Chapter 861: Adventure Awaits

"I think that it's a good idea to leave right away." Rowena's heart pounded once they rode away from the soldiers' checkpoint. They were all at the gates of the cities and it made her rather nervous.

For some reason, she had an uneasy gut feeling that didn't quite go away.

Every now and then, she looked back over her shoulder, but then stopped. Rowena was going to be too obvious if she did that and yet the shaky feeling was still there. "What do you think, Julian?"

"You have a point but won't call the other cities we'll visit have the same kind of soldiers on watch?" Julian said. "Not to mention, you mentioned that the next village is about three hours away and our poor horses are exhausted already."

Rowena bit her lip and nodded. Despite Hades' strong neighs and his stomps on the street, it was probably true that they were tired and were in need of a break.

"I guess we do need to make a stop here," she said.

"Phew, let's find a stable for Hades and Cinna then we can also find a place to eat," Julian suggested with a smile. "I think you're not you when you're hungry."

"Huh?" Rowena batted her eyes at him in confusion.

"Well, we've also been riding for a couple of hours now." Julian pointed out and chuckled. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving. And people who are hungry are not able to think clearer than others."

"I guess you're right." Rowena was a bit famished after constant riding.

"Great! Leave the horses and then we'll find a place for some food." Julian grinned. "There's no other thing greater than food to make you feel better."

After Rowena and Julian left their horses so they could catch a break, the two went out to find a diner for them to eat at. Both of them ordered their food and sat by the window as they waited for their meal.

Once the food arrived, the two dug in immediately.

"Wow, I'm starting to feel a bit better," Rowena said after she placed down her spoon. "I guess you had a point about needing to eat."

"I told you." Julian chuckled as he wiped his mouth. "There's nothing to be worried about. It was just your nervousness."

Rowena smiled and relaxed on her seat. "Mhmm, do you think we should order a drink?" When she leaned back on her chair and looked out the window though… her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened when she saw someone staring back at her.

The Knight Jarvis met Rowena's gaze.

Even with the disguise she wore, Rowena was under no dou

bt or hesitation that Knight Jarvis identified her and much less realized who was seated on the opposite side of her. Julian was recognizable as much as she was.

Jarvis' look was so flat and pointed that it was clear that he recognized her outright.

"Julian…" Rowena spoke in a low but urgent voice.

"What's wrong?" Julian followed her gaze and realized who it was. "Oh him."

One of the soldiers was about to head into the restaurant where they were in. It seemed like these people were trying to find a place where to have their meal and it happened to have decided it to be the same as theirs.

Rowena's voice hitched and she was moments away from springing up back until Jarvis' gaze turned away and he called out to the soldier. The man who was about to enter the restaurant returned to the company of soldiers.

Before she knew it, the soldiers and Knight Jarvis were gone.

Rowena let out a sigh of relief.

"Huh." Julian narrowed his eyes at the man then turned back to Rowena. "It seems like you have an ally…are you okay?"

Cold sweat was a bit visible on Rowena's forehead and she smiled uneasily. "I'm fine but…"

Her heart ached as she realized that Jarvis pretended not to know her so she wouldn't be forced to return to the palace.

There was no doubt that King Draco would be furious and livid if the soldiers didn't come back with good news and yet the knight decided to turn a blind eye and acted like he hadn't seen her.

"But?"

"We have to leave as soon as possible. Maybe it's better if we camp in the forest or somewhere else, but we have to get away? Let's continue traveling, alright?" Rowena urged him. "The faster we can leave Ashland, the more we can finally relax."

"Okay, that's a good idea." Julian pulled up to his feet and offered her a hand. "Let's go."

Rowena grabbed it tightly and nodded.

The next three days flew past for the two of them and before they knew it, the roads of the city gave way to the more sandy terrain and coastal area of Ashlands. While they weren't well known for their exports, any kingdom was in need of many harbors.

Rowena and Julian were relieved to have come before further checkpoints and strict ordinances were in place and soon quickly boarded on the ship. They took Hades and Cinna along and waited for the ship to finally leave the port.

"We're finally here," Rowena breathed out and took in the sight of the beautiful blue s

ea that stretched out beyond them. As far as her eyes could see, all she saw was a never-ending stretch of the water.

It was almost like the water never ended, but Rowena knew that across the sea, another kingdom… continents spread out across the earth.

"Yeah. I can taste the sea salt and even the fish." Julian smiled as he glanced at the small bustling town where a lot of businesses took place. There were fishermen, merchants, and all sorts of people.

"It's time for us to leave," Rowena said as she held onto the ship's railing. "No more take backs. We're finally going… this is it."

Julian grinned at her. "Adventures await."