The captain hesitates for a moment before nodding. "Very well, Princess. I won't go easy on you," he says, drawing his own sword. "But remember, in a real fight, there are no rules." I don't expect there to be", I say back launching at him.
""""""""""""""""""""
Up until noon Esmeray trained with the captain rotating every time with someone new. So far no accidents, until she became distracted swearing her eyes landed on Lady Isabella. The soldier seeing his opportunity caught her off guard, she lost her balance and landed on the ground. Unfortunately her hand landed on top of his sword cutting her.
The soldiers face full of panic as he sees the blood "I'm s-sorry, please forgive me, my princess" he begged kneeling by her. He doesn't know what could happen to him, one thing is straight he'll no longer see the light of day.
The captain rushes in"Stand down," he orders, "The princess is not severely injured. I will tend to her wound personally."
"Don't worry captain it's not a big deal" back on her feet she extends her hand to shake the soldiers hand. Seeing her humblness he takes her offer.
The captain takes Esmeray to the enfurmery, almost begging not to tell the Prince or King. The healer, an older woman, inspects her wonds "The good thing is that it's not a deep scratch. But tell me, Princess how high is your pain tolerance" as she opens her mouth to answer the healer shoves a piece of cloth into her mouth and starts to stitch her hand.
She takes the cloth out "if you wanted me to shut up you could have said so" The healer chuckles, her hands still moving deftly as she continues stitching the wound.
"Apologies, Princess," she says, "I've found that my patients tend to be more cooperative when their mouths are occupied."They continue speaking. The healer who reveals her name as Alicia talks about her younger days.
In the distance a male voice is heard."Where is she? Who dare hurt my wife?" Xerxes barges into the room. "Prince Mateo," everyone in the room bows, fear taking over them at the sight of his presence. "How bad is it, who did it? Send for the one who-" before he could finish "Prince Mateo it's fine, Its a small scratch."
Xerxes' eyes only fill withh more range as he sees her once white dress covered in blood. "Scratch?" he repeats, his voice trembling with barely contained rage,"Yes, I was training, I knew what I was getting myself into"
Xerxes' eyes narrow, his gaze flickering between her and the captain. "Training?" he says, his voice low and dangerous, "Without my permission? I should have you both punished for this insubordination."
"If you wish to punish me, so do it. But the captain was following orders or would you rather have him defy me?" Xerxes' jaw clenches, his eyes flashing with anger and frustration. He knows he can't make a show. He rubs his the sides of his temples.
"Forgive me Princess. Regardles you are not off the hook." Turning to Alicia "please make sure she is fully healed, I know I am asking a lot for your age" Alicia who disregards his last comment, sounding more of an insult to her ears "Don't worry I will do my best"
He turns to the captain who has been sweating perfusely "please I want a report of today's incident. Have it ready by tonight."
"As you wish"
Esmeray steps in "The solider who I was training with, he did his job a job I ordered. If any harm comes to for following my orders, I will come for someone's head"
Esmeray gives her thanks and heads back to the palace with the Prince. The sight of Lady Isabella fresh in her mind.
"Let me start the water for you. "
"Thank you" a question lingers in her mind and her face shows it "You have a question do you not?"
"I believe I saw Lady Isabella at the training grounds." Xerxe's slows down his movements "is that how your hand happened"
"...yes...is..she..here?" He comes to a complete stop, looks at the ceiling before turning her "yes, she is here"
Remaining her composer "I see..then she must be here for you." "Princess -"
"Please leave. I am tired from the day and would like some rest"
"Would you please listen to me, I can explain her presence"
"There's no need. Since our wedding day I confessed to you about my lover, that's no secret among us. I haven't lead you on. So I ask the same. Don't lead me on, don't pretend like you care. Do as you please"
"Yes, you confined in me and I want to believe you cut things out with him-"
"Why would I? You have your fun why can't I?" he pulls her by the waist, in a deep growl "You are Mine. You belong to me, no one else"
Esmery pulls away her hand making contact with his face. Xerxes' head snaps to the side from the force, a red handprint immediately blooming on his cheek.
"I do as I wish. I belong to no one. If you want to fuck Lady Isabella then by all means do so, just as long as you remember I will do the same. From now on I will live on the Middle courts of the palace. I will handle my affairs there, whatever you do here is none of my concern. Now kindly leave"
As the door slams shut behind him, he lets out a roar of frustration, his fist crashing into the wall. "Damn you,"