Enervating Beauty (Kylo Ren x Reader)

Chapter 21- New Beginnings

I distantly heard my name being called as I was pulled out of my slumber. It was my last peaceful sleep before returning home, my real home in the castle. Slowly awaking, I pulled the covers off me and dressed out of my hospital gown before Vican came to get me. I went to the bathroom and pulled my hair back away from my face.

It was an unfortunate sight. The pale ghastly face staring back at me felt like it should belong to someone else. I was almost embarrassed that anyone had to see me like this.

But things were changing. I had a bright new outlook on life without him in it and finally had my closure.

I was now hyper focused on securing my place in the kingdom. I brushed my teeth and grabbed the rest of my things just as Vican reached my hospital room.

"I beat you to it, Vic," I joked with a wink. He chuckled and led me down a more secluded corridor to avoid the constant wandering eyes. As I boarded the ship to come back to the castle, I was surprised to see Vera already aboard.

"Hey, I didn't know you were going to be here," I said confused, sitting down in the seat beside her.

"I know, I apologize, Your Grace. I wasn't planning on coming, but we have to talk."

I fastened my seatbelt and braced for the lift off as I awaited to hear why she had come.

"Okay, what's going on?"

She grabbed her data pad to read off statistics.

"Since everything that has happened with the First Order and your departure, the people are highly dissatisfied. Our polls show that only 43% of our inhabitants are pleased with your ruling."

My heart dropped when I knew what this meant. The statistics didn't surprise me, even during the First Order's reign, I had been so distracted that I wasn't leading to my full potential. But I knew that this was the tipping point to fully convince the advisors that I couldn't do this alone.

"Understandable. I'm sure I already know the answer but what exactly does this mean?" I responded bluntly.

"Tomorrow, princes from three other planets will be arriving. A ball will be held to decide which prince you shall take as king."

I had one day to settle in at home before deciding my fate. A loveless marriage with a surely egotistical man, unable to become king on his own planet. I honestly doubted if it mattered that there was a ball at all, none of them would be fit for the throne.

It would be an arranged marriage out of necessity and duty to the planet. There was no point in arguing with Vera, if the advisors wanted this and the people did as well then that was that.

Now I was almost glad Kylo disappeared after we talked so he wouldn't have to be here for this. I didn't know where he went, nor did I care anymore. We said our goodbyes even if they weren't out loud, and I had to accept the fact that it was finally over.

But really, I didn't know where he was. No one did. He seemed to have disappeared amongst the galaxies and had gone completely silent. For being the Supreme Leader, I didn't think he would be able to just renounce his position so easily, but it seemed like he had.

At least all the violence had stopped.

I kept quiet during the trip home and was even more reserved back in the castle. My mind was overwhelmed with all sorts of possibilities of the ball and the princes, and how I would handle sharing my throne with a stranger.

The handmaids came into my quarters shortly after I arrived and started showcasing different gowns for the ball.

Our seamstresses had designed a few different gowns for the ball, all beautiful and unique but none caught my eye. Iylin noticed my disinterest in what should have been an enjoyable time. She shooed the rest of the handmaids out so we could talk. She came up to the side of my bed and leaned across it.