The Sunset Chamber lived up to its name, with the last rays of Coruscant's twin suns painting the walls in shades of amber and gold. Empress Ruby sat at a modest dining table with Captain Bloom, who had removed his helmet to share a meal with his ruler – a sight that would have been unthinkable in Palpatine's time. A spread of simple but elegant dishes covered the table's surface, steam rising from bowls of fragrant soup.

When Kylo stepped into the chamber, Ruby's face lit up with genuine warmth. Her smile revealed sharp, delicate fangs – a reminder of her unknown species' predatory nature that always sent a slight shiver down Kylo's spine, even after all these years. Those fangs were at odds with her otherwise gentle features: the dark hair swept back from her face, the emerald eyes that held both wisdom and mischief, the deep crimson of her lips that had given her her name.

"My apprentice returns," she said, her voice musical yet carrying an edge of something ancient and powerful. "Come, join us. Captain Bloom was just telling me about his daughter's first Force-sensitive experiences in our new academy."

Bloom started to rise, but Ruby placed a hand on his arm. "Stay, friend. Finish your meal. Kylo is family, not ceremony." Her fangs caught the light as she smiled again. "Though I suspect from his stance that he brings news that won't wait for dessert."

There was something both terrifying and comforting about the way Ruby could switch between the warm mentor who shared meals with her troops and the powerful Force user who commanded an empire. It reminded Kylo of why he'd chosen to follow her after Palpatine's fall, why he trusted her vision for the galaxy.

"My Empress," Kylo said, bowing slightly. "What I've discovered about Snoke's activities... it should be discussed privately."

Ruby's expression shifted subtly, her fangs disappearing behind closed lips as she nodded. "Captain, please give my compliments to the kitchen staff. The roasted zillirak was particularly good tonight."

Bloom understood the dismissal for what it was, rising and donning his helmet with practiced ease. As he passed Kylo, both men exchanged respectful nods – another change under Ruby's reign, where rank mattered less than mutual respect.

Once they were alone, Ruby's playful demeanor faded into something more serious. "Tell me everything, Kylo. What darkness has our Deputy been weaving in the shadows?"

Kylo took a deep breath, his hands clenching at his sides. Even through his mask, Ruby could sense his tension – not fear, but rage at what he'd discovered. He removed his helmet, letting it rest on the table beside Ruby's half-finished meal.

"He has amassed many planets to his cause," Kylo reported, his dark eyes flashing with anger. "The Red Sun Order grows stronger by the day. But his goal..." He twitched, his lips pulling into a snarl. "His goal remains what it has always been – to see your head mounted on a spike."

Ruby remained still, only the slight narrowing of her emerald eyes betraying her reaction. The fangs that had seemed playful moments before now held a deadlier promise.

"I won't let it happen," Kylo continued, his voice fierce with loyalty. "Coruscant would never bow to him. The Empire will never bow to him." His hand instinctively went to his lightsaber. "The Knights of Ren stand ready. We've infiltrated several of his key bases. The moment you give the word..."

Ruby raised a hand, and Kylo fell silent. She rose from her chair with fluid grace, her crimson robes catching the last light of sunset. "My dear apprentice," she said softly, though there was steel beneath the gentleness. "Always so quick to draw your blade. Tell me – in your travels, did you see the worlds that have joined him? Did you see their people?"

"I saw enough," Kylo replied. "They follow him out of fear or greed. Nothing more."

"Then that is where we strike first," Ruby declared, moving to the chamber's vast window. "Not with sabers or ships, but with hope. Show these worlds what they could have instead of what they fear." She turned back to Kylo, her fangs glinting. "Though keep your blade sharp, my apprentice. Snoke will not give up his power willingly."

Kylo moved to stand beside her, both of them looking out over the glittering expanse of Coruscant. "There's more," he said quietly. "He's building something in the Unknown Regions. Something big enough to swallow stars."

Ruby's reflection in the window showed no surprise, only grim determination. "Then we must move faster than we planned. Send word to General Hux – much as you dislike each other, we'll need his tactical mind for this. And Kylo..." She placed a hand on his arm. "Thank you for your loyalty. It means more than you know."

The last rays of sunlight faded from the chamber, leaving them in the gentle glow of Coruscant's eternal cityscape. In the darkness, Ruby's eyes seemed to glow with their own inner light – not the sickly yellow of the Sith, but something older, something that spoke of justice rather than power.

The time for hiding in shadows was over. Snoke had made his move. Now it was Ruby's turn to show why she was Empress of a reborn Empire.