We enter the hall, where everyone greets us with a bow. At the end, our seats, along with our father's. The King looks so proud that his son is finally married while the Queen sobs at the thought of her only son being married. My father on the other hand stands proud.
He wants the best for me, I know he does. When I told him that I was already waiting for someone he suspected a low level man, or someone of less power. Instead my lover, Zion is the Commander of the Military, Kings Austin's military to be exact.
Xerxe's posture rigid and uncomfortable. He glances at me briefly, a flash of something unreadable in his eyes before he turns his attention to the King and Queen. "Father, Mother,"
"Your majesty" I bow.
The King nods approvingly at us both. "I'm so glad to see you two finally married. The kingdom will prosper with your union." He turns to Xerxes. "Son, I expect an heir soon."
The Queen turns to me, composing herself
"We have checked on you, and you seem to be a very healthy young lady. Your body has been made to bare children, so I expect at least six grandchildren, eight at most,"
My eyes open wide at her outlandish request. What it I could only bare one or two. Gosh, what does she think I am, an oven ?
"We will try our best" Replies Xerxes
Xerxes face remains impassive, but I can see the muscles in his jaw twitching slightly. He turns to me, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Six or eight, hm? Quite the ambitious goal, Mother."
For someone who only had two children she expects alot.
The Queen ignores his comment, too caught up in her excitement. "I've already begun preparing the nursery. We'll need to expand it, of course, to accommodate all those grandchildren." She claps her hands together.
....shes already planning ahead. I think to myself.
The King clears his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Enough about grandchildren for now. Let's enjoy the feast and celebrate this union." He raises his glass. "To Prince Xerxes Mateo and Princess Esmeray Rubi Ling. The crowd clapp in amusement. The night is filled with many sorts of entertainment. While we sit and watch Zion came to give us his blessings. I couldn't help but sheed a tear. He held my hand out kissing it. I know this hurts him, seeing me with the one he's supposed to protect.
He confessed to me in secret how he had been planning to speak to my father but he was sent to the Northern side of the kingdom and resolve some issues. When he came back I was already engaged.
Mateo notices the exchange between me and Zion, his eyes narrowing slightly. When Zion leans in to whisper something in my ear, Xerxe's grip on his goblet tightens, the knuckles turning white.
"I will find a way to get us out of here," Zion whispers. I simply give a smile. What I want to say is far more. If he kidnapps me and we get caught, we could be killed for treason, even if we already had something going on before this engagement.
"Thank you commander for your services" Zion nods solemnly, giving my hand one last squeeze before stepping back. "My princess," he says, his voice heavy with unspoken emotion.He turns to Xerxes and both have a discussion.
"He seems... fond of you." I hear the Prince comment.
"We grew up together, he became a friend. Someone I could trust. He left my kingdom as his father took over the Kings army. We lost connection after that, so yes, he seems proud of me"
Mateo pulls back slightly, studying my face intently. "A friend, you say?" His lips curl into a small, smirk. "How... convenient." He takes a sip of his wine, never breaking eye contact.
"My Prince what are you implying? Should I imply something between you and the Princess of Westero, she hasn't stopped staring at you since we walked in. Your affair if any is none of my business. We know how men are. So please keep yourself out of my affairs, and I mean that respectfully. I don't need my friends or family members to always be on edge due to your misunderstanding mind"
Mateo's smirk falters, his eyes flashing with anger at my words. He leans in closer, his voice low and dangerous. "You dare speak to me about affairs and misunderstanding minds?I am a prince, not some commoner to be spoken to so freely." His hand grips my arm tightly, his nails dig into my skin.
"And as for the Princess of Westerra, she is merely an acquaintance."
"Then we have an understanding do we not. Now let go. Or have you forgotten that I have more power then you or the King combined. I am the future Empress but I lowered myself to your standards for the sake of your people. Have you perhaps forgotten I am known to kill men more powerful then you?"
Mateo's grip on my arm tightens for a moment before abruptly releases me, his face pale. He leans back in his seat, his eyes never leaving mine. "My apologies, Your Majesty."
The night wears on, the feast and entertainment continuing well into the evening. Mateo keeps his distance from me, engaging in conversations with various nobles and dignitaries.
"You should go to your husband. The night is still long and people expect a child to be conceived tonight" Says my Aunt brushing my hair behind my ear.
"Yes, Aunt. Please stay as long as you need. I'll need a friend and you know more about their traditions than I do"