Sorry for the delay. Enjoy!

Zanthia POV

I stood on the second floor balcony of Saganu's estate on Ool, looking out over the vast agricultural land. It was all very beautiful and peaceful. It had been only a week since we arrived and I was already more relaxed than I could remember ever being.

Saganu stood behind me, his arms wrapped around me protectively. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek.

"You seem happy." He said quietly in my ear.

I smiled, though he couldn't see it. "I am. The Force is very quiet here. Less people, more nature. Plants, animals, insects, even the ground itself, all of the living Force around us is balanced. At peace. I have never been this relaxed."

I leaned back into him, enjoying his gentle touch. I could feel his heart beating in his chest. His presence in the Force was comforting to me now, like soft music in the back of my mind.

"I'm happy to see how comfortable you've become in my arms." He said.

I chuckled. "You're a hard man to resist. Not sure if the effect is just to me or if all women would find you as alluring as I do. You have a very attractive presence, at least to a Force user. I've always found your place in the Force calming. Though controlling my heartbeat when in your arms is becoming difficult."

"Then don't control it. I like to feel your heart pounding against my chest. As if I have a second heart in that moment. You're not a member of the Order anymore. There is no need for you to control yourself. Let go and let yourself feel."

I turned around in his arms, so I was now facing him. "I'm afraid."

He remained quiet, allowing me to explain.

"I don't want to fall to the darkside. I fear the way I feel for you and the emotions you stir in me. Fear leads to the darkside."

Saganu placed his hands on either side of my face and looked into my eyes. "I will not let that happen. There's no need to fear what you'll become, if you stay by my side. You're a good person and no amount of love or affection will change that fact. You have no reason to fear."

I turned back around, looking out at the fast view. "I hope, with time, I'll learn to believe you."

"You will." Saganu said softly, tightened his embrace.

We spent two months on Ool.

As time passed, my fears faded. I learned I could have feelings for Saganu and still be the same person I was before he became a significant part of my life. I was quickly falling in love with him and I felt no closer to the darkside.

At first I had my own room. Saganu didn't want to pressure me into anything too quickly. We spent almost every waking moment together. We'd take strolls through the local markets, eating at pricey cafes and danced whenever there was music to do so, regardless if there was anyone else dancing.

He was doing everything in his power to make me happy and it was working. Instead of fearing the way my heart sped up at his touch, I began to like it, even yearn for it.

After the first month, I began sleeping in his room at night. Ever the gentleman, he let me dictate the pace of our physical relationship. I found as I began to think less like a Jedi and more like a woman, even this began to come easily to me. It was as if a dormant part of me was waking after a long hibernation.

I often thought of the people I left behind. I regretted leaving, but for the first time, I was genuinely happy. For the first time, I felt like I truly belonged.

By the end of the second month, I had agreed to be Saganu's mate.

To Be Continued...