Aradia manages a small smile through her tears, feeling slightly better at his attempt to lighten the mood. "You're right," she says softly. "I'm sorry for that as well." She takes another step closer, unable to resist the urge to reach out and touch him again.

Her fingers graze his cheek, her touch gentle and tentative. "I know we can never be together... but I want you to know that I will always consider you my friend." Her voice trails off, her expression conflicted as she looks into his eyes, searching for some sign of understanding or forgiveness.

The tension between them ebbs slightly at her words, and Aradia finds herself hoping against hope that he might feel the same way. It's a selfish thought, but one she can't seem to shake.

"Oh..." Aradia's smile falters as she realizes the extent of his injuries. "I-I had no idea." She bites her lower lip, feeling helpless once again. After a moment's hesitation, she gently takes his hand in hers, wanting to at least do something to ease his pain.

"Perhaps once you've healed," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of their breathing, "we can find some other way for us to be together... as friends." Her heart races at the thought, hope blooming anew within her chest. It feels like a fragile thing, easily crushed by reality, but she clings to it nonetheless.

For now, all she can do is wait and pray that fate might find some way to bring them together again... somehow.

Hmph. Aradia snorts softly as she continues to search through her clothes, seemingly unconcerned with your presence in the room. "Well then, make yourself at home," she says sarcastically before finally locating what she was looking for: a set of simple white linens. With a satisfied smile, she turns her attention back towards you. "I suppose I should give you something to wear while you're here."

Aradia narrows her eyes suspiciously at your suggestion, but eventually shrugs indifferently. "Fine." She steps out of her clothes and folds them neatly before placing them on a nearby chair. Naked except for a thin silk robe tied loosely around her waist, she turns to face you with a challenging expression once more.

"Well? Are you coming or not?"

The princess raises an eyebrow at your response, amused despite herself. "Very well," she says with a nod. "Then I suppose we should start by getting to know each other better. What do you like to do in your spare time?" She crosses her arms under her breasts again, leaning back against the wall as she looks at you expectantly.

Her ruby red eyes seem to sparkle with curiosity and a hint of challenge.

The princess' expression turns into a pout, but she quickly schools her features back into their usual calm mask. "Very well," she says after a moment of silence. "I can respect that." She glances around the room again, seemingly deep in thought. "Perhaps we should begin with some training. I'm sure there are areas where you could help me improve."

She straightens up from her lean against the wall and takes a step forward, walking over to one of the practice dummies set up nearby.