I strode through the training grounds of the Sinsk empire, my boots sinking into the earth with every determined step. Around me, 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 me.
Word had spread about my prowess in combat, and the men who underestimated my 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.
I stopped in front of him, my keen eyes observing his stance. "Your grip is wrong," I said, my 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. I had spent years training alongside the best soldiers, refusing to be shielded by my status. I believed in leading by example, not in being set apart by my rank.
I reached for the recruit's sword, demonstrating a swift, graceful motion. The blade seemed to dance in my hand, yet the power behind it was unmistakable. "Balance is key. Use your speed, not brute strength," I advised, passing the sword back to him. "Now, try again."
The recruit nodded, newfound determination in his eyes. As he followed my guidance, his movements became smoother, more controlled. I 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?" I 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. My reputation was well-earned, and I had bested men twice my size without breaking a sweat.
I continued, my 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 my words. I didn't fight for the throne simply because of my birthright—I fought because I believed in changing the empire from within. My strength wasn't just in my swordsmanship; it was in my conviction.
I 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, I stood tall, my presence unmistakable.
I didn't need a crown to command respect—my aura of strength, intellect, and unwavering resolve spoke louder than any title ever could. And though I still had a long road to becoming Empress, those around me already knew: Aria Knox was a force to be reckoned with.
Stella moved with a calm, regal demeanor as she approached me. 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."
I raised an eyebrow, a playful smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Well, well, well," I said, eyeing my 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."
I smirked, enjoying the opportunity to tease my elder sister. "Ah, of course," I said.
I handed Stella a training sword, my eyes gleaming with mischief. "Since you're here, why not join me?"
Stella hesitated, but the challenge in my 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."
We circled each other, exchanging swift strikes, our movements precise and fluid. Despite our differences, we were evenly matched, our swords clashing in perfect rhythm.
For a moment, all formalities vanished. We 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, I managed to disarm Stella, sending her sword flying from her hand. I held her own blade against my sister's throat, a victorious smile on my face.
"I win," I declared, my 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 me, bowed slightly, and handed it to me. "A message for you, Princess," he said respectfully.
I accepted the letter, looking down at the elegant script on the envelope. I immediately recognized the handwriting - it was from Archer.
With a quick nod to the messenger, I dismissed him and turned my attention to the letter.
As I broke the seal and opened the letter, I braced myse for whatever message, or insult, he had chosen to send me 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 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."
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After reading the letter, I shook her head, both amused and frustrated. Archer's audacity and arrogance were unmatched, and I 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.
I looked up, meeting Stella's curious gaze. I held up the letter, my expression a mix of annoyance and intrigue. "Archer," I replied, a hint of disdain in my 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?"
I rolled her eyes, my expression a mix of irritation and reluctant amusement. "The usual," I replied. "Taunting me, mocking me, saying he can't wait to see me. Typical Archer."
Stella chuckled, clearly enjoying my annoyance. "Well, you have to admit, he certainly knows how to get under your skin," she teased.
I groaned, trying to ignore how the truth of Stella's statement stung. "Yes, unfortunately, he does," I grumbled. "But I won't give him the satisfaction of knowing it bothers me."
We go back to our chambers. As I entered my chamber, my handmaid, Mia, was waiting to attend to me. "Good evening, Princess," Mia curtsied. "How was your training session?"
"It was... intense," I replied, a hint of exhaustion in my voice. "But also refreshing." I allowed Mia to help me off with my training gear, revealing my toned physique beneath the layers of armor.
Mia 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 ." I 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." I said.
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, I began to write on the parchment, my 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 I finished my letter, I sealed it, my expression betraying nothing of the thoughts behind my eyes. I 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, I dismissed my maid. Mia bowed and quietly exited the chamber, her steps quick and light. I was left alone in the solitude of my room, my thoughts swirling like a tempest in my 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.