"Why didn't you notify us before hand we could have prepared a warm welcome. " The king teasingly scolds Esmeray for her bad behavior.
"I wanted to surprise you, papa. "
"Well I can't stay mad now can I. Prince Xerxes come join me for a walk while I show you around" Xerxes smiles at Esmeray, following behind the King.
Now alone with her mother the Queen can't help but comment "Your skin is glowing yet I see no spark behind your eyes, my dear. What has happened between you and him"
Esmeray not holding anything back confesses to her mother the ups and downs her marriage has been through and most recently the news of the commander being engaged. Her mother always knew of their relationship and always approved, another reason why she never agreed to this arrangement.
"I see. My dear marriage is about fighting for the other, doing what's best for each other. Zaiden has rights to marry someone else, he has been waiting for you. Unfortunately God had other plans. But thats not all is it. There is something you aren't telling me"
Esmeray's expression looks rather confused, she told her mother everything so what else could she be hiding?
"Your belly..are you perhaps pregnant?" Esmerays eyes widen, her mother must be playing games. They know she can't conceive.
"Mother, you know well I can't"
"Yes, but maybe there is a possibility you are" The Queen begins to question her sleeping habits, eating habits and when she last bleed.Esmeray's cheeks flush with embarrassment as her mother continues to question her. She hadn't even considered the possibility of being pregnant - after all, she and Xerxes had been careful. Or so she thought.
"I...I don't know," she stammers, her mind racing. "I haven't been feeling myself lately, but I assumed it was just stress from everything that's been happening."
Queen Verena's expression softens, a knowing look in her eyes. "Sometimes, my dear, our bodies know things before our minds do," she says gently. "When was the last time you bled?"
Esmeray thinks back, trying to remember. It's been a while since her last cycle - longer than usual, even for her irregular periods.
"I'm not sure," she admits quietly. "A few weeks at least."
Her mother nods, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "And your appetite has changed? You've been craving strange foods?"
Esmeray nods slowly, realization dawning on her."Yes but we know I can't get pregnant..It can't be. Can it ? "
Suddenly the doors slam open, Sari rushes in "Esmeray it's really you" Sari pulls her sister into an embrace. Behind Mari follows and behind her Nymeria the oldest.
The women catch up on gossip and news of the kingdom, laughing and giggling at stories. Esmeray laughs and cries with her sisters, grateful for their love and support. But as the evening wears on, her mother's words linger in the back of her mind. Could it be possible? Could she truly be pregnant?
She excuses herself from the gathering, slipping away to her chambers. Once inside, she paces back and forth, her thoughts racing. She needs to know for certain.
Esmeray takes a deep breath, composing herself before heading back downstairs. She puts on a smile, joining Xerxes and her father in the drawing room. They're engaged in a lively discussion about politics and diplomacy.
"...And that's why I believe an alliance between our kingdoms would be mutually beneficial," Xerxes is saying.
King Lionel nods thoughtfully. "You make a compelling argument, Prince Xerxes. We should discuss this further tomorrow."
Esmeray joins them, sitting down on the sofa beside Xerxes. "What are you gentlemen discussing?" she asks lightly, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.
Xerxes turns to her with a smile. "Just some boring political talk, my dear. Nothing for you to worry about."
Esmeray forces a laugh, leaning into him slightly."Try me. You're in my Kingdom now. Political gossip is all we eat around here " she smiles looking towards her father. King Lionel chuckles at Esmeray's response, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Always the eager one, aren't you?" he says fondly.
Xerxes looks surprised but pleased by her interest. "Well, if you insist," he says, leaning back against the sofa. "Your father and I were discussing the possibility of a trade agreement between Celestia, Ironhold and Westerous. We all have resources the other could benefit from."
Esmeray nods thoughtfully, her mind already racing with potential strategies and negotiations. "That's a smart move," she says. "Ironhold's iron and coal would be invaluable to Celestia's industries. And in return, Celestia's textiles and wines would be highly sought after here. Not to mention Westerous has many advanced weapons"
Her father beams at her, pride shining in his eyes. "See? She's a natural," he says to Xerxes.
Xerxes smiles back at Esmeray, a hint of admiration in his gaze.