Zaiden throws his head back, "Good, I expect that from the dragon himself. Just so you know, I have my eyes on you. Only I know the secret you and blondie hold...." Xerxes freezes, he isn't sure if he's being threatened or something else "Don't worry I won't say a word..but sooner or later you will slip up."
Zaiden composes himself spitting on the ground "I suggest you cut the rope you have tied yourself with, if not you'll end up destroying everything and everyone including Esmeray." He steps closer his aura threatening "Hurt her, and I promise I'll use your army to destroy you "
Time stops as they stand their, neither breaking eye contact.
Zaiden breaks the ice laughing "It's late your majesty, I should leave " he stumbles in his walk. As much as Xerxes would love to see him disappear he cannot have his commander roaming the streets like this.
He draggs Zaiden inside asking a few maids to take him to a guest room. Xerxes brushes his hand through his hair sighing, the last thing he wanted was to run into anyone but his wife. Thinking about her, he goes to her chambers.
The only light source the flicker of candles illuminating her soft features. "Forgive me for leaving so sudden my love, I promise to make it up to you" he places a soft gentle kiss on her forehead, leaving to the office downstairs.
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The maids giggle to each other, whispering among themselves. Eliza gives them a stern look as if to say 'Behave or else'. Esmeray notices the joyful environment "Is something funny?" She asks turning to face them.
The maids compose themselves "N-no your majesty" they stumble in their words. Unsatisfied with their response Esmeray pushes on "Oh please if you are laughing it must be something pleasant so please do tell"
Hailey, the maid who has been smiling all morning speaks "It's just, my longtime boyfriend requested my hand in marriage in front of my parents " she confesses her smile widening even more, reminiscing the encounter from the previous day.
"That's wonderful news. I am happy for you. But why are you here and not celebrating?"
"Forgive me for my words your majesty but celebrating among us commoners is a luxury we can not afford"
Esmeray hadn't realized how uncommon it is to hold celebrations here in Celestia. "I apologize. I should explain myself, back in Ironhold announcements like these are a celebration everyone does. Regardless of status, usually the community pitches in and holds a small celebration. But I see it's not common here"
The maid sees she has come off as rude "That sounds lovely your majesty, I apologize if I seemed rude-"
"Please, it's okay. I understand the difference between both our kingdoms. Especially during hard times like these, but in behalf of my kingdom allow me to hold a celebration for you. Or at least pitch in. Something like an engagement should be a call for celebration " Esmeray smiles extending her hand out to the maid.
Everyone in the room smiles going back to their tasks.
"Your majesty " Aelita runs inside catching her breath as she stumbles almost falling to the ground. "Your majesty....the Prince...he is here. "
Esmeray gets on her feet, her heart beating faster, last night was not a dream after all. "Take me to him, waite, Eliza how do I look " she asks fixing her hair and dress. Her hands shaking. "Lovely as ever"
Esmeray smiles "come lets go " she makes her way downstairs not caring if she could trip. On the other end of the hallway the commander makes his way to the entrance, with no notice they stumble on each other.
When they notice each other its like time stops. She hasn't seen him, hasn't held him, hasn't felt his lips against her. Why would she, after all she ended things with him, heartbroken he understood why.
"Your majesty " Zaiden bows.
"Commander what are you doing here?" She asks noticing his messy hair and dirty clothes the reek of alcohol.
They walk next to each other, their hands brushing against each other sending sparks. Although it's cold, the sun feels warm this morning, compared to the cold feeling they have for each other. They come to a stop, taking in the beauty of the horses.
Now, standing next to him, she forgets her excitement from earlier. He's always been good at making her forget her problems. It could be catastrophic outside but next to him the world is fine. Storms stand no chance when it comes to his desire to protect her. He could burn the world for her, destroy nations, conquer kingdoms all to make her happy.
"I see your doing good. You look gorgeous like always " he speaks, admiring her beautiful features.
"Thank you, but tell me why is there sadness in your eyes?"
"Esmeray....my mother " he takes a breath , trying to keep his composure "she is dead"