"My marriage with the prince is an arrangement nothing else. I never thought I would fall for him while still in love with someone else. " Esmeray composes herself walking to the tub, she allows her body to relax.
"I made a mistake I know, so did he. Mother you and I are the only ones who know. The maids who were here, make sure they keep their mouths shut"
A shiver runs down the Queen's back. She knows Esmeray is cunning but to go so far, this is not who she raised. Then again, all her offsprings have ambitions.
"I will call back the maids to get you ready. " Dinner came by, everyone already sited at the table waiting for Esmeray, "Forgive my timing " she says as she takes her seat next to Xerxes.
Xerxes looks at Esmeray with concern, noticing her reddened eyes and slightly disheveled appearance. "Is everything alright?" he asks quietly, his hand brushing against hers beneath the table.
Esmeray forces a smile, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "Everything's fine," she murmurs back. "Just a little tired from the journey."
As the first course is served, Queen Verena watches her daughter carefully from across the table. She can see the tension in Esmeray's shoulders, the way she avoids meeting Xerxes' gaze.
King Lionel launches into a lively discussion about the upcoming hunting season, oblivious to the undercurrents at play. Sari and Mari chatter excitedly about a upcoming ball, while Nymeria listens silently, her sharp eyes taking in every detail.
After dinner, Esmeray began chatting with Nymeria her older sister. "Tell me sister, what's the possibility of taking you down in a sword fight ?" Teases Esmeray. She knows very well she could never take her sister down, she is after all second in command. Cain her twin being the general and future king.
Nymeria laughs "haha you, please Esme don't make me laugh " Esmeray pouts playfully at her sister's teasing. "Hey, I'll have you know I've been practicing," she insists. "Maybe I'll surprise you one of these days."
Nymeria smiles indulgently, ruffling Esmeray's hair affectionately. "I'm sure you will, little sister," she says. "But for now, let's just enjoy our time together, shall we?"
As they continue their conversations, Xerxes watches the exchange from across the room, a hint of jealousy flickering in his eyes.
Queen Verena notices his gaze and approaches him quietly. "They're close," she observes softly. "Esmeray and her sisters. It's a bond forged by love and loyalty."
Xerxes nods, turning to look at her. "It must be nice," he murmurs."I heard about your sister, I am greatly sorry about the news, but praise the heavens she is fine and so is her baby. " Comments the Queen.
"Thank you. Yes she is fine, the baby is to be born in a few more weeks "
The Queen notices the sparkle in his eyes at the mention of his nephew, she takes this opportunity to ask "Would you like to have kids of your own, your majesty?" Xerxes' eyes widen slightly at the Queen's question, caught off guard. He glances over at Esmeray, his expression unreadable.
"I...yes, I suppose I would," he says slowly. "It's the expectation, isn't it? For a prince to produce an heir."
Queen Verena nods understandingly. "But what about your own desires?" she presses gently. "Do you want children for yourself, or simply to fulfill your duty?"
Xerxes is silent for a moment, considering her words. "I think...I would like to have a family," he admits quietly. "A loving one, like Esmeray has with her siblings."
He looks at Esmeray again, a hint of longing in his gaze. "Someone to love and protect, who loves me in return."
Queen Verena smiles softly, placing a hand on his arm. "Then perhaps you should start by loving your wife," she suggests."She has told me everything" Xerxes turns his head to the Queen embarrassment or shame maybe both covering his face.
"My Queen I never meant to hurt-"
"Don't bother. Men will always be men, all except one" She looks into his eyes before proceeding "Zaiden has always made it clear to him Esmeray is the only one. He has turned down many potential proposals hoping my husband would offer it. As you know, he didn't. I hade my reasons to not attend your wedding, I never approved of this, I was hoping you would prove me wrong. I see however you live up to your rumors and have hurt my daughter" Xerxes feels a pang of guilt and shame at the Queen's words. He knows he's hurt Esmeray, and the knowledge weighs heavily on him.
"I understand your disappointment," he says quietly. "And your anger. I have not been the husband Esmeray deserves."
Queen Verena studies him carefully, her gaze piercing. "Then prove me wrong," she says firmly. "Be the man Esmeray needs, the partner she deserves. Love her, protect her, cherish her."
She leans in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "And if you ever hurt her again, I will not hesitate to end our alliance and declare war on Celestia."
Xerxes nods solemnly, understanding the gravity of her words. "I will do better," he promises. "For Esmeray, for our kingdom...for myself."
Queen Verena steps back, her expression softening slightly. "See that you do," she says.
Hey beautiful people, I hope this new year we all accomplish our goals and hope for a better year. I pray for your health and prosperity. May your table never run out of food and your wallet never empty. I will try to keep updating as I always have with three chapters a week, but please understand that I also have a small business and since valentines day is coming up I will be busy making orders. Thank you for your support and if you are new here welcome ♥️