Aria strode through the training grounds of the Sinsk empire, her boots sinking into the earth with every determined step. Around her, soldiers froze mid-drill, swords clashing against shields, but it was not the sound of battle that commanded their attention—it was the presence of their princess.
Word had spread about Aria's prowess in combat, and the men who underestimated her strength quickly learned never to do so again.In the middle of the grounds, a young recruit struggled to lift his sword, his face flushed with frustration.
Aria stopped in front of him, her keen eyes observing his stance. "Your grip is wrong," she said, her voice firm but devoid of condescension. "You're trying to fight like someone twice your size. Adapt to your strengths, not theirs."
The recruit looked up, startled to be addressed by royalty. Aria had spent years training alongside the best soldiers, refusing to be shielded by her status. She believed in leading by example, not in being set apart by her rank.
She reached for the recruit's sword, demonstrating a swift, graceful motion. The blade seemed to dance in her hand, yet the power behind it was unmistakable. "Balance is key. Use your speed, not brute strength," she advised, passing the sword back to him. "Now, try again."
The recruit nodded, newfound determination in his eyes. As he followed her guidance, his movements became smoother, more controlled. Aria gave him an approving nod before moving to inspect the rest of the soldiers.
A group of senior generals watched from a distance, their eyes filled with skepticism. One stepped forward, his arms crossed. "With all due respect, Princess," he began, "you're aware that combat isn't a place for
—"Women?" Aria finished his sentence, raising an eyebrow. "I think you'll find history has proven otherwise. If you doubt me, you're welcome to challenge me."
The general faltered, knowing full well he would lose such a challenge. Aria's reputation was well-earned, and she had bested men twice her size without breaking a sweat.
She continued, her voice unwavering. "Strength comes in many forms, General. If you cannot see that, perhaps it's time you step aside for someone who can."
The soldiers around them straightened their stances, inspired by her words. Aria didn't fight for the throne simply because of her birthright—she fought because she believed in changing the empire from within. Her strength wasn't just in her swordsmanship; it was in her conviction.
She refused to be limited by anyone's expectations, whether they were of royalty or of a woman.As the sun began to set over the training grounds, Aria stood tall, her presence unmistakable.
She didn't need a crown to command respect—her aura of strength, intellect, and unwavering resolve spoke louder than any title ever could. And though she still had a long road to becoming Empress, those around her already knew: Aria Knox was a force to be reckoned with.
Stella moved with a calm, regal demeanor as she approached her younger sister. Her usually aloof expression softened with a hint of admiration.
"Impressive," Stella said, her voice laced with respect. "You have a way of handling soldiers that even I find remarkable."
Aria raised an eyebrow, a playful smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Well, well, well," she said, eyeing her elder sister with some amusement. "Look who's decided to grace the training grounds instead of spending time with her beloved Matthew."
Stella rolled her eyes, a subtle blush creeping up her cheeks. "I don't spend all my time with him," she countered, trying to maintain her usual composure. "I just... He had some matters to attend to. And besides, I wanted to check on the progress of the soldiers."
Aria smirked, enjoying the opportunity to tease her elder sister. "Ah, of course," she said.
Aria handed Stella a training sword, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Since you're here, why not join me?"
Stella hesitated, but the challenge in Aria's gaze was too tempting to resist. She gripped the sword, her regal posture shifting into one of fierce determination. "Fine. Let's see what you've got."
They circled each other, exchanging swift strikes, their movements precise and fluid. Despite their differences, they were evenly matched, their swords clashing in perfect rhythm.
For a moment, all formalities vanished. They were no longer princesses but equals, bonded by blood, strength, and the thrill of combat.
Meanwhile, the soldiers, who had paused their own training to watch the unexpected sparring match, looked at each other in shock and awe. Seeing the princesses battling each other was a sight they never thought they'd witness.
The air was filled with the symphony of clashing swords, each strike punctuated by a breath huffed between gritted teeth.
Eventually, Aria managed to disarm Stella, sending her sword flying from her hand. She held her own blade against her sister's throat, a victorious smile on her face.
"I win," she declared, her chest heaving.
Stella, breathing heavily, laughed, conceding defeat. "You always were the better fighter," she admitted, her eyes meeting Aria's with a hint of admiration.
A messenger arrived at the training ground, holding an elegantly sealed letter. He approached Aria, bowed slightly, and handed it to her. "A message for you, Princess," he said respectfully.
Aria accepted the letter, looking down at the elegant script on the envelope. She immediately recognized the handwriting - it was from Archer.
With a quick nod to the messenger, she dismissed him and turned her attention to the letter.
As Aria broke the seal and opened the letter, she braced herself for whatever message, or insult, he had chosen to send her this time.
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"To the most charming pain in the arse I know, my dear Ari,
Just wanted to clarify that you're still as deliciously infuriating as ever. And to let you know that I, your favorite antagonist, will soon be gracing the kingdom of Sinsk with my presence.
I cannot wait to tease and provoke you again, my dear. I've truly missed our little battles, both verbal and, well, physical. Just don't forget, you'll never be rid of me, my darling.
Can't wait to see you again,
Your favorite enemy, Archer Russell.
P.S. Don't miss me too much."
🔸🔸🔸🔶🔸🔸🔸🔶🔸🔸🔸🔶🔸🔸🔸
After reading the letter, Aria shook her head, both amused and frustrated. Archer's audacity and arrogance were unmatched, and she couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation at the thought of seeing him again. The next few days would be interesting indeed.
"Who sent the letter?" Stella asked.
Aria looked up, meeting Stella's curious gaze. She held up the letter, her expression a mix of annoyance and intrigue. "Archer," she replied, a hint of disdain in her voice.
Stella raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Ah, your favorite enemy," she said, a twinge of amusement in her voice. "What did he say this time?"
Aria rolled her eyes, her expression a mix of irritation and reluctant amusement. "The usual," she replied. "Taunting me, mocking me, saying he can't wait to see me. Typical Archer."
Stella chuckled, clearly enjoying Aria's annoyance. "Well, you have to admit, he certainly knows how to get under your skin," she teased.
Aria groaned, trying to ignore how the truth of Stella's statement stung. "Yes, unfortunately, he does," she grumbled. "But I won't give him the satisfaction of knowing it bothers me."
They go back to their chambers. As Aria entered her chamber, her handmaid, Mia, was waiting to attend to her. "Good evening, Princess," Mia curtsied. "How was your training session?"
"It was... intense," Aria replied, a hint of exhaustion in her voice. "But also refreshing." She allowed Mia to help her off with her training gear, revealing her toned physique beneath the layers of armor.
Mia couldn't help but admire the Princess' strength and grace. She busied herself with tidying up the room, gathering the discarded training gear and setting it aside for cleaning. "Any plans for the evening, Princess?" she inquired, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
"I am going to write a letter ." Aria said.
Mia's curiosity piqued even more. "A letter, Princess?" she inquired, her voice barely above a whisper. "May I ask who it's for?"
"Archer."
Mia's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Archer, but she quickly composed herself, maintaining a neutral expression. "I see," she said, her voice carefully neutral.
With a quill in hand, Aria began to write on the parchment, her eyes fixed on the words taking shape. The chamber was filled with silence, broken only by the gentle scratching of the quill against the paper.
As Aria finished her letter, she sealed it, her expression betraying nothing of the thoughts behind her eyes. She passed it to Mia, who took it with a nod. "I'll see that it's delivered immediately, Princess," Mia assured her.
With a nod of acknowledgment, Aria dismissed her maid. Mia bowed and quietly exited the chamber, her steps quick and light. Aria was left alone in the solitude of her room, her thoughts swirling like a tempest in her brain.
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Information about characters.
Aria Knox: 24
Ethan Scott: 24
Scarlett Knox:28
Stella Knox: 26
Aurora Knox: 24
Katherine Scott: 23
Austin Carson:29
Matthew Sterling: 27
Asher Celestino: 25
Joshua Emerson: 26, he is Asher 's half brother. They shared same a mother but a different father.