Days have passed since Prince Jackson made his deal, while him and Xerxes were busy talking Celia disappeared leaving behind ashes of what was once her, maybe a tactic shes been hiding all along. In between the ashes two bottles with a letter attached indicating how to use it.
Prince Jackson quickly gave the antibiotic to his wife, slowly but surely she began getting better. After about a week or so she was full in health and her baby moving and kicking.
"Forgive me brother, I can not go with you, I must stay here-"
Brushing a strand of hair behind her ear "I know, Mother and father will understand. Regardless two of my men will stay with you, they have knowledge about medicine and will keep gaurd" Princess Stella smiles at her brother's gracious gift. "Have safe travels and say Hi to your wife for me"
With a heavy heart, he bids her farewell and prepares to depart. "I'll return soon,"
As Xerxes makes his way back to the palace, his mind races with thoughts of Esmeray and the unspoken confession that hangs between them.His thoughts going back to what Celia said. Clearly she has unimaginable powers, otherwise she wouldn't confess his secrets.
What exactly did she mean by "is the child even yours", Could Esmeray have betrayed him without him knowing? He knows she has a lover, or so he hopes she had before their marriage, but she couldn't possibly do such a thing .
The thought of Esmeray betraying him sends a sharp pang through Xerxes' chest. He shakes his head, trying to dismiss the notion. "No, she couldn't have..." he murmurs to himself.But as he continues his journey back, the doubt lingers in the back of his mind. He knows he needs to confront Esmeray and demand the truth. "Upon my return, I will ask her directly,"
Exactly what will he ask? After all he's the one who's been playing games behind her back. Sleeping with someone else, sneaking behind her back, going as far as to getting Lady Isabella pregnant.
If she did the same...it was out of spite...revenge maybe. Xerxes' guilt gnaws at him as he considers his own actions. He knows he has no right to accuse Esmeray of infidelity when he himself has been unfaithful. The realization makes his heart heavy.The carriage ride back to the palace is filled with a heavy silence, Xerxes lost in thought.
As they approach the palace gates, he takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation ahead.Xerxes enters the palace, his mind made up. He knows he needs to come clean about his own transgressions before confronting Esmeray. With heavy footsteps, he makes his way to her chambers.He knocks at her door, no answer. He makes his way inside. The room is empty, he looks around calling for her, he looks out her balcony spotting her near the garden.
He makes his way to her his heart skips a beat as he sees her, her silhouette framed by the moonlight. He approaches slowly, his footsteps quiet.She looks over, eyes meeting his. She wasn't told of his return but she's been secretly waiting. They stand there, not moving as the wind blows gently sending shivers down their body.
Xerxes' gaze softens as he sees the tears glistening in Esmeray's eyes, half hidden by the moonlight. He takes a step closer, his heart aching to comfort her."Esmeray," Xerxes whispers, his voice gentle. He reaches out, his hand hovering near her cheek, seeking permission to touch her. "I'm sorry for leaving without a word. I...I had to go."Esmeray turns away from his touch, wrapping her arms around herself as she stares out into the night.
Her voice trembles slightly as she speaks. "I know. Your sister is she-" His hand lingering as she turns away "she is fine, her and her baby are healing" he replies, Esmeray nods, a single tear escaping and rolling down her cheek.
She wipes it away quickly, trying to compose herself. "I'm glad she's alright."Xerxes' brow furrows with concern as he notices Esmeray's redrimmed eyes and the slight tremble in her shoulders. He steps closer, his hand gently touching her arm."Esmeray, please tell me what's wrong," Xerxes pleads softly, his thumb brushing gently against her arm. "Why have you been crying?"
His eyes search hers, filled with worry and a hint of guilt."I had a nightmare" Xerxes' expression softens, his hand moving from her arm to cup her cheek gently. "A nightmare? About what, my love?" he asks, his voice filled with concern and affection."You" she confesses, her eyes meeting his.
Xerxes eyes widen "what was this dream about"Esmeray hesitates for a moment, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I...I dreamed that you were drowning. The water was pulling you under, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't reach you."
"Theres no need to worry, your husband knows how to swim"
Esmeray interrupts
"Theres more. In my dream, I see you, standing in front of a woman who seems to hold her womb. Behind her, another woman, she too rubs her stomach. Suddenly you walk in front of the first, kissing her head, then you walk to the second women, kissing her belly. You are about to speak when suddenly blood runs down your mouth, I look down to see a hole in your chest. ..you fall to the ground.." Esmeray sobs trying to compose herself "An older woman stands there holding your heart....I try to fight her beging to bring you back....all she does is laugh...the first woman cries as she sees you, the second women stands there frozen. I try my best to bring you to life but fail." Xerxes' face pales as Esmeray recounts her nightmare, his hand falling from her cheek.
He takes a step back, his mind racing with the imagery she described. "An older woman...taking my heart..."Esmeray's tears fall freely now, her body shaking with sobs. She reaches out to Xerxes, her fingers brushing against his chest where his heart lies. "I couldn't save you...I-I couldn't save you"