"Commander Aryan I would like to dance" I comment out loud in which his men cheer on. He takes me to the dancing floor. Everyone cheering as we dance in joy.
I look over and see Prince Xerxes taking a gulp of his drink which I assume is nothing but liquor. Zion notices my gaze drifting away from him and tightens his grip "Ignore him," he says firmly, spinning me around. "Tonight is about us."
I smile at his comment. He grips me tighter, turning me on. We haven't been together for a while, so tonight with the excuse of the banquet I dance and laugh with him. He leans in close, his lips brushing against my ear. "Meet me in the garden in an hour," I smile accepting his invitation.
I continue to enjoy the feast exchanging conversations with the Queen until the hour passed.
Zion is waiting for me, his eyes dark with desire as he sees me approach. He pulls me into his arms, kissing deeply. "I've been waiting for this," he murmurs.
"What if someone sees us" I pull away looking around. Zion's lips trail along my neck, his hands gripping my hips tightly. "Let them see," he says huskily.
"Have you forgotten our kingdom is on the line. "Zion pulls back, his expression serious. "I haven't forgotten," he says softly. "But I can't keep pretending anymore. I love you, and I don't care who knows it."
"Zion", I moan as he kisses down my neck.
"A few of my men have done us the favor of securing this are so we are good" he reassures me.
Zion's hands make quick work of my dress, pushing it up to reveal my bare skin. He groans softly, his lips trailing kisses along my collarbone. "You're so beautiful,"
He doesn't hold back and starts making love to me. Zion's movements are passionate and urgent, his love for me evident in every touch and kiss. He whispers my name like a prayer, his body moving in sync with mine. "I love you,"
"*moan* I love you too" I confess allowing him to make me his.Zion's movements become more intense as he hears my confession.He buries his face on my neck, his body shuddering as he finds his release. "Forever," he whispers, holding me close.
His kiss is tender and filled with promise, his forehead resting against mine. "Until next time," he murmurs, before reluctantly pulling away and disappearing into the night. A few minutes later I leave the gardenn. My heart begins to pound rapidly as Xerxes' gaze lingers on me, his eyes narrowing slightly as he notices my flushed skin and disheveled appearance.
He sets his drink down and starts walking towards me, his intent clear. He reaches me in seconds, his hand gripping my arm tightly as he pulls me aside, away from prying eyes. "Where have you been?" he demands, his voice low and dangerous. "And with who?"
"Before you do something stupid, look around half of the men here are mine. They are not afraid to start a war right here right now. Or have you forgotten about your actions last night?"
My words tighten his grip on my arm, his eyes flashing with anger and jealousy. "You think I care about that?" he spits out. "I saw the way you were dancing with him.
"What you saw is the Princess dancing with the Commander of Your army. What you saw is me being friendly to a man I've known. What you saw is the Princess dancing with her men, who have fought battles for two kingdoms. That is what I saw, what everyone else saw. Whatever your eyes saw is wrong" I walk away when he pulls me back. His face close to mine but not like before.
Anger flashing in his eyes, as if he were calling his dragon.
"Your Highness," I turn to see Zion making his way to us. Fuck, he better not do anything stupid. His hand rests on the hilt of his sword, his body tense and ready for a fight.
"Commander," Xerxes acknowledges, his voice calm despite the tension in the air. "I was just having a-"
Zion cuts him off, his eyes flashing with anger. "Conversation?" he finishes sarcastically. "It looked more like a lovers' quarrel to me."
"What me and my wife do, is none of your business commander" Zion's jaw clenches, his grip tightening on his sword hilt. "Your wife is my business," he says lowly, taking a step closer. I step in between them before things get out of hand. "Commander Aryan as your princess,I demand you to stop. Please" I say with begging eyes.
His body stiffening as he realizes his mistake. He takes a step back, bowing his head. "Forgive me, Princess," he says, his voice filled with regret. He walks away, leaving us alone again.
"Your commander seems...protective of you," comments Xerxes. "Almost possessive."
I brush his comment aside "Please forgive him, my Prince. I will speak to him" I say getting ready to go after Zion when Xerxes pulls me his arm wrapping around my waist. "Stay," he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear. "Let's enjoy the rest of the banquet together."Knowing I can't defy him without causing a scene, I agree.
He takes me to sit with him as we watch everyone else dance. As the night wears on, Xerxes keeps me close, his hand resting possessively on my hand. He leans in occasionally to whisper jokes or flirtatious comments in my ear, making sure everyone sees us as a loving couple.
I pretend to laugh at his so called jokes until I begin to show signs of tiredness. "Come, let's retire for the night," he says, his voice smooth. "I'll escort you to your chambers."