"Ah, so the princess has finally decided to grace me with her presence,"Prince Xerxes replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "How thoughtful of you to join me in this... arrangement our fathers have so kindly forced upon us."
"Believe me, if I had it my way I wouldn't he here...especially with you" replies Esmeray, the Princess of Ironhold the great. Her father had arranged a marriage between her and Prince Xerxes of Celestia.
"Oh, the feeling is mutual, my dear," he said, his lips curling into a smirk. "I assure you, if I had any say in the matter, I would not be standing here either."
Esmeray keeps her eyes focused on the sunlight, her eyes, sad and angry. She knew one day she'd sacrifice her happiness but she didn't expect for it to hurt. Not like this. The Prince noticed the sadness in Esmeray's eyes, and for a moment, his cold exterior faltered. He quickly masked it with a condescending tone.
"Well, it seems we are both stuck in this predicament."
"Yes, we are. " composing herself once again she adds "Let's make an agreement then. While our fathers spend time drinking and eating, let us make a promise of ours." she says turning to face him. He raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Esmeray's sudden proposition.
"A promise, you say? And what exactly did you have in mind, Princess?"
"I Esmeray Maeve promise not to seek you, not meddle in your afairs. Not to ask questions, or raise concerns about your whereabouts unless it seems necessary. Whoever you see, whoever you sleep with will not be my buisness. As I expect the same from you. "
Xerxes eyes widened slightly at Esmeray's bold request, a mixture of surprise and intrigue crossing his face. He studied her carefully, weighing her words. "You're suggesting an open marriage, then? How... unexpected."
"Not necessarily. Whatever you do, keep it in silence. Don't dirty my name in any way, don't bring shame upon me. The minute a drop of dirt lands my way, I will make a huge scene in front of everyone. I know the people expect great things from you and from my understanding the throne isn't secure under you. "
His expression darkened at the mention of his precarious hold on the throne. "You play a dangerous game, Princess," he said, his voice low and menacing. "But I admire your boldness.Very well, I accept your terms,"
The Prince said, a smirk returning to his lips. "I, Prince Xerxes Osirs , promise not to interfere in your affairs or seek out your company unless necessary. Your freedom is granted, Princess Esmeray."
******
Four months have passed since the so called agreement the Prince and Princess made. Now they are a few minutes from becoming husband and wife Xerxes stand sat the altar, his gaze fixed on the ornate doors of the chapel. His heart racing with a mix of anticipation and unease as he waits Esmeray's arrival.
Esmeray enters the chapel, her white wedding dress trailing behind her. Her face is adorned with a veil, but Xerxes can see the determination in her eyes as she approaches him.Everyone turns to look at her, many whisper in awe of her beauty. She is considered the most beautiful women in all of the Ironhold kingdom.
Not because of her title but her looks. Long dark brown hair, honey like eyes, two moles under her right eye, the trail along her neck. Some say she holds the constellation in her face.
Prince Xerxes couldn't help but stare as Esmeray glided down the aisle, her beauty taking his breath away. Back then he didn't pay her any mind but seeing her up closer he sees why people made such a fuss over her.
The priest begins the ceremony, his voice echoing through the chapel. Xerxes and Esmeray exchange vows, their voices steady despite the gravity of the moment.The ceremony concludes, and the newlyweds are declared husband and wife.
The chapel erupts in applause as Mateo and Esmeray turn to face their guests, a forced smile plastered on both their faces.
While everyone moves to the adorned ballroom Esmeray and the Prince go back to change into comfortable attires for the reception.
As they meet back up in the hallway, an awkward silence hangs between them."You look lovely my wife" he says a smirk playing on his lips. Esmeray glances at him, a hint of annoyance in her eyes. "And you look... adequate, husband," she replies, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"So, shall we make an appearance at our own wedding reception?"He chuckles softly at Esmeray's response, finding her sarcasm amusing.
"After you, Princess," he says, gesturing for her to lead the way.They enter the room, applause bouncing off the walls as they enter.
At the end King Adrian and Queen Freya stand tall and proud. Not far from them King Lionel Esmeray's father stands, his huge figure a cover for his soft heart.
Esmeray knows he wants the best for her, she just wished he could have given her a chance to present her lover.
Maybe he would have never agreed to this, especially if he knew who the mystery man is.
Xerxes and Esmeray make their way through the crowd, accepting congratulations and wellwishes from their guests.
As they approach their respective parents, Xerxes can't help but notice the tension between Esmeray and her father. He leans in close to Esmeray, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispers, "Your father seems... tense. Is everything alright?"
Esmeray's eyes flicker towards her father before she responds, her voice low."Don't be fooled by his appearance" she replies smiling at her father who did the same.
Xerxes nods, his gaze lingering on King Lionel for a moment longer. "I see. Well, let's not let it ruin our... celebration," he says, his tone dripping with sarcasm.