<span style="color: lightblue">"Of course I fight. What man on this planet doesn't?"</span>Xerxes liked what he heard from Nefertari's brother; all men should engage in battle, it was like the stepping stones of manhood. The King smirked when he caught the man by surprise.<span style="font-weight: bold">"They were given their names by the one who created them."</span>Xerxes paused a moment, watching the movements of his dueling partner.<span style="font-weight: bold">"You hold Command, while I hold it's twin, Control."</span>He expertly swung the blade in a way that allowed the light trickling in through the window to gleam off the polished metal and flashing colours across the floor from the gems laid in the handle. Xerxes enjoyed having someone with skill to duel with, unlike the few who did come to him to challenge him in fights. Most had little to no experience and some just came to fight so they could go home and tell their families that they had fought with the King.<br/><br/>The two men sparred for a while as they waiting for the Queen to be ready, also to waste some time seeing as how Xerxes had no pressing issues to deal with at the moment. He trusted his servants were getting things done since none had come to find him as of yet so he didn't worry about it. Normally he would have been listening to pity filled news from the villagers in the surrounding area as they asked for money, the King's blessing, or even power. It felt good to be leaving those for the time being, showing those people that they too were below him and their woes didn't affect him.<br/><br/>Xerxes was enjoying his time when he heard the quiet sound of someone clearing their throat. The King raised a hand towards his opponent to halt the battle before lowering his own sword and turning towards the servant.<span style="font-style: italic">"Your Grace, the Queen is almost prepared for tonight's ceremony."</span>Xerxes was about to thank her when he heard another voice chime in.<span style="color: lightgreen">"No, I think am ready."</span>His gaze moved from the servant girl to the figure standing behind her. When Xerxes laid eyes on Nefertari he was once again amazed by her beauty. The dress was perfect for her, hugging all the right places and adorned with just the right amount of jewels to look like she belonged to the royal family, but not too many that she was over done. Xerxes handed his sword to the servant who wiped it down before placing it back in it's holder. He found his way to his Queen's side, sliding one arm across her back to rest on the opposite hip.<span style="font-weight: bold">"You look very exquisite my dear."</span>The King's eyes rolled hungrily over her body, following the curvature of the dress. His free hand caressed her cheek, gently lifting her face up to look at his before he leaned down and brushed his lips against hers in a delicate kiss. "You are a flower, a jewel, a most precious prize worthy of a King." He smiled as he said this. Xerxes lead Nefertari forward.<span style="font-weight: bold">"Your brother is a fine dueler, a much appreciated challenge."</span>He nodded towards him before turning his eyes back on his Queen.<span style="font-weight: bold">"The time is approaching for the celebration, we should make our way to the hall."</span>Xerxes took one of Nefertari's hands in his own and lead her down a staircase that ended at a large set of doors.