Royal Agreements [Kylo Ren x Reader]

chapter five

You woke to the soft feeling of golden sunshine on your arms. The position of the three suns in the light purple sky told you that it was no later than midmorning.  You shivered into the thin material of your nightgown.

You awoke fully when you felt a puff of warm air on the back of your neck. You turned around on your side and saw Kylo. He was on his side, his head propped up on his hand as he watched you. There were several inches between you.

"Did I wake you?" he whispered.

"No," you said. "I'm just not used to having someone in my bed."

He smirked. "My apologies, Princess."

"No," you said again. "I wanted you to stay."

You moved closer to him. He watched you as you moved your hand across the bedsheets and touched your hand to his chest. You pretended to pick and pull at the threads of his tunic, but in reality, you were enjoying the warmth he held.

"So," you said, "what are your plans for today, Commander?"

"I have a meeting," he said. "With your father."

"About Juban?" you whispered.

"Yes."

"Oh," you breathed. You shivered and pulled your hand back. "I don't understand why it's even in question. He should just tell Juban no."

"He's like you," Kylo Ren said, "he just wants to keep the kingdom strong."

"By giving away his daughter to a monster like Juban?" you asked.

"I won't let it happen," he said. "I can promise you that, Princess."

"I believe you," you said honestly.

A knock at your door made you jump. Kylo sat up and stiffened as he held a finger over your lips. There was another knock.

"Your highness," Marlo said. "We are here to get you ready."

You sighed and pulled your face away from Kylo's finger. "I'll be there in just a minute, Marlo."

"I will see you tonight," Kylo breathed.

"Will you be at your meeting all morning?" you asked.

Kylo climbed off the bed. He nodded as he reached for his helmet and tucked it under his arm. You crawled to the foot of the bed and sat on your knees.

"I suppose I'll be getting ready all morning, again," you said.

He smiled. "I look forward to seeing you tonight. You looked beautiful last night."

"Thank you," you whispered. "I wish you good luck on your meeting, Commander."

He couldn't help but look worried. He put his helmet down and gently grabbed your face in both of his hands. You let your eyes flutter shut as he placed a single kiss on your forehead.

He pulled back and brushed his hands down the length of your hair. You smiled and he pulled away. He latched his helmet on and quickly and silently escaped to the balcony. As soon as he was out of view, you let Marlo and your chambermaids in.

"Good morning, your highness," Marlo said.

"Marlo," you replied.

"You will love your dress for today!" she said.

"Will I?" you asked.

"Oh, yes," she gushed.

You stood back as your chambermaids held up the gown you were to wear. It was a light pink, almost pastel. It was long, as most of your gowns were. To go with the gown, you had shiny pink slippers and a cream colored cloak.

"Wow," you breathed.

"Isn't it gorgeous?" she asked. "Oh, you will look so beautiful, Princess!"

"Yeah," you said. "It really is something."

"Let us run your bath, and we then we can get started."

"Sounds great, thank you," you said. 

After a long bath, you sat in front of your vanity. A fluffy robe kept you warm as your chambermaids put concoctions of different natural oils and mousses in your hair. They combed it out gently and left it to dry. While they did that, they did your makeup and nails. You tried your best to relax while they did so, but the silence they carried out as they worked left you plenty of time to worry about what was happening in the meeting. 

Was your kingdom in danger? Would they be willing to find a compromise? 

It took longer than usual to get into you gown. There were several added layers and a brand new corset to tie on. After you were in your dress, your hair was tied to the side of your head in a messy bun. Strands of curls hung from the side of your face. Your crown rested on the top of your hair in an artful style. 

"You look beautiful," Marlo said. 

"Thank you," you said. 

Your chamber doors opened. You turned your head and saw your mother, dressed in her brand new gown that looked like it was made of pure gold. You smiled hesitantly at her and rose to your feet. 

"You look lovely," she said. 

"Thanks, Mother," you said. "As do you." 

She smiled gently and touched your cheek. As she walked around you, tucked a curl behind your ear.

"You will be introduced with Commander Ren tonight," she said. "And we will announce the official date of your wedding."

You raised your eyebrows. "We will?"

She nodded. "Chief Juban and your father had a quarrel of sorts," she explained. "Juban wasn't aware of your engagement and proposed the same as the Order did. Of course, our relationship with the Order is more important, so you're marrying the commander."

"Did the commander say anything?" you whispered.

"He said that you were promised to him, and that nothing would take away the arrangement. He would marry you gratefully and prepare for war with the Resistance, all by your side."

You sighed in relief. There was a slight pink in your cheeks. You were quickly finding little things he did attractive. Your mother's eyebrows pulled together. She leaned back.

"What?" you asked.

"You're relieved," she stated. "Why is that?"

"I would much rather marry the commander than Juban, Mother," you explained. "He is vile."

She gasped. "You mustn't speak that way!"

"He is," you insisted.

Her face was hard. "Nonetheless," she hissed. "I am glad you find the commander worthy of your hand, my daughter. If I didn't know any better, I would even say that you like him."

"We are friends," you said.

"Have you been speaking to him out of line?" she hissed angrily.

"No," you lied, "but that doesn't mean he isn't respectful to me when he sees me."

"This relationship is strictly professional!" she whispered. "You are not to feel anything."

"You and father just want me to be unhappy," you whispered, tears in your eyes. "You have resented me since you had me. I was nothing more than a political move myself, and you've never forgotten that."

Your mother pursed her lips. You shook your head and picked up the skirt of your dress. To keep from falling, you hoisted it up to your ankles and quickly walked towards the door.

"A mother should be happy for her child if she learns to love the man she was forced to marry," you said. "That's what mothers do."

You left without waiting for her response.