It's been two months since Esmeray and Xerxes tied the knot. Two long months since they spoke, two long months since she moved out of the Prince villa into her own estate. Although uncomfortable at first she got settled in pretty quickly.
The Prince sits alone in his study, a glass of whiskey in hand as he stares at the portrait of Esmeray that hangs above the fireplace.His eyes trace the curves of her face, the way her hair cascades down her shoulders, and the sparkle in her eyes that he hasn't seen in months.
He remembers the day they were married, how beautiful she looked in her wedding dress, and how he felt a spark of something unfamiliar in his chest. Love, perhaps?
But it was quickly overshadowed by his pride and arrogance.He had a discussion with her father a few days ago. A discussion he must have with her.
He takes a horse ride to her estate that's only a few minutes from his. The Prince dismounts his horse, tying it to the post outside Esmeray's estate. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead.Esmeray is told of his arrival, she asks to meet him outside in the backyard.
Xerxes follows the servant through the estate, his heart pounding in his chest as he approaches the backyard. He sees Esmeray standing by a fountain, her back to him as she gazes at the fishes in the water. He makes his way to her "Your majesty" he bows Esmeray turns to face him, her expression guarded. "Prince Xerxes," she acknowledges with a slight nod. "I was informed of your arrival."
He studies her for a moment, his eyes searching hers ."How have you been Princess. Is everything alright? " he asks genuinely wanting to know
"I've been managing," she says quietly "Although it seems as though someone keeps lurking in the shadows keeping an eye on me. Might you know why or who it could be" Esmeray knows the Prince has been keeping eyes on her, she wants to know if he will admit to it.
His eyes widen slightly, a flicker of guilt crossing his face before he quickly composes himself. "Lurking in the shadows? I'm not sure what you mean," he says, his tone carefully neutral."Hm..." she simply replies.
"I shall have a few of my men gaurd you, in case of anything" he suggests. Esmeray turns back to the garden "No need. Although I do have a favor to ask" Xerxes brows furrow slightly at her dismissal of his offer. "Very well," he says, his tone tinged with a hint of annoyance. "What favor do you require, Princess?"
"Allow my sisters to visit me. I also want some of my maids here with me and a few of my men" Xerxes jaw clenches slightly at her request, a flash of jealousy crossing his face before he quickly masks it. "Your sisters and maids, I suppose I can arrange that," he says reluctantly. "But your men?Why would you need your own men here, Princess?"
His tone sharp with suspicion. "Are you planning something I should be aware of?"
She chuckles a little "No, nothing like that. You see although I appreciate your men guarding me, they are no fun. I try having conversations with them but ugh they are boring in their response. Compared to my men, they like having conversations with me. We all grew up together so we know about each other"
His expression softens slightly at her explanation, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "I see," he says, nodding slowly. "Very well, I'll permit your men to join you here."
"Really." Esmeray asks in surprise, she was expecting him to go against her wishes coming up with a stupid excuse "Thank you" she says jolting in happiness.
The Prince smiles softly at her reaction, a warmth spreading through his chest at the sight of her genuine happiness. "You're welcome, Princess," he says gently. "I may be many things, but I'm not unreasonable."
She scans him for a bit "...mm.." her simple reactions are something he dislikes, simply because he doesn't know what they mean.
"Forgive me you came to see me, what can I help you with" Xerxes hesitates for a moment, his gaze drifting back to the portrait of Esmeray in his study. "Actually, there is something I wanted to discuss with you," he says slowly. "Something important."
"What is it?" Xerxes mind goes back the conversation he had with King Lionel. "I had a talk with your father a few days ago. He came to see me" he fidges with his handerchief looking for the words. "He suggests a way for our kingdoms to unite in a stronger unity"
Esmeray takes a step back "My father was here? What did he say?"
He nods, his expression serious. "Yes, he came to discuss a proposal that could strengthen the bond between our kingdoms even further," he explains. "He suggested that we... consummate our marriage."
Esmeray's eyes widen in shock, her cheeks flushing a deep red. "Consummate our marriage?" she repeats, her voice barely above a whisper. "But... but we've barely even spoken to each other since the wedding."
"He suggests trying for an heir" the prince fishes his statement.
Esmeray's blood begins to boil in anger her expression very visible.Xerxes sees the anger flash in Esmeray's eyes and takes a step back, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "I know this is sudden, and I'm not saying we have to do it immediately," he says quickly "But he could have a point..even I do not like this but there is a reason why we got married"