The golden crown atop Edaline’s head winked and glowed; Skywalker sucked in a quiet, quick breath. She . . . was wanting to make him feel safe, as had his family?
Skywalker had been alone for so very, very long. He scarce knew what it was like to have a lengthy conversation anymore, like the ones Natalya and Rue had often begun. This talk with Edaline was the longest interaction he had had in . . . months, probably.
He ducked his head with a blush. Skywalker remained silent, unsure how to go about this, how to reply. Edaline was . . . beautiful. She was smart, kind, reassuring. But did he . . . did he want to risk everything? Did he want to risk falling in love, and then losing such an important figure again?

“Lord is there anyone?”