"Anyway come, we need to get cleaned up before dinner "
"Father " she curtsies.
By the time the two get back to their room the bathwater has already been prepared with some toiletries and clothing items.
"Would you like to shower first " asks Esmeray a little nervous
Xerxes steps in closer to her "why don't we shower together, to save water "
"Actually I am washing in a different room. "
"Oh" he simply says
"Someone will come and escort you to the dinning room in an hour or more, take your time " she smiles walking out before Xerxes could say a word.
The queen is waiting for Esmeray with maids, doctors and healers all to check if the possibility of pregnancy is possible.
Esmeray enters the packed room, nervous about what the answer will be. The maids help her undress down to her underwear, gently washing her first.
Queen Verena steps forward, placing a comforting hand on Esmeray's shoulder. "Don't worry, my dear," she murmurs. "Whatever the answer is, we'll face it together."
The doctors and healers begin their examinations, checking Esmeray's pulse, her abdomen, and asking her a series of questions about her symptoms and cycle. The room is filled with the soft murmurs of their conversations and the occasional rustle of fabric.
Esmeray tries to stay calm, focusing on her breathing as they work. She can't help but wonder what this will mean for her marriage, for her future...for the baby's future if there truly is one.
After what feels like an eternity, the lead doctor steps back, a thoughtful expression on his face. He exchanges a glance with Queen Verena before turning to Esmeray.
"Your Majesty," he begins solemnly. "I believe there is a strong possibility that you are indeed pregnant."
Esmeray's heart stops. She stares at him in shock, unable to process his words. Pregnant? But how?"Are-are you sure? " she asks her heart pounding inside her chest like it's about to escape from her body
The doctor turns back to her carefully closing his words "The symptoms you are describing do correlate with those of pregnancy symptoms. If you are I would putt you about four weeks"
"Four weeks?" Questions Esmeray trying to do the math in her head of when the last time she slept with Xerxes.
"Yes, so some symptoms may appear later as you progress. For now all we can do is waite and monitor your eating. We can check again in three more weeks. Again princess there is a possibility you may be pregnant but the odds are low, due to your history"
The Queen thanks the doctor, everyone else in the room happy with the great news, everyone but Esmeray is smiling. Four weeks ago she sneaked out searching for Zaiden, she remembers Lady Isabella talking to Xerxes, that same night her and Xerxes slept together. If she is indeed pregnant the question she is asking is who father is.
"Esmeray dear, this is a miracle. We must announce it tonight-" exclaims the Queen in excitement with tears in her eyes
"No. Noone is to announce anything. Everyone in this room are the only ones that know. If news gets out and something happens everyone in this room will be executed. " Queen Verena's excitement fades, replaced by a look of concern. "Esmeray, what's wrong?" she asks gently. "I thought you'd be happy about this."
Esmeray takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Mother, I'm not sure if...if the baby is Xerxes'."
The room falls silent, the only sound the gentle crackling of the fireplace. Queen Verena's eyes widen in shock.
"What do you mean?" she asks slowly. "Who else could it be?"
Esmeray bites her lip, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "I...I went looking for Zaiden that night," she admits quietly. "And afterwards, Xerxes and I...we were together."
She looks up at her mother, her expression a mix of fear and desperation. "If this baby is not his...what am I going to do?"
The Queen is left speechless, although a loving mother she is the one who decides who to declare war upon. "You did what?" She turns away from Esmeray only to look back a few seconds later.
The sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed through the room. "Everyone out. NOW!" At her command everyone scrambles to do so. Once they're alone, Queen Verena turns back to Esmeray, her expression a mix of anger and disappointment. "How could you be so foolish?" she demands. "Do you have any idea what this means? What the consequences could be?"
Esmeray flinches back from her mother's rage, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry," she whispers. "I didn't mean for this to happen. I never thought..."