Aria Knox is a princess of the Sinsk empire. Born amongst wealth and luxury. Aria is known for her beauty and strength. She possesses an unshakeable determination to become an Empress. Ethan Scott, her childhood friend and the Crown Prince embodies courage handsomeness and kindness. Archer Russell Aria's enemy and a fellow crown prince. His strong and powerful presence is further accentuated by his handsome features. However beneath that facade lies a ruthless heart that does not hesitate to crush those who stand in his way.
Aria's pov.
I gripped my sword tightly, feeling the surge of adrenaline coursing through me as I fought my way through the chaos. Battle cries rang out around me, steel clashed, and the scent of blood filled the air. Every swing of my blade was deliberate, every move calculated, as I cut down any soldier foolish enough to block my path. My eyes locked onto a figure nearby—the Duke, a powerful enemy commander, staring me down with a smug, twisted sneer.
"Think you can best me, princess?" His voice dripped with disdain as he circled me, sizing me up like I was some helpless creature in his trap. "You might have a warrior's look, but you're just a spoiled girl playing at war."
My jaw clenched, anger flaring inside me. I raised my sword, meeting his gaze with fierce determination. "Is that so?" I spat back. "Let's see who's really playing games."
With a quick feint, I lunged forward, my blade slicing through the air in a powerful arc. The Duke's expression shifted from arrogance to shock as my sword found its mark. It was over in a heartbeat, his figure crumpling before me.
"Aria, behind you!" I spun at the sound of my half-sister Aurora's voice, just in time to see another soldier charging at me. Instinct took over—I raised my sword and struck him down with swift precision. For a split second, I glanced over at Aurora, who was fighting nearby with equal ferocity. There was no need for words; we both knew what we had to do.
We moved as one, cutting down enemy after enemy, each of us covering the other as we fought. Hours seemed to pass before the field grew silent, the last enemy falling at our feet. Panting, covered in sweat and blood, I finally allowed myself a deep breath, looking over the aftermath of the battle. We had won.
Aurora rushed to my side, pulling me into a tight embrace. "We did it," she murmured, relief softening her usually stern voice.
I managed a small smile, nodding as I hugged her back. "Yes. We won."
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Time Skip
By the time I rode through the castle gates, the weight of the battle had settled heavily over me. The familiar walls and bustling sounds offered some comfort, but the images of fallen soldiers, the clash of steel—they lingered, impossible to shake. Despite the victory, a gnawing exhaustion pulled at me, both from the fight and from the duties waiting for me here.
I dismounted my horse and glanced up, my gaze landing on a familiar figure approaching from the castle entrance. Ethan. The Crown Prince of Solara and my bestfriend. His chiseled features were tight with concern, his eyes never leaving mine as he strode toward me.
Before I could speak, Ethan closed the distance and wrapped me in his arms. I felt his warmth, his strength, and, without thinking, I melted into his embrace. For a moment, all the weight I had been carrying slipped away.
He pulled back just enough to look down at me, his hands still steady on my shoulders. "I was worried," he murmured, his voice soft, almost fragile. "But I knew you'd make it back."
I managed a tired smile, lifting a hand to push a bloodstained strand of hair from my face. "I'm fine, Ethan. Just… tired."