Rooh's drowsy eyes adjusted to the waking world, and she realized that the peaceful garden and her dreams had given way to a moving cart. The driver's command snapped her out of her slumber.
As she and Nathen disembarked from the cart, Rooh tried to shake off the remnants of her nap. The transition from the dream world to the waking world left her momentarily disoriented.
Nathen, on the other hand, appeared much more alert. He looked at Rooh with a reassuring smile and said, "We've arrived at our destination. It seems like you had quite a nap there."
Rooh rubbed her eyes and stretched her stiff limbs. "Yeah, I didn't realize I'd fallen asleep. Thanks for waking me up."
"No problem," Nathen replied. "Now, we should see what this is all about. We're in the Royal City, and the third prince requested your presence."
As they walked toward the imposing gates of the Royal City, Rooh couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. She had intended to spend a quiet day in the library, but now she found herself drawn into the affairs of royalty.
The city was a bustling hub of activity, with people going about their daily business. Guards patrolled the streets, and the architecture exuded a sense of grandeur and history. The contrast between her recent moments of tranquility in the garden and the urban chaos was stark.
The third prince's residence was a splendid mansion located at the heart of the Royal City. It was a testament to the wealth and power of the royal family. Rooh and Nathen were escorted inside by the knight who had found her in the garden.
As they entered the opulent mansion, Rooh couldn't help but notice the extravagance of the décor and the fine art adorning the walls. It was a stark contrast to her own life, which had been marked by simplicity and solitude.
The knight led them through a maze of grand corridors until they reached a spacious room. Inside, a man who appeared to be in his late twenties was engrossed in conversation with an advisor. He had an air of regal authority about him, and his attire spoke of his royal status.
The third prince, upon noticing their arrival, turned his attention to Rooh. He offered a warm smile and extended a welcoming gesture. "Lady Rooh, I'm delighted that you could join us."
Rooh, unaccustomed to royal etiquette, gave a respectful nod. "Your Highness, it's an honor to be here."
The third prince's gaze then shifted to Nathen, who had accompanied Rooh. "And who is this young man?"
Nathen introduced himself with a polite bow. "I'm Nathen, Your Highness. I accompanied Lady Rooh here."
The third prince seemed intrigued by Rooh's companion but didn't press further. "Very well. Lady Rooh, I've heard of your skills as a healer, and I have a matter of great importance that requires your expertise."
Rooh's curiosity was piqued. "How may I be of service, Your Highness?"
The prince explained, "A rare illness has befallen one of our esteemed advisors. None of the royal physicians have been able to diagnose or treat it. We've heard of your remarkable talents, and we are in dire need of your assistance."
Rooh was taken aback by the request but remained composed. "I'm willing to help in any way I can, Your Highness."
The third prince's expression of relief was evident. "Thank you, Lady Rooh. You may be our last hope in saving our advisor. Please, come with me, and I will take you to him."
As Rooh followed the prince, Nathen was guided to a waiting area. Rooh couldn't help but wonder about the gravity of the situation and what challenges lay ahead. It seemed that her peaceful day in the library had transformed into an unexpected and potentially life-altering journey.
In the meantime, Nathen settled into the waiting area, wondering about the mysteries and challenges that Rooh was about to face. His thoughts returned to their earlier conversation and the enigmatic walls she had built around herself. He hoped that in helping the royal advisor, Rooh might find a path to healing her own wounds and allow someone like him to break through those invisible barriers.