Baby, this is your kingdom [Reylo]

4 - The balance

"Really?" Rey asked with a wide smile.

"I have a recording," the droid beeped and the young girl excitedly kneeled beside the black BB unit.

"Please show me, Ninee, I really want to see it!" According to the astromech, on the first day Ben tried using a cape he stepped on it and fell down on the floor. Rey would do anything to see him sprawled on the ground.

The beginning of the holo-recording already started, showing young Ben in the blue light. He was standing in front of the mirror, attaching the black fabric to his shoulders. Rey had to admit, he looked like a prince getting ready for a royal wedding. She didn't know why was he so nervous about the cape though, it did suit him nicely.

"It's electricity-dampening. My Master used it to protect himself from Supreme Leader Snoke's Force lightning," Rey turned her head to the droid. Was it able to read minds?

Her eyes focused on the young man marching around the quarters, adjusting himself to the blowing cape behind him. Poor Ben, he had spent years under Snoke's influence. If he wasn't already dead, Rey would do anything to pierce his chest with her lightsaber.

"Now it's the good part!" Ninee beeped with as much excitement a droid could have and Rey interrupted her thoughts, focusing on the recording.

"Good part of what?" a voice from the door asked and the black BB unit cursed, quickly turning off the projection. Rey was surprised by its ability to use swear words, but she understood its situation. If Ben found out what it was showing to her, it would probably be sent to be melted down to pieces.

"Nothing," Rey mumbled and blushed. "Nothing important," she added and stood up, walking to meet Ben halfway.

The future Emperor resisted to demand more information – he could just check Ninee's memory card later. What was about to happen today was really important so he'd rather not upset Rey – he needed her on his good side.

He placed the trays with food on the table, waiting for Rey to sit down first.

"You better not intoxicate me today," she teased playfully as he sat in front of her.

"Don't worry," Ben replied and uncovered their trays, revealing a bowl with oatmeal and ingredients Rey could add to her liking.

"I didn't know what you'd like so I brought all of it. I like the cinnamon flavor but not everyone is a fan of the taste," he said and grabbed the spoon to start his breakfast.

"I had it twice on Jakku and I liked it," Rey replied and decided to spill out the brown powder in her bowl. Spoon seemed to be easy to use and just as she thought it didn't take long to use it as if she was eating with it her whole life.

"So what is the plan for today?" Rey asked in between swallowing the mouthful of the oatmeal.

"We need to get you proper closet for an Empress, we'll be attending a lot of ceremonies these next few rotations after all. The Ascendancy will soon reach the Core worlds where I am sure we can find you some dresses. After that we'll head to Coruscant where I arranged a meeting with all of the generals – they'll have to accept us as the leaders of the First Order. At 1800, we'll be on a galaxy-wide broadcast where we declare a new Galactic Empire and tomorrow there will be a coronation held at the Imperial Palace."

Rey's face went pale after she'd heard all the things she'd have to do. Was it all worth it?

"I don't think I can do all of this," she whispered, suddenly losing all of the appetite. Almost everyone would recognize her now. Just a week ago she was no one, just a scavenger on Jakku. And now, she was a Jedi, at least a sort of, and soon to be an Empress?