King Adrian raises a toast to celebrate our union. The Queen expects me to quickly bare children stating she expects at least six grandchildren. Very bold of her considering she herself only had two. I assume that's only due to her condition, I fear if it wasn't she'd have many more sons and daughters.
The crowd celebrate at our union, many coming to congratulate us personally. One of them being Zaiden, the commander of the Prince's army. In other words my secret lover "Prince Xerxes congratulations. Princess Esmeray" he kisses my hand, holding it tightly "Commander" I reply back with a smile never losing eye contact.
Xerxes watches the exchange between us, his eyes narrowing slightly as he notices the lingering gaze and the way Zaiden kisses my hand. Xerxes grip on my waist tightens imperceptibly as he leans in, his breath hot against my ear. "My, my, Princess. It seems you have quite the admirer in Commander Zaiden,"I snap back into reality "You are mistaken your majesty.
Me and the commander have been good childhood friends " I say smiling with the commander who agrees. Xerxes raises an eyebrow, his gaze shifting between us. "Is that so? Well, it's good to have friends in high places," he says, his tone casual but with a hint of suspicion."Please excuse me. Your majesty" Zaiden bows leaving me alone with my many desires.
I want to run away with him, I want to challenge the laws for a divorce but I know there is no hope in my dreams. Xerxes watches as Zaiden departs, his eyes lingering on my face. "You seem... distracted, Princess," he remarks, a knowing glint in his eye. "Perhaps you'd like to take a break from the festivities?"
"No, it would be disrespectful of my part. After all many of our guests came from far lands. I don't want them to make the wrong assumptions" Xerxes nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "Of course, you're right. We wouldn't want to offend our guests," he says, his hand still resting on the small of my back.
"Since we know little about each other tell me more about your kingdom and it's tradition " I ask taking a sip of water. Xerxes leans back in his chair, his eyes taking on a faraway look. "Celestia is a kingdom rich in history and tradition," he begins, his voice taking on a lecturing tone.
"Our traditions are deeply rooted in the celestial bodies, hence our kingdom's name. The most prominent festival is the Starfall Celebration, held every year on the night of the meteor shower. During the celebration, the entire kingdom gathers to watch the stars fall, making wishes and prayers. It's said that the gods themselves listen to the wishes made on that night,"
He explains, his eyes shining with a hint of reverence.I lean in closer curiosity taking over me. "Meteor shower?" I ask trying to hide my excitement. Xerxes lips curl into a smirk at my obvious excitement. "Yes, the meteor shower is quite a spectacle," he says, his voice taking on a teasing tone.
Mateo leans in closer, his breath warm against my ear. "It's a pity you won't be able to see it this year," he murmurs, his hand slowly trailing up my arm."Why?" I ask a little disappointed "Because, my dear Princess," Xerxes says, his voice low and seductive, "you'll be spending your nights in my bed, not staring at the stars."
I giggle at his comment, knowing will we won't be sharing the same chambers. "I see. Good thing that's not true. " he smiles at my comment. His smile falters for a moment, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes before he masks it with a smirk. "Ah, yes. Our little arrangement," he says, his tone casual but with an undercurrent of tension.
"Yes, out little arrangement." I reply back. "Now about that meteor shower...when will it happen "He leans back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "The meteor shower is scheduled three months from now," he replies, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. "Why the sudden interest?"
"We don't get meteor showers, we only get the moon and stars and the occasional auroras. I always heard about the showers though, and always wanted to see them."
His expression softens slightly at my admission. "Is that so? Well, perhaps I could arrange a private viewing for you," he says, his tone gentler than before."Really!? " I say in excitement forgetting my manners, only realizing when I made eye contact with my father who gave me a stern look
"My apologies, I would really love that" Xerxes chuckles softly at my excitement, finding it endearing. "Consider it done," he says with a nod, before turning his attention back to the other guests.