Esmeray's heart sinks at Zaiden's words, her eyes widening in shock and sorrow. "Oh, Zaiden," she whispers, reaching out to take his hand. "I'm so sorry."
She squeezes his hand gently, her thumb brushing over his knuckles. "What happened?" she asks softly, her voice filled with concern.
Zaiden takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "She fell ill a few weeks ago," he explains, his voice trembling slightly. "The doctors said it was a rare disease. They did everything they could, but..." He trails off, unable to finish the sentence.
Esmeray's heart aches for him, remembering the close bond he shared with his mother. She pulls him into a hug, wrapping her arms around him tightly.
"I'm here for you," she murmurs into his chest. "Whatever you need."
Zaiden hesitates for a moment before returning the hug, burying his face in her hair. He inhales deeply, savoring her familiar scent.
"Thank you," he whispers back. "I just needed to see you."
Xerxes watches Esmeray comfort Zaiden, his heart twisting with a mix of jealousy and understanding. He knows the commander's intentions are pure, driven by grief and a deep connection to Esmeray.
He takes a deep breath, pushing aside his possessive instincts.
Yet, he has his doubts. Has she really been loyal to him or is she playing games, seeing them close raises so many forgotten questions..
Esmeray holds Zaiden his familiar scent bringing memories of their past love, of their endless love nights..
"We have become Stangers, " he speaks, searching her eyes for some hope of change, for love.
" We always dreamed of becoming husband and wife yet you belong to someone else..."Esmeray's heart aches at Zaiden's words, the pain in his voice mirroring her own. She knows he's right they had once dreamed of a future together, a love that would last forever.
But life had other plans, and now she finds herself married to Xerxes, bound by duty and responsibility.
"I'm sorry," she whispers, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "I never wanted it to be like this."
She pulls back slightly, looking up at him with a mix of sadness and longing. "You know I care about you, deeply. But I made a choice, and I have to live with it."
Zaiden nods, swallowing hard against the lump in his throat. "I know," he says quietly. "I just...I miss you, Esmeray. I miss us."
"Zaiden...I will always love you, no matter what "
Zaiden pulls back, smiling "I care about your happiness, and if that means you loving someone else so be it. Just know I will always be here, if you need some fun...if you need to be challenged in the battle grounds... Just know, if he hurts you, I will not hesitate to strike...I will continue fighting for us until you physically kill me"
Esmeray's breath catches at Zaiden's words, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She knows he means every word, his love for her burning as fiercely as ever.
She reaches up, cupping his cheek gently. "I know," she whispers, her thumb brushing over his skin. "And I'm grateful for your love, always."
She leans in, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. It's a tender gesture, filled with affection and understanding.
"Go rest," she murmurs. "You need it."
Zaiden nods, closing his eyes briefly at the contact. He pulls back reluctantly, giving her one last longing look before turning to leave.
The excitement she had not long ago is quickly replaced by grief. She stands there looking out in the fields, her life completely changed. It's been almost a year since she's been married.
She sighs, she turns around to see Xerxes standing ten feet from her. The wind blowing into her hair, her eyes watering. Sadness? Happiness? Whatever the reason is, tears run down her face.
Xerxes stands there admiring her beautiful features, God he has missed her more then he'd like to admit "...my love.." he speaks. He closes the distance between them, his hand brushing her cheek wiping away the tears.
"Xerxes.." she whispers
"Shh. I know, and I am sorry....for both of you." Her tears pour out like streams. He leans down placing a kiss on her forehead, then her cheeks before turning to her lips.
In a gentle whisper "My love, I have missed you " he confesses
"Please, don't leave me alone....dont leave my side..please take me with you, wherever you go. "
Zaiden watches from the shadows as Xerxes and Esmeray embrace, his heart twisting with a mix of longing and resignation. He knows he should be happy for them, that they deserve their happiness.
But seeing her in another man's arms, hearing her whisper words of love...it's a knife to his heart. He thought he could move on, that he could let her go.
But seeing them together now, he realizes that he never truly could. Esmeray will always be the love of his life, the one who got away.
He turns away from the window, his fists clenched at his sides. He knows he needs to leave, to put distance between himself and the woman he loves.
But even as he walks away, he knows a part of him will always belong to Esmeray. And no matter where life takes him, he'll never forget the love they shared.
One day he will have her back, sooner or later.