As I lay in the bath, soaking in the warm waters, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Zarek's voice came from the doorway, his tone respectful.
"My lord, you have a visitor. Princess Lunaria of the Moonlit Kingdom has arrived, seeking an audience with you."
I sat up straight, my heart racing with surprise. Lunaria? Here? I hadn't expected her to visit, especially not now, when I was still recovering from our cultivation.
Thane's voice came from beside me, his tone low and even. "Riven, are you sure you're ready for this? You're still recovering."
I nodded, my mind racing with thoughts of Lunaria. I had met her before, of course - she was the daughter of the Moonlit Kingdom's ruler, and our families had long been allies. But I had never really spoken to her, not like this.
"I'll be fine, Thane," I said, my voice firm. "I'll receive her."
Zarek bowed, his face expressionless. "I will bring her to you, my lord."
As Zarek departed, I felt a sense of nervousness wash over me. What did Lunaria want? And why had she come here, now?
The door slid open, and Lunaria entered, her long silver hair cascading down her back like a river of moonlight. Her eyes, a deep shade of indigo, sparkled with curiosity as she approached me.
"Riven," she said, her voice like music. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
I shook my head, feeling a sense of awkwardness wash over me. "Not at all, Lunaria. Please, come in."
As Lunaria approached, I couldn't help but feel a sense of attraction towards her. She was beautiful, intelligent, and kind - everything I could want in a mate.
But I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present moment. What did Lunaria want? And why had she come here, now?
Lunaria's eyes sparkled with concern as she approached me. "Riven, I've heard rumors about your recent activities. I couldn't help but worry about you."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her words. "What rumors?"
Lunaria hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've heard that you've been experimenting with forbidden magic. Riven, I know you're trying to reclaim the crystal, but is it worth the risk?"
I sighed, feeling a sense of frustration wash over me. How did she know about the forbidden magic? And what did she know about my plans?
"Lunaria, I can assure you that I'm not playing with forces I don't understand," I said, trying to reassure her. "I'm doing what needs to be done to reclaim the crystal and restore balance to the mountain."
Lunaria's eyes narrowed, her expression skeptical. "And what about the elder's warning? Have you considered the consequences of using forbidden magic?"
I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that I had indeed ignored the elder's warning. But I had to push forward, no matter the cost.
"I've considered the risks, Lunaria," I said, my voice firm. "And I'm willing to take them. But I appreciate your concern."
Lunaria's expression softened, her eyes filled with a deep understanding. "I know you're trying to do what's right, Riven. But sometimes, the right thing to do is to seek help and guidance."
I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Lunaria. She was right, of course. I didn't have to do this alone.
"Thank you, Lunaria," I said, my voice sincere. "Your concern means a lot to me. And I promise to be more careful, to seek guidance when I need it."
Lunaria smiled, her eyes sparkling with relief. "I'll hold you to that promise, Riven."
As we spoke, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection with Lunaria. She understood me, my motivations and my fears. And I knew that I could trust her, that she would stand by me no matter what.