We excuse ourselves. I look for Zion but don't see him. I ride with the prince back to the palace. I get out before him and go to my chambers. Sarah my maid has the water running for me as Mari brushes my hair.
"You seem happy, did something happen my lady?"
"Oh you know she had some with commander Zion" Sarah mocks, shes not wrong. Mari gasps, her eyes widening in shock. "Sarah!" she hisses, looking around nervously. "You shouldn't say such things out loud."
"Im sorry but am I wrong my lady?"
"No Sarah you're not. We had a passionate night" the girls squirl and cheer at the news. Sarah grins mischievously, leaning in closer. "And what about the prince? Did you...you know?" she asks, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"No, I have not laid with him. I refuse to surrender my body to him. Besides he has lady Isabella"
"My lady, you must be careful. These walls aren't friendly, one wrong move, and we are done for. Does the prince suspect anything?"
"He has accused me a few times, but I tell him to mind his own. But I appreciate your concern Mari " as we kept talking the Prince anunces himself. He enters my chambers without knocking, his eyes scanning the room before settling on me. "Ladies,please leave us."The maids leave abruptly.
"May I help you, Prince Xerxes. I was about to wash up"Xerxes walks closer to me, his eyes narrowed. "Is that so? Do you need to wash your sins off" he asks, his voice low.
"Pardon me?" I ask getting up from my seat.
"Funny, I could have sworn I saw you enjoying yourself with Commander Zion tonight."
"If you are going to start something please leave"
"Forgive me, I do not mean to dishonor you, it's just. How...where..." he keeps on pausing looking for the right words. His hands sweating, how does someone explain themselves with something embarrassing.
"Is everything alrig-"
"Would you teach me to dance?" His words, although clear to my ears sounded wrong. Dance? Does he not know how to dance?
Xerxe's eyes search mine looking for approval, I couldn't help but laugh a little. "Are you laughing at me?" He asks his, face red of embarrassment. "Forgive me your majesty." I compose my self before continuing.
" Were you not taught to dance?"
"No, I was taught more about politics and how to control my power. Dance was never an option."
"Is that why you didn't bother standing up from your set?" I ask, curious as to how dance was never a subject to him. Lowering his head in embarrassment he replies "Yes".
"I see. Well you came to the right person" I say extending my hand out to him, his face full of surprise. We start with the basics, although late and tired I fought it off.
The following days we spent every hour learning to dance. Eventually he got the hang of it. "Princess Esmeray would you give me the honor of dancing with me"
I bow giving him my hand "You are far ahead from where we started." He spun me around "I learned from the best"
"What surprise dance or song will you give at our consumption?" Suddenly he trips almost sending us to the floor "Forgive me, I was-dance? song?"
"Is it not customary in your kingdom?"
"Is it in yours?" I continue to explain my Kingdoms customs, from start to finish. The night is after all tomorrow night.
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The next morning, Esmeray is startled awake by a knock. Sarah enters, carrying a tray with breakfast. "Good morning, my lady," she says cheerfully. "I've brought your meal."Thank you, Sarah."
Everything is being ready. From the dress to the nightgown. What worries Esmeray is how Zion might feel. Sarah sets the tray down and begins to help her dress. "You look lovely, my lady," she comments, admiring her beautiful face.
The day is long with many preparations. Esmeray spends most of the day practicing her vocals and dance moves. Many of her subjects will be present and expectations are high. While she does that the Prince paces around his room what will he do to impress her?
A song? He has the voice of a horse trying to mating. Dance? He looks like a cat high on catnip trying to walk. Not to mention he only just learned the basics.
Both spent the few hours they have to get ready. Without knowing the time came.
Esmeray arrives at the hall, a separate building from the palace. The stone walls stand tall, the sun hitting at a perfect angle showing off the pearls that decorate the huge windows. A grand entrance, adorned with flowers from the Princess kingdom. Flags of celebration waved gently from the towers, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Although the wedding has passed the King made sure the whole kingdom knew of the sudden consummation following the traditions of Ironhold.
Soft music drifted through the air, creating an enchanting ambiance for the special day. She made her way inside waiting in one of the rooms waiting to be called, in the room next to her Prince Xerxes still wondering what he'll do to impress his wife.
As the sun sets down more and more guests of both kingdoms show. King Jaylen the third of Ironhold makes his way inside, waving and bowing to the King and Queen of Celestia. The Herald makes the announcement "Prince Xerxes Mateo of Celestia"
The crowd bow and cheer. He makes his way down the hallway. The prince stood tall, his presence commanding attention. His attire was a striking display of dark red, the primary color of his ensemble. Gold accents intricately weaved throughout the fabric, adding a regal touch. A rich tapestry of gold thread embroidered the deep red velvet of his tunic.
The golden embellishments sparkled, catching the light with every movement he made. A matching dark red cape cascaded down his back, lined with opulent gold silk. He exuded an air of both power and elegance, a true embodiment of royalty. The overall effect was breathtaking, a testament to his status and refined taste. An image of a dragon across his cape, letting the people know about his power.