"Your majesty, the Queen has requested your presence" Xerxes gets up from his seat "I will be back " he whispers to Esmeray who is chatting with the lady's in waiting.
Tonight is the Queen's birthday and the nation is in celebration. Many traveled from far lands to come and celebrate such an important event.
"Please excuse me " Esmeray excuses herself away from the chat making her way to a closed room. Eliza with the help of Aelita the new maid help Esmeray change into a Dark red velvet dress.
The dress huges her curves, like a blanket of snow over a filed. Her black hair cascading down her back a striking contract to the vibrant red of the gown. Her light makeup only enhances her natural beauty, her dark red lipstick give an expression of a rose petal, so soft, so smooth like.
As she walks, the dress rustles softly a silken whisper against the opulent surrounding. Her curves fill the dress so elegantly, she is the embodiment of elegance and grandeur. She makes her way to the stage, all eyes on her.
Her voice capturing everyone's attention. As Esmeray begins to sing, the entire room falls silent. Her voice is like velvet, rich and smooth, with a hint of a tremble that adds depth and emotion to every note.
She sings of love and loss, of joy and sorrow, her words painting a vivid picture in the minds of all who listen. The melody is hauntingly beautiful, the lyrics poetic and profound.
Her voice soars above the crowd, filling the grand hall with its enchanting beauty. Eyes are glued to her, captivated by the raw emotion she pours into every word.
As she reaches the climax of the song, her voice reaches new heights, powerful and passionate.Everyone trembles, no one knew of her talents much less of her ability to bring a different atmosphere to a very conservative kingdom.
Her words filled with love and lust make people want more of her, her boldness to wear an almost revealing dress makes the lady's want to change and be themselves.
As Esmeray's final note lingers in the air, the room erupts into applause. People rise to their feet, clapping and cheering with enthusiasm. The atmosphere in the hall has shifted dramatically, the oncestuffy and conservative gathering now buzzing with excitement and a sense of liberation.
Women whisper to each other, admiring Esmeray's boldness and wishing they too could embrace their own unique styles and personalities. Men stare at her in awe, captivated by her talent and beauty
Xerxes watches from the sidelines, his heart swelling with pride. He knew Esmeray was special, but seeing her command the room with her voice and presence has only deepened his admiration for her. Xerxes gathers a few of his men and makes his way to the treterous road that leads to the Odessa kingdom. In his meeting with the King and queen he was informed of his sister's critical condition. She had been poisoned.
A few minutes prior to him leaving
The king gets up from his seat, walking towards his Queen, "Son, we have some unsettling news" Xerxes looks at both his parents, his body tense "What news?"
The Queen looks away, wiping away a tear "We received some news regarding your sister, the Princess" Xerxes freezes he has not heard about his sister in a while. "What about her?"
"Unfortunately she was poisoned, the doctors from the Odessa Kingdom are doing their best to heal her but they don't know if they can" Xerxes cuts the queen off, anger showing in his face "Is she alive!?"
"From what we know she is in a coma, that's not all. She is pregnant and they fear they might lose the baby" Xerxes eyes widen at the news, his sister poisoned? Its only been a year since she married the Prince of Odessa now her life has been tempted with. "Do they know who did it?"
"Yes, it was a maid of hers, we do not know the details however." Xerxes knows the sensitivity of the situation but he can not ignore the thought of his sister being in harms way. "I will gather a few of my men and will leave tonight. I will personally look after her"
He didn't say his goodbye to Esmeray, in fear she will insist on coming. Instead he wrote her a letter explaining his sudden departure he knows she will understand
The journey to the Odessa Kingdom is long and arduous, but Xerxes pushes on, driven by the need to save his sister. As he approaches the kingdom, he demands to see the King, explaining who is.
King Julius greetes him welcoming him to his beautiful green kingdom "Your majesty I have been expecting you. I am sure you are tired but most importantly worried for your sister. Please allow me to personally guide you to her chambers, while your men rest" King Julius guids the Prince through his castle in the direction of Princess Stella's chambers.
He knocks announcing his presence, Prince Jackson opens the door "Prince Xerxes is here " Prince Jackson opens the door revealing a sleeping Princess. Her face pale as snow. Here hands small and fragile like glass that could break with a gush of wind.
Xerxes leans in kissing Stella's forehead 'I am here now sister, get well so I can take you home' he whispers to her before turning his attention back to the Prince, her husband.
With a serious almost threatening tone he asks "How did this happen? Was her food not being watched?" The King senses the dangerous aura around Xerxes, he knows he is capable of destroying his kingdom in a blink of an eye. "The maid who has been in charge of her confesed she's been slowly posioning her. We have launched an investigation-"
"If it's alright with you your majesty I would like to see the details myself"