I thought Ziyal was thirteen when she got trapped on the planet and was nineteen when Dukat and Kira found her, though I could be mistaken.
Ziyal was about seventeen when she was rescued from the Breen labor camp, and that was in season 3. By the time this ep rolled by she had aged at least 3-4 years, I think.
I feel much better now. Either of these interpretations is acceptable.
Although she is still a tad young for Garak.
In my head he’s about 45…? and Julian is 30…? So I guess 15 years is okay but 25 is too much…?