Mateo overhears my conversations with my aunt, his expression darkening. He excuses himself from the noble he was talking to and approaches me, his strides purposeful. "I believe it's time for us to retire for the night."
"Yes. Thank you all for coming." I say to my family.
We face the people giving a bow before exiting the ball. As soon as the doors to our chambers close behind, Mateo turns to face me, his eyes blazing with anger and something else... desire? "So, shall we get this over with?"
"Over with what?" I ask looking up at him. He steps closer, backing me up against the door. "Don't play coy with me. You know exactly what I'm talking about." His hand comes up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing over my lower lip.
"Ah that. You see I am very tired. So I'll leave you alone. "
Mateo's hand drops from my face, his expression hardening. "Fine. Have it your way." He turns and stalks over to the bed, sitting down and beginning to remove his boots.
I leave the room to my own chamber. It's common for a husband and wife to have their own chambers after all.
******
Mateo stares at the door after Esmeray leaves, a mixture of frustration and longing etched on his face.
He finishes undressing and climbs into bed, tossing and turning restlessly throughout the night. Esmeray gets ready for bed, counting the last six hours of the night. As the first light of dawn begins to creep through the windows, Mateo gives up on sleep.
He gets dressed and makes his way to her chambers, pausing outside the door. "Princess," he calls softly, knocking gently.
Esmeray did not waite and went for a stroll through the garden. Mateo's shoulders slump slightly at the sound of her voice, realizing she's not in her room.
He turns and makes his way down to the dining hall, spotting her through the windows. He enters the dining hall, his gaze locking onto her. He nods to her handmaiden before turning his attention back. "Good morning, Princess. I trust you slept well?"
"Good morning Prince Xerxes. Yes I did and you?"
"I didn't sleep a wink," he admits, his voice low. He takes a seat across from Esmeray, signaling for a servant to bring him some breakfast. "I couldn't stop thinking about..."
"Thinking about?" Mateo's eyes flicker to the handmaiden, who is busying herself with arranging the table settings. "...our discussions from last night," he finishes lamely, taking a sip of his tea.
".. I apologize if our discussion didn't allow you to sleep. But what about it didnt let my husband sleep?" Mateo's grip tightens on his teacup, his knuckles turning white. "You know very well what I'm referring to, Princess," he says through gritted teeth, his eyes boring into hers.
The handmaiden, sensing the tension, excuses herself to check on something in the kitchen, leaving them alone. He leans forward, his voice low and intense. "The way you looked at me, the way you spoke to me..."
"Ah, that again. Let me get something straight. Last night, you cleared up that you wouldn't look my way and not to expect us to sleep together, correct? Okay then, why are you still in my presence bothered by how I speak to you when it's clear we don't like or respect one another. We agreed to keep things civil in front of everyone else yet here you are throwing a tantrum. I don't mean to be disrespectful but please clarify how should I speak to someone I don't like. Or do me a better yet, clarify how is it okay for you to speak to me in a certain tone but I can't?"
Mateo's eyes widen at her outburst, clearly caught off guard by her bluntness. He leans back in his chair, studying her intently. "You're right," he says after a moment, his voice surprisingly calm."I apologize if I overstepped. You're correct that we agreed to keep things civil, and I shouldn't hold you to a different standard than I hold myself." He sighs, running a hand through his hair.
"Thank you, now should we eat. We have a long day ahead" Princess Esmeray replies.
"Yes, of course," Mateo agrees, reaching for the serving dishes. As he fills his plate, he glances at her sideways. "So, what does this long day entail? More wedding celebrations?"
"We have gifts to go over tonight . Dinner with the King and Queen this afternoon, and based on our conversations last night the Queen will ask about our night. In which we will tell the truth. I'm assuming your father knows my country's traditions so I'm not worried "
Mateo nods, a small smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Ah yes, the truth. I'm sure my father will be thrilled to hear that his only son spent his wedding night alone."
"What does that mean?"
"It means that in my country, it's customary for the newlyweds to consummate the marriage on their wedding night. It's seen as a symbol of unity and the beginning of their new life together."
"Will my husband in my country it's essential to waite six days and on the seventh day consummate.To ensure a pleasant and more how can I say it.. let's say hotter night. When you waite the more urge you have and the better the chances of pregnancy " A low chuckle escapes Mateo's lips, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"How... practical," he says, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
" That's our agreement. We'll tell them we will wait, or shall we head to the bedroom against your own words?" Mateo's gaze sharpens at Esmeray words, a flash of something unreadable crossing his face. He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. "I stand by my word, Princess."
"If you have things to do I understand. Please be ready by then"
"I'll be ready," Mateo nods, standing up from the table. "Until then, I have some matters to attend to." He pauses, looking back at her over his shoulder. "Don't keep me waiting, Princess."
Esmeray raises her glass in response to his statement. She knows he said it out of inconvenience from yesterday. After all she had him waiting forty minutes. To be clear it wasn't her fault, not entirely.
Mateo returns to the chambers at precisely four o'clock, dressed impeccably in formal attire. He finds Esmeray waiting, also dressed for the occasion. "You're punctual," he observes, offering his arm."So are you, my husband"
Mateo nods, escorting Esmeray out of the room and down the hallway. "Shall we?" he asks, gesturing towards the dining hall where the king and queen await.