With whiskey in his hand the prince asks in a deep voice "Lady Isabella what brings you here"
"Prince Mateo I am deeply sorry to bother you, it's just I have some news....." She fidges with her dress looking for the right words to speak "I-I'm pregnant" her words hit the Prince like stones. Pregnant? She simply can not be pregnant they have been careful.
He's made sure to use protection every time, and when he didn't he surely pulls out. "How-how can you? Are you sure? Have the doctor's checked you out?" His mind racing with questions.
"It's been five days since I last bleed, at first I thought it was me being late...but suddenly I've been nauseous, dizzy-"
"Have. You. Been. Checked out" he demands in a strong tone "yes..I'm four weeks." His mind begins to race trying to figure out how he should manage around this,Inconvenience.
In a begging whisper "You're majesty please say something..." but what is he to say? That he will marry her? Make her his queen. "I-I was thinking this could be good for us, we could get married and you will have a son..an heir-"
"Shut up!" He growls. "This can not happen..were you not careful? I know I was, you did this on purpose" he begins to accuse her of trying to steal a position that has already been taken. Of trying to sabotage his relationship.
"What- I could never...you love her? You love Princess Esmeray? But you came to me confession in hand of your dislike about the marriage..."
"That was a mistake. Leave, I will send word when I have figured out what to do"
"What to do? It's clear what you have to do...you laid in bed with me, betrayed your wife and most importantly betrayed the throne, you know where I am from and if the King finds out he will disown you and rip you off the throne"
With enough anger build inside of him, he grabbed her arm squeezing tightly "Don't you dare threaten me. For all I know that child isn't mine, now leave"
Standing in the front of the entrance palace Lady Isabella looked back, broken pieces of her heart in hand most importantly the pain of her child being disowned immediately.
Almost a month has passed since Lady Isabella showed up to the palace. Since then the prince has not seen her, his spies last saw her heading towards the Southern borders back to Corona.
In reality he has lost contact with the Princess as well, ever since moving to the Middle courts of the Palace.
That's not to say his majesty hasn't tried to contact her but she wants nothing to do with him.
Even so, he did his best to visit her, especially when he was informed of her missed monthly cycle. After all it's been a while since they consummated.
Esmeray too is not sure what to do. She laid with two men, a few days apart and if she is, pregnant. Will the question is who's child is it? Following the date and time of conception she was given the most likely candidate is the Commander.
But when the healer examined her the date changed following her consummation night. She knows if the child belongs to the commander she must keep it a secret.
For now she needs to play along until she gets an accurate "diagnosis". That's another reason why she's been distant with the Prince. Of course being angry with him about Lady Isabella being the main culprit, she cannot face him knowing their's a possibility she's carrying another man's child.
No matter how hard she tries the Prince doesn't take no for an answer and has used plenty of excuses to speak to her.
Coming across her in the garden the prince took his opportunity "How do you feel, Princess?"
" I feel great, thank you....and you?"
"Never been better."
"That's good. Excuse me I must attend to business "
Standing their with his confession caught in his throat "The uh- the commander sent word they are save...some of your men are hurt but nothing serious or life threatening"
The words that she's been waiting to hear "Thank the heavens" An ease coming to her.
A few days after Esmeray last visited the commander his squad was sent out to deal with thieves near the West Side of the kingdom, mainly the docks.
Things looked pretty bad, several small business were forced to close as the band of thieves had taken every penny they made. Merchandise were either stolen and resold at a higher price or vandalized.
Prince Xerxes stands in his thoughts, looking for the right words to say before his wife disappears "There's a festival at the city tonight!" Esmeray pauses "A festival?"
"Yes...every year the people hold a festival, many bring fine jewelry, others food." His hands in a light fist like a child waiting for permission to speak "I was wondering if you'd like to attend?"
Looking over her shoulders "give me an hour or two and I'll be ready"
At the sound of her acceptance the Prince jolts in excitement. He quickly went to the kitchen "I am taking the Princess to the Moonlight festival, please make her favorite dessert, along with a dish from her kingdom "
The maids and cook giggle in excitement for tonights event. They have seen the depressed look that has covered his once cold expression.
Then magically he changed. Of course they have Esmeray to thank. Then again she's the reason why he carries his heart like broken glass.
Sunset came, the Prince waits in anticipation for his Princess who he hopes is wearing the dress he sent. Sure enough she emerges from the castle wearing the satin dark green dress, flowing perfectly in the wind highlighting her elegance and pride.
Although the fabric a little static, huges her body in the right places. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, adding to the overall image of grace and charm. A vision of loveliness, charm, beauty, power, and elegance.
At her sight the prince gets lost in words. He hasn't seen her in such color before, but at this moment she looks like a fairy. Of course she is the mother of nature, so it's only right that green suits her.
The dragon that has been scolding the Prince for fucking his relationship with it's mate spoke 'Ahh..she is beautiful indeed' in a threatening growl 'Don't fuck this up'.
"Princess you look absolutely stunning. I wasn't sure if you'd wear the dress. "
"Why wouldn't I? It's lovely after all."
Paying more attention to her then her words he adds "It is isn't it...let us go, the festivities awaits"