Mateo's eyes follow the movement of her tongue, as she licks her fingers clean from leftover sweetness. His jaw tightening slightly. He sets his glass down, his gaze never leaving hers. "Careful, Princess," he warns, his voice husky.
"Or what?" She asks, walking away swaying her hips.She sits down and crosses her legs revealing them to his majesty. Mateo's eyes widen slightly at her reveal, his gaze lingering for a moment before snapping back to her face. "Or I might just have to show you what happens when you provoke a man,"
"I see. Then I should head to my chambers" Mateo stands up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "You're not going anywhere," he says firmly, his voice commanding. "Not until we finish this... conversation."
"But didn't you say not to let you tell me what to do. And that I'm allowed to disobey you. Or have you forgotten your words so quickly?"
Mateo's eyes narrow at her words, a hint of amusment flashing across his face. "I didn't forget," he says through gritted teeth. "But you're playing a dangerous game, Princess."
"You see, the thing about me is I like playing dangerous games. "Mateo takes a step closer to Esmeray his presence commanding and imposing. "Is that so?" he murmurs, his voice low and dangerous.
"Well, let's see how well you play this game, Princess." Just as, he steps closer another knock. The servant enters, carrying a small silver tray with a sealed letter. "Your Highness," the servant says, addressing Mateo,
"A messenger brought this from the courts."
Esmeray sees an opportunity to leave "I will take my leave. Goodnight your majesty "
He simply dismisses her with a wave, already forgotten how she flirted with him.
Not long after entering her chambers a knock interrupts her bath.Her maid answers the door to see the Prince standing there "Is the Princess awake?" He asks peeking inside
"Yes but she is washing" The maid replies, his gaze drifting to the bathtub where Esmeray sits. "I apologize for the intrusion," he says, his voice formal. "But I must speak with you urgently, Princess."
"It's okay, Sarah, please grab my robe"
"Yes?" She asks coming around the corner of her bath area.
"I've received word that the treaty will be signed tomorrow,"
"I see, and are we expected to be there?" She ask walking away from Mateo who follows behind his footsteps quiet on the marble floor. "Yes," he confirms, his voice low.
"We are expected to attend as a united front. To show our solidarity and strength."
"What time?"
"At dawn," Mateo replies, his gaze intense. "We must leave before first light. I've sent word to the maids to prepare your gown and any necessary accessories."
"Thank you. Is there anything else? I need to get back to my bath" Mateo's eyes flicker to the bathtub, a hint of longing in his gaze. "No, that will be all," he says, his voice slightly husky. "I'll see you at dawn, Princess."
Mateo watches her as she turns away, his thoughts drifting to the whispered conversations with Commander Zion at the reception. A twinge of jealousy stirs within him, but he pushes it aside. "Get some rest, Princess,"
Prince Xerxes makes his way to the dinning room "Good morning your majesty would you like some tea or coffee this morning?"
"Coffe please, thank you""
"I trust you slept well, Princess?"
" I slept what I could. And you?" She replies
Mateo's lips curl into a small smirk. "Better than I expected," he replies, taking a sip of his coffee. "Though I must admit, my thoughts were... preoccupied."Mateo's gaze lingers on her lips as she takes a bite into the juicy orange, his smirk widening.
"May I ask with what?"
"With the day ahead," he says, his tone casual but his eyes intense. "And the challenges it may bring."
"What worries you more? Our countries are now allies, our people although different have things more in common than they admit. " Esmeray adds taking a bite of a chocolate covered strawberry.
Mateo sets his coffee cup down, his expression turning serious. "The alliances of men are fleeting," he says, his voice low and thoughtful. "But the bonds of our people... those are what truly matter."
"If you need men to fight in your army I am willing to lend you some of mine I am sure my father wouldn't mind."
Mateo's eyes widen slightly at her offer, a flicker of surprise and gratitude crossing his face. "Your support is... appreciated," he says, his voice softer than before.
Not long after they leave for the court.
Their chambers has been waiting for them with lavish clothing and gorgeous jewelry laid out. Mateo watches as Esmeray admires the beauty of his options, his gaze appreciative.
"You'll outshine them all," he murmurs, his voice low and husky."Did you say something ?" She asks making sure she heard correctly.
Mateo clears his throat, composing himself. "I said, you look... regal," he replies, his tone formal but his eyes betraying a hint of desire. "The jewelry suits you."
"Thank you, I should get ready" Mateo nods, stepping back.
"Of course," he says, his voice slightly strained. "I'll await for you downstairs."
The maids help Esmeray wash up and dress. His highness chose a beautiful white lace gown with a tint of blew at the edges. The sleeves flowing almost dragging like a cape. Her makeup done perfectly, complimenting her face structure. She walks downstairs to see his majesty wearing a matching suite.