Licheng peeled his eyes open as the carriage halted. It was dark inside the carriage, so he snapped his fingers and the lantern glowed. He found Xiana had switched her place and it made him chuckle. He opened the window as he heard a knock on it.
"Your Highness, only we will stay in the rest house tonight," Shen Daoren informed him.
Licheng closed the window and moved toward Xiana. He flicked his fingers at the center of her forehead. She screamed and opened her eyes.
"Are you insane?" Xiana shouted at him while rubbing her forehead.
Licheng saw how red it had turned and he smiled before opening the latch on the door. He stepped out and turned to look at her. "Come out," he said and walked inside the rest house.
Xiana stepped out of the carriage while holding the sword in her hand. She beamed at Shen Daoren, who was waiting for her. "Why are you staring at me?" Xiana asked.
"Nothing," Shen Daoren said and asked her to go into the rest house.
Xiana took steps toward Shen Daoren and stood close to him. "What are you all up to? Licheng never showed himself for many years and suddenly, he showed his presence to the people. Moreover, he bound me to accompany him because of the favor he did to me. It feels so strange to me," Xiana said. She wanted to take out information from Shen Daoren, but he kept his mouth shut.
"Xiana, you are not supposed to talk for long outside." Licheng's voice fell on her ears and she walked past Shen Daoren.
Xiana ascended the stairs when Licheng put his hand on the sword she was carrying. She tried to pull her hand back, but she was unable to. She frowned and peered at him. "What are you doing?" Xiana questioned him.
Licheng took the sword from her and threw it toward Shen Daoren, who caught it. "Princess, you are not supposed to carry that all around," Licheng said and smiled at her.
"Licheng, you are not doing this right," Xiana said.
"Did I do something wrong?" Licheng asked as he lifted his hands in the air. "I am famished. Let's not waste any more time," Licheng said and stepped into the rest house.
Xiana walked behind him and saw all the tables were empty. The entire rest house was empty. Only the owner and workers were present. She should have noticed that earlier, but she was too busy thinking about why Licheng suddenly showed up.
Licheng took his seat and asked Xiana if she would keep staring around. He picked up the pair of silver chopsticks and gestured to her to take a seat.
"I will sit at the other table," Xiana said. She turned to go to the table which was placed right next to the staircase.
"Then, you have to starve yourself tonight," Licheng said, making her stop midway.
"Fine. I won't eat," Xiana asserted.
"Do you want to stay outside the rest house the entire night?" Licheng queried while arching his eyebrow. The server set the dinner table. "I told you not to compel me to use the other ways to make you work," he said and looked at the food before him.
"Why are you like this?" Xiana was ready for an argument with him. At least, she would know what he has been up to.
"Throw her out," Licheng said, looking at Shen Daoren.
Xiana quickly walked to the table, pulled the chair out, and sat on it. With an infuriated expression on her face, she picked up the chopsticks and began eating even before Licheng could start.
"You were starving too," Licheng said and looked at the five martial warriors. "You all should also sit for dinner," he stated and then, get focused on his meals.
After a while, Licheng poured wine into the cups and handed one to Xiana. "Drink it, Princess," he said and inhaled the scent of the wine.
Xiana picked up the porcelain wine cup and sipped the wine. Seeing her, Licheng raised the cup and drank the wine in a gulp. The dinner went in silence and he enjoyed it because Xiana didn't open her mouth to ask innumerable questions.
He stood up and looked at Shen Daoren. "Show the room to the princess after she finishes," Licheng said and went upstairs.
Xiana silently finished her food and then turned to look at the martial warriors. "Why are there no other travelers or merchants in this rest house?" Xiana asked them and met one of the gazes of the warriors. However, he didn't respond. She looked at the others but they remained quiet.
Shen Daoren placed the chopsticks down and drank the water. "Let me show you the room," he said and stood up. He took Xiana upstairs and opened the room door for her. Xiana walked into the room. She heard the door shut behind her and waited for a few minutes before heading out to find Licheng. She would not let him sleep until he answered her questions.
Xiana managed to find the room where Licheng was supposed to rest. However, to her surprise, Licheng wasn't in the room. She looked at the glowing lanterns and scanned her eyes around. "Where is he?" She mumbled.
She heard the door slide and turned slowly to look. Xiana's eyes went wide to see Licheng. He had a black silk robe in his hand. He wore the robe while looking into her eyes and then tied the knot of his upper robe. Xiana's eyes flickered and she met his gaze.
"I suppose, Shen Daoren must have shown you to the other room," Licheng stated and he walked forward to her.
"He did," Xiana replied.
"Then, how did you reach this room?" Licheng asked and stopped a few centimeters in front of her.
"I wanted to talk to you. I have so many questions to ask," Xiana stated.
"You can ask after changing your attire," Licheng replied.
"You did not let me pack anything. I have only this dress," Xiana reminded him.
"Then, ask me when you will change the dress. You may go back to your room, Princess," Licheng stated and walked past her to go to the bed.
"You don't need me as a servant, Licheng. Why don't you tell me the truth?" Xiana asked and turned around.