I stand in the shadows of his room. He comes in, he senses a presence, with his hand on his sword "whoever you are, you better show yourself" he threatens. "Its me" I reply revealing myself.
Zion freezes, his eyes widening in surprise as he recognizes me. "Princess?" he exclaims, "What are you doing here? It's not safe for you to be out alone, especially at night!"Zion sheaths his sword, his expression softening as he steps closer.
He brings me to his embrace, holding me tightly before placing a kiss on my forehead. "I missed you, my Queen" he says cupping my face. "What's wrong?" he asks, concern etched on his face. "You look troubled." He sits me down at his bed.
Marriage problems," I joke, giggling a little. "Already? Its been only seven days but tell me what's bothering you. I am your friend. "
"Zion, you are my lover. Me and you have a long history, before this marriage before my duty but you know I can't betray the Prince right? What we did a few nights ago, you understand it's our last night together right? " I start off strong trying to get to the point.
Zion's eyes widen, a mix of hurt and understanding flashing across his face. "I know," he says softly, "I've always known. You have a duty, a responsibility. I would never ask you to betray that."
"This is the second time we see in secret. And I fear it's the last." His eyes drop in sadness " The only thing that's stopping me from fulfilling that is the Prince's actions. For a while I've known about his dislike in the marriage, but soon I found out he's been seeing Lady Isabella from the Corona Kingdom"
Zion's jaw clenches, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "Lady Isabella? From my understanding she is young and attractive but she is known for having a bad temper, just like her father Lord Káiser she likes to play games..If what you are telling me is true then he's playing a dangerous game, a game only she can win" he growls, "The kingdom of Corona and Celestia have not seen eye to eye in two decades. They have avoided each other. At some point they were even close to war."
"They were?" I ask not knowing about the history between both kingdoms. "Yes, I can't say why, as far as I know if they didn't have this 'conflict' the Prince would have married Princess Stephanie, that's why the King turned his attention to you. Seeing how more prosperous your kingdom is."
"I see. Regardless, of history one thing I do not stand for is my reputation being bashed "
"Yes, unfortunately I am a victim of your wrath when it comes to your reputation. If he continues, it could start a war between our kingdoms."Pausing he adds "but are you perhaps jealous?"
I stare at him searching for my own emotions. "No. But I am filled with anger and disappointment." Zion gets closer, his eyes searching mine. "It's okay to feel jealous," he murmurs, "You have every right to be angry and disappointed. But remember, you deserve better than this."
"I wish my father would have waited a little longer, then me and you wouldn't meet under these terms"
Zion nods, his expression grave. "I know," he says,
"Your father rushed this marriage, but I do not blame him, maybe in another life we would be married" his words soft filled with pain. He lifts my chin to meet his eyes, "but for some reason knowing I have to fight for your love gives me new a purpose. Unfortunately I can not run away with you, yet. Believe me I have looked for ways to get you out, but it seems as though I am waiting on you.." His confession comes in as a surprise. We have made plans to escape in the past as children, be always waited for my approval..but this is different and much more dangerous then being scolded.
He lays me down, helping me get some shut eye."Before the light comes, make sure to go back" he whispers.
I make it in time just as the sun rises.I decide to look for the training ground to release the built-in anger inside.
"Make sure you are holding your weapon correctly, one wrong move and you are dead" I hear a man screaming based on his uniform I assume its the captain
His voice echoes through the training ground, his face red from the morning heat "Pay attention, you incompetent fools!" he yells, "You're holding your swords like amateurs! Again!"
"Why not let me teach them " I suggest behind him. He turns around "Princess Esmeray, forgive me I did not hear you. ATTE-"
"there's no need to get their attention, afterall they are training"
"Thank you Princess but what are you doing here?" He asks looking to see if maybe I had gotten lost "I wanted to see if I could practice"The captain's eyes widen in surprise. "Practice, Princess?" he repeats, "I'm not sure that's a good idea. Swordsmanship can be dangerous, especially for someone of your... status."
"Believe me, I pick up a award and swing it around him showing off my skils "I know"The captain's jaw drops as he watches me skillfully handle the sword, my movements fluid and precise. "Princess Esmeray," he stammers, "I had no idea you possessed such skills. You're... impressive."
"Thank you, I know its not common here back at Ironhold all nobles are encouraged to learn a skill. Now will you train me, and please don't go easy" I say