Her Protector

Lonely Hearts

It had been one week since Rey had seen Kylo. Well 6 days, 15 hours and 32 minutes but who was counting?

Her father was watching her every move and Hux was in his element back in charge of her security. The only saving grace was Kylo had threatened to cut off his manhood if he dared to make a pass at Rey again so she has been spared from his flirtatious behaviour, meaning their friendship was now much easier to bare.

She went about her routine day by day with her head always somewhere else. What was Kylo doing? Who was his new client? It appeared that Hux had been kept in the dark regarding Kylo's new assignment. Either that or he was under strict instructions not to share anything with her. Seemed as if everyone was trying to keep them apart.

She knew she had to make a decision and she appreciated that Kylo was giving her some space, but she was finding it harder and harder to be pragmatic. The longer she was away from Kylo, the harder it was to imagine never seeing him again. Which made it harder for her to think sensibly about the decision she has to make. She was suffering some serious withdrawal symptoms. If she could only speak to him, just hear his voice once, but she couldn't even call him because he had been giving a new phone along with the new assignment and she didn't know how to get the number.

The whole situation made her so miserable, she couldn't even get excited about the charity ball she was attending that evening because what was the point if Kylo wasn't going to be there? She looked sadly into the full length mirror. Her dress was a beautiful shade of dark red, a fitted strapless bodice with white lace flower detail running down her sides to the floor. The skirt was full and a train floated out behind her. Her hair was pulled back and she mused that she looked older, a real red rose had been added to the swirling hairstyle, her shoes were high, she could barely walk but it was worth it. She finished her look with some blood red lipstick. She twirled and the dress swished around her.

'I wish you could see me.' She said to her reflection.

In the car with her father, Rey tried to cheer herself up. At least there would be food. Good food and maybe she could dance with some of her cousins? She looked out of the window and her father reached over and patted her hand.

'You look beautiful my dear. Make sure you smile for the press. We want them to know you are fully recovered from your ordeal don't we?'

Rey forced a smile. Always the diplomat. Trust her father to be more concerned with the image they presented to the world than the feelings of his own daughter. Was she recovered? From the kidnapping? Somewhat. From Kylo? Never.

Stepping out of the car, the camera flashes blinded her and she put up her arm to protect her eyes. She dutifully posed for some pictures with her father. Presenting a united front despite the families recent bad press.

Upon entering the ballroom, Rey was distracted by the grandeur of the room, a crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, tables surrounded the glittering dance floor, each one topped with an extravagant feather centrepiece, everyone was dressed to the nines, in tuxedo's and ballgowns. It was beautiful but she still wished Kylo could have been there.

When Rey sat down at her table, she noticed a beautiful mask lying near her plate. She picked it up and examined it. It was metal painted gold and encrusted with small red gem stones and a red satin ribbon. She turned to her father to ask him about the mask but he was already fitting a plain black mask to his own eyes as he laughed with the chief of police. She scanned the room and realised everyone was wearing the masks. She has been so distracted she hadn't realised the event was a masquerade ball. She put the mask over her eyes fastening it carefully so she didn't have to re-fix her hair. She hoped she could keep the mask, it was truly exquisite and she couldn't help but wonder what Kylo would make of her wearing it and little else.