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─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑

𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐈𝐓𝐘

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Morning light streamed through the high-ceiling windows, painting the room in soft, golden hues. You stretched languidly, arms reaching above your head as the duvet slipped away, revealing the intricate lace of your bra, adorned with delicate dragon motifs. A contented sigh escaped your lips as you sat up, taking a moment to ease the kinks in your back. Just then, a gentle knock interrupted your morning peace.

"Come in," you called, your voice warm and inviting. The door creaked open to reveal a servant girl, her robes resembling those of a Jedi, though the vibrant hues were muted by her humble demeanor. She entered with her back hunched and head bowed low—a sight that tugged at your heartstrings. You hated seeing your subjects carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.

"What can I do for you?" you inquired, rising from the bed and stepping forward. Her eyes flickered up to meet yours briefly before she extended a gown toward you, the fabric shimmering softly in the morning light.

"You are to lead the Jedi to the holy spot today, you know," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, as if fearing to disturb the sanctity of the moment.

You took a breath, the significance of her message settling around you like a cloak. The day ahead promised not just the weight of duty, but the potential for unity and understanding. With a nod of appreciation, you accepted the gown, readying yourself to embrace the challenges that lay beyond the walls of your chamber.

"You do?" you said, arching an eyebrow as you moved toward the bathroom, the servant girl trailing closely behind. A soft rush of water filled the tub as she meticulously prepared your bath. You let out a contented sigh as you slipped into the warm embrace of the water, feeling it glide over your scales, the heat seeping in and easing the remnants of sleep from your bones. Leaning back, you rested your white head against the cool rim of the sink, momentarily shutting your eyes and savoring the tranquility.

"Do you want the massage oils on your body today?" she asked, her voice gentle as she pulled out three delicate bottles, each filled with lavender-scented oils that promised relaxation and rejuvenation. A smile crept across your lips, a small flicker of joy in the otherwise somber morning routine.

"Yes, please," you replied, the anticipation of the soothing treatment lifting your spirits. As she began to rub the oils between the gaps of your iridescent scales, you closed your eyes, allowing the fragrant steam to envelop you. The touch of her fingers was careful yet firm, a rhythm that danced like a soft melody across your skin.

You often chose to embrace this form—wings folded, cloaked in the modesty of fabric—only under the veil of night or in the confines of your private quarters. You were acutely aware of the eyes that watched, of the weight your true self carried. Your natural form was magnificent yet vulnerable, a target for those who might see it as a threat, and you bore the responsibility of your people as one would an intricate armor. In their presence, you had learned to navigate the line between vulnerability and strength, hiding the brilliance of your true form from a world that might not understand.

"What do you think of the Jedi, Marian?" you asked, watching as the young servant girl instinctively ducked her head, a motion laced with both deference and shyness.

"I think they're nice, Your Highness," she replied softly, her eyes flickering to the floor. "Though I do not think you'll care much."

A frown creased your brow at her self-effacing words. You reached out, gently grasping her wrist as her hand glided over your tail. "Marian," you said steadily, letting the warmth of your voice envelop her, "I care about you. Haven't I given you food?" Her gaze lifted, met with your earnest expression. "I don't care if you're beneath me in the hierarchy; you're still a good friend to me."

With a soft nudge of your claws against her cheek, you urged her to lift her spirits. "Now, right that back of yours and smile more." The sweetness of the gesture hung in the air, a manifestation of the bond you shared beyond the boundaries of rank and station.

"Under my rule, we are all equals," you added, your heart resonating with the conviction of your words. The realm you ruled over was not merely one of power and command; it was a tapestry woven from the lives of every individual, from the highest to the lowest, and each thread held its value in the grand design. You needed Marian to see that, to believe it. Her smile, however faint, would be a reminder that kindness and camaraderie could flourish even in the most unlikely of places.