Mateo's eyes narrow as he takes in the commander's appearance, noting the slight flush on his cheeks and the glint in his eye. His gaze flickers to Esmeray, who stands behind Zaiden, her own face flushed and hair slightly disheveled.
"What a coincidence," Mateo says coldly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Finding you both here, alone, in my wife's private study."
He steps closer to Zaiden, his presence intimidating. "Commander, I believe we need to have a little chat about the appropriate use of my wife's time and resources."
Esmeray steps in "The commander did me the honor of bringing my sisters over, your majesty. If anything you should thank him"
Xerxes gaze snaps to Esmeray, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and jealousy. "Your sisters?" he repeats, his voice low and dangerous. "And I suppose they were in the study with you two, engaged in... whatever it was you were doing?"
He turns back to Zaiden, his jaw clenched tightly. "Commander, I suggest you leave. Now. Before I forget that you are an essential member of my army."
Zaiden steps closer his form towering over his prince by an inch "Before we jump into conclusions your majesty, I suggest you look at your actions. The marks of a certain young blonde lady are very present on your neck. Not to mention her very cheap perfume mixed with yours...." he leans in closer "be glad I am merely your commander, otherwise we wouldn't be standing here"
He pulls back turning to Esmeray, "Princess, I will take my leave..and please give my goodbyes to your sister's " with that he exists the estate as Esmeray watches him depart, her heart heavy with the knowledge that their secret has almost or has been discovered.
She turns to face Xerxes her eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and hurt.
"How dare you speak to him like that," she hisses, stepping closer to the prince. "You, who have no qualms about parading your mistresses around the palace. At least Zaiden has the decency to be discreet."
Xerxes eyes widen at her accusation, caught off guard by her boldness. "You... you have no proof of such things," he stammers, his hand instinctively touching the marks on his neck.
Esmeray lets out a bitter laugh. "I may be blind in this marriage, but I am not foolish," she says sharply. "Everyone knows about your affairs...everyone talks about it, even here the rumors are present. This is the first time the commander has come to see me and it's to discuss a certain matter. So please have some respect " She continues, before she could walk away she is pulled from her arm.
"And what exactly is this topic you two were discussing?" he asks her
"If you must know, please follow me to my chambers" She replies leading him.
Esmeray leads Mateo to her chambers, her heart racing with a mix of anger and trepidation. Once inside, she turns to face him, her arms crossed over her chest.
"The commander came to discuss a matter of grave importance," she begins, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "It seems there have been whispers of unrest among the nobles, discontent with the alliance between our kingdoms."
She pauses, studying his reaction. "Tyw commander believes that these tensions could escalate into something more serious if left unaddressed. He suggested that we... strengthen our bond as a united front."
Esmeray takes a deep breath, steeling herself for what she's about to say next."He proposed that we... consummate our marriage,"
Esmeray says quietly, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and anger. "He thinks it will send a strong message to the nobles and solidify our alliance."
She watches Xerxes face closely, searching for any hint of reaction. "So you see, my husband, the commander's visit was not for personal reasons, but for the good of our kingdoms."
Esmeray's voice trembles slightly as she continues. "I told him that it was a decision that should be made by us, together. That I would not be used as a pawn in some political game."
She steps closer to him, her eyes blazing with intensity. "But I want to know what you think about this. Do you agree with Zaiden's proposal?"
Before he could respond she continues "Also, I have been working on something of my own...you said I should help you out right? Will here"she hands him a document.
"Since coming here I have noticed an increase of child abandonment. I had the commander look into it and will the answer is simple. The wages have not increased in the last three years but the price of living has rised making it almost impossible to live here. The numbers of residence in other kingdoms have increased, meaning your people are moving to other kingdoms to continue a living. Mothers who were once able to stay with their children are now leaving them under the care of someone else so they could make a living, even if it means moving away from them"
Her once gloomy eyes are now filled with sadness knowing the people of Celestia have been suffering "Whoever is in charge of the treasury, has been filling false documents. Yet you are to busy sleeping around to see the damage of your people"