Han slept embracing Aria throughout the night. At various moments, she would wake up and close her eyes again, tears streaming down her face as she processed the terrible truth about her mother. Han just held her tighter, trying to offer some kind of comfort.
When morning came, Han observed a change in her eyes. The sadness was still there, but now accompanied by a ferocity he had never seen before.
The two rose in silence, sharing a bath where Han gently washed her back, his hands traveling over Aria's entire body, but without any sexual intent. Neither spoke as they dressed.
Finally, looking at his wife who remained silent, Han could no longer bear it. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice full of concern. "Are you sure you don't want me to handle all of this? I could make Weiran die tonight, him and anyone who supports him. I believe even your father would do the same."
Han didn't know if Charles knew the real reason behind Aria's mother's death, but from the way he showed longing when lying with his own daughter, Han had a hunch that he wasn't aware.
Aria turned to face him, and for a moment, all the pain she had tried to hide became visible on her face, the girl who never knew her mother, who had just discovered that she was cruelly murdered. Then, taking a deep breath, she regained her normal expression.
"My love," she said, her voice firm despite the suppressed emotion, "I need to do this. My mother died bringing me into the world, poisoned by those who should have been family. She never had the chance to see me grow, to teach me, to love me." Her voice faltered slightly. "The only way I can honor her memory is to ensure that her death doesn't go without justice. I need to be the one to do this, or I'll never find peace."
Han pulled her into a tight embrace, looking directly into her eyes. He could see the determination behind the contained tears.
"You know that to me you are more important than everything," he whispered, emotion making his voice tremble. "If at any moment this becomes too much, we can simply leave. Go back to our home, to our simple life. None of this, not power, not revenge, not missions, none of it is worth it if it causes you suffering."
Han stroked her hair, his heart tight thinking about everything she was facing. "I never wanted you to suffer like this. Sometimes I wonder if I wasn't selfish in bringing you into this world of manipulations and perversions."
"My dear Han," she said softly, "before you, I was just a princess in a golden cage. You gave me freedom. You gave me choice. And now, you've given me the truth about my mother." She took a deep breath. "I've never felt so alive, so powerful, so... myself. Even with all this pain, I wouldn't trade our life for anything. Your perversions are mine and mine are yours, and we'll do whatever it takes to protect that."
Han felt his heart race as he looked deeply into Aria's eyes. "I love you more than I ever thought possible to love someone," he confessed. "Every part of you, the princess, the strategist, the lover, the daughter determined to honor her mother. I'll be by your side every step, visible or invisible, always protecting you, always loving you."
"And I love you for seeing me completely, for accepting me entirely," Aria responded, her voice barely more than a whisper. "For giving me the strength to face my past and decide my future. Together, there's nothing we can't conquer."
They moved closer, their lips meeting in a slow and passionate kiss. There was no urgency.
Breaking the kiss, Han manipulated the system and then some items appeared in his hands, the same ones he had given to Charlotte. "Love, since your brother will try to poison you, take these healing potions. They can easily cleanse any type of poison. Also take these invisibility ones that can help you."
"If you need anything else, just tell me and I'll help you as much as I can."
"This is all fine, dear. With this I already have something in mind to do. Now I need to go to the daily court meeting. Today is the day we leave for the ambush."
Han then gave Aria one last kiss and slowly disappeared. "I'll be in Yuxuan helping my mother."
"Take good care of my mother-in-law, tell her I miss her," Aria replied as she watched her husband gradually disappear.
She then closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and left the room heading toward the main hall, preparing for another day.
As for Han, he didn't go directly to Yuxuan; he remained invisible and followed his wife.
'I'm sorry, love, I'm not lying to you. I will help my mother, I just didn't say when.' Han didn't feel safe leaving Aria to handle everything. He would follow her to make sure nothing strange happened.
Aria walked through the palace corridors with firm and determined steps. Her face showed no sign of the tears shed during the night, only the determination of a princess, now a warrior ready to lead her men into battle.
Upon entering the main hall, all those present bowed. Charles was seated on his throne, with ministers and generals around him, discussing the final details of the military operation.
"Ah, my daughter," Charles smiled upon seeing her. "We were just finalizing the preparations for the ambush."
Aria made a formal reverence to her father, her eyes quickly scanning the room. She noticed Weiran standing in a corner, dressed in a simple soldier's armor, without insignias or marks of nobility. His face was contorted in an expression of poorly disguised disgust. "As ordered, Your Majesty," the Minister of War, Evander Quinn, explained, "your son Weiran has been stripped of his noble attire and will serve as a common soldier in this campaign, without name or title."
Charles nodded severely. "A fitting reminder that disrespecting our brave soldiers has consequences, even for a prince."
Aria suppressed a smile. Seeing Weiran humiliated was just a small appetizer of what she had planned for him. Her eyes then turned to General Thorn, the man who, according to the letters intercepted by Han, planned to sabotage her mission. He stood tall and imposing, with scars from past battles marking his hardened face.
"Princess Aria," the general greeted her with a bow that seemed almost sincere. "It is an honor to serve under your command in this crucial mission."
"The honor is mine, General Thorn," Aria responded with a smile. "Your experience will be invaluable."
Invisible in a corner of the hall, Han observed the interaction attentively. He could see the falseness in the general's respect, Weiran's contained anger, and the gleam in his wife's eyes. Aria was acting perfectly, giving no indication that she knew of the treacherous plans against her.
"Reports confirm that James's troops total more than one hundred thousand men," explained the Minister of War, pointing to a large map spread on the table. "They are approaching the Whispering Forest, as predicted."
"And we will be waiting," Aria completed, approaching the map. "Forty five thousand men, strategically positioned on the slopes. The geography of the valley is in our favor."
"With all due respect, Princess," interrupted General Thorn, "attacking an army more than twice the size of ours is extremely risky. Perhaps we should reconsider."
Aria smiled, a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Your concern is admirable, General. But it's not the size of the army that determines victory, but strategy. Isn't that right, Weiran?"
All eyes turned to the demoted prince, who was forced to respond: "Yes... Princess."
"Excellent," Charles clapped once, ending the discussion. "Then it is decided. You will depart at noon. May the gods be with you, and may you bring glory to the Kingdom of Quinn."
The final preparations were made quickly. Horses were saddled, supplies loaded, and soldiers formed in the palace courtyards. Aria, dressed in light but elegant armor, mounted her white horse, positioning herself at the front of the entourage. At her side were the Minister of War Evander, General Thorn, and, a few steps behind, Weiran, almost unrecognizable in his common armor. The forty, five thousand men extended behind them, an impressive force despite being smaller than the enemy army.
"Soldiers of Quinn!" Aria shouted, her clear and strong voice echoing across the courtyard. "Today we march not only to defend our kingdom, but to show Berovia that Quinn does not bow to threats! Each of you carries not just a sword, but the honor of our families and the safety of our people!"
A roar of approval ran through the ranks of soldiers. Even those who initially doubted the leadership of a princess seemed inspired by her words.
Not only were Aria's words inspiring, but the armor she wore pleased all present. She wore armor made of light blue leather, which showed an enormous neckline where her breasts were largely exposed. The leather clung to her body displaying her curves. At the back she had a cape attached to her waist that dragged to the ground, to the disappointment of some.
In front she had a light piece of cloth that covered only her pussy, leaving her thighs exposed. As she walked, the wind slightly lifted the fabric showing her very thin panties that were trapped between the lips of her pussy.
Aria knew that General Thorn would try to sabotage her, and the best way to combat this was to quickly gain the support of the soldiers. If even Minister Evander couldn't resist her, what about these soldiers, many of whom had never seen a naked woman?
Unconsciously, everyone felt a need to protect that beautiful commander. They had to try a little harder to get her attention.
"Forward!" she ordered, and the army began to move.
Han, still invisible, mounted a horse in the rear. The soldier was so distracted by Aria's beauty that he didn't even notice the additional weight. He wouldn't interfere with Aria's plans, but he would be there to ensure that no betrayal was successful.
As the army marched out of the city, citizens lined the streets to wave and throw flowers. Aria kept her head high, her expression serious and determined.
Weiran, for his part, watched his sister's back with growing hatred. He didn't know that she was aware of his plans, nor that her invisible husband was following them. In his mind, he still believed he had control of the situation.
The midday sun shone on the marching army, reflecting off the armor and sword blades. The journey to the Whispering Forest would take two days, and then the real test would begin.
Han knew that for the next few hours there would be nothing but marching. He now needed to make sure that James was ready. He then teleported to the same place where he had previously met James. The place was now completely empty with no sign of life. The troops had already departed.
He easily followed the trail left by more than 100,000 men.
A few hours later he found the enormous mass of people walking again.
James was at the front of all the soldiers, leading.
Normally no general would do this; they would prefer to stay behind in safety. But James, besides being a general, was a powerful and talented soldier with a lot of pride.
If someone had to go into battle, let it be him.
Even if there was a scheme with the kings, even if he was a simple pawn, he had his own honor to care for. He owed it to himself.
Han, hidden, flew to James's horse and skillfully sat behind him, still invisible.
The horse made a startled sound at the new weight, and Han quickly whispered, "Calm your horse, don't let anyone suspect anything."
Seeing the animal's restlessness and then hearing a voice, James quickly understood the situation. He gave the horse a quick caress and it calmed down.
Han then began to speak. "The battle will be anticipated. The Quinn kingdom is setting up an ambush two days from here. There are about 45,000 soldiers who will attack you in the Whispering Forest. My wife Aria will be in command; make sure the battle is a defeat for the Berovian army. Take advantage of using the red stone to strengthen yourself and increase your own power."
Without waiting for a response, Han flew away again.
Feeling the presence behind him disappear, James was shocked. He couldn't imagine that Quinn would dare attack them; he knew this war was destined for a great battle on three fronts to defend the capital.
He had no information about the other squadrons, but imagined they should have conquered some cities along the way as they departed. As for James's army, despite having crossed paths with cities of the Quinn kingdom, they simply passed through them without attacking. The reason is simple.
As the Quinn kingdom is managed by dukes and counts, while they owe loyalty to the emperor, some also have a very high image of themselves, thinking of themselves as small kings of the land granted by the royal family.
Many simply surrendered and delivered resources to James's army in the hope that if the capital falls, they could be integrated into the kingdom of Berovia, which is much stronger than Quinn.
Great betrayals were occurring in all sectors of the kingdom.
If James hadn't received the news from Han, he would have marched carelessly and could really have fallen into a great ambush. Fortunately, he was warned, but this wouldn't change much the result if he had been caught by surprise. Still, he would lose the battle, so his sister-in-law's prestige could grow, he could strengthen himself, and Berovia would weaken even more.
'Today begins the rise of our family.' With this thought in mind, James continued to march.
As for Han, he quickly returned to stay behind Aria.
As the army advanced along the main road, Aria rode at the front, her armor gleaming under the afternoon sun. Han, invisible, noticed that General Thorn and Weiran frequently exchanged glances and whispers when they believed no one was watching.
During the first rest stop, Thorn approached Aria with a map in hand. "Princess, if I may suggest," he said with false deference, "perhaps we should divert our route through this alternative path." He pointed to a winding trail on the map. "It would reach the same destination, but would offer better cover for our troops."
Aria studied the map carefully. The suggested route passed through a narrow gorge, perfect for an ambush against themselves.
"An interesting suggestion, General," she responded with a calculated smile. "But I prefer to maintain our original plan. This route gives us better visibility of the terrain."
Later, when the soldiers were setting up camp for the night, Weiran discreetly approached some veteran captains.
"The princess is brave, no doubt," he commented casually, "but I fear her inexperience may cost us dearly. She rejected General Thorn's advice about a safer route."
The captains exchanged concerned looks, exactly what Weiran wanted.
During dinner, General Thorn publicly questioned Aria's orders regarding the battle formation.
"With all due respect, Princess, placing our cavalry in the vanguard against a superior army is risky. Traditionally, we would use archers to weaken the enemy first."
Before Aria could respond, Weiran intervened: "The General is right. Even a novice in military strategy would know this."
A tense silence fell over the command table. Aria maintained her composure, calmly drinking her wine before responding.
"I appreciate the concern of both of you," she said firmly. "But our strategy depends on the element of surprise and the geography of the valley. The cavalry will attack from the flanks, not frontally. The archers will be positioned on the slopes, as detailed in the plan that everyone received this morning."
She fixed her gaze on Thorn. "General, I hope you read the complete plan before questioning it publicly."
The general's face flushed with barely contained anger, while Weiran smiled internally. The seed of doubt had already been planted among the officers.
Aria then turned to Weiran, who was wearing armor that covered his entire face.
"And you, unknown soldier, how dare you question me?"
Some lieutenants who didn't know that was the prince also felt uncomfortable. If a mere soldier questions his superior, couldn't the blame fall on them too?
Weiran wanted to answer Aria, but before he could say anything, she turned to a soldier who was staring at her with lustful eyes.
"You, soldier, tell me. What is done to those who disrespect their superior?"
Being directly questioned, the soldier swallowed but saw it as an opportunity. He was subordinate to Thorn and received a hard look, as if telling him to keep quiet.
But between an old general and a princess with white skin, large breasts, and delicious thighs, the choice for him was easy.
Ignoring Thorn's judgmental look, he responded, "War leader, those who disrespect their superiors should receive 10 lashes for each rank that the superior is above them. Judging by this soldier's armor, he must be of the lowest level." Taking a deep breath, he continued, this time shouting, "THIS WORM DESERVES AT LEAST 100 LASHES FOR DISRESPECTING THE LEADER!"
With spirits inflated by the chance to please Aria, some other soldiers joined in.
"PUNISHMENT!"
"PUNISHMENT!"
"PUNISHMENT!"
The situation escalated quickly. Weiran wanted to say that he was a prince, but remembering his father's harsh words, he knew he couldn't disobey. He would have to act as a common soldier.
Fearing being whipped, he tried to redeem himself, "Princess... I... I apologize."
Aria couldn't feel any kind of satisfaction regarding Weiran; for her, mere lashings were nothing compared to the pain of having lost her mother.
Looking again at the same soldier she had questioned, she continued. "You, give him the 100 lashes. If he resists or says anything, restart the count at 0. Only stop when you reach 100 or until he dies. If you perform well, you will be rewarded."
The soldier felt his blood boil with the words.
Thorn tried to interrupt; he knew the prince's true identity and couldn't let this continue. "Princess, this is too much. Allow me to punish this particular soldier myself. Such a brutal public demonstration may harm the army's morale."
"That's right, princess, be more lenient."
"Yes, war leader, it was just a casual mistake. Forgive this incompetent soldier."
Some people from Weiran's faction spoke up trying to avoid this humiliation.
But this quickly created a rapid murmur. Seeing so many important people defend a common soldier, some began to speculate that he might not have a small identity.
Aria felt a fury grow within her. Again she was being questioned, again her authority was disrespected.
Her expression became furious and everyone present noticed. Despite being just a woman, some felt a slight killing intent and a strong smell of blood, as if if they did something wrong, taking lashes would be the simplest of things; they could actually lose their lives.
The killing intent didn't come from Aria, but from Han who was observing the situation. He felt very bothered by the disrespect that everyone showed toward Aria.
He, who had already massacred many families just to fill the red stone, already had a stench of carrion that emanated from him when he thought about killing someone. It was like a predator looking at prey.
Controlling herself, Aria began to speak slowly, word by word. "The emperor chose me as leader. Disrespecting me is disrespecting the emperor, and that is unforgivable."
"Because of the imminent war, each one who rose to speak against me will suffer punishments. And you can be sure they won't be light. But you are right, making such a scene occur could undermine the morale of the army. Therefore, you superiors will punish this soldier."
"Each of you will give him 25 lashes. And if he complains, the count restarts."
"Uncle Evander, is this punishment fair?"
The Minister of War, who had been quiet, responded directly. He also didn't like the whole situation; this nephew was disrespecting any and all norms of the army. Moreover, he was also creating a faction within the army, which was something serious. They exist, it's natural, but they shouldn't influence or try to change the orders of superiors.
"War leader. Your punishment is fair."
Aria watched with cold eyes as preparations for the punishment began. Soldiers quickly set up a post in the center of the camp, and Weiran, still disguised as a common soldier, was tied to it, his upper armor removed to expose his back.
"Begin," ordered Aria, her voice carrying an authority that silenced the entire camp.
The first to approach was the soldier who had suggested the punishment, holding a leather whip with metal tips. He seemed eager to impress Aria, and his first blow was merciless, tearing the skin on Weiran's back.
"One," Aria counted aloud.
The soldier continued, each blow stronger than the previous one. Weiran gritted his teeth, determined not to make any sound. Blood began to run down his back after the tenth blow.
"Eleven... twelve... thirteen..."
On the twentieth blow, Weiran couldn't contain a groan of pain. The sound, though low, was heard by everyone in the tense silence of the camp.
"Stop," ordered Aria. "He made a sound. Restart the count."
The soldier smiled cruelly and restarted the punishment. This time, Weiran was more prepared, biting the inside of his cheek until he tasted blood to avoid making any sound.
When the soldier completed his twenty five lashes, Weiran's back was already a mass of torn flesh and blood. Aria gestured to the first of the three defenders who had spoken in favor of Weiran.
"Your turn," she said to the first officer. "Twenty five lashes. And remember, if he makes any sound, the count restarts."
The officer, a middle aged captain who served under Thorn's orders, approached reluctantly. He knew the true identity of the "soldier" and feared future consequences, but he couldn't disobey a direct order from the war leader.
His blows were more controlled, but still painful. Weiran managed to endure in silence until the seventeenth blow, when a scream escaped his lips.
"Zero," Aria announced coldly. "Restart."
The process was repeated with each of the defenders. The second managed to apply only twelve blows before Weiran screamed in pain, forcing him to restart. The third, a young lieutenant who seemed horrified by the whole situation, barely managed to apply eight blows before Weiran involuntarily sobbed.
When the fourth was about to finalize the count and finally free Weiran from the blows, Han, who was invisible, used a finger to press directly on Weiran's wounded back, causing him to let out a great scream.
"Restart the count."
This was repeated three times. Every time he was close to 25, Han pressed the wounds to the point where Weiran screamed. Unfortunately, on the fourth time, he bit his lips so hard that no sound came out, and he managed to complete it.
In the end, Weiran had received almost 300 lashes. His back was a grotesque sight, unrecognizable under the blood and torn flesh. When they finally untied him from the post, he fell to his knees, unable to stand.
"Take him to be treated," ordered Aria. "We don't want him to die before the battle. After all, every soldier is valuable."
As two soldiers dragged Weiran away, his eyes met Aria's for a brief moment. In that look, there was a hatred so deep and visceral that it made Han, invisible among the crowd, instinctively approach his wife.
The hatred in Weiran's eyes wasn't just for the physical suffering or public humiliation. It was the hatred of a man who had just had his arrogance crushed, his pride destroyed, and his position of power completely subverted. It was the hatred of someone who swore revenge, regardless of the cost.
Aria met his gaze without flinching, her expression impassive. But internally, she felt a dark satisfaction. This was just the beginning of her revenge against the man who had poisoned her mother.
"The meeting is adjourned," she announced to the stunned officers. "Rest well. Tomorrow we continue our march to the ambush."
As the officers dispersed in silence, many casting fearful glances at Aria, Han remained close, invisible but vigilant. He had seen the hatred in Weiran's eyes and knew that his plan for revenge against Aria would now be fueled by an even more intense personal fury.
The approaching battle would not only be against the Berovian army, but also against an internal enemy consumed by a desire for revenge as deep as Aria's.
After Weiran's punishment, Aria returned to her tent. She removed her armor piece by piece, feeling the relief of getting rid of the weight of the metal. She was exhausted, but satisfied with the day's events. The public humiliation of Weiran had been just the beginning of her revenge.
Wearing only a thin silver mesh that barely covered her body the pink nipples visible through the small holes in the fabric and a tiny thong that left little to the imagination, Aria called one of her guards.
"Bring me the soldier who suggested the punishment for the 'unknown soldier'. I want to reward him personally."
The guard nodded and quickly departed. Minutes later, there was a hesitant knock at the entrance of the tent.
"Enter," Aria ordered, her voice soft but authoritative.
The soldier entered, keeping his eyes down in a sign of respect. He was a young man, perhaps a few years older than Aria, with broad shoulders and the rigid posture of someone trained in military discipline. When he finally raised his gaze and saw Aria in her minimal attire, his face flushed intensely.
"Y-Your Highness," he stammered, quickly averting his gaze. "Y-You called for me?"
Aria smiled, observing the man's reaction. "Yes, soldier. Your name?"
"Gareth, Your Highness."
"Gareth," she repeated, savoring the name. "You demonstrated great loyalty today. Your suggestion to punish that insolent soldier was... inspiring."
She approached him with slow, deliberate steps, like a predator circling its prey. The soldier remained motionless, his body tense, his eyes struggling not to wander over his commander's half naked body.
"I would like to reward you," Aria continued, now just inches from him. "What would you desire as a reward for your service?"
Gareth opened his mouth, but no sound came out. His eyes finally betrayed his discipline, quickly dropping to Aria's breasts before returning to her face. He swallowed hard.
"I-I... don't know, Your Highness. Serving the kingdom is... is reward enough."
Aria laughed softly. "So noble," she murmured. "But everyone deserves something more... serious for their loyalty."
She placed a hand on his chest, feeling his racing heart under the armor.
"Come closer," she ordered, guiding him nearer to the camp bed.
The soldier obeyed, hypnotized by the sight before him. Aria had always had a particular fascination with soldiers and their strong bodies. And this one had demonstrated loyalty to her, not to Weiran or General Thorn.
"Sit down," she instructed, indicating the edge of the bed.
When he sat, Aria knelt gracefully before him. The soldier's eyes widened in shock.
"Y-Your Highness! What are you-"
"Silence," she ordered softly. "This is my reward for you. Just... enjoy."
Quickly she undressed him, revealing an already hard cock.
Aria smiled seeing his state of excitement. Slowly, she leaned forward and then gave a kiss on the head of his cock.
"You have a beautiful cock... must be popular among women."
She then put the head of his cock in her mouth while running her tongue over it.
"Princess..." he moaned, his body trembling with the effort to contain himself, the princess's mouth was hot and her tongue soft in a way that the soldier felt an instant pleasure never felt before.
Aria wrapped her lips around the head, sucking gently while her tongue circled the sensitive tip. She looked up, her eyes meeting his as she slowly took him deeper into her mouth.
With her hand she massaged his balls.
Gareth closed his eyes, his hands gripping the sheets of the bed tightly. Aria established a slow and torturous rhythm, her hot and wet mouth sliding up and down his length.
"By the gods," he whispered, one hand hesitantly touching Aria's golden hair.
She took his cock out of her mouth and rubbed it on her face while looking directly at Gareth's face.
"Are you enjoying it, my soldier? If you are loyal and dedicated, moments like this will be frequent."
She then swallowed his cock again and increased the rhythm, her tongue coiling like a snake. Gareth's hips began to move involuntarily.
"Princess, I... I won't last much longer..." he warned, his voice trembling.
Aria only intensified her efforts, sucking harder, her tongue touching around the sensitive tip. She could feel his cock pulsing in her mouth, knew he was close.
"I... I'm going to cum... I'm cumming, princess..."
With a muffled groan, Gareth reached his climax. Aria didn't back away, accepting each jet of his pleasure in her mouth, swallowing everything while continuing to suck him gently.
When she finally pulled away, licking her lips, the soldier looked at her with a mixture of admiration, shock, and gratitude.
"This stays between us, soldier," Aria said, her voice soft but firm. "If you continue to demonstrate such loyalty and performance, there will be more rewards in the future."
Gareth nodded quickly, still speechless as he adjusted his clothes with trembling hands.
"Yes, Your Highness. I... thank you."
"You may go now," she said, rising gracefully. "And remember, not a word about this."
"Never, Princess," he promised, making a deep bow before leaving the tent.
Alone again, Aria smiled to herself. This was both to reward the soldier who helped punish Weiran and also to satisfy herself. A pity that for now she couldn't go further, but her pussy was begging for a cock.
Han, who was invisible this time, wasn't masturbating.
He was looking at a screen that appeared in front of him at the same time the soldier entered.
[Urgent Mission -- Rescue
Description: One of the targets of the main mission, Sophia, is in danger.
Objective: Rescue her and solve all the problems]