All day I avoid going to our chambers.Dinner came, with no signs of him. I soon learned he went to see Lady Isabella
It's past midnight when he finally shows up. Mateo enters the room, his hair slightly disheveled and his clothes dusty. He pauses when he sees me, a hint of surprise flickering across his face.
"You're still awake,"
"I am " I say not looking at him. Mateo notices my cold tone and the way I avoid his gaze. He sighs softly, closing the door behind him. "I apologize for being late," he says, his voice tired. "I lost track of time."
"Did you now" I say slamming shut the book I was reading
"*sigh* what is it?"
"Prince Xerxes let me make myself very clear. I do not like rumors, I do not accept any kind of gossip. I also dislike being lied to. So please clarify why I keep hearing this annoying gossip that you went to see Lady Isabella. I do not care what you do, but I will not tolerate being dragged into a mess you make. If you wish to continue seeing her by all means do so, but from now on we will live separately. Its not unheard of, the King and Queen do so and so do many rulers."
Mateo's expression darkens at my words, his jaw tightening. "You think I went to see Isabella?" he asks, his voice low and dangerous. "Let me make something clear, Princess. I don't answer to you."
"It's because of me that you now have a throne, don't you forget. Starting tomorrow we will sleep in different chambers" I walk over to the balcony, trying to get away from him before I unleash a storm.
Mateo's eyes narrow, a hint of anger flashing in their depths. "You dare to order me around?" he says, his voice cold. "I am the prince, and you will respect that."
"What about respect towards me? Since day one you have done nothing but disrespect me. Calling me names, saying one bad thing after the other. Then you turn around and say you want me, only to go after her." I pause looking at him, a gush of wind blowing in my direction not from anger but pain. The earth knows I am in pain and is ready to express herself in ways I can't.
"You say you find yourself getting lost in me but is it true? You have yet to answer any of my questions. " I raise my hands to control the winds, slowing them down.
He stands there, not saying a word. Mateo's eyes widen at my words, a mixture of shock and desire flashing across his face. He takes a step closer. his fists clenched. "Forgive me, Princess. I didn't realize the stress I have caused you."
" I will have someone bring you some food. Or did Lady Isabella fill you up" Mateo's eyes narrow at my words, his jaw tightening. "You're jealous," he says, a hint of surprise in his voice. "You're jealous of Isabella."Mateo's lips curl into a smirk, his eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction.
"I knew it," he murmurs, leaning in closer. "You care about me more than you let on."
"I am jealous of no one. Lady Isabella is nothing compared to me. I care about my reputation and to secure my throne" Mateo's smirk grows wider at his eyes searching mine. "Your reputation?" he repeats, his voice low and husky. "Is that all you care about?"
"Yes, its essential for me to care about my reputation even if you don't" Mateo's eyes flash with a sudden intensity, his hand reaching out to grip my chin. "You think I don't care about my reputation?" he asks, his voice dangerously soft.
"Not with how you're fucking acting"
Mateo's grip on my chin tightens, his face inches away. He growls, his eyes blazing with a fierce emotion.Mateo's other hand comes up to grip my waist, pulling me. "I apologize for my actions" he whispers intensely, his lips brushing against mine
"Stop. You cannot play these games with me. I am more then what you think I am" I say walking away from him.
"I apologize, Princess," he says , his voice softer.
"I will have someone come and get the water ready for you."
Mateo nods solemnly, his eyes cast down. "I understand," he says quietly.
We left the villa early morning each in a different carriage. Arriving at his castle, I quickly shut myself in my chambers. My maids coming to check on me.
The night of the feast is here. Since coming back Xerxes has not spoken to me. A part of me broken, yet proud I made things clear. I finish getting ready and make my way downstairs.
"Commander Aryan, what are you doing here?"
"The prince sent me for you. He left earlier. Shall we go, my princess" he said extending his hand out. We get into the chariot. When we were far enough from the castle his lips connected to mine.
"I miss you so much" he whispers as he places another kiss.
The chariot ride to the banquet hall is filled with passionate kisses and whispered I love you's. As we arrive, Zion helps me out, his hand lingering onto mine. "You look stunning,"
"Thank you my love so do you. Please let's keep things civil tonight."
"Sorry gorgeous but I can't make promises I cant keep". We make our way inside. Men from both kingdoms acknowledge my presence, something my dear husband doesn't do.