She glances over at Xerxes, studying his profile as he stares out the window. Despite everything that's happened between them, she can't deny that there's still a part of her that cares for him. That wants to understand why he did what he did.
"Xerxes," she says softly, breaking the silence. "Can I ask you something?"
He turns to look at her, his eyes guarded but curious. "Of course," he replies quietly. "What is it?"
"If we weren't bond by title in this marriage. Do you think in another life we would have fallen for each other, or at least be friends?" Xerxes is silent for a long moment, his gaze drifting back to the window. When he speaks, his voice is low and thoughtful.
"I like to think so," he says finally. "In another life, perhaps we would have met under different circumstances. Maybe as friends, or even as lovers."
He glances at her, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "But the truth is, our lives are bound by more than just titles and marriages. We're shaped by our duties, our responsibilities...and sometimes those things keep us from being who we truly want to be."
Esmeray nods slowly, understanding the weight of his words. She knows all too well the burden of expectation that comes with their stations.
"But in this life," she says softly, "we're stuck with each other. Whether we like it or not."
Xerxes reaches out, hesitantly taking her hand in his own. "And maybe that's not such a bad thing," he murmurs. "Maybe there's still a chance for us to find something real amidst all the politics and expectations."
"There was something real...on my part at least. Even if it was half of my heart" her words carrying a confession he didn't think he'd hear. Esmeray takes her hand back "We have been inside this carriage all day, lets stop and stretch" she asks the driver to stop.
Xerxes nods, grateful for the chance to stretch his legs. As the carriage comes to a halt, he steps out and offers his hand to Esmeray, helping her down from her seat.
The air is crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth. They're surrounded by tall trees on either side of the road, their branches bare against the winter sky.
Esmeray takes a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment as she savors the feeling of being outdoors. When she opens them again, she catches Xerxes watching her with a soft expression.
"You look peaceful," he observes quietly. "I haven't seen you like this in a long time."
She smiles slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's nice to be away from it all," she admits. "To just be...me."
Xerxes nods understandingly.After a while they continue their long journey through rain and thunder. As Esmeray looks out the small windows she sees white ground, snow.
"We are here" she exclaims
Xerxes looks out the window surprise to see the earth covered in snow, an event he's never experienced before.
As the carriage comes to a stop, Esmeray rushes to open the door, stepping out into the crisp winter air. She spins around, her arms outstretched as she catches snowflakes on her tongue.
"Come on!" she calls back to Xerxes, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You have to feel this!"
Xerxes hesitates for a moment before following her out, his boots sinking into the soft, white powder. He watches in amazement as Esmeray dances through the snow, her laughter ringing out through the quiet forest.
"It's beautiful," he murmurs, reaching out to catch a snowflake on his gloved hand. "I've never seen anything like it."
Esmeray turns to him, her cheeks flushed from the cold and excitement. "Wait until you see more," she promises."Just below these hills my kingdom awaits" she points, Xerxes eyes widen as he sees a kingdom covered in a blanket of snow.
They continue their drive coming to a stop at the main gates.
"Princess, we were not expecting you" confesses a gaurd bowing before her. "I will personally take you to the gates of the palace "
The gaurd makes way for Esmeray and Xerxes guiding them through the streets of the kingdom. Eventually the carriage stops "We are finally here"
The door opens Esmeray not waiting to be assisted steps out the familiar scent filling her nostrils.