Early the next morning, the escort party resumed their journey. Despite the burning pain in his back, Harrison Ryder persisted, and as soon as he saw Ethan Caelan step out, he hurried over and asked with concern:“Your Highness, did you sleep well last night?”Ethan smiled gently and replied:“I slept very well. How is your back, General Harrison?”Harrison shook his head and offered a reassuring smile:“Thanks to your care last night, it feels much better. Look, Your Highness, it's not hurting anymore.” Harrison demonstrated by moving his shoulders.Zane Ryder, already on horseback, commanded, “Move out.”Harrison carefully helped Ethan into the carriage, his every move gentle and cautious. Throughout the journey, Harrison seized every opportunity to tend to Ethan. Whether it was bringing water, fetching food, or adjusting Ethan’s garments, Harrison’s attentiveness did not escape Zane’s notice. From a distance, Zane's cold gaze followed his younger brother.Ten days later, the escort
Seated on the throne, Valerius Evander, who had previously seen Ethan's portrait, found the actual sight of him far surpassing his expectations. Valerius was momentarily dazed, forgetting to grant him leave to rise.Noticing the unusual silence, the court officials glanced up, surprised at Valerius's reaction. Realizing his lapse, Valerius quickly regained his regal demeanor:"Prince Ethan, you may rise. Welcome to Helios."Ethan raised his head, meeting Valerius's admiring gaze with calm and respectful eyes:"Thank you, Your Majesty."Ethan stood up gracefully and stepped aside, his serene gaze like the still waters of an autumn lake, making way for Zane and Harrison Ryder to step forward.Both bowed deeply, with Zane's voice resonating through the hall:"Your subject, General Zane Ryder, pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years."Harrison echoed:"Your subject, Commander Harrison Ryder, pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand
Understanding Valerius's intention, the Minister of Finance, Robert Elan, stood up and spoke:"Your Majesty, Prince Ethan is a royal of Aria and should be given a prestigious position. I believe the role of Minister of Rites or Chancellor of the Imperial Academy would reflect our respect without interfering in state affairs."The Left Prime Minister, Dominic Everard, added:"Your Majesty, I think the position of Grand Tutor would be fitting for the noble status of Prince Ethan."Valerius contemplated before turning to Cassian Lightwood:"Cassian, what is your opinion?"Cassian Lightwood, renowned for his literary talent from a young age, had passed the imperial examination at twenty and was now around twenty-seven. Valerius trusted him greatly, having sent him on diplomatic missions and tasked him with significant responsibilities.Cassian replied gently:"Your Majesty, Prince Ethan is skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, surpassing many in talent. I believe the role of
Reed, noticing Ethan's contemplative mood, approached him and said: "Your Highness, is there anything else you need? We are here to assist you with anything you require."Ethan turned to face Reed, his expression softening:"Thank you, Reed. You've both done a wonderful job. I appreciate your hard work."Leo, hearing this, also approached and said:"Your Highness, it is our honor to serve you. We are grateful to be here with you."Ethan smiled at his loyal attendants, feeling a sense of gratitude for their unwavering support. Despite the luxurious surroundings, it was their presence that brought him the most comfort.Shortly after, a group of palace maids, eunuchs, and guards assigned by Valerius Evander to serve Ethan Caelan arrived at the Jade Heart Palace. Leading the group was a middle-aged eunuch named Cyril Stone, a slender man with sharp and agile eyes. Accompanying Cyril were four young palace maids and a tall, stern-faced guard.Cyril Stone stepped forward, bowing deeply bef
Reed Jace prepared the high-quality tea recently bestowed upon them by the Emperor, brewing it in a jade teapot. The fragrant aroma of the tea filled the room as Reed poured a cup for Ethan Caelan and respectfully offered it:“Your Highness, please enjoy the tea.”Ethan lifted the teacup, took a sip, and smiled slightly, savoring the exquisite flavor of the finest tea from Helios. He said softly:“Sit down, both of you, and join me for tea.”Reed and Leo Grant hesitated before sitting down beside Ethan, each taking cautious sips of their tea while expressing their concerns about Ethan’s new position.Leo broke the silence:“Your Highness, the title of Grand Academician may sound prestigious, but it is merely a title without real power. You will spend your days in the Imperial Academy, engrossed in compiling books and teaching, as if you were trapped in a gilded cage.”Reed nodded in agreement, his deep voice tinged with concern:“Your Highness, as a prince, this position seems beneath
Feeling slightly embarrassed by the praise, Ethan tightened his grip on his silk fan and smiled:"Thank you for your kind words."After delivering Ethan to Theo Howard, Cassian bowed and took his leave:"Your Highness, if there is nothing else, I shall return to the palace to report to His Majesty."Ethan nodded:"Thank you, Chief Scholar Theo Howard will take good care of me here. You may return."Cassian bowed to Ethan and then to Theo Howard before departing.Theo Howard then guided Ethan on a tour, introducing him to the various rooms, libraries, and every corner of the academy. Finally, they stopped in front of a large room surrounded by exquisite natural scenery. Outside, a clear stream flowed gently, and vibrant flowers bloomed, accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds."This room was designed specifically for His Majesty to rest whenever he visits. Now, by His decree, it is to be Your Highness's office."With that, Theo Howard gently opened the door, and they both entere
Lucian, still unwilling to relent, whispered close to Ethan’s ear with a mischievous smile:“You are very beautiful, Ethan. I like you a lot.”His breath brushed against Ethan’s ear, sending an involuntary shiver down Ethan's spine, a feeling of repulsion rising within him.After saying this, Lucian stood upright and leisurely moved to his seat on the left, right next to Ethan.Valerius Evander entered the hall, resplendent in a golden royal robe adorned with dragons and phoenixes, exuding the authority and majesty of a sovereign. His radiant presence and sharp eyes scanned the hall.Standing at the highest step, Valerius spoke with a commanding voice that echoed throughout the hall:“Today is a day of great celebration for the court. We gather to rejoice in Helios’s glorious victory over the foreign nations. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the civil and military officials. You have united as one, contributing to our grand cause. Tonight's banquet especially honors the four great g
When she met Ethan's gentle eyes, she quickly looked down, her face flushing with shyness. She was seated on his right, indicating her high status, likely a princess of Helios.She was Juliana Evander, the thirteenth princess and the youngest sister of Valerius Evander, who dearly cherished and pampered her. Throughout the banquet, she had frequently glanced at Ethan, her eyes brimming with admiration, although he had been too preoccupied to notice.As the banquet was drawing to a close, Dorian Ashcroft stepped forward and announced:"It is time for the lantern release ceremony, to pray for the peace and prosperity of Helios. His Majesty invites the court officials to join the ceremony at Moonwater Lake."As the officials and royal family members made their way to the large lotus lake, Ethan also stood up to follow, but was unexpectedly held back by a firm hand, followed by a deep voice: "Your Highness, let me guide you."Ethan Caelan turned around, his eyes brightening upon seeing Ha
Ethan Caelan also understood that he had no way to escape Valerius Evander at this moment, nor could he accept the kind of love between men that Valerius spoke of."So… even if I were to die, I can never return to my world?" Ethan thought, despair casting a shadow over him like a suffocating fog.Closing his eyes, he tried to piece together the fragmented memories from his dreams—his mother, lifetimes of suffering, the curse, Valerius Evander, Lucian Evander. They all felt like scattered shards of a puzzle, chilling him to his core." Lucian Evander … the Four Heavenly Dragons… those noblemen… What connection do they have to me? I need to start by understanding them."Ethan struggled to rise from the bed. He had been lying still for far too long. The moment his trembling feet touched the ground and he attempted to stand, his body collapsed onto the cold floor."My legs… why can’t I feel my legs?" Ethan exclaimed, panic lacing his voice.Hearing the commotion inside, Henry Thorne rushe
Lucian’s eyes roamed hungrily over Ethan’s flawless, ivory skin, flushed with an enticing hue that only fueled his desire to conquer. "Look at this… seems like Prince Ethan of Aria is craving me as much as I want him…" Lucian murmured, pressing his lips to Ethan’s collarbone, tracing down to his chest. "Little beauty… I’ll make you feel so good…"“No!... Let me go…” Ethan cried out, trembling.“Let you go? It’s an honor for you to be used by the Four Dragons,” sneered the crimson-moled man. “We don’t often share, you know. You should be grateful we're making an exception for you.”The group of men closed in, circling Ethan. "Aaa… get away! Don’t... don’t touch me…” Ethan struggled, his cries growing desperate."Ethan!... Ethan!... wake up!” A familiar voice cut through his torment, yanking him back to reality from his horrifying nightmare.Ethan’s eyes shot open, his whole body shaking. Terror lingered in his gaze as cold sweat trickled down his face, soaking his clothes. The terrifyi
"Hahaha... resisting only makes you more beautiful, little beauty." He forced Ethan into a rough kiss, one hand gripping him tightly, the other pressing his jaw to force Ethan's mouth open. Seizing the opportunity, he plunged his tongue into Ethan's mouth, invading every corner.Disgusted, Ethan summoned all his strength to bite down hard on the man's tongue, shoving him away. "Get lost!"Interrupted unexpectedly, the dimpled man pulled back in pain, wiping blood from his mouth and snarling, "You filthy whore, you dare bite me?!" He slapped Ethan hard across the face twice: "Smack! Smack!" The blows sent Ethan crashing to the floor, his cheeks immediately swelling with the imprint of five fingers. Dizzy, he tried to open his eyes, but his vision was blurring."Quite the prize indeed, even his kiss has a hefty price," the man with the high forehead commented with amusement.Lucian smirked, watching Ethan. "Pour more wine for him!"Immediately, the man with the crimson mole approached E
His voice softened as he whispered into Ethan’s ear: “It’s my fault, I was wrong… Ethan… I swear I will make it up to you…”Valerius gazed at Ethan, his eyes filled with sorrow and regret. He knew that his words would never be enough to ease the pain in Ethan’s heart. Gently, he pulled Ethan closer, holding him tenderly in his arms.Ethan trembled in Valerius’s embrace, torn by the contradiction within him. Though he loathed the closeness of the man who had once violated and humiliated him, his soul now longed for a shoulder to lean on, someone to help him through the agony of losing his mother, the haunting memories of his own tragic fate through each lifetime, and the despair he felt about the future awaiting him.Suddenly, Ethan wrapped his arms around Valerius, burying his face in Valerius’ chest. It didn’t matter who it was, just as long as someone stayed beside him, offering him warmth to dispel the coldness in his heart.Valerius was stunned for a moment. This was the first tim
But Ethan, with his kind heart, reincarnated quickly. The curse of vengeance followed him through each life.Ethan looked at the scenes of his tragic past, feeling as though hundreds of arrows pierced his heart, leaving him gasping in agony. “Mother… I don’t want to continue anymore. I want to return to my true life, as Julian Pierce.”Victoria shook her head, her eyes filled with tears. “Julian? Look again.”The mist shifted, revealing the blurry image of Julian Pierce at a party, flashes of cameras in his face, deafening music pounding in his ears. Glass after glass of alcohol was offered to him, and he couldn’t refuse. Each sip burned his throat. He felt dizzy, his body losing control, burning up like he was on fire. He tried to stand, but his legs trembled, unable to support him.“Julian, you’re drunk. Let me take you to your room,” came the voice of a film investor.The scene shifted to a lavish room where Julian was surrounded by powerful men. He struggled, resisting with all hi
Ethan Caelan found himself in an unfamiliar place where darkness engulfed everything—a cold, desolate void.“Where am I…?” Ethan’s voice echoed through the empty space, lost and unanswered, as the howling winds seemed to want to swallow him whole.He realized he could no longer feel his body, as if his soul was wandering aimlessly in an unknown dimension, surrounded by thick, hazy fog. He walked unconsciously along an endless path, with no sense of direction or end.Around him, fragmented images flickered—one moment it was him, Ethan, committing suicide in despair, another was Julian Pierce leaping from the top of a corporate high-rise, and another was a young general being executed. These seemed like his past lives, each marked by tragedy. The blurry images and the feelings of hatred and despair were all too familiar, as though he had truly died, and this place… could it be the Underworld?Suddenly, a gentle light appeared far away, as if guiding him. Ethan wandered aimlessly toward
“Could it be... that Valerius loves Ethan?” The thought struck Harrison like a sharp blade to the heart. Everything suddenly became crystal clear. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place in his mind: the night Ethan was assaulted by the Emperor—the same night Ethan had been with Harrison—the sudden imperial decree sending him off to quell the rebellion in Aria, the hostile look in Valerius’s eyes whenever he was near Ethan. It was all for one reason: Valerius Evander loved Ethan Caelan and wanted him all to himself.Valerius sat quietly by Ethan’s side, his once-cold eyes now filled only with regret and sorrow. He leaned down, his lips brushing lightly against Ethan’s icy forehead, feeling the chilling cold that had taken over. Only now, on the verge of losing the one he truly loved, did Valerius realize just how precious Ethan was to him, and how cruelly he had treated him."I was wrong... so wrong, Ethan... Please, wake up." He whispered, his voice heavy with pain. His lips tremble
"Ethan!" Valerius Evander shouted in shock. He rushed over, catching Ethan’s weakened body. His hands trembled as he desperately tried to press against the wound on Ethan’s neck, but the warm blood continued to pour out, staining Valerius’ hands red.Ethan’s body felt completely drained, his phoenix eyes slowly closing as a faint smile appeared on his lips, finally tasting the freedom he'd longed for. The coldness crept in, and darkness began to envelop him.“Fetch the physician! Immediately! Hurry!” Valerius yelled in panic.“Ethan! You can’t die! Open your eyes and look at me!” Valerius pleaded, but only silence answered him.Doctor Henry Thorne was called urgently. As he entered the room, he froze at the chaotic, intimate scene before him—pillows and blankets strewn across the floor, the two men’s clothes disheveled, and blood pooling on the ground.The moment Valerius saw Henry, he commanded, “Hurry! Save him!”Doctor Henry rushed over and carefully examined Ethan’s wound. His voi
He leaned down, his hot breath brushing Ethan Caelan's ear, his voice a hoarse whisper, "Can you feel it? My cum melting inside you." He smiled in delight, pressing his hand against Ethan’s lower abdomen, "Keep it all in, don’t let a drop spill. I still want to put more in you." Ethan lay helpless beneath Valerius Evander's large body. Every thrust sent sharp waves of pain through his lower body, and he lifted his tear-filled phoenix eyes, abandoning his pride, begging him: "Please, spare me... I can't take it anymore." Valerius unexpectedly paused, gazing into Ethan's once-brilliant, crystal-clear eyes, now clouded with a mist of sorrow. His porcelain skin, bruised and flushed from the torment, only made him more stunning—a beauty so captivating and alluring that it left Valerius spellbound. "How can you be so beautiful?" Valerius murmured, tracing the contours of Ethan's face with his fingertips. For a moment, Ethan thought Valerius had finally taken pity on him. Struggling to