Ariana found herself in a forest. There were four carriages and around 20 guards standing in front of her.
She quickly found Darius who had bowed and greeted her as soon as she came. He was in disguise but still, she could easily recognize him.
But what surprised her was that Darius recognized her as soon as she had some.
Soon the two rank 6 and two rank 7 warriors introduced themselves. They were disguised as drivers of the carriages.
The carriages were not as luxurious as the royal carriages that Ariana used for traveling but it was pretty comfortable.
It had a big bed where she could sleep and had chairs and a table where people could sit and dine.
Transcendents did not need food or water to survive. They could directly absorb energy from the air. So her father never had any food or at least she never saw him have any.
In their Imperial Palace, Ariana and her mother had their dinner together. While Julian and his mother also probably had their dinner together but not with them.
So Julian and Ariana had very less interactions with each other.
They just nodded to each other once before getting in their respective carriages.
The first and the last carriages were filled with guards. The third carriage was occupied by Julian, his personal maid and his personal guards. The second carriage was occupied by Ariana, Zoe, and Darius.
Soon the carriages were ready and they started their journey towards Valoria Province.
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Inside the second carriage,
Ariana sat on her bed while Darius and Zoe sat on the chair.
"So Darius, you are a Rank 6 warrior now?" Ariana asked.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Darius was grateful to Ariana. Last night he had received the reward given by the emperor for saving Ariana's life. He was rewarded with plenty of gold and his resistance now had formations that increased the energy present in the air inside. This would increase his speed of cultivation.
After receiving the rewards, he understood that the crystal Ariana had given him was actually a reward from her side. This made him feel grateful. He knew that the crystal that she had given him was probably something that was for her to use.
"Congratulations Darius!" Ariana was happy however she soon recalled Clara Whitefield, the emperor's concubine.
'No, I must become stronger!
Hmm but everything is still under control, I can get rid of anyone who fancies him since am the Eldest Princess!'
Darius didn't know why but he felt a shiver down his spine for a second!
'It's probably the wind!' he thought.
Without knowing what the princess was thinking, Zoe said to Darius proudly,
"You are not the only one who improved, her Highness is now a rank 4 warrior!"
However, immediately after saying it, Zoe felt a bit sad.
'I should improve fast too, am getting left behind!'
However, she knew, her talent definitely lacked a lot compared to the other two.
Hearing Zoe, Darius was a bit surprised but immediately was happy for Ariana.
"Congratulations on becoming a rank 4 warrior your Highness!"
Hearing Darius congratulate her, Ariana felt pleased. Even she didn't know why she felt that. Perhaps this is love!
Ariana soon recalled what happened when she had been teleported and asked curiously, " Darius, how did you recognize me immediately after I came? My disguise is pretty good right?"
Darius was taken aback by the sudden question and blurted out in nervousness, "Of course, I would be able to recognize Your Highness no matter how many disguises you are in."
Immediately he regretted it. Did it sound like a confession? YES it did even if that was not his intention!
'Shit! I didn't mean that but shit!'
Zoe and Ariana were also stunned for a while!!
'He would recognize me in any disguise? Is he saying he finds me attractive? ' Ariana blushed thinking about what he said.
An awkward silence descended in the carriage.
'What should I reply to him now?' Ariana was inwardly panicking not knowing what to say.
'How do I rectify my mistake? She might get angry at me if she misunderstands anything!! I cannot reveal that I find her attractive!!'
Soon they both blurted out at the same time,
"Oh? I would recognize you in any disguise too!" said Ariana
"I mean after being with you for so long, I can recognize you easily!" said Darius.
"....."
And the awkwardness increased!
'The princess can recognize me in any disguise? What does she mean by this?' Darius thought in surprise.
'Does she like me? No no what rubbish am I thinking! Probably she said that to compliment me,'
'What did I just say? Uh, I should not have said that. ' Ariana regretted saying that. She had blurted that out by mistake because she was nervous.
'Does he think I like her? Um does he like me back?'
There was silence in the carriage as both Ariana and Darius blushed and regretted saying what they said.
Zoe looked at the two blushing in silence and thought to herself, ' How can they not see that they both like each other? Uh, this guy should confess now but he's standing in silence like an idiot!'
Thus the second carriage proceeded in awkward silence!