Dahlia sat across from Padmé, her expression both resolute and conflicted. Padmé's gaze softened, sensing the weight of what was coming.

"You know I love you," Dahlia began, her voice steady yet tinged with emotion. "You're one of my best friends, and I will always do anything for you." She hesitated, taking a moment to find the right words. "But I can't continue to be your handmaiden. This life... it was never what I wanted. It's not who I am."

Padmé's eyes searched hers, understanding but sorrow flickering in their depths. Dahlia's resolve remained firm, though her voice carried a quiet sadness. "I never wished for this."

Padmé sat in silence for a moment, processing Dahlia's words. The weight of the decision hung between them, the bond of friendship strong, yet the distance of duty and identity growing wider. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words faltered, unsure of how to respond.

Finally, after a long pause, she reached across the table, placing a hand gently on Dahlia's. "I understand," she said quietly, her voice filled with both sorrow and understanding. "You've always had your own path, Dahlia. And it's not one that can be confined by a title, no matter how important it seemed at the time."

Dahlia looked down at their hands, her heart heavy. "I didn't mean to disappoint you," she said softly. "I just... I wish to find my own way. I can't keep living in a role that isn't truly mine."

Padmé squeezed her hand. "You could never disappoint me. I've always known you had more to offer than anyone could see. And while I'll miss you at my side, I want you to be free to pursue what makes you feel whole."

Dahlia looked up at her, a bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Thank you, Padmé. That means everything to me."

For a moment, there was only silence, but it wasn't the kind of silence that spoke of regret. It was a silence born of mutual understanding and a shared love, one that transcended titles, roles, and expectations. They both knew that change was inevitable, and though it was difficult, it was also necessary.

"What will you do now?" Padmé asked, her voice gentle but full of curiosity.

Dahlia paused for a moment, her gaze distant, as if pondering the future that had just opened up before her. "I'm not sure," she admitted, a small sigh escaping her lips. "I've always wanted to explore the galaxy, see new worlds... Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of it. Maybe it's time I finally do that."

Padmé smiled softly, her eyes lighting up with a hint of excitement. "You must visit Zyrenix."

Dahlia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Zyrenix? I've never heard of it."

"It's a beautiful planet," Padmé said, her voice warm and full of conviction. "You'll love it there. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the people are kind-hearted. Trust me, it's the perfect place for someone like you."

Dahlia chuckled, a fondness in her eyes as she looked at Padmé. "And I suppose you've already decided I'm going there first, haven't you?"

Padmé laughed lightly, her expression playful. "I may have," she admitted with a wink. "But don't worry about the details of your arrival. I'll handle that. You just focus on getting there and embracing the journey ahead."

Dahlia shook her head with a smile, amused by how much Padmé had already planned for her future, even if Dahlia herself hadn't figured it out yet. "I suppose I have no choice then," she teased, grateful for her friend's unwavering support and care.

Padmé squeezed her hand gently, her smile full of warmth and affection. "It's what friends are for."

This was how Dahlia found herself on a new planet, the air fresh and unfamiliar as the ship doors hissed open. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she stepped out onto the landing platform.

The sunlight bathed the vibrant cityscape before her, but her attention was immediately drawn to a figure waiting nearby—a young woman, regal in posture, with an air of quiet authority. She appeared to be slightly younger than Dahlia, though no less commanding in presence.

"Dahlia Blackwood," one of the guards beside the woman announced formally, his voice crisp and precise. "May I present Her Highness, Princess Lyria Varran."

Dahlia blinked, her steps faltering for a moment as the weight of the introduction settled over her. A princess. She hadn't expected this. Gathering herself quickly, she lowered her gaze respectfully and dipped into a small bow. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness," she said, her tone earnest, tinged with surprise.

Princess Lyria tilted her head, a faint smile gracing her lips as she regarded Dahlia with a calm yet curious gaze. "There's no need for apologies," she said warmly. "In fact, I've been quite excited to meet you."

Dahlia straightened, her nerves settling slightly under the princess's kind demeanor. "You have?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise.

Lyria stepped closer, her movements graceful yet unassuming, and gently guided Dahlia forward with a subtle nod. "When Padmé sent word that one of her handmaidens was coming, I was eager to see who she would send. I must admit, I've been curious to know what you'd be like," she said, her tone genuine and tinged with a hint of playfulness.

Pausing, Lyria glanced at the guards around them and then back at Dahlia. "I do apologize on behalf of my family. Unfortunately, only I was able to come and greet you personally. I hope you'll forgive the less-than-grand welcome."

Dahlia shook her head quickly, offering a small smile. "There's nothing to apologize for, Your Highness. This is more than enough."

Lyria's smile widened slightly, her expression pleased. "Good. Then let's not waste another moment. I'd like to show you Zyrenix through my eyes."

The young princess led Dahlia through the vibrant city, eventually arriving at the palace walls. Along the way, they passed a cascading waterfall shimmering with a soft golden hue, its beauty captivating enough to make Dahlia stop in her tracks. She gazed at the scene, mesmerized, while the gentle sound of rushing water filled the air.

Lyria paused beside her, folding her hands and watching Dahlia's reaction with quiet curiosity. After a moment, she spoke, her voice thoughtful. "You're different than I expected."

Dahlia turned, her brow furrowing slightly. "Different how?"

Lyria tilted her head, studying her companion. "Most who arrive here on royal business carry an air of formality—or worse, self-importance." A faint smile played on her lips. "You, on the other hand, seem... unguarded. Honest. It's refreshing."

Dahlia hesitated, her emotions a mix of flattery and self-consciousness. "I've never been one for pretenses," she admitted. "I served as Padmé's handmaiden, but even that role always felt... not quite me."

"Then perhaps this is your chance to find who you truly are," Lyria replied, her tone reflective. "We have a way of revealing truths. You may uncover more about yourself here than you expect."

Before Dahlia could respond, a guard approached, bowing respectfully to Lyria. "Your Highness, the queen requests your presence in the main hall."

Lyria sighed softly, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face before she composed herself. She turned back to Dahlia with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry for this interruption. Please, feel free to continue exploring. I promise I won't be long."

As Lyria disappeared into the palace, Dahlia turned her attention back to the gardens. She wandered through the lush greenery, her fingers lightly brushing the petals of vibrant flowers as she passed. The air was rich with the fragrance of blossoms, and a soft breeze rustled through the leaves, adding to the tranquil beauty of the space.

She stopped by a small, serene lake. Kneeling by the water's edge, she dipped her hand into the cool surface, letting the ripples spread outward. The soothing sensation grounded her until a faint noise broke through her reverie. She looked up, her gaze drawn to a clearing ahead.

Two figures were sparring, their movements quick and fluid. Dahlia's eyes instinctively drifted to the older of the two, whose blonde hair fell across his face as he moved with practiced ease. For a fleeting moment, she found herself captivated by his sharp features and the quiet confidence in his stance.

The sparring came to a brief pause, and the older boy caught sight of Dahlia. Their eyes met, his gaze steady and curious. Startled, Dahlia quickly looked back down, her fingers playing idly with the water as if trying to appear unbothered.

Dahlia kept her eyes fixed on the water, her fingers trailing gentle patterns across its surface. The ripples shimmered under the light, and she found herself lost in the tranquility of the moment, barely registering the sound of footsteps approaching.

"Hello," a voice greeted, soft but clear.

Startled, Dahlia looked up to see the boy from earlier standing before her, his blonde hair still slightly tousled from sparring. His expression was curious but warm, as though he had been drawn to her for reasons he couldn't quite articulate.

"Hello," she replied, her voice soft but steady as her eyes met his.

"I saw you from across the water earlier," he said, a faint smile touching his lips. "I'm Kaelor. Kaelor Varran." He extended a hand toward her.

"You're Lyria's brother," Dahlia said gently, taking his offered hand as he helped her to her feet.

"I am," he confirmed with an easy nod. "And I see you've met my sister already. You must be Dahlia."

She tilted her head slightly, studying him as a polite smile formed on her lips. "Word travels fast around here."

"Especially when Lyria's excited about meeting someone," Kaelor said with a soft chuckle. "She's been talking about your arrival for days."

"Well, I hope she's not the only one," Dahlia said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of hesitation.

"She's not," Kaelor replied, his tone warm and reassuring. A faint smile played at his lips as he added, "Not anymore."

Kaelor held her gaze for a lingering moment before gesturing toward the winding path that meandered through the gardens. "Would you like to walk with me? There's so much more to see than just the lake."

Dahlia hesitated for a heartbeat, then nodded. "I'd like that."

As they walked, the sunlight streamed through the canopy of trees, casting playful dappled patterns on the stone path. Kaelor began to share stories of his childhood on the planet, painting vivid pictures of exploring the palace grounds with Lyria and sneaking into places he wasn't supposed to.

Dahlia listened intently, her initial nervousness giving way to genuine amusement. "You sound like trouble," she teased, her lips curving into a smile.

He laughed—a warm, genuine sound that made her feel at ease. "I was. Lyria has always been the sensible one, though. She's the reason I didn't get into more mischief."

Their walk brought them to a quiet overlook nestled beneath a flowering tree. A stone bench sat nearby, but Dahlia bypassed it, her gaze drawn to the balcony's edge. She hurried forward, leaning against the railing to take in the breathtaking view of the sprawling gardens below.

A soft smile spread across her face as she admired the vibrant blooms, shimmering fountains, and carefully tended hedges. "It's beautiful," she said softly, almost to herself.

Kaelor watched her for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It is," he agreed, though his eyes were fixed on her rather than the view.

dahlia and kaelor no one is ready for you.