Anakin and Padmé's suite was nothing short of breathtaking—an oasis of elegance nestled amidst the bustling life of the city. The high ceilings seemed to stretch on forever, adorned with intricate designs that captured the light streaming in through the expansive windows. The walls were dressed in delicate tapestries, woven with gold threads that shimmered faintly, catching the sunlight as it streamed through. Beyond the wide balcony doors, a vast lake sprawled out, its surface glistening in the midday sun, reflecting the clear blue sky and the occasional gentle ripple as a soft breeze blew across the water.

Padmé led me into her room, her movements graceful and purposeful. The room itself was calming, with a soft palette of warm earth tones, the bed covered in plush linens and silks that hinted at comfort and serenity. She carefully selected a dress for me—its fabric light but not as revealing as the one I had been wearing before. The dress was an elegant shade of lavender, with delicate beading along the edges that caught the light in a way that felt as though the stars themselves had been sewn into it. I accepted it with a grateful smile, the soft material brushing against my fingers.

"I'll leave you to change," Padmé said with a warm smile, giving me space as she stepped out into the living area.

I took a moment to appreciate the soft privacy of the bathroom, the stone floors cool beneath my feet as I stepped into the shower. The water cascaded over me in gentle streams, washing away the grime of the journey, the dust and sweat from the planet I had left behind. It was like shedding the weight of the past, every droplet a step further into the new life that was unfolding in front of me.

Afterward, I braided my hair carefully, weaving the strands into a crown-like pattern, just as I had done countless times before. The silver strands shimmered as I worked, and I couldn't help but admire the way it framed my face—each twist and turn of my hair feeling like a little piece of my former self, grounded and familiar. The golden streaks in my hair caught the light, and I felt a quiet sense of peace wash over me.

Slipping into the lavender dress, the soft fabric swirled around my legs as I moved. I added the armbands that matched the gold streaks in my hair, their delicate design giving me a sense of strength, as though they were a reminder of something ancient—something regal. I smiled at my reflection, feeling more like myself than I had in days.

I stepped back into the living room, where Anakin and Padmé were already waiting. Padmé stood by a small table, stirring a pot of tea, her movements graceful and serene. Anakin was pacing back and forth, his brow furrowed, lost in thought. He looked up as I entered, his gaze softening, his eyes taking in the sight of me in the new dress.

Padmé turned and smiled warmly, her eyes glinting with the kindness that always seemed to surround her. "You look beautiful," she said gently, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks.

"Thank you," I replied, my voice soft but steady.

Anakin nodded, his gaze lingering for just a moment longer than usual, before he cleared his throat and returned to his previous pace. "The tea should be ready soon," he said, his tone lighter now, his earlier tension dissolving. "We've been trying to come up with a plan to help, but things are... complicated."

I approached the table, feeling a sense of calm settle over me as I took in the warmth of the tea that Padmé had been preparing. The aroma of herbs and spice filled the air, and for a brief moment, I forgot about the mission ahead. It was nice to simply be here, surrounded by the quiet of the suite and the comfort of these strangers who had so quickly become allies.

Padmé poured the tea into delicate porcelain cups, her movements precise, yet gentle. As she passed me a cup, our fingers brushed, and I realized that, despite the weight of everything that lay ahead, I wasn't entirely alone.

Anakin's hand, warm and firm, gently gripped mine as he led me toward the plush seating area by the fire. The flickering flames cast soft shadows against the walls, the crackling sound of the fire filling the otherwise quiet room with a soothing rhythm. Padmé, with her quiet grace, moved with fluid steps, balancing the tray of tea in her hands. She made her way to the sofa, placing the tray carefully on the table before sitting down with a soft exhale, her eyes already focused on me with a quiet curiosity.

Anakin, on the other hand, was more direct, his expression serious but warm. His fingers gently tightened around my hand, as if anchoring me to the moment, his bright blue eyes searching my face with intensity. "So tell us," he began, his voice soft but filled with a touch of curiosity. "Why are you here?"

I swallowed, unsure of how much to reveal, but knew I had to say something. Something believable. I couldn't give away everything. Not yet. Not with so much at stake. "I woke up in a field," I began, trying to sound as grounded as possible. "I fell from the sky, I think. And when I woke up, I just felt this... overwhelming sense that I was meant to help. That I needed to be here."

Anakin studied me for a moment, but said nothing, just nodding slowly as if weighing my words. Padmé, ever the gracious host, rose to her feet and moved to the sofa, her movements delicate, as though she were floating rather than walking. She placed the tray of tea on the small table with a soft clink and handed me a delicate porcelain cup.

I smiled at her, a quiet thanks passing between us, and took the cup from her. The warmth of the tea seeped into my fingers as I brought it to my lips, its earthy scent calming me as I sipped the fragrant brew. It was smooth, with a touch of spice, and it settled something in me. The fire's glow flickered in the background, and for a brief moment, I felt at peace, like everything would be okay.

Anakin shifted, his posture thoughtful, before speaking again. "I see," he murmured, working his jaw as he processed what I'd said. "Alright," he said finally, his voice filled with resolve. "We'll tell your story to the council. They need to hear it, to understand. Then, if you're willing, we'll take you to Coruscant. You can meet with them directly."

The mention of Coruscant sparked something within me—curiosity, yes, but also a sense of trepidation. The council... Would they understand me? Could they? "That would be nice," I hummed softly, my gaze turning inward for a moment as I thought about what lay ahead. "I'd appreciate that."

Padmé gave a soft, reassuring smile, her eyes glowing with a quiet warmth. She reached for her own cup of tea, her fingers delicate around the porcelain, her expression calm but full of intention. "You'll find the council welcoming," she said, her voice gentle and confident, as though she herself had sat in their presence many times and knew the power of their collective wisdom.

I nodded, still holding the cup of tea between my fingers, though the heat from it barely touched the coolness deep inside me. The feeling of something bigger—more significant—loomed in my chest. I couldn't tell them everything, but maybe, just maybe, in time, I would. For now, though, I needed to focus on what was ahead, and on the people who had so kindly taken me in, offering their trust without knowing the full truth.

As I sat back, watching the flames dance in the hearth, I felt something stir deep within me, like a spark of purpose igniting. The story had only just begun, and I wasn't sure where it would take me, but I knew one thing for certain—whatever came next, I wasn't alone.