Aria normally did not respond to Harper as she was too rude. But today, Aria was much too annoyed by her and said, "If this is too much for you, I suggest you turn back now. Because the training will be in scorching hot sun in the months of June and July. I doubt your white lotus form will able to withstand it."
Harper was dumbfounded, but Aria had more to say, "And take back all these with you. Where did you think we're going? Off to another planet?"
Jacob stiffled a laugh and walked away pretending to check up on the horses and Aria right now had been too savage.
Harper was shocked out of her wits. She always said mean things to Aria and considered her an easy target to bully as Aria never fought back.
Seeing Harper standing in a daze, Aria said as she climbed into the carriage, "Sir, please escort this lady back to her house. I think the sun has gotten to her already."
The coachman, towards whom the words were directed, chuckled.
Harper turned red in anger but could not find words to rebute Aria. She glared at the coachman trying to stiffle his laughter as she climbed in after Aria.
Jacob soon came around and also climbed in. He looked from Aria to Harper, sitting opposite each other. Harper gave a sweet smile as she beckoned Jacob to sit beside her. Aria, on the other hand, had opened a window and was enjoying the breeze coming in, her bag beside her on the seat.
Jacob gave one last look to Harper before he picked up Aria's bag and sat where it was. Aria looked at him, acting surprised. But Jacob was sure he caught a teasing smile on her lips. Jacob leaned over in the pretext of giving her the bag, and whispered in Aria's ear, "Don't make this ride more awful than it already is. Don't open that devil mouth of yours."
Aria laughed out as soon as he said this. She said, "Are you threatening me?"
Jacob: "Not really. Just a little warning."
Aria: "And I'm called the devil mind."
Jacob: "Learnt from the master itself."
The two went on in their usual banter and it was nothing new for them. But they did not see that across them, Harper's face had turned green from jealousy.
After a while, Aria stretched on her seat and yawned. She said, "You have no idea how early I had to get up today. I think I'll close my eyes for a bit."
Jacob said in a narrative tone, "Said the one who was half an hour late to the carriage."
Aria chuckled as she punched him lightly on the shoulder, "You have to forgive me. I was not packed. I had to get ready and also pack before coming here."
Jacob pretended to look around as he said, "I think you forgot whatever you packed at home. Where exactly is your luggage?"
Aria: "I didn't need anything much. All my necessities are in here."
Harper could no longer watch and cut in, "All your necessities are here? In that small bag? How is that possible?"