Esmeray gets up " Very will. I admit defeat....but doesn't mean I will back down " she speaks to Oso, but her words seem to be directed to Lady Isabella. She shakes Oso's hand but he feels something is off, he turns her hand over noticing blood running from her hand. "Princes you're bleeding " he murmurs.
Captain Levi rushes in, scolding himself "Princess here, add pressure" he says handing her a towel. He escorts her to the infirmary, Zaiden follows behind.
As Captain Levi leads Esmeray away, Zaiden falls into step beside them, his expression unreadable but his presence protective.
"She pushed herself too hard," Levi mutters worriedly. "Fighting with two blades takes immense control and strength."
Zaiden's voice is low and steady. "She learned that form from someone who knows its risks."
Inside the infirmary tent, the healer examines Esmeray's hand carefully. "The blade must have nicked a vein during one of those final exchanges. It's not deep, but it bled more than expected."
Esmeray winces slightly as the healer cleans the wound. "I'm fine," she insists through gritted teeth. "Just a little cut."Suddenly a commotion is heard outside "Where is my wife" Esmeray rolls her eyes, hating the fact he is here. Her actions doesn't go unnoticed by Zaiden, Lady Isabella's presence wasn't out of coincidence.. Something must have happened.
The prince enters the infirmary seeing Esmeray's dress covered in blood. "What happened? How did you get cut ?" He turns to the captain and commander "How did this happen?" He says through gritted teeth
Captain Levi steps forward respectfully but firmly. "Your Majesty, the Princess was engaged in a training match. These things happen during intense sparring."
Xerxes' eyes narrow as he takes in the scene Esmeray's bloody hand wrapped in bandages, Zaiden standing protectively close to her.
"Training match?" Xerxes repeats skeptically. "You let the Princess fight with live weapons?"
Zaiden's voice is dangerously calm. "She was holding her own against a seasoned soldier until a distraction cost her focus."
Esmeray stands up abruptly, ignoring the healer's warning about resting. "I can speak for myself. Gentle Oso and I were practicing dualwielding techniques."His eyes widen at the mention of Gentle Oso.
Unlike his cute name he is anything but Gentle, compared to Esmeray's small frame he stands at seven feet eleven inches. He is build like a tank, a dangerous one at that, coming from a lineage of giants, he is not someone to play with.
"The point is you are a princess not a solider to be putting your life at risk" Esmeray turns to face the Captain and Zaiden. "Thank you for today. Commander " she smiles at them, making her way out.
Captain Levi bows deeply. "Princess Esmeray, your skill is unmatched. We would be honored to have you train with us again."
"It would be my pleasure, of course after getting some rest that is. Please don't let today become a distraction to the soldiers"
As she passes Xerxes, he reaches out instinctively to stop her. "Esmeray, wait. We need to talk about this."
But she keeps walking without looking back. "There's nothing to talk about. I fulfilled my end of the bargain."
From behind them, Gentle Oso's voice booms across the training grounds. "Princess! You never told me your name!"
Zaiden turns back with a smirk. "Her name is Esmeray. And she'll be back."
The tension between the two men is palpable as Zaiden's gaze challenges Xerxes openly. Esmeray gets inside the carriage as told by her husband. Once inside Xerxes turns to face Zaiden his fist clenched tightly "You are to protect her, yet you allow her to hurt herself "
"If you think she needs protection you know nothing about her...ah and tell your blonde friend to watch her words...it seems as though Esmeray has won the hearts of many men today, who are willing to kill for her. Take care my friend " Zaiden walks away, back to the training grounds, from behind Xerxes notices Claw marks on his back..but not from a bear or animal, No, from a woman.
His mind now racing with possibilities of them sleeping. Xerxes' jaw clenches as he watches Zaiden walk away, the sight of those claw marks sending a jolt of possessive anger through him. Inside the carriage, Esmeray sits with her arms crossed defiantly.
"Don't you dare lecture me," she says without looking at him. "You lost any right to tell me what to do the moment you chose someone else."
Her voice carries a bitterness he's never heard before, and it cuts deeper than any weapon could.
Xerxes runs a hand through his hair frustratedly. "I didn't choose her over you, Esmeray. It was complicated."
She finally turns to face him, her expression cold and distant. "Complicated?"If that's what helps you sleep at night, fine whatever...I saw her standing in between the crowd..."
"You did?" He asks in a low voice
"Yes. Xerxes I don't care what you do. Don't bring her near me or else" soon they arrive at the Estate and waiting outside for them behold the snake herself.
"Your majesty " Lady Isabella bows to Xerxes ignoring Esmeray who is more then shocked by her appearance.
"I'll leave you two. Ah and Lady Isabella.." she leans in close "I suggest you stick to embroidery, stealing another man doesn't suit you. "
Lady Isabella's face flushes with fury at the insult, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.
"How dare you speak to me like that," she hisses under her breath as Esmeray walks past her into the estate.
Xerxes steps between them protectively, his expression dangerous. "Isabella, you will treat my wife with respect."
The title "wife" hangs in the air between them, a reminder of the duties and commitments that bind them all together.
Inside the estate, Esmeray ascends the stairs without waiting for anyone. Her heart pounds with a mix of anger and something else she can't quite name something that feels dangerously close to jealousy.