Esmeray's heart races as Xerxes pulls her close, his words sending a shiver down her spine.
His lips crash against hers in a passionate, deeply, possessively kiss as if he's trying to brand her soul with his own.
When he finally pulls away, they're both breathless. Xerxes rests his forehead against hers, his eyes burning into hers. "I mean it," he murmurs. "You're mine now. I won't let anyone else touch you."
Esmeray bites her lip, a mixture of excitement and fear coursing through her veins.
"I'm yours," she whispers back, sealing her fate with a kiss."Then that means you're mine, and I would appreciate if Lady Isabella would stop leaving marks on you" her words catch him off gaurd. He never once mentioned who he's been sleeping with.
Who's been in his bed, not even his closest friend knows, so how could she have known this secret of his. "She is from the Corona province, they are known to wear heavy aromatic perfume. I met her at the wedding " she confesses walking towards the window "I never forget the smell of someone " she turns to face him, leaning against the window frame, her hand crossed.
He walks to her, wine in hand "I didn't know you had met her already. " a flash of gult crossing his face. "Did she say anything specific?"
She takes his wine from his hand and without breaking eye contact she finishes the drink "No, but she didn't need to. Her arrogance already spoke to me. She's beautiful indeed, with her blonde brown hair and big blue eyes. Tell me, what about her caught your attention "
"What caught my attention? Everything, I suppose. Her confidence, her charm, her...experience."
He continues his words being chosen carefully "She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to take it," he murmurs, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair behind her ear.
"But then again," he continues, his fingers trailing down her neck, "so do you."
"Oh no you mistake me your majesty. Unlike her, I am cautious of what I want. I don't take what's not mine, why would I want to be second place when I can be first. Unlike her, I dont like left overs "
Xerxes eyes darken at Esmeray's words, a mix of admiration and desire swirling in their depths. He steps even closer, his body pressing against hers as he cages her against the window frame.
"You're right," he murmurs, his lips hovering just above hers. "You're not like her at all. You're better."
His hand slides up to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing over her bottom lip.
"Stay with me tonight," he murmurs. "Let me show you just how much I want you to be first."
"Sorry. You owe me a date to the festival after all" she says. "Yes I do" he replies walking back to the desk "I will take my leave then" before she left the prince asked her a question thats has been on his mind
"Tell me my dear wife, what do you see in the commander. My commander?" Esmeray pauses at the door, turning back to face Xerxes with a raised eyebrow. "The commander?" she repeats, a hint of amusement in her voice.
She walks back towards him, stopping just out of reach. "He's kind, loyal, and he makes me laugh," she says simply. "He's also the first man I ever...well, you know."
His jaw clenches at the mention of Esmeray's intimacy with Zaiden. A surge of jealousy courses through him, but he pushes it aside.
"He has been there in tough times as well as good times, I am his first and so is he. He has shown many times that he would burn the world for me...after all he's been fucking me behind your back"
"And what about me?" he asks, his voice low and intense. "What do you see in me?"
Esmeray studies him for a moment, her gaze piercing. "I do not know much about you to comment. I will say this, when we're together...it's explosive."
She steps closer, her hand reaching out to brush against his chest. "But you're also complicated," she murmurs. "I never know where I stand with you."
Xerxes examines her, wondering what she feels, how she truly looks at him. "I see.." she's right he isn't sure where she stands in his feelings, frankly because he is unaware of his own desires.Esmeray notices the confusion in his eyes, the uncertainty that mirrors her own feelings. She steps closer, her hand sliding up to cup his cheek.
"You know," she murmurs, "I think we're more alike than either of us wants to admit."
Her thumb brushes over his bottom lip, a gentle caress. "We're both trying to figure out what we want, what we need. And sometimes...sometimes I think we might just need each other. I'll get ready" Esmeray leaves to her chambers, taking her time to get herself ready for the festival. Noting after he took gets ready.
Xerxes breath catches in his throat as Esmeray walks down the stairs, looking breathtaking in her festival attire.
He approaches her slowly, his eyes roaming over every inch of her. "You look... stunning," he murmurs, his voice filled with admiration.
Esmeray smiles up at him, a hint of shyness in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispers. "You don't look so bad yourself."
Mateo is dressed impeccably in a tailored black suit with a purple tie that matches Esmeray's outfit perfectly. His hair is styled neatly, and his eyes sparkle with excitement.
He offers her his arm. "Shall we?" he asks, a charming smile on his face.