VENDETTA [ kylo ren ]

sixteen

16. traitor

VADA DID NOT SLEEP comfortably that night. Her mind pondered on her brother and her father. On everyone else in the castle. She knew something wasn't right, but she didn't know what was wrong, either.

Kylo Ren had assured her he felt nothing wrong, but even he said their minds were closed off. He didn't seem to worry, though. Perhaps she was overreacting, perhaps they were telling the truth. They genuinely didn't need her to keep things in order. They were fine.

For the entire night she twisted and turned and sleep only found her for the last two hours before she had to wake up again, at dawn.

Lene had other duties to attend to now that Vada was gone, so the Princess had to get ready by herself. Which was fine. She wore her First Order uniform, and the raven pin on her chest. She only brushed her hair and then let it be.

In the hallway she ran into Commander Ren. "Ren," she said firmly, her hands folded behind her back.

"Princess," he responded. "I'll be waiting by the ship," he informed her.

She frowned. "You're not coming to say goodbye with me?"

"It's your family, Princess," he said, "you're the one that needs to say goodbye."

She nodded understandingly. "Right." Though, a part of her hoped he would've gone in there with her. But she wasn't sure why. "I won't be long."

He didn't respond and walked off, his boots thudding on the floor was the only noise in the broad hallway. Vada took a deep breath before she continued towards the throne room.

When it was opened for her, her father was on the throne, and her brother sat next to him. As she walked forward, she noticed how many guards were lining the pathway. That wasn't usual.

She bowed before the throne, "father." When she stood up she looked at her brother, "Astin."

"It is Prince Astin," her brother sneered. His face reminded her of Hux whenever she or Kylo Ren would disagree with him.

She chose not to respond to him. "I wish I could stay longer...but I'm not sure if I'd be wanted..."

Her father cleared his throat. "Your affiliation with the First Order has grown to be a...threat to our Kingdom."

Vada frowned. "A threat? What are you talking about?" she questioned eagerly. "Father, I promise I haven't forgotten why I—..."

"SILENCE!" Her father yelled as he stood up. His rough voice echoed through the hall. "You have betrayed us, Vada," he spoke, "you're a traitor!"

She took a step forward. She was so confused. What had gotten in to her father? She hadn't done anything that would make him think like this, right? "Father, I'm not—..."