Esmeray wakes up, the sun shining bright in this cold weather, she turns to see an empty space. The silhouette of a body once laying there. Her mind goes back to the night before, a blush appears on her cheek as she recalls the moment they had.
She wipes off her smile, as the realization sits in, he doesn't love her, no, not one bit, he used her just like a rag. Her once fluttering heart now filled with anger, disappointment.
She stands up, her legs trembling lightly as she makes her way to the shower. She scrubs away her sins, but nothing can wash away her feelings. Nothing can wash away the marks left behind.
She wonders about her feelings and his, was this a one moment situation or could this lead to something else.
She wraps a towel around her body and hair "Good morning Princess, I brought you some breakfast " Xerxes approaches her. She looks at him, a little confused as to why he is standing in front of her and not ignoring her like last time.
" I wasn't sure what you wanted so I prepared eggs, bacon, fruit, some steak, orange juice, apple juice, coffee, lavender tea you'd need that for sure " he says giving her a wink "chamomile tea...and oh I forgot I hope you don't mind but the lemon tea will be a little late" he explains his eyes searching for hers.
"That's fine...this should be enough " she replies looking at all the food he has brought.
His eyes lingers on her for a moment, taking in the sight of her wrapped only in a towel. He remembers the way her body felt beneath his last night, the way she moved and moaned and cried out his name.
But he pushes those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. "I thought you might be hungry," he says simply, placing the tray of food on the bedside table.
He pours her a cup of lavender tea, just as she likes it, and hands it to her. "I wasn't sure what you'd want to eat, so I brought a bit of everything."
Esmeray takes the tea from him gratefully, wrapping her hands around the warm mug. She can't help but notice the way his eyes seem to soften as he looks at her, the gentle smile playing on his lips.
For a moment, she lets herself believe that this is real, that he cares for her. She places the cup down "I should get dressed " she says quietly.
"Would you like me to help you?" He asks stepping close to her, "Can you ask for Eliza please" she replies. His face shifted from excitement to understanding "of course " he murmurs. "I'll... I'll leave you to it then."
He turns to go, but pauses at the door. "Esmeray," he says softly, his voice barely audible. "About last night..."
He trails off, unsure of what to say. He wants to apologize, to explain that it was a mistake, that it can never happen again. But the words stick in his throat.
In the end, he simply shakes his head and walks out of the room, leaving Esmeray alone with her thoughts.
As the day progresses Esmeray keeps her distance, unlike last time she doesn't avoid him rather she simply stays away. Her mind racing with confusion. She loves the Commander she is sure of that, after all he is her first but she can't ignore this new feeling she has for her husband.
As she finds herself reading a book she is called into the office where Xerxes is going over some documents. Something in her fears he'll regret last night, regardless she goes.
"You called, your majesty" she walks in closing the door behind. "Yes, we need to discuss something important. Remember the documents you showed me weeks ago about the living conditions of the people "
"Yes, did you find anything "
"Yes, I had my men look into it and you were right. Apparently some of the tax collectors have raised the percentage claiming the King ruled it. Only to keep the money to themselves, that's why it isn't showing in the records."
"..." Esmeray wonders for a moment "What about the living prices?"
"It seems that some of these tax collectors own a good amount of properties from houses to stores. Not only do they raise the tax amount but also rent and grocery fees..we are collecting enough evidence before bringing this to the Kings attention"
"Good, if you need me for anything let me know I will do what I can" she says, determination burning in her eyes. "If that is all I will excuse myself "
"There's something else" he gathers the courage to speak "About last night..We can't let it happen again..not here, not when people are around"
"Pardon me?" Esmeray is completely confused, is he suggesting them to sneak around like teenagers?
Xerxes approaches her, his gaze never leaving hers as he pulls her close to him "Lets repeat our actions, again and again until we can't walk no more" his hands come to her face, his thumb tracing ger jaw "Every day, every night I want to hold you close to me...I will challenge anyone who comes near you. You are now mine "