King of Naboo
The orb sat heavy in his palm, more burden than object now. He felt the eyes on him, the weight of every decision threading forward into stories he would never hear told properly. He hated that part. He loved it too.
Dominique spoke again, sharper this time, already moving. Good. Decisive. He trusted her more than he trusted any writ stamped by a distant council.
He exhaled and followed.
"She's right," Aurelian said to no one in particular. "Every second we argue, this thing wins." He glanced once at the clones, measuring them, then dismissed the thought. Today was not about posturing.
As he fell into step beside Dominique, his voice dropped. "You lead. I'll keep it steady. If this explodes, I'd rather be the one holding it."
-End-
