Now in her chambers Esmeray can't help but go back to the moment she had with Xerxes. His leather scent, mixed with cheap perfume. His ruffled hair, his lips marked by someone else...she doesn't feel anger, she feels jealous? Or maybe hopless, after all how can her husband have all the fun while she has yet to see the commander.
Esmeray paces back and forth in her chambers, her mind consumed by thoughts of Xerxes and the jealousy that burns within her. She can't understand why his infidelity bothers her so much, especially when she barely knows him.
Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupts her thoughts. Esmeray hesitates for a moment before calling out, "Enter."
The door creaks open, revealing a familiar face Commander Zaiden himself. He stands tall and confident, his leather armor creaking softly as he moves.
Esmeray pulls Zaiden inside her chambers making sure no one saw him "What are you-" before she could say a word Zaiden pulls her for a long kiss, a kiss he's been waiting for, so long.
Esmeray's eyes widen in surprise,his strong arms wrapping around her waist. For a moment, she freezes, caught off guard by his sudden affection.
But as the warmth of his lips and the familiar scent of leather envelop her, Esmeray finds herself melting into the kiss. Her hands clutch at his armor, pulling him closer as months of pentup longing finally spill over.
Zaiden's kiss is hungry and desperate, filled with all the unspoken emotions he's kept bottled up inside. His tongue sweeps across her bottom lip, seeking entrance, demanding a response.
When they finally break apart, both are breathing heavily. Zaiden rests his forehead against hers, his eyes closed as if savoring the moment.
"I couldn't wait any longer," he admits hoarsely. "Seeing you with him... it drove me mad."
"But how did you get in..." she asks caressing his face "Easy...but first I have a surprise for you" he says as he takes her out of her chambers back outside where a chariot is parked. The doors open, Sari and Mira stepp out, Esmeray's eyes widen in disbelief as she sees her sisters emerge from the chariot. Tears of joy spring to her eyes, and she rushes forward to embrace them tightly.
"Sari! Mira!" she cries, holding them close. "I can't believe you're here! How did you...?"
She turns to Zaiden, who stands nearby with a proud smile on his face. "You did this?" Esmeray asks, her heart swelling with gratitude and affection.
Zaiden nods, his expression softening as he watches the reunion. "I knew how much you missed them," he says quietly. "And I wanted to give you a reason to smile."Esmeray holds her sisters close to her.
Esmeray pulls back slightly, looking at her sisters with tears in her eyes. "Look at you both," she says softly, taking in their familiar faces.
She turns to Zaiden, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude. "Thank you," she whispers, pulling him into a tight embrace. "You have no idea what this means to me."
Zaiden wraps his arms around her, holding her close. "Anything for you," he murmurs into her hair. "I would move heaven and earth to see you happy."
Esmeray's sisters watch the exchange with curious eyes, sensing the deep connection between their sister and the handsome commander.The group goes inside. The once silent house is now filled with laughter and giggles.
"Does father know that you two are here" the sister look at each other "You didn't tell him did you" Sari speaks "No, but mother knows. Shes the one who suggested coming"
Esmeray's eyes widen in surprise at Sari's revelation. "Mother knows you're here?" she asks, her mind racing with possibilities. "Did she say why she wanted you to come?"
She looks between her sisters, noticing the slight hesitation in their expressions. "What is it?" Esmeray prompts gently. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
Sari exchanges a glance with Mira before speaking up. "Mother... she's worried about you," she says carefully. "She thinks that your marriage, is not a happy one, and she wants to ensure that you're alright."
Esmeray's heart sinks at her sister's words, realizing that her mother has noticed the strain in her marriage.
She forces a smile, not wanting to burden them with her troubles.After all her mother and sisters have reasons to worry.
Four years ago, Esmeray's oldest brother Prince Davian got married to Princess Ilaria of Sakar. Their kingdoms had a great celebration, but that moment was lived shortly. As three months later the Prince's body was found floating in a river near by the palace.
Upon further examination it was concluded he was assassinated by the Kings men. King Lionel declared war upon the kingdom of Sakar. He gathered all his troops and allies. On a very early morning the kingdom of Sakar went under attack, the king had no way out, his men weren't prepared.
In a span of a few hours the Kingdom of Sakar was no more. King Ivor was tried with treason against King Lionel, his beheading a reminder never to miss with the the King of death.