Ethan struggled to remain calm, but his voice trembled more and more. He couldn't accept the terrifying prospect awaiting him. His eyes filled with tears, brimming with pain and pleading.
"The journey is long and perilous—can I even survive to reach there? There are countless traps in a foreign land; I could be falsely accused, harmed, tortured to death. My whole life, I would only be a slave to the royal family of Helios. This journey offers me only two paths: humiliation or death."
He choked on his words, almost suffocating in the intensity of his emotions. Ethan knew he was not just begging for his life but also for the compassion of the father he revered. His heart surged with a sense of helplessness and despair.
"Father, I am also a prince, your son. How can you let me live in disgrace, trampled by the royal family of Helios? How can you abandon me like this?"
Ethan's words pierced the king's heart like daggers, each sentence laden with fear and indignation. He hoped, even a little, that his father would change his decision, that there would be another way that wouldn't push him into danger.
The king, seeing Ethan still overwhelmed with emotion, tried to gently advise, his voice warm but full of authority:
"Ethan, you must understand that as members of the royal family, we must always place the nation's interests first. In my heart, there is no pain greater than sending you to the enemy, but to preserve our kingdom and ensure peace for our people, I have no other choice. This is the price our royal family must pay, the sacrifice you must make. Please understand my heart."
The king looked sternly at Ethan and continued with suspicion:
"Was the accident last time not a coincidence? Did you stage it to avoid your duty to the Kingdom of Helios?" His voice grew cold and angry.
Ethan looked up at his father in shock, his eyes wide with disbelief and pain.
"Father, do you doubt me?" His voice trembled, filled with both outrage and sorrow.
"Father, how can you think I would do something so despicable?"
He looked directly at the king, his voice resolute:
"I swear on my life to prove my innocence! It was entirely an accident!"
The king’s eyes were full of doubt.
"To prevent any mishap, from now on, you will stay within the palace, and I will assign two more squads of guards to ensure your safety."
The queen took Ethan's hand, her voice gentle but firm:
"Be strong. We are always with you, always love you."
Although she felt sympathy for Ethan, a talented prince, the safety of her own child remained her top priority. The queen silently breathed a sigh of relief that her son would not be a hostage in a foreign land.
With a stern expression, the king decisively issued his order:
"My decision is made. In a month, when the Helios military arrives, they will escort you on your journey. Prepare yourself now."
Not giving Ethan a chance to react, the king waved his hand and left, his mood far from cheerful.
After the king and queen left, Julian Pierce, now in the body of Ethan Caelan, felt the fate of the fourth prince was so tragic. The space was silent, with only the sound of sighs and conflicting thoughts in his mind.
"Four sons, and Ethan Caelan was the one chosen to be a hostage? He seems less loved than his brothers," Julian thought, filled with doubt and confusion.
"Yet even while imprisoned, he still protected them... How pitiful! Ethan Caelan was too kind."
Julian sighed, his mind tangled with conflicting thoughts. He pondered his own plans.
"I'm not Ethan Caelan; there's no reason for me to endure this imprisoned fate. But if I escape, Ethan will be seen as a coward, guilty of treason. Can I survive with that reputation?"
He tried to recall the script, but the vague details worried him. Julian sighed:
"Haizz! I should have read the script more carefully back then. All I remember is that Ethan was commanded to go to the kingdom of Helios as a hostage, and then he would be imprisoned and threatened. A noble prince, living in luxury, with looks as beautiful as an immortal, forced to live under the control of that tyrant king..."
Thinking of this, Julian shuddered.
Julian's thoughts became increasingly complex and chaotic.
"Being the emperor's male concubine, what would that entail? I've never even dated before, let alone imagined such things! Since becoming a trainee, all my relationships have been closely monitored. Before, it was just reading scripts and acting; it wasn't real. I'm only 25."
A sense of fear crept into his heart.
"What should I do? Running away is cowardly; staying means enduring humiliation."
Julian looked out at the sky, worried.
"If it were Ethan, what would he do? Right, with his self-sacrificing nature, he would accept it as a prince's duty. After all, now I am Ethan. I have to live according to the character's personality, follow the plot, and see it as an experience."
Thinking this, Julian felt a bit more determined.
"Anyway, this isn't the real world; consider it a long-term role."
"But... oh dear, being a male concubine for a tyrant king, I can't even imagine. If I act well, maybe he'll treat me better?"
Julian smiled gently.
"Let's try living Ethan's life, facing all challenges. Maybe there's a chance to turn the tide. But still, I'm scared; being a male concubine... what a challenge, unlike anything in my acting career."
He stood up, walked out to the yard, and gazed at the sky.
"Life is unpredictable. Just yesterday, I was a movie star with a packed schedule; now I'm a prince about to be a hostage in a foreign land. Life sure knows how to test people."
Julian felt his heart lighten, as if he had found a direction for himself.
"Whatever happens, I must be mentally and physically prepared. I can't let myself be caught off guard. Ethan Caelan, you lived a noble life; now it's my turn to continue this role completely."
Julian smiled confidently, feeling more resolute."Yes, life is a grand play, and I will play this role well. Just wait and see, I will change the situation."With this determination, Julian felt relieved."Ethan, I will live your life, and I will change your fate."“To truly embody the role of Ethan Caelan, I need to understand more about the life here and Ethan's relationships,” Julian Pierce told himself. He decided to thoroughly investigate everything around him.He summoned Reed Jace and Leo Grant.“I want to know more about the rules of the palace and everything related to my daily life,” Julian said gently.Leo Grant looked at Julian with a serious expression and began to meticulously explain each rule, from how to interact with officials to attending banquets. Reed Jace added details about Ethan Caelan’s preferences and habits.By the time they finished, it was already dusk. There was a sound from a guard outside the door announcing.“Your Highness, Crown Prince Nathaniel Cael
Sebastian added enthusiastically:“That’s right, big brother isn’t wrong. Not only in the military, but he also reformed politics. Valerius Evander reduced taxes for the people, encouraged trade and commerce. Thanks to that, the people's lives improved significantly, and their trust in the court increased.”Nathaniel nodded, continuing:“Moreover, he promoted culture, arts, and education. Talents are valued regardless of their background. Those who are corrupt and bribe are severely punished without mercy.”Ethan listened attentively, sensing the strength and decisiveness of Valerius Evander. Sebastian cautiously added:“Although these policies have greatly benefited Helios, it’s undeniable that Valerius Evander is extremely brutal in conquering neighboring countries. Those who refuse to cede land or pay tribute are mercilessly annexed.”After finishing the story about Helios, Nathaniel looked directly into Ethan’s eyes, his voice slow but filled with deep concern.“Ethan, no matter w
News of consecutive victories kept arriving. In just one month, the army of the Kingdom of Helios, led by the four grand marshals, had crushed two neighboring countries, Yellowstone and Whitewater, causing other nations to fear and tremble. The Kingdom of Aria had also suffered a severe defeat, losing three major cities: Goldsun, Jaspergreen, and Windkeep, pushing them into a perilous situation.The Kingdom of Helios, once a small nation, had transformed into a mighty and prosperous empire since Valerius Evander ascended the throne.It was known as the "Glory of Valerius."Valerius Evander, even when he was still a crown prince, was renowned not only for his exceptional leadership but also for his bravery and decisiveness on the battlefield.Under Valerius Evander’s leadership, the army of the Kingdom of Helios had consistently won victories, expanding its territory and establishing a powerful dynasty. Alongside the young king were four experienced marshals, Zane Ryder, Aiden Cole, El
Cassian bowed his head and continued, “When I was an envoy to Aria, I had the honor of meeting the fourth prince several times. His reputation is well-deserved. His beauty surpasses that of the paintings, his demeanor as if he were a celestial being.”Valerius smirked, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes. “More beautiful than my concubines?”Cassian smiled gently, his tone respectful. “Your Majesty, Prince Ethan Caelan, when riding a horse, exudes heroic spirit; when playing the lute, his demeanor is unmatched; when playing chess, he is sharp and intelligent. Is there any woman in this world who can compare?”Valerius laughed heartily, but a deep contemplation was evident in his eyes. “It makes me want to meet him. But what use is an Aria prince to Helios? Bringing him here would be inviting trouble.”Cassian remained undeterred, smiling faintly as he responded, “Your Majesty, true talent knows no gender or origin. A treasure should be in one's grasp.”Valerius was silent for a moment, his
His voice became solemn as he reminisced about the distant memories."Victoria Everglow was famous for her talent and beauty. The Emperor, who was then the Crown Prince, visited Aria Music Academy. Shortly after, she was taken to the palace to become a consort."Ethan listened intently:"Do you know what happened to my mother after that?"Raphael shook his head, his eyes reflecting his sadness."After she entered the palace, we never saw each other again. She never returned to visit my master. Two years later, I received news of her sudden death. This news devastated my master and everyone at the academy."Ethan felt the deep sorrow in Raphael's words.Silence enveloped the room. Ethan felt his heart grow heavy. Since arriving in this world, he had considered it his second home. Now, knowing Victoria Everglow was his mother, he felt a profound connection to Ethan Caelan's emotions and body, no longer distinguishing between the two.After Raphael left, Ethan ordered an investigation an
As the afternoon drew to a close, Leo Grant signaled that time was up, and they had to return to the palace.As Ethan prepared to leave, Cecilia escorted him to the gate, her eyes filled with tears:"Your Highness, take care. Imperial Consort Victoria would be very proud to see you like this."Ethan smiled gratefully and took out a small box from his luggage, handing it to Cecilia:"This is a small gift to thank you for your loyalty to my mother. Please accept it."Cecilia, moved, accepted the box with trembling hands:"Thank you, Your Highness."Ethan looked at Cecilia, nodded in farewell:"Take care, you cannot stay here long."Then he mounted his horse and quickly returned to the palace.Cecilia watched Ethan’s figure until he disappeared from sight. She returned to her house and opened the exquisite wooden box. Inside was a precious jade bracelet and enough gold bars to live comfortably for the rest of her life anywhere. With the instinct of an experienced palace maid, she underst
When the Emperor and Empress returned to their quarters, night had already fallen over the entire palace. The atmosphere in the room was heavy. The Empress sighed softly, her eyes following the Emperor's back with concern."Your Majesty, please don't blame Ethan," she said gently, her tone full of pleading."Ethan is still young and easily influenced by others. It is also my fault for neglecting his education recently."The Emperor turned back, his gaze stern and full of anger."You think I don't know what you've been up to?"He stepped closer to the Empress, his voice growing harsher."Don't rely on your position as the Dowager Empress's niece to think I will always tolerate your actions. Ethan has endured much. Later, when we return to the Kingdom of Helios, you and I must make amends for him."The Empress bowed her head, her voice soft but her eyes burning with suppressed fury."I will obey, Your Majesty."The Emperor stared at her for a long moment before turning away, leaving the
Ethan gazed forward, serenely passing by. Yet, within him, a complex emotion stirred. For the first time since arriving in this world, he deeply felt the role and responsibility of a prince. His eyes looked far ahead, towards the arduous path that awaited him. He silently vowed to live and fight for those who had placed their trust in him.Ethan tightened his grip on the reins, his determination unwavering, knowing that the future of Aria and his destiny were now intertwined. As his horse advanced, he felt the heartbeat of the people sync with his own, sensing the sacred bond between him and his subjects.The escort continued their journey, covering the territory of Aria in just five days, crossing the forest that divided the two kingdoms. When night fell, the skies opened up with torrential rain. Harrison ordered the soldiers to set up camp.Though seated in his carriage, Ethan was exhausted, the rain seeping through, and he couldn't withstand the cold of the deep forest, soon develo