7

Prince Xavier's POV:

Castle of Marshwood:

I make my way through the hall with Princess Esme hot on my trail. Making my way into my chambers, I let out an exhausted sigh when I realize she's following. Annoyed, I whip around causing her to stop dead in her tracks which throws her off for a brief moment, enough for me to get a word in.

"Esme, enough. For the last time, I have heard not a soul that confirms these wild claims your Ambassador Mikael spoke of."

I watch as her face falls.

I take a step towards her, placing my hands upon her shoulders.

"All is well, my love."

"Xavier we cannot-"

I cut her off with a sharp tone.

"I strongly urge you to get this nonsense out of your mind." I tell her, the last of my sentence hinting with warning

She brushes this warning off.

"Xavier if our people are in danger-"

I hold up a hand, cutting her off again.

This time her demeanor shifts from concern to anger.

Her lips purse, eyes narrow.

"Firstly, this is my court and these are my people. It is up to myself and my parents what is decided and this idea of yours is too foolish for them to waste their time upon." I tell her sharply

I turn exiting my chambers to walk away again and again she follows.

"Xavier-"

"Esme. Not another word of this."

"I am to be your wife soon enough. Is this the support I am to expect from my future husband?"

I whip around again.

I glare at the few servants standing in the hall.

They scatter.

The knights standing at their posts avoid all eye contact.

"You are a Princess. Should I decide I no longer desire you, you can be done away with."

To my surprise, she steps closer to me, daringly.

Fire burns in her eyes.

"Threaten me again and you will regret it. Do not forget, Prince Xavier, you are not yet King. I can easily revoke my support due to your mistreatment. Your dragons circling the sky will become what? Four at best to our twelve? Tread carefully yourself, husband. Sleep well."

With this, she turns and walks away.