13

The night before they left the temple, Lord Vancroft had taught Aurora something important: how to send encrypted messages with magic. This was a secure way to communicate over long distances. Two magic users could connect their minds and send messages to each other through complex symbols and images.

"This will be a way to maintain the bond between us," Lord Vancroft said, holding Aurora's hand. "If you sense danger or need help, you can reach me this way."

Aurora listened carefully to her father's instructions. This ability was both exciting and eerie. Connecting their minds so deeply would strengthen the bond between them even further.

The next morning, when the time for departure arrived, Aurora's heart was filled with sadness. Although Lord Vancroft tried to maintain his usual cold and distant demeanor, the glimmer of worry and love in his eyes did not escape Aurora's notice.

"Take care of yourself, Aurora," Lord Vancroft said, his voice trembling slightly. "And remember, I am always with you."

Aurora hugged her father tightly. "I will miss you too, Father."

Then, she got into the carriage, and the journey began. Contrary to expectations, she was not alone in the carriage. Prince Rohan was with her.

Aurora was surprised. The Prince usually preferred to travel on horseback.

"I wanted to accompany you, Lady Aurora," Prince Rohan said with a kind smile. "I am happy for this opportunity to get to know you better on this long journey."

Aurora's cheeks flushed slightly. The Prince's attention both excited and embarrassed her.

As the carriage moved away from the temple, Aurora turned back and waved to her father one last time. Lord Vancroft, watching the departing carriage, had a reflection of complex emotions on his face.

The journey was a long and adventurous one that would last for days. The carriage traveled through different landscapes and lands, heading towards the South.

Throughout the journey, Prince Rohan accompanied Aurora, telling her about his lands, cultures, and traditions. Aurora was impressed by the Prince's wisdom, kindness, and adventurous spirit.

In the early days, they passed through green valleys and forests. Tall trees stretched towards the sky, and the songs of birds filled the air. The water flowing from the streams sparkled in the sunlight, providing coolness to the travelers.

Aurora had never seen these landscapes before. Her own world was not so vibrant and diverse. Everything was paler, more monotonous.

"This place is very beautiful, Prince Rohan," Aurora said, her eyes admiring the surroundings. "Your lands are truly enchanting."

Prince Rohan smiled. "What you have seen is nothing yet, Lady Aurora. As we get closer to the South, you will see even more surprising places."

As the journey progressed, the landscape began to change. Forests gave way to vast grasslands, and valleys to high mountains. The air grew colder, and the wind became stronger.

One night, when they camped at the foot of the mountains, Prince Rohan showed Aurora the stars. The sky was covered with millions of glittering stars. Each one was a beam of light from a distant world.

"The stars seem brighter here," Aurora said, looking at the sky as if mesmerized.

"The air in the South is cleaner and clearer," Prince Rohan explained. "Also, these mountains bring us closer to the sky."

Prince Rohan told Aurora many stories and legends about the stars. He said that each star bore the name of a hero, a god, or a monster.

Aurora was fascinated by the stories the Prince told. These stories reminded her of the tales in her own world, but they were more vivid, more exciting.

As days chased nights, the bond between Aurora and Prince Rohan grew stronger. They laughed together, talked, sang songs, and shared secrets about their lives.

Aurora discovered that the Prince was not only handsome and brave but also intelligent, witty, and understanding. Prince Rohan, on the other hand, was fascinated by Aurora's intelligence, curiosity, and the hidden power within her.

One night, while sitting around the campfire, Prince Rohan told Aurora about his own family.

"My father," the Prince said, his voice slightly saddened, "was a very powerful but also a very lonely man. He sacrificed a lot to protect his kingdom."

Aurora noticed the sadness in the Prince's eyes. She thought of her own father. Lord Vancroft was also a powerful and lonely man. Perhaps that was why they understood each other so well.

"I miss my father very much too," Aurora said, her voice trembling. "I hope he is well."

Prince Rohan gently took Aurora's hand. "I'm sure he is well, Lady Aurora. And I'm sure you will be reunited soon."

Aurora felt her heart beat faster because of the Prince's touch. This man was very kind and caring towards her. But was this interest just friendship or something more?

Towards the middle of their journey, an unexpected event occurred. A group of bandits attacked the carriage.

The bandits had hidden their faces with masks and carried swords and axes in their hands. Their attack was sudden and brutal.

Prince Rohan immediately jumped out of the carriage and began to fight the bandits. Every blow he struck with his sword felled a bandit.

Aurora, on the other hand, was at a loss for what to do. She had never experienced anything like this before. In fear and helplessness, she watched Prince Rohan fight.

But then, a wave of anger rose within her. These bandits were threatening her and the Prince's lives. She couldn't allow it.

Aurora took one of the mana stones her father had given her. As she held the stone tightly in her palm, she felt a warm energy emanating from it.

She closed her eyes and visualized a spell she could use against the bandits. Then, she opened her eyes and extended her hands forward.

At that moment, a beam of bright light shot from her hands and moved towards the bandits. When the light struck the bandits, it knocked them to the ground.

The bandits began to shout in pain and flee. Prince Rohan turned to Aurora in astonishment.

"What... what was that, Lady Aurora?" the Prince asked, his voice trembling with amazement.

Aurora didn't know what to say. She had to hide her power from the Prince, but at that moment, she couldn't control herself.

"I... I just defended myself," Aurora murmured.

Prince Rohan approached Aurora and took her hand. "I know, Lady Aurora. And I am grateful for your courage."

The admiration and gratitude in the Prince's eyes made Aurora's heart beat even faster. This man truly understood her.

After the bandit attack, the journey became even more dangerous. Prince Rohan and Aurora knew they could be attacked at any moment.

But this danger strengthened the bond between them even further. They fought together, protected each other, and survived together.

As days chased nights, they approached the South. The landscape began to change again. Mountains gave way to deserts, and grasslands to exotic vegetation.

Aurora looked at these new landscapes in admiration. The South was indeed an enchanting place.

One day, they saw a glittering city in the distance. The city was surrounded by golden walls and had towers rising towards the sky.

"That is the capital of the South," Prince Rohan said, his voice trembling with pride. "This is my home."

Aurora's heart filled with excitement. Their journey had come to an end. A new adventure was beginning.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***