different. But she knew that a happy ending to that fairy tale was most impossible.She had known from the start that it was folly to fall in love with Benjamin; and now, because she had not guarded her heart, she would have to suffer the heartbreak.Truly, she believed Benjamin’s promise – that he was gone forever, and she would never see him again. Wind and rain lashed at the rickety stable, and Rey warily backed from him, “don’t you dare!In the next instant, his mouth moved upon hers hungrily, and his hand slid down over her backside, to press her more closely to him. With his hand firmly cradling her head, he pressed his knee between hers, and hefted her leg to hitch around his hip, pinning her against the rough wall, her senses sparking.Her fingers twisted in his shirtfront, and she yanked him closer, while her other hand wound into his damp, waving hair, tugging to make him growl into her mouth.He kissed and licked a hot trail down her throat, his lips descending upon her breast, the wet heat scalding her nipple through the thin cloth.
“Benjamin…”
She woke, breathless, her body feeling strung tight… very close to… something… just beyond her reach.The bedstead trembled minutely, and her husband bumped up against her back, his arms wrapping around her waist, brushing her hair aside and burying his face in her nape, inhaling deeply, kissing her neck. He took great handfuls of her nightdress, rucking up the fabric to knead her bare haunch.Her skin still tingled as a consequence of the wanton dream that had awoken her, and she welcomed Kylo’s hands upon her; hopefully reality would banish such fantasies from her vacillating mind.An odor was borne to her, sweet and fruity, yet faintly sour. Her husband radiated heat, and she writhed responsively against his roaming hand.“I can’t leave you alone,” he grated. “To be parted from you is torture. You have bound me to you, Aurora. The beast is your slave.”He skimmed his fingers up her ribs, dragging the gown over her head and dropping it aside, to slip to the floor. His hands were everywhere, questing, caressing, squeezing, teasing her nipples, boldly seeking out her woman’s flesh. He was fully roused and firm against her buttocks. She moaned, anticipating him with breathless eagerness, and tittering as he nibbled at her neck and ear.With a gentle hand pressing against her shoulder, he rolled her to her back, then kissed her breasts, her belly, licking and sucking.She welcomed his weight with open limbs and he sank into her.Her hands stroked his waist, his arms, his shoulders; her fingers seeking and finding the pitted scars that helped expel all notions of Benjamin Solo.Kylo’s groans and whispers against her throat, “cyar’ika,” conjured burning amber-green eyes to hover in her thoughts. But so close to her release was she, that she didn’t discipline her reflections to submission by her will.Afterwards, they cuddled together: Kylo lay on his side, with Rey’s legs draped over his, his right foot stretched away from her.Now fully awake, she recognized that he had carefully drawn the drapes of her bed together, leaving them in complete darkness; the only sounds to reach her ears were her husband’s steady breathing and the crackling of the fire. Here in the dark, ironically, it was even easier than before for her to confuse the person of her husband; imagining instead Benjamin’s wavy hair, his large hands, his dimpled smile.“You’ve been drinking.”“Aye.” He kissed her temple, “I was overcome by desire for you.”“Your desire yields an attar of… horstberry cider?”He chuckled lowly, “indeed. A cup or two wouldn’t ease my torment, but only made me want you more.”“Why didn’t you come home? I was waiting for you.”“To return home in the daylight hours? Impossible! You are too great a temptation, my love; it would have been a disaster!”“I don’t understand, milord.”“‘Tis my hell to be a beast of the night!” When she hummed, still bewildered, he clarified, “I must have unbroken darkness, to hide my face!” He playfully tweaked her breast, “yet there grows within me a craving to make love to you in full brightness of day, when I can see you flushed, and warm with passion!” His fingers brushed reverently across her nose, and cheeks, “the blush, under your freckles.”“Oh!” she squeaked, embarrassed, “I don’t know if I could, if it would be proper, to…!”He spoke throatily, “I long to witness your crisis of pleasure; to observe how perfectly you fit in my hands.” He gently grasped her jaw – his fingers easily spanning from ear to ear – and tipped her face toward his.She gasped, scandalized, while he snorted, amused; then he released her, and tucked his arms comfortably around her. “One day, my darling wife. One day.” Much later – unused as she was to a bedfellow – Rey awakened when Kylo shifted next to her. By minding his deep, even breathing for several minutes, she was convinced that he slept.Hesitantly, with a feather-light stroke, she dared touch him, starting at the hip of his right leg, and moving slowly downward.High on his thigh, she discovered a long, raised welt, similar in texture to those she had previously found on his arm and shoulder, though much larger. She shivered to think what could have caused such a wound, or the pain Kylo would have endured at its infliction.Irresolute, she drew back, pondering if she was prepared to know the full depth and breadth of her husband’s trauma. She clasped her hands together, with a stuttered inhalation. There was no telling how much of his leg was affected, nor the severity of the disfigurement.Lying still and staring into the dark, Rey wondered if she would ever be entirely ready to uncover the whole extent of her husband’s injuries; but more importantly, could she still be content with him after all was finally revealed? The ride was long and increasingly uneven. What a tedious waste of an afternoon.T’was a week since his daughter’s ball, and Lord Snoke was only just recovered. Several of the guests had lingered longer than a mild bybecc fever, and while Bazine had been in her element, for him it had been grueling. None of the ladies had been accommodating of his… particular tastes. He really must arrange a jaunt to Coruscant as soon as may be.He pressed his fingers against his eyelids, and, by dint of will, relaxed his shoulders. He must skillfully navigate the day’s proceedings. His primary purpose, of course, being to carefully observe Lord Ren, and determine for himself if he could be the Dark Rider!Finally, the Ren estate came into view.Snoke eyed the edifice charily.Such an unremarkable residence. Drab. Common. If not for the extensive lands and attached title, he never would have exerted himself.But now, two decades of endeavor might all be in vain, if he did not tread cautiously, cunning as a vornskr!The moment the carriage stilled before Ren Hall, his footmen sprang into action: two assisting him at the door and step, and a third holding the horses. They all, and the driver, had been given strict instructions and would mind them closely or find themselves swiftly without employment.He set his feathered bicorne at an angle over his brow, settled his cloak more comfortably upon his shoulders, plucked up the silk-wrapped packet he had come to deliver, and stepped down from the coach.Carefully, he picked his way over the wet shale, while one of the lackeys dashed ahead to exercise the knocker.The Ren butler – a timid fellow whose lip trembled at the pronouncement by the footman of Lord Snoke’s full title – nevertheless hastened to assist him with his effects, and then conducted him to the parlor. “Please be seated, and I shall inform Lord Ren of your arrival, my lord.”While he waited, Snoke looked about the room. His own manse was considerably more grand, but the Ren home must be older; by a hundred years, at least. The heavy ceiling beams, the tapestries and furnishings, he must admit, all bore a certain timeless appeal. His embroidered purple velvet suit of clothes seemed strangely out of place.After an excessively long interim, Snoke had begun to dubiously consider the possibility that he had been forgotten, when the butler appeared once more, “Lord Ren and his Lady will receive you in the withdrawing room, if you please.”Snoke’s buckled and heeled shoes rang loudly on the stone floor, as he crossed to another door where the servant indicated he should proceed.As he entered the adjacent room, a very large person arose from a chair.His daughter’s description of Lord Ren had been in no way an exaggeration. The man was a monstrous cripple, shrouded head to toe in black, with one shoulder dipping considerably lower than the other, and one clubbed foot held out before himself as he leaned on a heavy cane. And who could divine what horrors might be hidden, under that ghastly mask!The Lady Ren remained seated near the fireplace, raptly watching her husband. The dressing of her hair and cut of her frock were quite severe in style, but the light yellow silk of her gown was becoming nonetheless, a fine complement to her bright complexion. He calculated for a moment how much vigorous movement it would take to bring her hair tumbling from its pins. T’was such a shame about Rey Plutt! He really should have moved more quickly with Unkar, if he wanted to despoil her – as surely her beast of a husband wouldn’t have wasted any time in taking her by now. What a pity.Why didn’t the girl stand?Snoke’s regard returned to Ren, who seemed to have taken exception to Snoke’s merely looking at his wife, as he now stood in a tense attitude, heaving deep, rasping breaths and gripping his cane with quivering force.As neither the Lord nor his Lady seemed disposed to defer to him in any way or by any degree, Snoke likewise didn’t so much as incline his head, but instead drew up to his full height – which was significantly superior to that of his host. He did advantageously tower over most men, but it wasn’t his stature that should inspire veneration, but his station, and status!Thus set on edge from the outset, but resolved not to betray it, Snoke merely raised an eyebrow and waved with a flourish, “I do apologize that my visit has been delayed. I must blame other business and the weather.”“Welcome to Ren Hall.”The man’s voice was… inhuman! Sibilant, like a vexis coiled in its den.Lord Ren gestured toward a chair, “please join us here, and warm yourself by the fire.”As Snoke settled in the proffered armchair, he addressed the lady, “what a pleasure it is to see you again, Lady Ren. I hope you are well.”“I am very well, thank you Lord Snoke.”The lady was altogether indifferent, solemn, and Snoke did wonder to what extent and by what methods Ren might exert his authority over his wife. Now this was something he hadn’t considered before! Her color was excellent, now he remarked upon it – a fine blush over her bosom – and he speculated with some interest, what could have given rise to it. ‘Twas a great misfortune, that he hadn’t yet cultivated a friendship with Lord Ren, as he had with Palpatine, or Damask. Neither of them would balk at Snoke’s request to watch, at the very least. But surely Lord Ren couldn’t be prevailed upon. How the Alderaanian had obtained license to escort the lady, when Lord Ren seemed so possessive of her, was a great mystery.With a jolt, Snoke realized that he had allowed himself to become carried away with his thoughts, and that the room was very quiet. He dragged his eyes away from the lady, and though he couldn’t be sure, he did have the impression that despite the mask Lord Ren knew exactly what he had been thinking, and didn’t appreciate Snoke’s ogling of his lady.Snoke cleared his throat noisily, “I have brought some of the records of the rents that I have collected.” He indicated the parcel, but kept it held snugly in his lap. “You must understand that there have been expenses, in the protection of the lands and property, and it is no small sum. We had to bring on officers, otherwise scavengers would have dismantled this home, stone by stone, and pinched every last bit and bob. “And let us not disremember that the tenants had their own misgivings and apprehensions. Indeed, many wished to banish, by any means, all traces of turncoats and traitors from their midst!”Lord Ren’s head jerked up, “traitors? What could you possibly mean by that?”Snoke snorted, “everyone knew that the old lord sold favors to the Corellians, to secure the entail of the land and title.” He thought for a moment, “I know that ‘Ren’ is part of the title, but what was his name?” He snapped his fingers several times in rapid succession, “I knew at one time, your family name, but I can’t bring it to mind just now.”“Solo.” Lord Ren’s response was quiet and curt, yet perfectly clear.“‘Solo?’” After a moment, Snoke consciously closed his mouth.“Indeed.”“And this explains the relation with Benjamin Solo?”“Kin by blood, we are.”“Indeed. Very well, then.” Snoke straightened in his chair, striving to regain his composure and take on a detached air, “and then there was the matter of the old lord’s marriage.” He steepled his fingers pensively, “what was the lady’s maiden name?”“Skywalker.”“Yes, yes, certainly – that’s it. The Skywalkers, a notorious bunch.” He flapped his hand dismissively, “such an intemperate rabble, they were.”Lord Ren exhaled what must have been a short laugh, then asserted, “they still are.”Snoke felt his jaw drop open yet again, but quickly inquired, “are you speaking of the lady? Your… your mother? I thought the lady was dead!”Lord Ren leaned forward heavily on his cane, “though the wicked miscreants undertook to destroy us all, no! We escaped! Leia Skywalker still lives.”“And what of the sons? What happened to them?”“The family escaped together.”Snoke tugged his waistcoat down at the front, “I assume you are the eldest, since you hold the title. But what of the younger brother, does he still live?”“I do believe him to be in fine health. At some future time you will meet him face to face.”“Excellent. I would like that. It would be my honor.” He hummed, not sure what else was left to say.Lord Ren indicated the ledger, “if those are the records, I would like to examine them at my leisure.”“I… there are some entries that really should be clarified…”Lord Ren’s hand didn’t waver, still reaching toward him. Finally, Snoke grudgingly passed the ledger into Lord Ren’s gloved hands.“I’m sure I will have many questions, after looking everything over. My steward has kept his own record, of what the tenants said they paid, and I would like to compare the two. “It is most unusual, that one lord should receive permission from His Majesty, with authority to collect rents for another. If you have those missives, I would like to inspect the seals and signatures. My steward hasn’t been able to find any such writ, and I wish to know the names of the persons who issued it.”“I… I’m not sure. I don’t know where they are.” Snoke struggled to keep control of his facial expression, and the situation. “It was a very long time ago.”“Indeed. I understand that there must have been some expense connected with the protection of the lands, and I will take that into account.” He set the book aside on a small table. “If I have any questions I will certainly seek your counsel, first and foremost.” Lord Ren stood, and gestured toward the doorway whereby Snoke had entered. “I will send my man for the dispatches.”Snoke stood, tripping over his feet and sweeping out with his cane to prevent a fall, “it’s been so long, you can’t expect me to locate them quickly, or easily!”“I am a patient man. Would a fortnight be enough time?”Snoke stammered, “I’m not sure…”“A month, then. Let’s say a month, and see what comes of it. That should afford you adequate time.” Lord Ren took him firmly by the elbow and moved with him through the door, the adjacent parlor, and toward the entryway. “This will allow me time to look through your records, as well.” Ren gestured toward his butler, standing at the ready, and the man hastily took up Snoke’s greatcoat, which Snoke stepped into, and then extended his shaking hands with his hat, and gloves.“My home is open to you, and your charming daughter, any time you would like an outing.” Lord Ren went to stand by the open door, “I thank you, for answering my summons, and I assure you, I will be very thorough in looking over the records and estimating your value toward these lands. I am available to you, any time you wish an audience.” He clasped his hands before himself, "excepting two days at the conclusion of this sennight, next. I must away to Lothal, on business.”By this time, Snoke was so angry that he was incapable of speech. Imagine, being hustled to and fro like a common bondservant! He yanked on his gloves, then jerked his head by way of articulate farewell toward Ren and his lady.He stormed into the carriage, striking his cane violently against the roof of the cabin, and the driver immediately cracked his whip over the horses, as such a possibility had been previously explained to him.The three footmen could be heard, running behind and yelping, then leaping to the back footboard to rock the whole conveyance. With another crack of the whip the horses were at a full gallop and Ren Manor was quickly left behind.Enraged and affronted, Lord Snoke was too infuriated to even consider the errand he had set himself to accomplish. Rey observed the precarious plight of Snoke’s three footmen with wide eyes, laughter bubbling in her throat; relieved when they secured their places at the back of the Snoke carriage.She spun around, giggling, tickled, and savoring the sound of her husband’s quiet chuckling.After several minutes, Mitaka had closed the door and slipped away to the back of the house, and Rey wiped her eyes, breathing hard and shaking her head in disbelief.The conference had been most illuminating.But there were several things… She had learned, without question, that she knew very little about her husband’s family. And she did wonder why he couldn’t simply explain things to her.“Kylo.”“Yes, my love?”“Why didn’t you tell me you have a younger brother?”Lord Ren inclined his head, thinking for long moments. When he finally answered, his words were deliberate and carefully chosen. “After the passage of twenty long years, I find that the local populace harbors much confusion when it comes to my family. If I do not disabuse them of such, ‘tis simply because it serves my purposes.”“But… husband! Why must you hide things from me?”“My family has many secrets, and I cannot elucidate them all to you now. This is for your own protection.”“My lord…!”“Eventually, I will explain everything to you; about my family, and about myself. For now, dear wife, I can only beg you to have trust in me.”“You are pursuing a perilous game with Lord Snoke! I fear for you, when you intentionally taunt him.”Kylo chuffed, amusedly, “I am only giving him a bone to gnaw. I wish to ascertain if he is a snitmouse or a Loth-wolf, under all that fancy fleece.”Rey snickered, “he was a bit overdressed.”Lord Ren leaned on his cane, “indeed. And while it doubtless won’t prove as enjoyable as undressing you, I intend to strip the man bare.”