Mateo excuses himself from the table, murmuring something about attending to a royal matter. As he walks away, he glances back at me, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.I too get up from my seat and make small talks with some of the guests.
Many traveled from across the seas to come, many having ties with the kingdom of Celestia. A few allies from Ironhold also attend, but due to the dangerous roads to get here many skipped sending a messenger and a few gifts.
My sister Verna is attending but the heavens only know of her whereabouts. As the night wears on, the guests begin to thin out. The prince reappears, his eyes scanning the room until they land on me.
He makes his way over, a glass of wine in hand "Some of our guests have retired yet you weren't here to thank them" he takes a sip of his wine, his eyes never leaving mine. "I was... detained," he says, his tone nonchalant. "Besides, I'm sure you handled the thanking quite well on your own."
"By detained you mean having some fun with your lover. I will make myself clear now, don't embarrass me, not today not ever. Or I will end the contract on the stupidest thing and you can kiss your throne goodbye"
Xerxes eyes widen at my sudden outburst, a mix of shock and anger flashing across his face. He leans in closer, his voice low and menacing.
"You think you can threaten me, Princess?" he hisses."I don't think I can. I know I can and I am." I say back standing my ground something my parents always taught me even if gets me in trouble. Xerxes stares at me for a long moment, his jaw clenched. Finally, he takes a step back, his expression unreadable.
"You're playing a dangerous game, Esmeray," he says, his voice cold.I step close to him again "I like playing dangerous games your majesty "Mateo's eyes widen slightly at my boldness, a flicker of surprise and something else, something darker, passing through them.
"You're a foolish girl," he murmurs, his breath hot against my face. Before I could say anything else, my father steps in "Yes, my daughter could be a bit foolish but she's also strong and stubborn. You must excuse her behavior your majesty she tends to forget she is no longer a teen but an adult woman"
Xerxes nods curtly at King Lionel, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before he turns away. "Of course, your Majesty. I'll remember that," he says, his tone formal and distant
.Xerxes leaves me and my father alone for a while "You must remember, these people aren't as forgiving as I am. " I bow my head slightly, acknowledging my father's words. "I understand, Father. I'll be more mindful in the future," I say, my tone contrite.We talk for a bit as we walk through the garden, just outside the celebration "I am sorry your mother couldn't make it, you know how she is"
"I know...she is stubborn as I am. " My father chuckles softly. "Indeed, she is. But I'm sure she's proud of you, Esmeray. You've grown into a fine woman," he says, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder."Thank you father. " when my mother heard of the arrangement she quickly went against it. Not because she doesn't agree with arranged marriages but to whom. My mother was once a Citizen of Celestia before moving to Ironhold at a young age. She and my father meet fell in love and married.
According to my mother the royal family ain't shit, I can see why now. Regardless my father agreed to the marriage.
King Lionel sighs heavily, his expression turning serious. "Your mother... she has her reasons for feeling that way," he says, his voice low. "But this marriage, Esmeray, it's important for the kingdoms.I know it's not ideal, but we have to think about the bigger picture,"
King Lionel continues, his gaze meeting mine. "Promise me you'll give this marriage a chance, at least for now."
"Don't worry father I will. But I can't promise an heir. . And if things go sideways I will end it " his expression hardens, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. "Esmeray, I expected more from you," he says, his tone stern. "This marriage is not just about you and your desires."
"You're right father, because my desire was never involved in this. We agreed to do this, I agreed to do this, to help the prince, despite my own relationship. "
My father's eyes widen slightly at my revelation, a mix of shock and concern crossing his face. "Esmeray... you have a relationship? With whom?" he asks, his voice low and urgent.
"With commander Zaiden Aryan, the commander of the Prince's army