Chapter 18 : Face to Face with the Enemy
735 Words
The courtyard of the royal palace in Aurelion Kingdom had turned into a battlefield.
Smoke filled the air. The sound of clashing swords and shouting soldiers echoed between the palace walls. The once-beautiful courtyard was now covered with broken weapons and fallen shields.
Aria’s heart pounded as she held her sword tightly.
She had never imagined she would stand in the middle of a war.
Across the courtyard, Adrian fought with controlled power, moving through enemy soldiers like a storm. Beside him, Alexander defended the royal guards with the skill of a seasoned warrior.
But the enemy kept coming.
“Princess, stay behind the line!” one of the soldiers shouted.
Aria stepped back slightly, breathing heavily. Her arms ached from blocking attacks, but she refused to leave the battlefield.
Suddenly—
The fighting began to slow.
A strange silence spread through the courtyard as enemy soldiers stepped aside, forming a path.
Aria frowned.
“What’s happening?”
Adrian’s eyes narrowed.
“He’s here.”
From the opening between the soldiers, a man slowly walked forward.
He wore dark armor with a long crimson cloak flowing behind him. His silver hair moved gently in the wind, and his cold eyes studied the palace walls with quiet confidence.
The soldiers around him bowed slightly as he passed.
Aria felt a chill.
“Who is that?”
Adrian’s voice hardened.
“Lord Viktor.”
The man stopped several steps away from the palace defenders.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then his gaze moved directly to Aria.
A slow smile appeared on his face.
“So,” he said calmly, his voice carrying across the courtyard. “The lost princess truly exists.”
Aria felt anger rise inside her.
“You started this war just to kill me?”
Viktor laughed softly.
“Kill you? No.”
He shook his head.
“You’re far more valuable alive.”
Adrian stepped forward, placing himself between Viktor and Aria.
“You will not come any closer.”
Viktor looked amused.
“Still playing the loyal king, Adrian?”
Adrian’s grip tightened on his sword.
“You betrayed the kingdom.”
Viktor shrugged.
“The kingdom was weak. Someone had to rebuild it.”
“By starting a war?” Aria snapped.
Viktor turned his attention back to her.
“You misunderstand, princess.”
His smile faded.
“This war started twenty years ago.”
Aria’s heart skipped.
“You were part of the attack on the palace,” she realized.
Viktor nodded slowly.
“Yes.”
Alexander stepped forward, his voice filled with anger.
“You tried to wipe out the royal bloodline.”
Viktor’s expression darkened.
“Because the royal family lost its right to rule.”
Aria glared at him.
“And you think you deserve the throne?”
Viktor tilted his head slightly.
“No.”
His eyes glinted coldly.
“I know I do.”
Without warning—
He raised his hand.
Enemy soldiers charged forward again.
The battle exploded once more.
Aria lifted her sword just as an attacker rushed toward her.
But suddenly—
A sharp cry echoed behind her.
She turned quickly.
Alexander had fallen to one knee.
An enemy blade had cut deep into his side.
“Father!” Aria shouted.
Alexander struggled to stay standing, blood staining his clothes.
Adrian quickly fought his way toward them, blocking enemy soldiers with swift strikes.
“Get him inside!” Adrian ordered.
Aria dropped to Alexander’s side, panic filling her chest.
“You can’t die,” she whispered desperately.
Alexander forced a weak smile.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
But his voice sounded weaker than before.
Across the battlefield, Viktor watched the scene calmly.
Then he turned away.
“Retreat,” he ordered his army.
The enemy soldiers slowly began to withdraw from the courtyard.
Adrian watched them carefully, knowing this was not the end.
This was only the first attack.
Aria held Alexander’s hand tightly as the royal guards carried him toward the palace.
Her heart raced with fear.
But deep inside, something else was growing.
Determination.
Lord Viktor wanted the throne.
But now…
Aria was ready to fight for it.
If you'd like, I can continue with Chapter 19, where:
Alexander’s life hangs between life and death
Aria discovers a secret royal ability in her bloodline
And Adrian finally confesses his true feelings for her during the chaos of war.
- Writer
