The characters of Xena: Warrior Princess™©® and all others associated with the television series of the same name are owned by Renaissance Pictures and Studios USA. This is a work of fan fiction and no copyright infringement is intended.

Sexual Content: Oh yeah. It’s in there <G>. We’ve got graphic heterosexual as well as lesbian couplings. Okay, it’s probably okay to say ‘sex’ in the sexual disclaimer. We won’t be nearly so modest later. So cover up your eyes, kiddies and grannies. Actually, if you’re under 18, move on. But grannies are welcome to pull up a chair and enjoy. This story is intended for an adult audience only.

Violence: Yes, this is a Conqueror story so there is violence. Some of it is graphic. Callisto is also not very nice to a little boy in this story. She doesn’t hurt him physically, but she says some pretty mean things to him.

Videotape: We just slipped this one in to see if you were paying attention. But hey, don’t we wish<G>?

Language: Lots of foul language in this one folks. Be warned.

Drugs/Alcohol: And we’re not talking about all the beer TN and Advocate consumed while writing this tale. Heck, we’re not even talking about all the beer TN and Advocate drank while reading each other’s work on this story. To be clear, there is alcohol consumption in the story.

Acknowledgements: To Zoinks, who gave TN the original idea – a big thank you. To our beta readers, Barbara Davies and Chris – your assistance was invaluable! And, of course, we had a blast working together. But we won’t bore you with our mutual admiration.

Comments/Feedback to: TN and Advocate

By T.Novan & Advocate

With Zoinks

The God of War took her by the wrist and pushed her towards his bed. She wasn’t who he really wanted, but she didn’t disappoint either. And whenever he called, she was eager. Ares wasn’t sure whether he liked that or despised it. "That didn’t go quite as you planned, did it?" he asked sarcastically, unbuckling his belt and allowing his heavy sword to clatter to the floor.

"How was I suppose to know the little blonde bitch would simply decide to accept Xena’s dark side?" Gods, how she had been surprised when Ares had showed her what was supposed to be Gabrielle leaving the Conqueror. She clenched her jaw in frustration.

"Callisto, I am not amused!" Ares stripped off his vest, throwing it into the corner of the room. Next, his gauntlets sailed through the air, knocking over a small statue of himself. He frowned.

"And I’m happy about it?" she growled back, freeing her breasts from her tunic and flinging it alongside his vest.

"The last thing I need is for her to fall in love." He sucked an upper front tooth. "It changes mortals. Makes them weak." The dark God stood at the edge of the bed, arms crossed over his muscular, bare chest, while Callisto knelt before him, working the hooks on his trousers. With a sharp tug, she pulled him closer. He complied with an annoyed grunt, taking a small step forward.

"That wouldn’t exactly be my favorite thing to happen, now would it?" she reminded him tartly, pushing her hands down inside his supple leather pants and sliding them over his muscled hips. The leather was cool to the touch, his skin red-hot. She looked down and smiled as he kicked his trousers away. Deep brown eyes focused on the area between his legs. "That, however, is one of my very favorite things," she purred, licking her lips to moisten them.

She ran her hands under his arms and over his nipples, causing him to jerk slightly as she gave one a hard pinch. Her touch drifted down the well-defined lines of his stomach and through the coarse black hair just below his waist. She leaned forward, running her tongue along the path her fingers had just taken as her hands began to trace lower still.

His body unconsciously shifted closer to hers.

With a snap of his fingers, his chamber was suddenly filled with the sounds of passionate lovemaking. "Listen to them!"

Moans and soft cries of pleasure assaulted their ears, and Callisto flinched then imitated the sound of someone retching. She fought hard to swallow her building rage. And being so close to Ares wasn’t helping. Black waves of raw power tinged with violence and blood cascaded from him, feeding the flames within her. She should be in the Conqueror’s bed. It should be her mouth tasting and teasing. She would have Xena... eventually.

Finally, brown eyes rolled. "Listen to them?" Callisto reached down, taking him firmly in her hands, enjoying his hiss at her touch. "I’ve had to put up with seeing those disgusting, fawning looks and those gaggy, ‘oh so sweet’, stolen kisses." She hated the worthless whore and her brat with a pulsing fury that she could barely contain! Gods, she was getting hot!

He groaned, smiling as she began to stroke. "Oh yeah? Since when does Xena invite you into her bedchamber to let you watch her fuck someone?" He placed his hands on her hips and her skirt simply disappeared, leaving her naked and kneeling before him on the bed.

The sounds of Xena and Gabrielle making love continued to echo through the chamber, changing in tempo from fast and furious to languid and breathless. Ares considered shutting out the sounds, but looking down at the naked woman in his bed, he decided he liked having the noise in the background. It excited him. He breathed in the raw sensuality around him, allowing it to seep deep into his blood. In his mind, he saw his Chosen in all her dark glory, releasing her battle lust, taking the little blonde, and causing each cry and every moan.

Ares slid onto the bed with Callisto, rolling on top of her. "Spread ‘em." he commanded bluntly.

She laughed, digging short but effective nails into his ass as she settled back into black silk sheets and opened herself to him. "It makes you hot, doesn’t it?" she panted as the tip of his rock hard cock pressed against her.

"Look who’s talking," he growled, feeling her wet heat against the tender skin of his erection. "They excite you, too. You can feel their energy, can’t you?"

"Sick, isn’t it?" She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him in.

"Very," he grunted, leaning into her and making a slow, easy entrance. His eyes slid shut, savoring the feeling of liquid fire, even as he heard the unmistakable groan of the Conqueror. "Oh yeah…" he hissed loudly as they settled around each other.

"Oh yeah," Callisto dragged her nails up his back, "that feels good? Or, oh yeah, I like listening to Xena get fucked by the annoying little blonde."

"Both," he admitted, beginning a slow, sensual rhythm of his own.

Xena’s body tingled all over from every touch of Gabrielle’s talented hands. Tender kisses had turned passionate, and the pent up adrenaline from Xena’s fight with the hapless Captain came roaring back to life with a vengeance.

Gabrielle did nothing to discourage it.

Quite to the contrary, in fact. The young woman teased Xena, drawing her out further, pushing her emotions to the limit and driving her arousal to new heights. Gabrielle took every ounce of Xena’s feral, dark energy, power, and drive and made it work in her favor.

In both their favors.

She willingly gave herself over to her lover, who did things to her body that made her cry out under the weight of her own arousal and the seductive power of her partner’s force of will. They propelled each other to the brink again and again, holding nothing back as the Conqueror embraced the beast within herself. Xena let it seep into her passion, infusing their lovemaking. Gabrielle found herself so turned on that she gave her partner a run for her dinars in the lust department.

"Oh, by the Gods, Gabrielle!" Xena groaned, as she felt her entire body possessed by the younger woman. The climax was nearly painful in its pleasure. And when she finally crashed, a million bright stars invaded her vision and stole the breath from her lungs.

When finally she came back to herself, she found Gabrielle’s moist, nude body completely draped over hers. Xena turned her head, reaching around and sweeping aside thick, fair hair, damp with sweat. "You trying to kill me?" she teased hoarsely, nibbling on the ear at her lips and wondering at the woman in her arms.

Gabrielle didn’t even try to lift her head to reply. She spoke directly into the skin of her human pillow. Xena merely chuckled at the mumbled words and wrapped her arms tightly around Gabrielle, determined not to let go.

"I love you," the warrior whispered. For this woman she would be brave enough to voice her desires... and her fears. "I’m glad you decided to stay. I... I was certain my soul would shrivel up and die when I thought about you leaving me." Impossibly, she pulled Gabrielle closer. "I don’t ever want to lose you or Jarrod." I can’t. I won’t.

Gabrielle kissed the salty, slick skin beneath her lips and raised her head. She pushed sweat-soaked bangs back from her forehead with the back of her hand and peered down into deep blue eyes that glittered like jewels in the candlelight. "You won’t. I promise you that, Xena," she whispered softly. Her fingers moved of their own accord and began a gentle tracing of dark eyebrows. "I’ve done many things I’m not proud of, but loving you and being a part of your life is something I can be proud of." Their gazes locked. And I intend to do whatever is required to make you proud of me.

"Sit up straight." Gabrielle prodded her son with a gentle poke. They were in the Conqueror’s opulent, formal dining room, amidst a flurry of servants who were removing the silver to be polished, and taking down the tapestries to be aired, and a million other jobs that needed doing. All yesterday.

"Yes, Ma’am." Jarrod adjusted himself in the chair, but he couldn’t find a comfortable position. "Mama?"

"Yes?" Gabrielle stepped aside as several muscled slaves carried in the longest table the young woman had ever seen. She tried not to stare.

"The chair is too low." Jarrod wiggled his bottom, scooting back and forth. "Or... or the table is too high," he complained in a frustrated voice.

Xena leaned back in her own tall, leather-covered chair and studied the boy with a critical eye. "He’s right, Gabrielle. He needs a special chair if he’s going to sit at the table with us." Rising to her feet, Xena called over Malaius.

Stopping in the middle of a tirade, the nervous advisor left the artisan he was talking with mid-instruction to scuttle over to Xena. He bowed so deeply Gabrielle swore his forehead grazed the ground. "Yes, My Lord?"

"Malaius, we have a little problem here. Prince Jarrod requires a chair more suited to a lad of his age so that he may be seated properly at the court dining table." Xena took great care to project that she was disappointed in the chair not the boy. "Find someone who can take care of this immediately. I want a new chair in three days’ time."

"Yes, My Lord." Malaius turned to Jarrod. "I’m sorry, Your Highness. We’ll find a craftsman right away." He stood in front of the boy expectantly.

Xena and Gabrielle both waited like nervous parents to see how Jarrod would respond.

"Thank you, Malaius." Jarrod gave a slight nod to the advisor, holding his breath until the man left the room.

All three of them exhaled at the same time. Gabrielle smiled at her son, running a hand through dark-blond hair that wanted trimming. "Well done, Jarrod."

"Thank you, Mama."

"Yes, well done, son." The words left Xena’s lips before she could stop them. They just felt so natural. And the smile that Jarrod graced her with was more valuable to her than all the gold in her realm. Much more.

"Thank you, My Lord!" The boy was beaming.

"Close your mouth, Gabrielle," Xena teased, playfully sticking her finger into the younger woman’s agape mouth and causing Gabrielle to gag and sputter. "You’re catching flies."

"Very funny, My Lord," she grumbled back. But her smile rivaled her son’s.

Xena laughed lightly then cocked her head to the side, considering the exchange that had taken place. She needed to find a proper title for Gabrielle before the satraps arrived for the meeting, and she didn’t have long. Queen Melosa of the Amazons would be arriving in the next few days.

Jarrod was sound asleep against Xena, his arms draped over her broad shoulders, his face pressed into the crook of her neck. His face was a picture of youthful contentment. It had been a long day, and his lessons in court etiquette had gone very well.

Gabrielle smiled as she watched Xena shift the boy’s weight just a bit as they walked toward their private apartment. She tangled her fingers with Xena’s free hand. "Do you think he’s going to be all right?" she worried aloud.

"He’s going to be just fine. He’s a very bright little guy. You’ve done a remarkable job of raising him by yourself, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle’s heart sped up as she contemplated her next words. But it is the right thing for all of us. I know it is. "Well, now I won’t have to raise him alone." She gave the hand in hers a little tug.

Xena sucked in a breath, suddenly more frightened than on the morning of her greatest battle, but at the same time more hopeful than she knew she had a right to be. "No, no you won’t. I’ll do my best by him, Gabrielle." It was a solemn pledge.

"I know you will." My heart told me so.

They continued down the hall, lightening the mood with more trivial conversation. A flash of black leather and silver armor told Xena that Callisto had entered a room a little further down the hall in front of them.

Xena stood outside the door of the room, waiting for her general to come out. Losing her patience rapidly, she shifted Jarrod’s weight more to one side, using her free hand to fling open the door, slamming it hard against the thick stone wall. "Callisto," Xena’s voice took on a dangerous edge, "what are you doing in the war room?" She lifted an inquiring brow. "You know the rules!"

"Of course, My Lord." Callisto begrudgingly bowed her head. The gesture was becoming more and more difficult. Her fists were clenched so tightly that tiny rivulets of hot blood soaked her palms where her nails dug in. "I was only preparing the maps for the meeting. For the territory negotiations."

"I was going to assist you with that in a day or two."

"Yes, but you’ve been…," she paused, her dark eyes boring holes into Gabrielle and the snoring brat in Xena’s arms, "busy."

"Very well," the Conquered replied hesitantly. "I take it everything is now prepared?"

"It is." Callisto’s gaze darted back and forth between the Conqueror and Gabrielle. She noticed a new bearing in the way Gabrielle held herself. And she didn’t like it. It was too proud, too powerful. If the worthless whore thought she had some power she might make the terrible mistake of trying to use it. Oh, no, her mind purred. That won’t do at all.

"You’re dismissed."

The fact that Xena had to let go of the blonde’s hand to wave her away was not lost on Callisto. "Yes, My Lord."

Gabrielle shivered. When General Callisto brushed passed her, it felt as though someone had walked across her grave. But Xena’s warm touch drew her mind away from the disturbing, kidnapping bitch. "Xena?"

"Hmmm?"

"That room? What is it?"

"My war room." It was left unspoken that it was a shrine to Ares as well.

Gabrielle looked puzzled. "And your generals are forbidden entrance?"

"They shouldn’t really be in there, at least without me. But on rare occasions when they must, I am to be notified first. Preparing the maps for the meeting is a good reason for her to be in there," Xena conceded. "Although I still should have been notified. Everyone else is forbidden entrance."

"Too bad," Gabrielle muttered. She wouldn’t mind seeing Xena unleash a little of the Conqueror on the skinny bitch.

Mindful of her sleeping bundle, Xena wrapped her arm around Gabrielle’s shoulders as they continued down the hall.

Xena pulled the boy’s boots from his feet, then she started working the hooks loose on his clothes. Suddenly her hands stilled and she looked up at Gabrielle, who stood watching her with Jarrod’s sleep shirt in her hands.

"Uh, maybe you should do this, Gabrielle." Xena smiled wryly. "He might not be comfortable if he finds out that I did it."

The blonde laughed. "He’d probably be more comfortable with you doing it than me at this point." She handed the sleep shirt to Xena. "I’m starting to get a lot more of those ‘looks’ that a boy gives his mother when he’s afraid she’s about to embarrass him."

"You mean the one where he kind of rolls his eyes?" Xena mimicked the look of adolescent annoyance perfectly, even copying the twisting motion Jarrod and Gabrielle tended to make with their hands when frustrated or nervous.

Gabrielle burst out laughing, clamping her palm over her mouth so she wouldn’t wake Jarrod. "Oh, Gods. That’s the one." She paused to compose herself, and green eyes that still danced with laughter gazed affectionately at the boy. But somehow she still saw the baby. "He growing up so fast." She sighed. "I can’t believe he’s almost nine."

"When is his birthday?"

"Mid winter."

"We’ll have to do something very special for him." Xena’s mind was already spinning with ideas. She’d missed all of Solon’s birthdays. She wouldn’t make the same mistake with Jarrod.

"He’s going to love being with you." I love being with you. Gabrielle moved behind Xena, rubbing her shoulders and watching her son sleep. She looked around the richly decorated room. A small, well-tended fireplace had defeated the autumn chill and Jarrod lay sleeping in a soft, beautifully crafted bed. "How could he not? He has everything he needs now."

Xena completed changing the boy into his sleep shirt, then stood and pulled Gabrielle into her arms. "These are only material things." She tenderly kissed Gabrielle on the mouth. "He had everything he needed the day he was born, and was blessed with you as his mother.

With the expected arrival of Queen Melosa sometime during tomorrow, the Conqueror and her staff had spent most of the night in the war room poring over territorial maps. Land allotment would be the main area of negotiation with the often-tempestuous Amazon nation, and Xena wanted to be fully prepared. The solid night of tedious work had come after a full day of personally running her troops through a series of taxing drills.

Gabrielle had suggested that she take a greater role in her army’s training, something she had left primarily to her generals in the past five or six seasons, as a way to combat the oppressive boredom she’d felt before they met. As usual, she found her companion’s idea insightful and highly effective. Her muscles burned from the vigorous day’s workout. But it was a satisfying kind of burn. She wanted no surprises come the annual meeting, and was pleased to determine that her men, and, she begrudgingly admitted, she herself, were in fine form.

The warrior fell into bed exhausted. Her body felt like a sack of wet sand as she sank into the fresh sheets and soft mattress with an audible groan. She barely had time to strip off her clothes, and give a slumbering Gabrielle a kiss on the cheek, before she was sound asleep.

Sleepy green eyes drifted open when Gabrielle felt Xena settle onto the mattress alongside her, a contented smile barely curling her lips. She snuggled closer, breathing in the scent of leather and sweet woodsmoke that always seemed to cling to her companion’s body, no matter what she was wearing. She listened idly, waiting for the inevitable as Xena’s breaths lengthened and deepened, eventually shifting into the soft snores that were a testament to her utter exhaustion.

Gabrielle was amazed at how quickly she had learned so many of her lover’s habits. Having left her parents’ home as Perdicus’ bride at the tender age of fifteen summers, and then been promptly widowed, she had never had the occasion to become accustomed to living with another adult. It was easier than she expected. Unlike at the inn and it’s tavern, which was always crawling with strangers, a small staff that respected their Lord’s penchant for privacy tended to the Conqueror’s private apartments. She liked that, and eagerly soaked up the precious moments where she was left totally to her own devices. It was a type of freedom she’d never expected, but truly enjoyed.

Drowsily, she spent the next few moments musing over a few of her warrior’s habits that she had developed a particular fondness for. She chuckled softly, knowing that she’d have no chance at going back to sleep if she didn’t put those thoughts right out of her head.

Her contentment grew when Xena rolled over, and ran one hand up her nightshirt, resting it on the soft, sensitive skin of her belly. The Conqueror pulled her close, throwing an arm over her waist and snuggling her face against the back of Gabrielle’s head, dark and light hair mixing across her pillow. Moist puffs of warm air caressed Gabrielle’s ear and cheek. She sighed and her eyes fluttered closed. "Mmm." Warm and safe was good. Love was even better. And as Morpheus lured her back into the whispery shadows of his realm, Gabrielle considered that for the first time in her life... she was truly happy.

It seemed as though she had barely shut her eyes when Gabrielle bolted upright, hearing muted shouts and cries somewhere in the distance. She took just a second to shake her head and free her mind of its morning cobwebs.

Xena groaned, her tired body responding much slower than her bedmate’s to the still faint noise.

The blonde climbed quickly from the bed. Pulling on her robe, she dashed to the balcony door and threw open the heavy iron gates and door that led to one of her favorite spots in the palace, immediately spotting the cause of the furore. Jagged flames were piercing the pre-dawn sky, filling the courtyard with a dark, acrid smoke. The wind shifted and her eyes stung and watered from the combination of the cold autumn breeze and pungent smoke. She squeezed them tightly shut as tears streaked her face. It’s still across the courtyard. It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s not too late. Gabrielle willed her heart to slow its furious pounding. Jarrod is safe for the time being. But she knew just how quickly a fire could spread.

"Xena!" she yelled, running to the trunk at the foot of the bed to retrieve some clothing. As she rifled through the wooden box, her eyes darted to her lover who was still fighting Morpheus’ grasp. Zeus! Must you work until you literally drop? "Xena, wake up!" When Xena only groaned again and buried her face deeper into her feather pillow, Gabrielle tore the blankets from the bed and tugged hard on a socked foot, earning a shocked yelp. "Xena! There’s a fire!"

Disoriented, the Conqueror sprang to her feet, automatically reaching for the sword propped alongside the bed.

Gabrielle covered Xena’s outstretched hand with her own. "No, love. You don’t need that," she said calmly, seeing the wild look in dazed blue eyes. "There’s a fire. Smell."

It took a moment for the words to register before Xena let out a vehement string of curses. She marched through the open gates to the balcony and peered outside. Turning back to Gabrielle, she opened her mouth to speak only to be hit in the face with a pair of trousers and a tunic. "Thanks," she muttered as she tugged on her clothing then boots. Within moments, they had secured Jarrod and both women were on their way down to the courtyard.

Candlemarks later and the fire had been defeated, but not before it had managed to lay waste to a building containing surplus army uniforms and one of the soldiers’ barracks. A thick, dark smoke still hung in the air, coloring the palace walls a dirty, charcoal black. Xena stood in the middle of the yard, the whites of her tired eyes standing out vividly against her soot-stained face. Her hair, clothes, and boots were soaked with sweat and the icy water they’d used to control and finally extinguish the flames. She was truly miserable and spared a brief thought toward her bed, a mug of hot spiced cider, and Gabrielle’s gentle presence.

Spinning in a circle, she surveyed the mess, knowing it couldn’t have come at a more inconvenient time, but conscious of the fact that she had still been very lucky. Gabrielle and Jarrod were safe, and the palace itself remained fully intact. She bent over, picking up and fingering a piece of singed purple cloth that had blown across the yard.

Her reign as Conqueror was called ‘gory’ by some. But fire and disease claimed far more Greek citizens every year than the bloodiest of her campaigns. She vowed to speak with her officers about increasing the night fireguard and implementing some drills to help with response times in the future.

Gabrielle regarded her weary lover, taking in Xena’s intent expression and the firm set of her strong jaw, as the Conqueror puzzled out ways to keep this from happening again. The late morning air was crisp and now that the fire was out, and the frantic activity had ceased, a chill was creeping over the courtyard and settling into wet, dirty clothes and bodies.

She looked around briefly and realized there was no one free to fetch Xena’s cloak so she went for it herself. Gabrielle also wanted to check on Jarrod, who had been sent back to bed when it was clear the palace was out of danger. The boy had developed an unnerving curiosity for anything to do with Xena and had taken to exploring the palace on his own.

Xena had lost track of Gabrielle’s presence more than two candlemarks ago. She trusted that the woman was smart enough to stay out of danger, but worried about her nonetheless. She was just about to go looking for her when several men and woman came running toward her. Noticing that she appeared free, Xena’s advisors and officers descended upon her all at once, and she soon forgot about anything other than making sure everything was being tended to properly.

From a watchtower, a young soldier cupped his hands around his mouth and bellowed down, "Riders approaching!"

"Hades!" Xena cursed, pushing her way through the crowd surrounding her and heading for the watchtower. Taking the steps two at a time, she climbed the tall, winding staircase quickly. She was out of breath by the time she reached the top. The guard pointed in the direction of the riders and Xena nodded. "Amazons," she coughed. "Probably the scouting party. That means Melosa isn’t more than a day and a half behind them." She pounded the cold stone wall with her fist. "Damn!" Suddenly, she began hacking, expelling a bitter, black, soot-filled mucus from her lungs.

When the worst had passed, she drew in a deep breath and dashed back down to the courtyard. A low ranking officer approached her but didn’t come too near as he recognized the angry set to her shoulders. When the Conqueror was in a bad mood people tended to lose their heads. Literally. He thought briefly about waiting, but reluctantly forged ahead. "My Lord?"

"What?" she growled, tuning to face him.

"There’ve been injuries from the fire. May we send the wounded to the healer?"

"Of course," she answered incredulously. Gods, what are these people waiting for? She craned her neck looking for any member of her staff that she could trust to see the order through to completion. "Malaius."

The frazzled advisor hurried over. "Yes, My Lord."

"We have injured, make sure that my personal healer is summoned immediately to care for them. Also, we have an Amazon scouting party on the way in, make sure they’re properly greeted and taken care of. Queen Melosa won’t be far behind."

Malaius gulped loudly, his prominent Adam’s apple bobbing up down the length of his skinny neck. "Yes, My Lord. I’ll take care of it at once, My Lord. There will be no…"

"Malaius?"

He gulped again. "Yes, My Lord?"

"Just do it!"

The Amazon scouts made their way across the courtyard, escorted by several well-dressed palace guards. About a dozen advisors and officers stood around the Conqueror, receiving orders and seeking her guidance.

Malaius never spoke; he simply gestured with his chin to indicate that they were about to have guests. Xena took a deep breath and turned.

"My Lord." Regent Terreis, Melosa’s sister, dipped her head respectfully. "Greetings from the Amazon Nation and Queen Melosa. Thank you for receiving us. Our Queen will arrive by nightfall tomorrow." Cool eyes lifted and took in the Conqueror’s disheveled appearance and the disarray around her. "I trust we haven’t arrived at a bad time?"

Xena stiffened, not missing the thread of sarcasm that ran through the words. The Amazons were always too arrogant for their own damn good. "Welcome, Princess Terreis, I…" she began to greet formally. But her words were cut short by Callisto’s abrupt arrival.

"Forgive me, My Lord." Callisto bowed deeply, discreetly glancing at the newly arrived envoy.

Xena wondered why her general had such a bright smile on her face. On Callisto, happiness looked positively ghoulish. Gods, she must have killed someone this morning. "What is it?" the Conqueror snarled. Now was not the time for petty interruptions. "I am busy, General Callisto," she reminded between clenched teeth. By the Gods, this had better be important!

"I take it no one was authorized to enter the war room this morning?"

Xena frowned. "Of course not!"

"Then, My Lord, I’ve caught an unauthorized member of the court trespassing."

Xena face went cold. "Was anything disturbed?"

Callisto began to look slightly distressed. "No, My Lord. I don’t believe so."

"And for this you interrupted me? Punish them and be done with it." She turned back toward Terreis. "I…" But once again she was interrupted.

"You do realize this is a member of court, Lord Conqueror?" Callisto asked in a voice just loud enough for everyone to hear.

Bitch! Xena’s mind hissed, knowing she had been put on the spot in front of the Amazons and her own people. "Is there something wrong with your ears, Callisto? I said punish them! Five lashes!"

The Amazons began murmuring among themselves, impressed but not surprised at the strict manner in which the Conqueror ran her household. Xena’s discipline was legendary.

"As you wish, My Lord." Callisto’s smile widened to an almost unnatural extent. She looked like the cat that had caught the canary... and then devoured it whole.

"Wait!" Xena held her hand up. "Bring the idiot out here and do it!" She turned to the prideful Amazonian representatives, looking Terreis dead in the eyes. "I want everyone to see what happens when my orders are foolishly disregarded."

"Yes, My Lord!" Callisto nearly orgasmed on the spot. With a furious motion of her hand, she called over two guards.

Between them, stood a very angry Gabrielle. Draped over her arm was Xena’s cloak. Her eyes met the Conqueror’s and Xena’s stomach dropped.

"Gabrielle?" Xena said in disbelief. Hadn’t she just explained that it was forbidden to enter the war room? "You can’t be the one…"

"I’m afraid so, My Lord." Gabrielle’s gaze dropped to her boots. She’d heard every word that Callisto had said, and the Conqueror’s reply. There was no way out of this now. If Xena was to save face in front of the Amazons and her own court she had to be punished.

"Why?" Xena couldn’t bear to think that Gabrielle had betrayed her. A spy? No. Impossible. She loves me! And I trust her. But somewhere deep inside, a mocking voice whispered to her, taunting her with the possibility that she had been wrong about Gabrielle’s feelings.

The younger woman extended her arm and held up the large purple-and-black cloak. "I went for your cloak, My Lord. As I passed the war room, I saw that the door was open and your cloak was draped over a chair."

Xena breathed a sigh of relief, clearly reading the sincerity and sorrow in her soft eyes. She had been chilled. And only Gabrielle would care enough to seek out her cloak without her having to ask. Hades! Excusing Gabrielle’s behavior because they were lovers would make her look weak and indecisive. Word would surely travel to Queen Melosa and then the other attendees. The Amazons respected absolute power. And Xena had always ruled absolutely. But still, this was Gabrielle. "Well, then…"

"No, My Lord." Gabrielle shook her head, her eyes darting from the Amazons to Xena. "I respect your rule. And I realize that I must be punished."

Xena swallowed hard, very conscious that the Amazons and her own advisors and officers were hanging on every word. She stared deeply into Gabrielle’s eyes for a long moment, conveying that she would spare Gabrielle this, and knowing just as surely that Gabrielle would never ask her to.

She could give the lashing herself. But then no matter how badly Gabrielle was beaten, there would be those who would whisper the Conqueror had gone easy on her lover. And Gabrielle’s sacrifice would be rendered hollow. Finally, Xena took a deep breath and nodded toward Callisto, her chest clenching painfully. "So be it," she said, her voice quivering just a hair.

Gabrielle smiled reassuringly, praying she hadn’t spoken foolishly, and that she could, indeed, take her punishment without shaming Xena or herself. Five lashes were by no means lethal. But it wasn’t a lenient punishment either. The whip could easily scar. And if administered incorrectly or in an especially vicious manner, it could literally tear muscle from bone.

Callisto retrieved a long, coiled whip from a guard and unfurled it with a loud snap. The Conqueror spun around to face her. Then she looked at the crowd surrounding her. To Tartarus with what anyone thinks! She was about to call the whole thing off when she felt a hand on her arm.

"My Lord." Gabrielle handed her the cloak, her fingers softly grazing Xena’s arm then dropping to her hand for a quick squeeze before letting go. Gabrielle took a deep breath and stepped toward Callisto, not giving Xena a chance to change her mind. Their eyes met.

The General’s delight was clear, but the power in the green eyes that met and held hers was equally undeniable. Gabrielle’s gaze never shifted as she worked the hooks on her tunic. It fell open and she lowered it, baring her shoulders and mid-back, holding it in place in front to keep her breasts covered and some dignity intact.

The crowd formed a circle, leaving the general, the accused and the Conqueror in what appeared to be a silent showdown of power. Slowly, Gabrielle turned and her eyes met and locked with Xena’s.

After a long moment, the Conqueror gave the quiet command, her attention riveted on the proud woman in front of her. "Commence. I’ll count."

Callisto was determined she would hear this whore cry out in pain. She had to listen to her in the throes of passion, now she would hear her scream in agony. The General drew her hand back and landed the first blow.

Xena tried not to flinch as the lash tore through her soul. "One."

Gabrielle gritted her teeth and her eyes widened. Gods!

Callisto drew her hand back again. The second blow came so hard Gabrielle was actually forced forward a step, but she recovered quickly, regaining her footing without making a sound. Angry, scarlet welts sprang out on smooth skin, shaping a perfect ‘X’. She wished she had something to brace herself against. Three more. I can handle three more, she mentally chanted.

"Two." Xena’s voice was strained, and her mouth was clenched so tightly the muscles in her jaw twitched under the strain.

You little, Bitch! You will scream this time. Callisto drew her hand back a third time. The whip cracked loudly, fracturing the silent courtyard. The blow was so vicious that it cut a bloody swath across pale skin stretching from Gabrielle’s left shoulder to the lower portion of her ribcage. She staggered forward again, her eyes tightly screwed shut, but she still somehow managed not to cry out. She took a steadying breath and then another, tears streaking her cheeks.

Xena’s heart threatened to explode from her chest. She gazed at Gabrielle through a hazy film of tears, not caring who saw her and refusing to look away. She felt every lash as though she was giving and receiving it. Every drop of hot blood that splattered to the ground as though it was pouring from her own heart. "Three!"

As expected, the final two blows were even harsher than their predecessors. Those who had never witnessed a lashing before were amazed that so much damage could be done so quickly. Had the Conqueror herself not counted them off, no one would have believed Gabrielle received only five. Including Xena.

Callisto stood panting and enraged. She was not nearly satisfied. The long leather whip hung loosely in her fist.

Crimson lines of blood pooled along the edge of Gabrielle’s tunic as they snaked their way down the backs of her legs and onto the gray stones. Through it all, the blonde had never made a sound.

"My Lord." Gabrielle’s voice was tight and small. Her lip was stained where she had bitten it and she swallowed against the metallic taste of blood. This time she didn’t bow her head as she spoke. "Please forgive my indiscretion." She felt slightly dizzy but a strong hand steadied her.

The Conqueror nodded and sniffed conspicuously. Reaching out, she gently pulled Gabrielle’s tunic over her shoulders and slowly refastening the hooks. She swallowed hard past the solid lump in her throat. "Return to our chambers, Gabrielle. I’ll send the healer and join you as soon as I can."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Help her!" Xena barked into the crowd. Palaemon, who had been watching in shocked silence, immediately stepped forward and carefully took Gabrielle’s arm.

"Can you walk, My Lady?" he asked softly so that only Xena and Gabrielle would hear.

Gabrielle nodded weakly. It felt as though someone had poured Greek fire down her back and across her shoulders. She thought she might be sick. "Hurry."

When Gabrielle and Palaemon disappeared into the Palace, the Conqueror stepped forward and took the whip from Callisto. Her voice was a hard whisper and her eyes glittered like the purest shards of ice. "She’s stronger and far, far more of a woman than you will ever be." Her hand itched for her dagger and her spirit begged for her to plunge it in Callisto’s chest and watch her life’s blood drain away. But now was not the time. "You are dismissed, General," she growled. "Stay well out of my sight or…." Xena didn’t finish the threat. She didn’t have to.

Without a word, Callisto bowed and left.

Xena rolled up the whip, not bothering to clean off the blood. She furiously tapped it against her leg. She closed her eyes as her head swam. Dear, Gods, what have I done? My order. My General. My pride. My fault!

Terreis stepped forward. "That was a very brave woman." She thought for a moment before continuing. "Her actions were worthy of an Amazon." It was the highest compliment she could have paid Gabrielle, and Xena knew it. "Who is she?"

Xena’s gaze traveled to the balcony of their apartment as she wrapped her cloak around broad shoulders, squaring them as she did so. "The woman who will be my Queen." If she’ll have me.

She headed for the palace in a dead run.

Xena hesitated outside the door of the apartment for just a moment, praying to any God who would listen that Gabrielle would forgive her. With a shaky breath, she entered, tossing her cloak onto a chair and making her way across the bedchamber. Gabrielle was spread across the bed on her stomach. One of the healer’s best assistants, who Palaemon had found on the way to the Conqueror’s apartment, was carefully washing her bloodied and bruised back with a damp cloth, clearly causing the young woman a lot of pain.

"Leave us," the Conqueror ordered quietly. She moved to the bed, kneeling next to it as the healer made a hasty exit, taking Palaemon with him. Xena extended a tentative hand, swallowing hard, letting the tips of her fingers run softly through Gabrielle’s hair. "I’m so sorry." Her voice cracked, a single tear sliding down her cheek. "If I had known it was you…"

The blonde turned her head to face her lover. "Xena, love, you did what you had to do. Don’t regret it now. Please."

Don’t regret it? I’ll fall on my sword before I’ll allow you to be harmed by my order again! "But…"

"No buts, no regrets." She closed her eyes and licked her lips. "However, it really hurts," she admitted. "Could you stop staring at me like I’m a hermaphrodite and put some of that salve on my back?" She lifted a shaky hand toward the table next to the bed, where a small jar had been placed. "The healer said it would help the pain."

"Oh, of course." Xena carefully took a seat on the bed, finally getting a good look at Gabrielle’s back. Fresh tears spilled on the torn skin and her stomach roiled. One of the gashes was lined with several inches of fine stitches that had been quickly administered to stop the bleeding. Callisto, if there is one scar on this beautiful flesh, I’ll have your head. "Gabrielle, I swear by my sword that nothing like this will ever happen to you again. I’ll take the punishment myself if I must."

"You’ll do nothing of the sort, Xena. You’ll only do what is required to rule your realm. Even if that means ordering something distasteful. I refuse to be seen as the person that makes you weak or gives you an Achilles’ heel."

Gabrielle was adamant, and Xena was more certain than ever that this woman should rule at her side. Always.

"I intend to make sure you remain the same strong and powerful leader you have always been. I’ll do whatever is required to make sure that happens. Even if I have to take a lashing every morning of my life." Gabrielle gave Xena a tiny smile. "Well, that may be stretching it a bit. But you know what I mean."

Xena couldn’t help but chuckle. Leave it to Gabrielle to try and make a joke out of this. "I’m not just saying this for you, Gabrielle." Her eyes filled with unshed tears. "Of all the things I’ve done, of all I’ve endured, I’ve never hurt so much as I did today."

"I know." Gabrielle nodded, then moaned softly as she felt the salve being applied to her back. "I saw it in your eyes, Xena. You took every blow right along with me. Why do you think I was able to stay on my feet and not give that bitch of a general her satisfaction?"

"Forgive me," she begged softly, grabbing Gabrielle’s hand and desperately brushing her lips against her knuckles.

Gabrielle pulled her hand from Xena’s mouth and wiped away her lover’s tears. Who would believe the Destroyer of Nation was openly weeping over a few lashes? "There’s nothing to forgive. This was my own doing. Not yours." Her fingers traced quivering lips. "I love you, Xena," she promised.

Xena kissed the fingers at her mouth and felt a relief so profound it hurt. "I love you too, Mama Bear."

Callisto watched from the balcony of her own quarters as Xena dashed out of the courtyard. She knew where the Conqueror was headed. "Yes, go tend to the little whore. Otherwise she won’t be able to service you tonight," she sneered, taking a long drink of strong wine. "Damn her!" When she was finished, she blindly threw the goblet behind her.

"Hey, watch it!" came an indignant voice.

Callisto closed her eyes in frustration. Wonderful. Just what I need right now.

"Who are you cussing? Xena or the annoying little blonde?" Ares chuckled from behind her.

She turned on the God of War. "Both," she offered tartly, echoing his admission from when he had bedded her a few days before. She pushed past him, grabbing a new goblet and refilling it. "What do I have to do to break that bitch?"

Ares shrugged. "Toss her down a volcano?"

"Don’t tempt me." In another fit of rage she threw the decanter across the room, smashing it into the far wall and spraying the room with shards of flying crystal.

"Aren’t those expensive?" he teased mercilessly.

"Damn them!" Fiery brown eyes bored into the handsome God. "And damn you!"

He pointed at himself, lifting a brow.

"Gods, you’re smug."

Ares only shrugged again and smiled charmingly.

"‘Let’s set her up so Xena will have to punish her’, you said. ‘The strain will tear them apart,’ you said." Callisto finished her wine and pushed her nose right up to his. "You’re an idiot! You have no idea what it’s going to take to break them up!"

Ares decided to ignore her accusation and insolence. Besides, she was a better lay when she was good and pissed off. And if he stuck around long enough, he was certain she’d have kittens right here in her bedchamber. "Who knew they’d both be so stubborn about this whole thing?"

"You should have known!" She poked his firm chest. "You are a God! Or is your Godhood like every other man’s, located firmly in your pants? A legend in your own mind!"

"Ouch." He rolled his eyes and made a small hissing noise like a cat, before snapping his fingers and materializing his own goblet of wine. "Okay, so I was off the mark about the little slut. Sue me. I thought she’d go screaming into the night the moment she saw Xena separate that captain’s head from his shoulders." He smiled wickedly. This... he could totally understand. He just never expected it. "Who knew that ultimately she’d get so turned on by Xena’s darkness that the Conqueror would be calling to the Gods in four different languages," he paused before adding insult to injury. "Five different times."

Callisto threw her hands in the air. "Don’t remind me!"

Given Gabrielle’s injuries, the Conqueror invited the Amazon envoy to a private meal in their apartment. Gabrielle arranged for Jarrod not only to eat with Palaemon but also to spend the night in the soldier’s barracks with him. For Jarrod, it was the most exciting night of his young life. For his mother, it was a way she could have an extra day to heal before trying to deal with her son. She had asked that the incident not be mentioned to him. She knew that no matter how much he loved Xena, he wouldn’t understand what had happened. Or the reasons why.

Gabrielle stared unseeing at the far wall, reflecting back to a time about a month before Xena came into their lives, when a soldier had struck her because she refused his drunken advances. His blow wasn’t that bad, it had only split her lip, but the real bruising hadn’t become visible until the next day. When Jarrod saw it, the boy burst into tears, crying for two marks, and promising his mother that he’d start to work so she could get a job somewhere other than the tavern, so she wouldn’t have to be hurt anymore.

That was why he had offered to take Xena’s horse when she arrived. The boy was trying so hard to be the ‘man of the house’ and take care of his mother. When Perdicus had used that phrase, she’d bristled, not quite sure why. When Jarrod had said it, proud tears filled her eyes. Just as they did today.

Xena noticed the odd expression on Gabrielle’s face and knelt next to her, gently brushing the tears away with her thumbs. "The salve isn’t helping? Let me go cancel the meal. To Tartarus with protocol, those damn Amazons can eat alone."

"Oh, no, Xena." The blonde captured Xena’s hand and gently stroked the callused palm, feeling a thin scar. "I was just thinking of Jarrod. He’s such a sweet and special boy."

Xena nodded. "Just like his mother." Shame filled her again when she thought of what she’d done. "Gabrielle, I promise that no one, save you, will ever lay a hand on the lad. Ever. I’ll never touch him in anger. If you feel that type of punishment is what he deserves, only you will administer it. No one will hurt my son," she vowed. Including me.

Gabrielle smiled warmly. "Our son."

"Our son," Xena echoed with a matching smile and nod.

The blonde drew a deep breath and cleared her throat. "Now, My Lord. We have guests to prepare for."

With the meal completed, Xena and Gabrielle settled on a couch in front of the roaring fireplace. They had both bathed, with Xena taking great care to carefully clean and dry Gabrielle’s wounds. Now, Gabrielle lay on her stomach with her head in Xena’s lap, fair hair spilling over strong thighs, while Xena applied more salve to her back. With each flinch, Xena’s heart twisted and she mumbled a short, heartfelt apology.

"Please stop doing that." Gabrielle made a face as she rolled onto her side to so that she could look into Xena’s eyes as she spoke. "I won’t have you beating yourself up over this. Have you ever second guessed an order you’ve given before?"

Xena’s brow creased. To do that in battle was to lose the moment and most likely the day. "No." She shook her head. But I should have, Gabrielle. At least this time. You paid the price for my pride.

"Then don’t do it now. I’ll heal. It may take me a few weeks to get over it entirely, but I will heal." She patted Xena’s legs. "Remind me to have Morgaine make you a second cloak we can leave here for emergencies." A loud hiss escaped her lips as she tried to sit up.

Xena chastised her with a stern look and easily pulled her to a sitting position. "I swear to you, Gabrielle. I don’t remember leaving my cloak in the war room."

"Xena, you were so tired last night you probably don’t remember coming to bed. How could you possibly remember where you left your cloak?" The younger woman leaned forward, allowing Xena to place a soft cloth and then a shirt over her shoulders.

Xena sighed. "You’re right, but you said the war room door was open. It should never be left open." In fact, it’s always locked. Only a few officers have a set of keys. I think I need to have a conversation with my favorite General that she won’t soon forget.

Gabrielle’s thinking perfectly tracked her partner’s. "Are you suggesting that I was set up?" She raised a slender eyebrow in question and Xena raised her own in answer. "But how could someone have known I’d go to fetch your cloak? I didn’t tell a soul." She was about to dismiss her partner’s paranoia with a shrug, but her back still felt as though it was on fire, so she wisely decided to skip it. Instead, she cocked her head to the side thoughtfully, truly considering her own question. "Someone would have had to read my mind."

Xena could only nod grimly.

Xena left Gabrielle slumbering in their bed and made her way to the treasury vault. The shorter woman had been extremely agitated before finally falling asleep. And Xena cursed herself for worrying her. Gabrielle was used to adversity, to be sure. But she wasn’t used to the idea that someone might actually be conspiring against her, setting a trap. Before leaving their bedchamber Xena had made one final promise to her sleeping lover. She would keep her safe. Or die trying.

The two guards that were lounging at the treasury door immediately snapped to attention when the Conqueror approached. She forced a smile despite the fact that a small part of her wanted to thrash them. But she was in far too hopeful a mood to spoil it by being upset that they had been less than professional when she had first laid eyes on them.

"Good evening, My Lord," the elder of the two stammered. The Conqueror hadn’t been down here in moons.

"Good evening, Sergeant." Pulling a key out of her tunic pocket, she inserted it into one of the thick lock’s keyholes. She turned it twice then removed it, slipping it back into her pocket. Tilting her head, she looked pointedly at the door, but neither guard moved. "Let me in," she finally said, gesturing at the twin lock that required the guard’s key. As an afterthought she added, "Please." She would try to use that word a bit more often when not in the field. Gabrielle always said it when dealing with the servants and staff, and everyone adored her, nearly tripping over themselves to do her bidding. Well, all except one, she amended.

With slightly shaky hands, the guard inserted his key and cranked the complex lock. The door to the vault itself was short but massive. It was nearly a foot thick, its solid oak timbers striped with bands of iron. "Is there a problem, My Lord?"

"Only if she says no," Xena intoned seriously as she liberated one of the guards’ flickering torches. Ducking her head, she stepped through the doorway and into the inky darkness, closing the door firmly behind her.

When the heavy slab clicked shut and was locked from the inside, the guards looked at each other and offered mirroring shrugs.

Xena moved silently along the narrow passageway, whose entrance was hidden in the corner of the vault. This was the most secure place in the palace. It was only fitting that it should house her greatest treasures, even those long since buried and cruelly lost to the Fates.

Xena settled down next to the small tomb, running her hand over the smooth, cool marble and brushing away the dried remains of flowers she’d sneaked in moons before. When she held the crisp petals in her hand, crushing them to dust, their sweet aroma came to life one last time. "Hello, son." She took a long, deep breath and held it nervously for several seconds. "I’m about to do something very scary and completely wonderful and I wanted to share it with you first."

She stood, moving slowly around the crypt, lighting several other torches ending with one perched handily above Solon’s sarcophagus. "I know you know what’s happened to me lately." When you think of the dead, they can hear your thoughts, her memory whispered, as her mother’s solemn voice tickled her consciousness.

"I’ve met someone." Xena sighed wistfully. "I’m sure you’d like her. And her boy, Jarrod, he’s about your age. I like to think you two would have bonded like true brothers. And I care for him like a son." Though it makes my feelings for you no less special. Xena wasn’t quite sure why she couldn’t bring herself to say the words out loud. She knew they were meant for Solon and that he had heard them just the same.

She turned back to the tomb. "I’m going to go back up there and screw up my courage and ask her to join with me. The woman... well, the mother you never knew, she would have been too proud to beg. But tonight I will if I have to." She chuckled humorlessly. "Maybe I finally figured out what’s really important. I’m only sorry it took me so long." Gods help me if she says no.

She smiled a bittersweet smile, absently running her hands over the top of the tomb again. "I wish you could be here. My mistakes cost us both so much. And I will never, ever forgive myself for that. But the Gods know I pray that you’ve forgiven me. And that you now know only peace." She cleared her throat. "I think Gabrielle will try to keep me from making more mistakes. At least the really bad ones. It’s going to be a daunting task. But I’m sure she’s up to it."

Xena chewed on her lip for a moment and forced herself to say the words out loud. "I just wanted you to know that, just because I’m taking a new family, it doesn’t mean I love you less. It just means that I finally know how to love again."

She pulled a slightly crushed rose from inside her tunic and laid it on the tomb in the same spot she always did. Leaning over, she placed a soft kiss on the cold stone, allowing her lips to linger. "I love you, Solan," she whispered. "Wish me luck."

"I can do this. I can do this. I can do this…" Xena had discovered a new mantra. Lao Ma would be proud.

She approached the bed slowly, not having the heart to wake her sleeping lover a second sooner than necessary. In the glowing candlelight, Gabrielle looked so innocent, so young. It was hard to believe that she had lived the life she had, and that she had a boy Jarrod’s age.

Xena settled down on the bed next to her, brushing blonde hair back gently. Gods, she’s beautiful. Twenty-three summers, my ass. She looks like a teenager. Xena’s eyes were drawn to the bandages circling a lightly muscled back made strong from years of hard work. What do I think I’m doing?

She saw a flash in the candlelight and sucked in a quick breath as the tip of a dagger pressed firmly into the tender skin of her throat. "Gabrielle, don’t!"

Gabrielle pulled her hand back, dropping the blade and sending it clattered to the floor. Heedless of her injured back and painfully stretching stitches, she threw her arms around Xena’s neck. "Gods, Xena. I... I’m sorry!" Her voice was colored with confusion and she was nearly in a panic.

Xena let out a relieved breath. "Shh… Don’t be sorry for protecting yourself," she soothed, feeling a tiny bit of the worry she felt for her lover work its way free with the knowledge that Gabrielle could obviously take care of herself. But mostly she was grateful that blonde had caught herself before slitting her throat. That would have made what Xena was about to do truly impossible.

"I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!" Gabrielle’s pulse was pounding wildly as she buried her face in Xena’s shoulder. All she remembered was waking to the sight of a shadow crossing the room and perching next to her on the bed. She had reacted without thought, and the magnitude of what had almost happened was more than she could bear.

"It’s okay, love. Calm down." Xena reached up and flicked away the tiny drop of blood that had beaded in the hollow of her throat, not wanting Gabrielle to see it. She was already upset enough. And for the second time that evening Xena cursed herself for worrying her lover.

Xena also realized that she had been wholly unprepared for that dagger. Had Gabrielle wanted her dead, she would be paying Charon’s toll and cursing her stupidity right now. Xena hadn’t understood, until this very moment, just how deeply she trusted this woman. The joyous realization that she was still capable of such a simple human emotion made her want to draw Gabrielle into a crushing embrace. But she fought the urge, knowing it would be painful for the shorter woman.

After a few moments of murmured words and gentle, reassuring touches, Xena managed to get Gabrielle calmed down. She offered her a smile, trying to focus her mind on what she was about to do. Assuming she wouldn’t pass out first, that is. She searched her brain desperately, but the carefully planned words had vanished. Zeus! I’m a moron!

"Ah… Gabrielle…" Xena stammered, jumping to her feet and pacing the room like a nervous, expectant father.

When she began talking to herself, Gabrielle’s eyes widened. Uh oh. What’s happened now? It’s the middle of the night, for Zeus’ sake!

After a moment Xena knelt alongside the blonde, whose expression was now a cross between amusement, worry, and confusion.

"There’s something I want to ask you. I... " Xena’s voice faltered and she cleared her throat again. "Umm… well… I… ah…" Gods, if she says no, I’ll die. I know it! Suddenly her mouth was very dry. She needed a drink. That was it! "I’ll be right back." She retreated to the small table in the corner of the room, laden with several full decanters of rich wine and aged liquors.

Gabrielle remained silent, squinting to see Xena through the shadows. Then she noticed that Xena’s hands were shaking, and the wine was sloshing over the sides of the goblet. She couldn’t stand her lover’s distress for another second. "Xena, what is it? What’s wrong?!"

When the warrior had gulped down the last swallow of the sweet wine, she opened her mouth to speak, earning raised, expectant eyebrows from Gabrielle. But before uttering a word, her mouth snapped closed with an audible click, and she began vigorously shaking her head ‘no’ as she poured herself another glass. She finished it in one long swallow, sending pale brows even higher.

"Nothing is wrong," Xena finally lied unconvincingly. "I just… Aww, Hades’ helmet. You see, I know that to be… I mean to be a good and happy… And I want so much for you to... And... I…"

A tentative but still slightly worried smile worked its way across Gabrielle’s face as she wondered what could render a woman who inspired thousands of men to follow her into battle with her impassioned, rousing words speechless.

Xena finally just drew a deep breath and spread her arms wide open in a gesture of defeat. She turned to face Gabrielle. "Will you marry me?" she blurted out helplessly. Her mouthed formed a worried ‘O’ when she remembered something important. Something she’d forgotten! Her palms flew up to forestall Gabrielle’s answer. "Wait!" She fell to her knees, and for the first time in her life bowed her head. "Will you marry me, please?"

Now it was Gabrielle’s turn to be speechless.

Xena and Gabrielle probably would have enjoyed the sunrise, which splashed violet and crimson streaks that melted into a rich gold across the crisp morning sky, had they taken the time to look at anything but each other. They stood facing each other, holding hands in the garden. Gabrielle laughed softly when she noticed Xena’s teeth were chattering. She stretched up on tipped toes and whispered, "Cold or scared, My Lord?"

"Both," Xena admitted.

"I’m not going for your cloak," the blonde teased.

Xena laughed in spite of herself, watching Gabrielle’s breath leave her body in wispy puffs of smoke on this chilly, and to Xena, absolutely perfect, autumn morning. "Where is that priest? I’d hate to have to kill him."

Gabrielle’s hands dropped to her hips.

Xena feigned a round-eyed innocent look. Well, as innocent as she could muster. "Kidding. Mostly," she grumbled under her breath.

Gabrielle grasped Xena’s hand again, frowning at the chill in the long slender fingers. "Relax. You only sent a request for him a few moments ago."

"What will Jarrod say?"

"About what?"

"Our joining, of course!"

Gabrielle laughed. "He’s one of your biggest supporters. I don’t think he’ll mind. Although he might wonder what took us so long. He’s nearly as impatient as you are."

Gabrielle admired the new bracelet and ring that adorned her wrist and finger. A fine, metal chain connected them. She smiled when she saw Xena adjusting her matching set as well. "I’ve never seen anything quite like it."

"You do like them, don’t you? If not..."

"Xena, they’re beautiful." Gabrielle fingered the polished silver bracelet and delicately woven chain that led to a thick, gold band. "What are they called again?"

"For us, they’re called joining bracelets. My ring matches your bracelet as your ring matches my bracelet, and they are joined together by the chain to symbolize that we will always be together... even when circumstances force us apart." She gave Gabrielle a sheepish grin. "Umm... by some they’re called slave bracelets."

"Well, as long as everyone knows who I’m indentured to, I couldn’t care less what they call them." She stretched up a bit, placing a tender kiss on her spouse’s lips.

Xena took a deep satisfying lungfull of the morning air. "Well now, Your Majesty. I suggest that we get some sleep before Queen Melosa arrives tonight."

Gabrielle’s head tilted just slightly, sending a thick shock of hair over one shoulder. "What did you just call me?"

Xena fussed with her wife’s cloak, closing it tightly to ward off the chill. "Your Majesty?"

"Why would you call me that?"

Xena laughed hard, wrapping her arm gently around the small waist and steering them in the direction of the palace. "Why do you think? You’re my Queen. You will rule at my side."

Gabrielle’s hand covered her mouth in astonishment. "Oh, Xena, I hadn’t thought of that! All I could think about was that we would always be together and..."

"Does it bother you?" Xena’s lips pulled down in a puzzled frown.

Gabrielle quickly shook her head as mossy green eyes danced with mischief. "Can I make Callisto call me ‘Your Majesty’ or ‘Your Highness’?"

"She’d better," Xena growled.

"She’ll cut out her own tongue first," Gabrielle laughed. And the least that I can do is loan her a dull knife.

"She’d better not." Xena smirked as her mind segued to her mentor. "Ares would be so disappointed." The Conqueror guided them around a small fruit tree and onto the pathway to the palace.

"Why would Ares care?"

"Because he beds her on a regular basis."

"And you know this exactly how?" Gabrielle stopped walking and looked Xena square in the eye.

Oooo... she’s nearly as possessive as I am. I’m going to love being married to her. "I have many skills." Xena smirked again when a light blush covered Gabrielle’s cheeks and neck. Gods, she’s delicious. "I know who is sleeping with whom in my palace. Very little gets by me."

"Is that why you think I was set up yesterday morning?"

Xena nodded and now that Ares had been mentioned, she knew how. Her eyes closed in anger. "Damn him." I warned you, Ares.

Gabrielle scratched her cheek. It didn’t make any sense. She was no threat to a God. And she would willingly die for his Chosen. Why should he want her harmed?

"I’m not sure how they managed it, but I’ll bet every gold dinar in my vaults that Callisto and Ares were behind it." Xena kicked a pebble with the toe of her boot.

"Why?" Gabrielle repeated out loud. "What have I done to them?"

Xena pulled the blonde into her arms. "You got what they both wanted. Me. Ares wants my heart and my future. Callisto wants my body and my sword. But I willingly surrendered all those things to you as you stroked my hair in a sweet-smelling apple orchard outside of tiny Poteidaia. I’m afraid, my love, they have great cause to dislike you." She gave Gabrielle a little kiss on the tip of her nose.

"And your soul?" She turned earnest eyes on her partner. "Who has that?" Say the words, Xena. I want to know that I have yours as you have mine.

"Somehow, I get the feeling you’ve always held my spirit, Gabrielle." Xena shrugged one shoulder as they resumed their trek, unaware that her wife was flushing with the sweetest of pleasures. "It just took me a lifetime to find you."

Leaving orders that they shouldn’t be disturbed for anything expect Jarrod or the arrival of Queen Melosa, the newly joined couple climbed the steps to their chambers. Once inside, they bathed again, with Xena carefully washing and tending to the wounds on Gabrielle’s back.

"Do they feel any better at all?"

"Actually they do." Gabrielle nodded, anxious to ease Xena’s distress. "I think the salve really is helping." Xena sighed guiltily and Gabrielle was sure it was going to take her warrior a long time to get over what had happened.

Xena’s emotional scars from the lashing appeared to be more serious than the ones on her back. The young women wondered if there was something else compounding her partner’s guilt and worry. Gabrielle’s heart ached to remedy her lover’s pain. She vowed to spend the rest of her life trying. "I’m still stiff and sore, but the stinging pain is nearly gone." She patted Xena’s hand. "It’s more annoying than anything else."

A skeptical eyebrow arched. "Mmm... Hmm... Annoying is it?" She frowned. "I don’t want you to strain yourself and to risk the stitches tearing loose."

Gabrielle settled back gently against Xena’s chest, running her hands up and down the long legs she sat between. "Can I just stay here until it heals then?"

"We’ll look like prunes," Xena snorted, allowing her fingertips to massage the queen’s tense upper neck.

"Not a very regal look, huh?" The blonde hummed, enjoying the warm bath and the massage. She looked at her own hands, which were starting to look a tad shriveled.

"Nope. It could be down right embarrassing in some circles." Xena brought her head forward, whispering in Gabrielle’s ear. "So after this wretched meeting with my satraps ends, where would you like to go for our joining trip?"

Gabrielle gasped at the breath that tickled her ear and sent a warm jolt between her legs. "Joining trip?" she repeated faintly.

"Yeah... the trip that most newly married couples take. Didn’t you and Perdicus have one?"

"Please." Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "I moved from my parents’ house to Perdicus’ house, then right to one of the tavern’s rental rooms after he was killed and I had to start working."

"Why did you have to move to the inn?"

Gabrielle looked over her shoulder, wishing she had kept her mouth shut. Damn. She doesn’t need this right now. This is a time to look forward, not backwards! "It’s not important now," she murmured, searching her mind for another topic. "It’s ancient history."

Xena felt a sinking sensation in her gut and got the distinct impression that somehow, from across Greece, she had done something that hurt Gabrielle. "Tell me."

"Xena, please."

"Tell me!" she demanded, retreating from behind her wife, not stopping until her back slid against the marble on the other side of the tub.

"Fine! It was taxes."

Xena’s forehead wrinkled. "What?"

Gabrielle sighed and let the hand she was using to reach out for Xena drop into the tub with a loud splash. "I couldn’t pay the taxes. Your collector seized the house and sold it. My parents had already rented out my room to a farm hand, so I had no place to go. That’s when I began working at the tavern. The owner owned the inn as well and I got room, board, and tips."

Anger sparked in pale blue eyes. Xena squeezed every drop of water from the sponge she had picked up on her way across the tub. "Your husband died serving with me in Rome, and in gratitude my tax collector took your house?"

Gabrielle nodded.

"Oh, Gods," Xena groaned, unable to look Gabrielle in the eye. What did you always say to your advisors, Xena? The tax collector is a ruler’s right hand. Well, my right hand threw the love of life my out on the streets. Damn me to the lowest level of Tartarus! "The widows of my men shouldn’t be put out of their homes!" How can I be expected to maintain a steady supply of soldiers when my civil servants behave this way? "How old was Jarrod when this happened?"

She admitted quietly, "I hadn’t given birth to him yet. He didn’t come for another few weeks."

"So I had the pregnant widow of a fallen soldier put out on the streets?"

Gabrielle’s gazes dropped to cooling water. "Yes. But your tax collector-"

"Don’t make excuses for me, Gabrielle," Xena said flatly. "It’s my responsibility to know what my government is doing in my name."

Gabrielle raised her eyes. "You’re right. But I don’t expect you can keep track of every dinar collected... and exactly how it was collected. You do rule most of the world, Xena."

"Greece is our home!"

"And Greece is a prosperous nation. Despite its occasionally," her lips twitched, "overzealous tax collectors."

It was Xena’s turn to roll her eyes at her lover’s understatement. "Gods, are there any fairy tales told to children where I’m not the evil monster who lays waste to the land and eats the beautiful princess?"

Gabrielle smothered a grin, moving through the water until she was back in Xena’s arms. This time facing her. "There are lots of stories where you eat the princess, My Lord." Her eyes twinkled and she wriggled fair eyebrows. "They’re just not the sort suitable for children."

A burst of laughter escaped Xena’s throat and she kissed her partner soundly. You’re either really in love with me or totally nuts. "I’m so sorry about your house, Gabrielle." A pause. "I need to do better."

"I know," Gabrielle agreed softly, taking the sting from the words. "We’ll work on it together." She grinned a bit, looking once again at her joining bracelet. "Besides, I didn’t come out of it too badly. I did get a palace in the deal."

Xena’s shoulders shook with silent laughter. She’s nuts.

Gabrielle had to admit her spouse amused her. Xena was positively a nervous wreck. Almost as bad as when she had proposed. The new Queen just shook her head as she watched Xena’s long legs bounce at the knee as they waited.

"Please relax." Gabrielle squeezed the broad shoulder comfortingly. "He’s going to love this."

"Gods, I hope so." Xena began tapping her fingers against the arm of the chair in which she sat.

There was a soft knock at the door. Gabrielle moved to open it, allowing Jarrod and Palaemon to enter. Jarrod was wearing a rich blue tunic and dusty boots. His hair was adorably disheveled, and his cheeks were rosy from some exertion. He was beaming.

Gabrielle knelt down and pulled her son into a long, heartfelt hug. She winced when small arms wrapped around her back, but managed not to make a sound. Gabrielle could feel his excited smile and rapid heartbeat against her and she wondered at his boundless energy and enthusiasm. "Hello. How has your day been, son?"

The Conqueror’s eyes softened at the sight of the mother and son embracing. She felt an unexpected stab of pain for her own loss and for the years she’d lived without anything close to the love she felt in this room.

"Oh, Mama, it’s been wonderful! Palaemon and I have been helping clean up the fire."

Xena chuckled. Only a spirited little boy would find cleaning up mess from a fire a fun thing to do. She looked up to the guard. "Palaemon, you’re dismissed. We’ll put him to bed before we come down for the reception."

"As you wish, My Lord." He bowed his head and winked at Jarrod, who was standing loosely in his mother’s arms and still smiling over their day together. "I’ll go change into my formal uniform."

"Good man. Also..." Xena rose to her feet and pulled a folded piece of parchment from her pocket. "Go to the Major of the Guard and tell him to issue you your new Captain’s rank."

"My Lord?" The young man nearly fell over as he took the parchment, looking at the paper as though it was a diamond in his hand.

Xena smothered her grin, schooling her face to its usual stoicism. "It’s your commission, Palaemon. Try not to pass out before you get to enjoy it."

"My Lord?" he questioned again. It normally took years to receive such an honor. And then only if you were very lucky.

Xena shrugged. "It seems to me that the man caring for and mentoring my son should have no less." She gave him a firm pat on the back, wondering if his feet would actually touch the ground as he descended the palace steps. Gods, it had been years since she had seen a soldier’s pride and excitement painted on his face like this. "I’ll see you down there, Captain."

"Yes, My Lord." He saluted briskly, then blinked when Xena offered him a warrior handshake. "Thank you, My Lord!" he said again, pumping her arm.

"Try not to bust the threads on your uniform puffing up your chest, Palaemon!" she called after him as the newly minted officer practically ran from the apartment.

Gabrielle stood and turned adoring eyes on her lover. "That was nice, Xena."

Xena blushed and studied her boots bashfully. "It was for purely military reasons, Gabrielle," she insisted.

"Uh huh." Laughing as Xena’s deepening flush, Gabrielle decided to have mercy on her wife and change the subject.

"Son," Gabrielle ran her fingers through Jarrod’s newly cut but windblown hair, bringing it back to some order. "Xena and I have something to tell you."

He looked back and forth between them and then threw his arms around his mother’s neck. "Yes! When did you do it?"

Gabrielle drew back as she let out a surprised breath. "When did I do what?"

"Join with Xena, of course."

The women’s eyes met in surprise and they exchanged bewildered shrugs. "This morning."

"Are you all right with this, Jarrod?" Xena kneeled down to his level, wanting to pull him into the type of hug he’d shared with Gabrielle, but suddenly too nervous.

"Oh yes, Xena!" Without hesitation, the boy wrapped his arms around her neck and gave her a strong hug. "I love you!"

The Conqueror let out a relieved breath as her heart began beating again. "I love you too, Tiger."

"This is great!" He released Xena and hugged his mother again, peering up at her with concerned eyes. "Umm, now what do I call you?"

Gabrielle smiled. "What you’ve always called me – Mama. Joining with Xena could never change that, son."

He looked back to Xena for confirmation. "Is that all right?"

"Hey!" Xena jerked a thumb towards a slightly indignant Gabrielle. "What she said." "But in public, you address her as ‘Your Majesty’. Your Mama is the Queen now. We both have to show her the respect she deserves."

He nodded. "Gotcha." A puzzled look crossed his face, and the women waited patiently for the lad to ask what was so clearly on the tip of his tongue. "Xena?"

"Yes?"

"Well, what should I call you?"

Twin eyebrows lifted and Xena pursed her lips. That was a good question. "What would you like to call me?"

Gabrielle wrapped her arm around Xena’s waist and waited curiously for her son’s reply.

"Well, no matter what, I would call you ‘My Lord’ in public. Just like now." His brow was still creased and his words came as though he was thinking out loud.

Both Xena and Gabrielle nodded approvingly.

"I could call you Xena like I do now.... When we’re alone, I mean."

"You could," Xena replied carefully.

Hopeful eyes looked up from beneath pale lashes. "Or I could call you ‘Mother’?"

Xena’s body jerked a tiny bit and Gabrielle uncurled her arm from Xena’s waist and softly rubbed her hand on her lover’s back. "I... I..."

Gabrielle smiled at her son, remaining silent while Xena composed herself. She knew what the answer would be. But this was Xena’s moment. And she would let her enjoy it without interruption.

Xena swallowed, feeling a lump form in her throat. "That would be fine, lad," she finally said, her voice cracking. She looked at Gabrielle questioningly. The younger woman’s smile spoke for itself. "‘Mother’ would be just fine."

Gabrielle leaned in and kissed Xena’s shoulder, ignoring the frequent sniffs made by her partner.

They each took a hand and led Jarrod to his adjoining chambers.

"So does this mean I’ll have a little brother or sister by Solstice?"

Gabrielle and Xena looked at each other with wide eyes before they burst out laughing. "Oh boy," they muttered simultaneously.

Gabrielle marveled when the wall slid away. She gave Xena a little sideways glance. "And how many of these passages are there in the palace?"

"The entire palace is riddled with them. We’ll spend a day and I’ll show you the most direct routes from point alpha to point beta."

Gabrielle clapped her hands together. "So that’s how you do it!"

"Do what?" Xena used her torch to guide the way down the narrow, winding tunnel, burning away cobwebs as she walked. In the distance she could hear the skittering of tiny paws.

"It’s rumored that you have special powers that allow you to mysteriously appear." Gabrielle ducked a low hanging, singed, spider web, deciding to walk behind Xena so she could clear the way. "Now I get it. You cheat."

Xena grinned. "It’s only cheating if I get caught."

"In case you’re wondering, wife..." Gabrielle gave the bottom in front of her a firm pinch. "That reasoning does not apply to bed partners."

"I knew there was something different about commoners’ marriages," Xena shot back, yelping over another pinch.

Xena made sure the wall was back in place before showing Gabrielle to a pair of chairs hidden behind a thick velvet curtain. On the other side of the curtain a reception could be heard, where Xena’s most trusted officers and advisors, regents, and royalty of all the nations under her dominion were awaiting her appearance.

The Conqueror seated herself in her tall throne, which was covered in soft black leather and the deepest purple velvet her decorators could find. She nearly disappeared into the chair, her clothing matching the colors completely.

Gabrielle sat in an equally regal, though slightly shorter chair that Malaius had painstaking tracked down.

The poor man had nearly succumbed from sheer exhaustion after looking at nearly every chair in the palace. He wondered why his Lord Conqueror had suddenly become obsessed with chairs, but decided that his head liked the comfy spot on his shoulders. So he didn’t ask.

Xena watched with an amused smile as Gabrielle settled into her temporary throne. The blonde took a deep breath, pulling herself upright and leaning forward a bit. Xena knew it was because of the tenderness in her back and frowned. But she had to admit that the ramrod straight position of the queen’s back and the square set of her shoulders gave her a powerful aura of authority. Unconsciously, Xena leaned forward, mirroring Gabrielle’s posture.

"Ready, My Queen?" the Conqueror questioned with a sly smile.

Gabrielle blushed at the use of the honorific. This was going to take some getting used to. "Yes, My Lord. I’m ready."

With the push of a pedal at her foot, Xena caused the curtains to retract, revealing them to the dignitaries and gathered crowd.

Gabrielle watched as Xena’s features hardened and she carefully inspected each and every face in turn. Some she saw every day, others only once a year. All eyes had, of course, turned to them and the room had grown deathly quite as the occupants waited for their Lord Conqueror to speak.

The moment was charged.

Xena made them wait. It was a power play. A game the Conqueror played well and had obviously never lost. Finally, when it appeared as though Xena had grown bored with surveying her audience, she rose from her throne with a deadly grace. The crowd held their breaths. She took the time to smooth the rich purple silk tunic she wore over loose fitting black trousers. Her high leather boots gleamed in the torchlight. Turning slightly at the waist, but staring straight ahead, she offered her hand back to Gabrielle.

The blonde kept the smile that was itching to burst free from grabbing hold of her lips. But just barely. Taking a deep breath, her expression shifted and hardened, rivaling Xena’s. She placed her hand in the Conqueror’s, allowing the warm, solid grasp to ground her and give her courage. With a slight tug, she was brought to her feet.

"Welcome," Xena finally stated in a deep, rich voice that threatened to send Gabrielle and most of the men and women in the audience swooning.

"My Lord," every single voice in the room intoned at the same time.

Gabrielle watched interestedly as some bowed at the waist, some lowered their heads, and others merely lowered their eyes respectfully. But none failed to offer tribute. As it should be, she thought.

"Before anything else takes place this evening," Xena continued, squeezing the slender hand in hers. "I would like to introduce you to someone very important in my life and, from now on, very important in your lives." She paused offering a very small smile to the crowd. She allowed the smile to grow, transforming her face and extending to twinkling eyes when she turned to her partner. "May I present, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Gabrielle." Gasps rang out. "We were joined early this morning."

Xena took two backward, then guided Gabrielle forward, placing her in a position of prominence before the crowd. The new queen allowed all those gathered a moment to pick their jaws up off the floor. I hope some of them have an extra pair of trousers handy, she mused wryly.

"Good evening, Your Majesty." One voice rang out. And Gabrielle saw that it belonged to Palaemon. She graced the scarred soldier with a genuine smile that showed off sparkling teeth, and a tilt of her head, as the others in the room finally got over the shock and added their voices to the chorus.

The Queen took great delight in finding and making eye contact with General Callisto. The look she offered the general could only be described as predatory. I hope you enjoyed your little show yesterday morning, bitch. Because it’ll be the last one you give involving me or my family. That is, unless I’m on the other end of the whip.

Gabrielle gave a sarcastic wink in Callisto’s direction before turning her full attention to Xena and the other guests as she felt herself being guided down the steps and into the crowd. Xena pulled her closer and, taking the cue, she wrapped her hand around Xena’s strong arm as they strolled through the parting bodies. She offered nods and soft acknowledgments to those who spoke to her as she passed by, glad that at least tonight, she wouldn’t be expected to do much more.

Palaemon regarded the royal couple from his position by the wall, his shiny Captain’s bars sparkling in the candlelight. He had never seen his Lord Conqueror look more proud or regal than she did this evening. She looks like she could conquer the world, he silently considered, then chuckled at the ridiculous thought. But even without his promotion, he could honestly say it was a pleasure to serve the Lord Conqueror. And seeing the newly joined couple tonight, the reason why was crystal clear.

The Conqueror led Gabrielle to the far end of the room, where Queen Melosa was doing her best to ignore Brutus.

Xena turned first to Melosa. "Welcome and good evening. I’m glad to see that you arrived safely. I know you’ll forgive me for not being available to see you until now. I had some other matters to attend to... as a woman in your position would clearly understand."

Melosa nodded begrudgingly. "Indeed, Lord Conqueror. I am aware of the fire." She gave Gabrielle an appraising look, starting with her shoes and working her way up from there. Their eyes met briefly and Melosa quirked a small smile. "The news of your joining was delightful, and the Amazons most certainly understand that other matters required your attention. Especially with such a lovely bondmate."

Gabrielle smiled and her face grew warm. She felt Xena’s arm tense and gave it a gentle squeeze, reminding her partner that she was right at her side and didn’t intend going anywhere.

"Your Majesty," Melosa continued, receiving an icy stare from Xena that caused her to bow her head just a bit as she addressed Gabrielle. "I trust you’re feeling better? Regent Terreis told me of your tribute to Our Lord Conqueror’s supremacy."

Gabrielle bristled at the reference to her lashing, but decided that Melosa’s concern, at least on its face, seemed genuine. "I’m fine, Your Majesty. Thank you for asking."

Xena stiffened, determined for Melosa not to see her lingering guilt over the event. Her gaze swung to Brutus. "Brutus, welcome. What news is there from Rome?"

"Thank you, Lord Conqueror." He bowed at the waist, his eyes never leaving Xena’s. He had been there when Caesar made that fatal mistake. "Rome is prosperous and has sent great tribute to you and your lovely new Queen."

Gods, what a suck up! "Good. You can tell me all about it when the formal meetings begin tomorrow." She was already bored with the Roman. Xena squared her shoulders and addressed the entire room. "The palace cooks have prepared for us a tremendous banquet, and we should adjourn to the dining room to enjoy it."

As they made their way to the dining room, Gabrielle whispered, "Somehow, I thought Brutus would be taller. He reminds me of the little peg-legged fellow who used to shovel stalls at the stables in Poteidaia."

It wasn’t the first time Xena roared with laughter that night, and it wouldn’t be the last.

After the meal, the entire entourage returned to the gallery. Gabrielle still found the term misleading. Xena did indeed have a way of making things sound more or less threatening than they really were. Which one she chose depended wholly on her agenda.

Gabrielle was enjoying herself altogether too much as she lay by her lover’s side on the large chaise next to their thrones and fed her spouse fresh berries and other treats. After one particularly wonderful oral exchange, involving a very ripe, juicy strawberry, she glanced up to find that Callisto’s face was the color of a pomegranate. The General’s hands were shaking so violently that wine was spilling over the edge of her cup and onto her boots. Gabrielle smiled wickedly and dipped another berry in honey, placing it between Xena’s lips with her own, and licking away any errant moisture with a warm tongue.

"You are truly evil." Xena whispered in her ear afterwards, trying to ignore the dull ache that had settled languidly between her legs. "Tormenting my general like that."

"No, my love. Truly evil would be eating from some other part of your body and letting her see it. This is just being mean." She pursed her lips speculatively. "And yes, I’m enjoying it immensely."

"Oh, I have no doubt of that, My Queen," Xena purred, placing a gentle kiss on Gabrielle’s earlobe before sucking it into her mouth. This, while the tips of her fingers gently grazed the flesh of her spouse’s neck and jaw. If this play didn’t end soon, Callisto and the other guests were, indeed, going to get a surprise. "Enjoy showing your claws, Mama Bear."

Gabrielle nodded, savoring the soft lips nibbling at her ear and neck. "I have a feeling, My Lord, that before this is over, your general will get an up close and personal examination of my claws." Especially, if she keeps staring at you like that. Not that I can blame her.

"I’d pay to see that," Xena chuckled, pulling away slightly and taking a long drink from her wine to calm her racing pulse. Don’t worry, love. Callisto will get what’s coming to her. One way or the other.

"For you, My Lord, the show will be free." Gabrielle smirked and bit down on a nut-filled date, humming in pleasure. "I wouldn’t even consider doing it without letting you enjoy it."

"It can’t be done!" came the drunken yell from somewhere in the crowd.

Xena’s head snapped around, ending a rather intense kiss from the Queen. The reception had been going on for several marks, and most of the attendees were feeling a happy buzz if not outright drunk. She, of course, was feeling happy herself, but that was mostly due to a lack of oxygen and the exhilarating company of her beautiful new bride.

"Oh, but it can!" Eponin, an Amazonian weapons expert, who accompanied Melosa as a bodyguard when she traveled, waved a dagger in the air. "I’ll bet you ten silver I can do it in one throw."

The noise in the room increased two-fold as pouches and purses were searched and coins clattered onto tables all around the room. Xena reluctantly moved to her feet, offering her hand to Gabrielle. "C’mon, let’s go see what the Amazons are getting all cocky about now."

The Queen giggled as she joined the Conqueror.

"What’s so funny?" Xena arched a brow, loving the sound from her wife and thinking it made her appear to be the biggest leach in the realm, being married to such a sweet innocent thing.

"Never thought of Amazons and cocky being used in the same breath."

The tall woman shook her head and groaned lightly. Was I thinking innocent? But she wasn’t able to keep from cracking a smile. Gabrielle was by no means drunk, but she did seem much more relaxed than she was earlier.

"Anyone ever tell you that you’re just a little bit of a smart ass?" she whispered.

Gabrielle stroked her spouse’s cheek, dragging her fingertips down the tender skin of Xena’s throat and leaning forward to absorb the heady scent of leather and red wine. She let her fingertips rest on Xena’s collarbone, smiling at the jump in the Conqueror’s pulse point. "No, but coming from you, I’ll take it as a great compliment."

The crowd parted for the royal couple as they slowly made their way across the room, trading whispers. "So, let’s see what’s happening." Before I take you right here and now, Gabrielle. You do like to play with fire, don’t you? The Conqueror stood up very straight, allowing her to tower over almost everyone in the room. Alert eyes scanned in all directions.

Gabrielle took a moment to study her beautiful spouse, and was suddenly overcome with a nearly overwhelming desire to take her back to their apartment and make love to her in ways that would make Aphrodite blush. Slightly shocked by her own hunger, she shook her head, putting away the decidedly naughty, but undeniably delicious thoughts. Unconsciously, she licked her lips.

"What is the bet?" Xena asked, moving a step away from Gabrielle who was eyeing her in a way that was fast melting her resolve to remain at the reception.

Brutus laughed, lifting his cup toward the Amazons. "The ‘ladies’ are bragging of their knife-throwing abilities."

Xena arched a brow. Do you know who you’re talking to, fool? She didn’t exactly consider herself a lady, but she was sure as Hades a woman! "And you doubt their word? Not terribly bright of you, Brutus. But you are Roman, I guess we shouldn’t expect much."

The crowd, all except for Brutus and his envoy, laughed. Gabrielle watched closely as Brutus sneered, but held his tongue.

"So... what is the bet?" Xena prodded again.

"I can put out the flame on a candle with the throw of a small dagger from ten paces," Eponin stated before realizing she had left off something very important. "My Lord," she added, hoping it didn’t sound like the afterthought it was.

Xena and the rest of the group turned when Gabrielle’s slight chuckle at Eponin’s faux pas was heard, even though it wasn’t meant to be. Gabrielle smiled sweetly and shrugged.

"Your Majesty." Eponin moved forward, offering the Conqueror’s Queen the knife. "By your good humor, I assume you believe you can do better?"

Blue eyes flashed and Xena stepped forward but was stopped from speaking by the sound of her Queen’s voice.

"Could be." The humor drained from Gabrielle’s face.

Murmurs pulsed through the crowd as Gabrielle reached out and took Eponin’s dagger, twirling it between her fingers in an amazing display of apparent proficiency.

Dark eyebrows rose, and Xena made a mental note to question her spouse about her skills, which the young woman apparently kept well hidden. At least most of the time.

"I can do it at twelve paces," Gabrielle said softly, but boldly.

The Amazon snorted. "No one can do it in twelve. Even our own Lord Conqueror failed to do it in eleven during the last meeting." She eyed Xena warily. "No disrespect intended, My Lord."

"None taken. You merely speak the truth. Though you should always do it nicely when speaking to my wife!" When the Amazon looked properly fearful, the Conqueror turned towards Gabrielle and gave her a mild look of warning. "But she’s right, My Queen. Even I failed at eleven."

Gabrielle met the look head on. "I can do it in twelve, My Lord."

The Conqueror recognized honest determination when she saw it. This was no drunken boast on the Queen’s part.

"And what would you like to bet, My Queen?" Xena crossed her arms against her chest expectantly.

The blonde stepped away from Eponin, motioning Xena closer. The tall woman joined her spouse and Gabrielle whispered, "Xena, do you trust me?"

The Conqueror drew back a bit. What in Hades kind of question is that? Of course she trusted Gabrielle! But now she had to acknowledge that total trust in front of the people that she had commanded for most of her adult life. "Of course."

"Totally trust me?" she asked again, tossing the dagger in the air and catching it smoothly, hoping that it would ease the doubt she could see written on Xena’s face. Believe in me, Xena. I won’t disappoint you.

Xena grinned crookedly. "What are you thinking, O evil one?"

Gabrielle shook her head slightly. "Just answer the question. Do you totally trust me?"

"Yes."

Gabrielle turned back to the crowd. "I’ll put the candle out from a distance of at least two paces from the best throw. If I fail, the person who has the best throw gets two marks with our Lord Conqueror..." she paused and grinned mischievously, "in the privacy of a bed chamber." Even believing in her heart that she wouldn’t fail, something in Gabrielle kept her from offering their bedchamber.

A strong hand patted Xena’s back as she choked on the wine she had just swallowed. Gabrielle leaned in and whispered once again, "Relax, I didn’t say you had to do anything, just that they got two hours with you. You can talk them to death in two hours. I don’t share, Xena." Not you. Not ever.

"Very funny." Xena rolled her eyes. "You’d better win this little bet, Your Majesty. Or I might do more than talking. Just to teach you a lesson." Xena’s grin took the threat out of the words and the blonde winked.

"And if you win," Eponin piped up, "what do you get?"

"Hmm," Gabrielle settled the point of the dagger against her chin. Zeus, that’s sharp. "If I win, anyone who takes part in the challenge has to switch places for just one day with a member of the palace staff." Her smile broadened. "And I get to choose where and when you serve."

"Done!" the Amazon agreed easily.

A long line started forming behind Eponin. Gods! Gabrielle’s jaw sagged slightly. All these people want to go to bed with my wife!

Xena just shook her head. What have you gotten me into, Gabrielle? Picking up an unused candle that sat next to the burning one on a table, she lit it and handed it to Brutus. Giving him a half-pat, half-punch in the chest she growled, "Be a good man and hold this, won’t you?"

It was an offer he couldn’t refuse. Though the Gods know he wanted to.

Palaemon carefully recorded and judged each throw. So far, the Amazon weapons master had come the closest but still failed to extinguish the candle.

The young captain watched as droplets of sweat started to form on Brutus’ forehead. No doubt the Roman emissary found this an abruptly sobering experience. The candle had burned down significantly, and its flame was flickering from the constant trembling of the Roman’s hand. When he saw who the next contestant was, he dropped his head and shook it from side to side, groaning loudly.

"You’d better stop shaking, Brutus. I’d hate to miss and have my dagger end up right between your beady eyes," Callisto said sweetly. She had requested another pace off the distance, a task Xena herself was handling. This would put the general eleven paces back. The Queen would have to hit the mark by at least thirteen.

As Callisto prepared her first throw, Xena leaned over and whispered to her wife. "Please tell me you can do it from thirteen. I do not want to be in a bedchamber with that crazy hag." She refrained from some saying ‘again’, locking those memories far away where she kept the thoughts of all her other ‘heinous’ acts.

"Trust me." The Queen rubbed her spouse’s twitching hand. "The day you spend two marks in a bedchamber alone with that skinny bitch, you’ll be walking over my dead body to get there." Green eyes glinted with determination. "But I do intend to enjoy watching her empty a few chamber pots."

Xena snorted, choking at the mental image. "That’s priceless."

"Yeah, I know. All the dinars in the world couldn’t buy me the joy I’m gonna get from that."

Xena elbowed her queen. "I’m glad you’re on my side." Both Xena and Gabrielle flinched when Callisto’s throw bested Eponin’s by half an inch. But the flame still flickered.

Another candle was lit. And Palaemon held it while Brutus took his turn to throw. Despite the numerous glasses of wine he’d consumed, his aim was good. But the distance was too much, and he missed by several inches. The captain squared his shoulders as the Conqueror paced off thirteen strides and handed Gabrielle the dagger, which she took in her right hand. She grabbed Gabrielle’s wrist for a split second. "What do you think you’re doing? You’re left handed."

"What does it look like I’m doing?" she said exasperatedly. "My left arm is sore and tired and I might tear my stitches."

"Oh, great Zeus!" Xena hissed, looking at Callisto from the corner of her eye. She was grinning from ear to ear. "I’m gonna have to kill her if you lose."

"Then I win either way, huh? Gotta love that." Gabrielle smirked, stepping up to the line.

Palaemon took a deep breath as he watched the Queen line up her throw with an unsteady hand. How much wine has she had? he wondered grimly. Then he turned his head to the left so that no one could accuse him of blowing out the candle on her behalf. When he heard the solid thump he swallowed, realizing he was still alive. He smiled tentatively and turned back towards the candle. A small puff of dark smoke spiraled upward the room filled with piteous groans.

Gabrielle tugged on Xena’s hand, laughing all the way as they entered their apartment. Green eyes flecked with gold danced merrily. "The look on your face was one I’ll never forget!"

"I was the bait in your little trap. Forgive me for being a tad tense," Xena defended, barely through the door of their bedchamber before she began working the hooks on her tunic. She wanted to ask Gabrielle where she learned that, but at the last moment decided she didn’t really want to know how Gabrielle had acquired the skill of an assassin. She feared it involved a patron of the tavern and an exchange of favors that made her too ill to contemplate. Her heart simply couldn’t take the retelling of a story like that. Not on what was still her wedding day.

The Queen slid up to her spouse and began working the tunic from her shoulders. "Have you ever been bait before?" she asked seriously, not looking up from her task and sighing as each hook gave way to silky soft skin. Her mouth watered.

"Not intentionally." Gabrielle had been teasing the Conqueror all night. Her basically chaste touch, as she slowly worked loosened Xena’s clothing, sent a shiver down Xena’s spine, re-igniting what had become an almost painful ache between her legs. Gods. I’m completely in lust with my own wife. The feeling was positively decadent, and pale eyes fluttered closed when warm lips attached themselves to her chest. So much for chaste. "Hmm Gabrielle, ah… your back…"

"Who says I have to be on my back?" She roughly pushed Xena’s tunic farther open, availing herself of the silky skin she was craving like a drunkard craves wine.

"Great Zeus," the Conqueror moaned, when sharp teeth nipped at her neck. Gabrielle was no stranger to seduction.

The younger woman’s inhibitions had been stripped away by the libations celebrating her victory. Gabrielle was in no mood to deny her hungers. And tonight... she hungered for her wife. "As a matter of fact, who says we have to do this in a bed? Where’s your sense of adventure, Lord Conqueror?" The question was asked just as Xena’s silk tunic hit the floor. "I actually have a few fantasies about the throne room, if you must know."

"Oh yeah?" Xena sighed as determined hands massaged her back then moved to her breasts. She wondered how long she was going to be able to remain on her feet. "But... but we’ll have to make do up here I’m afraid." She took a deep breath and held it as warm lips and a hot tongue insistently caressed the underside of her breast. "Umm... the... the staff is cleaning and preparing it for the meetings... to... tomorrow."

"I think we can improvise quite nicely." Gabrielle pushed Xena back, guiding her into a sturdy chair next to the glowing fireplace. She knelt down in front of her spouse and smiled coyly. "Shall I remove your boots, My Lord?"

"Of course, but umm," Xena sat up a little, throwing a long leg over the arm of the chair, "why don’t you get more comfortable first?"

Gabrielle’s gaze traveled down the Conqueror’s firm body. She licked her lips slowly, first the top, then the bottom.

Xena thought she might pass out as her mouth went impossibly dry and her pulse began to pound in her ears.

The Queen wore an evil look as she moved to the table and poured two cups of that sweet wine she was so fond of. Before bringing them back to Xena, she took the time to open her tunic. She wasn’t wearing an undershirt and the silk felt so good against her bare skin, despite the bandages.

"Don’t you think we’ve had enough to drink, Gabrielle?" Xena teased easily. She was nowhere near her limit, and her bride didn’t appear to be feeling any ill affects whatsoever.

Gabrielle shook her head with exaggerated slowness, still facing away from the Conqueror. "No, My Lord. I want it," she said simply. "And tonight I’m going to have everything I want." Gabrielle loosened her tunic further, rubbing her palms up her own stomach, and allowing them to disappear behind the folds of her shirt. Gabrielle moaned softly at the feeling of her cool hands on hot flesh.

All the air in Xena’s lungs was expelled in a long breath at the sight of her wife. She nearly bolted from her chair and took Gabrielle where she stood. But she was enjoying this way too much to spoil her lover’s plans. The sight of her spouse touching herself, still dressed but allowing just a hint of flesh to peek through, was incredibly tantalizing.

The Queen smiled at the long drawn out groan that left the Conqueror’s chest. Turning, she straightened so that her tunic fell open just a bit more. "See something you like, My Lord?"

"Oh yeah!" She nodded eagerly, realizing just how much she sounded like Ares when he was on the prowl for more than a good fight. Xena immediately dismissed the unpleasant thought.

Gabrielle handed Xena both cups, taking a deep swallow from each to make sure they weren’t so full that they would spill. Then she took a step back. First she removed her shoes and gave them a little kick to get them out of her way. Then she removed her trousers, leaving her totally naked under the tunic, which remained open, serving its purpose of driving Xena to distraction. The blonde laughed when she saw her spouse drain one cup and then most of the other, setting the goblets on the floor.

"My, my." Gabrielle straddled Xena’s lap, noting her warrior’s uneven breathing. She felt completely free to play, to explore a more seductive element of her personality with an honesty she’d never had the opportunity to enjoy before. She was mildly surprised, not that her actions affected her partner, but at the copious, warm wetness between her own legs. "I thought you’d had enough... wine." She laid her arms gently over broad shoulders and her voice dropped to a sexy purr when she asked quietly, "Cold, My Lord?" She allowed a hand to drop and graze an erect nipple that begged to be caressed.

Xena was gripping the arms of the chair so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. She shook her head frantically when she realized Gabrielle expected an answer.

The Queen leaned her body into Xena, rubbing their torsos together, and biting her lip at the thrilling sensation. "Touch me, Xena," she moaned in her wife’s ear before taking the lobe into her mouth and nibbling the flesh.

Two hot, sweaty hands flew off the chair and found their way under Gabrielle’s tunic, running up and down silky thighs. "Gabrielle…oh Gods…" She felt the blonde begin to grind against her abdomen, leaving a trail of glistening moistness on her very warm skin. "Oh yeah…" She closed her eyes, let her head drop back as her hands landed on her wife’s hips, forcing their bodies closer together.

The Queen, excited by the moans and humming coming from deep within Xena’s chest, allowed her hands to roam all over the body in front of her, while her mouth explored every inch of exposed skin including Xena’s lips. Her hands travel down to the front of Xena’s trousers and she tugged on them to loosen the hooks. "Off!" she demanded. "Off, now!"

The Conqueror managed to push her feet out of her boots while Gabrielle kissed her with passion born of total lust. Together they wrestled her out of her pants, with Gabrielle refusing to move from her position above Xena. When the tall woman raised her hips to work her trousers over them, it forced her body hard and fast into her Queen’s, nearly causing the smaller woman to climax. But Gabrielle pulled away slightly. Digging her fingers into Xena’s shoulder, she commanded herself with a firm, "No!"

"No?" Xena panted, suddenly concerned and beginning to cease all movement.

"Yes to you…" Gabrielle ground out. "No to…climax… not yet... not ready…"

Xena wrapped her arms around Gabrielle’s lower back pulling her back down and laying her head between two perfect breasts. She closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, and moaned hard and loud as her hips pushed hard against Gabrielle’s center.

The blonde was fighting desperately for the control she’d had only moments before. She leaned over and picked up the partially full goblet of dark red wine. Taking a small sip, she pressed the cool pewter rim to Xena’s lips.

The Conqueror accepted a deep swallow, but Gabrielle continued to pour until the wine drizzled from the corner of Xena’s mouth, splashing onto her chest.

Xena gasped as the cool liquid blazed a thin wet trail between her breasts, getting lost in the coarse, dark hair between her legs.

Without thought, Gabrielle’s tongue followed the path of the sweet wine as she crawled down her lover’s body, enjoying it almost as much as the taste of Xena’s skin and the devastatingly erotic music of the wife’s constant moans. When she reached the apex of Xena’s legs her tongue swirled through the coarse hair, causing Xena to cry out.

Xena grasped Gabrielle by the biceps, pulling her back into her arms and staring wantonly into her dilated green eyes. She needed Gabrielle in her lap, pressed tightly against her so she could feel her Queen’s heartbeat against her own chest, not kneeling before her.

Gabrielle’s fingers raked through Xena’s hair, short nails scratching her scalp, sending jolts of white-hot heat through her entire body. Xena ground herself into the woman above her, using the long, lightly muscled arms, she pushed Gabrielle’s tunic from her shoulders, letting drop quietly to the floor.

"Xena… unn… I…" She couldn’t go on. Her eyes were unfocused then squeezed tightly shut as her breathing broke into short pants. Gabrielle could do no more than grasp Xena tighter, picking up the pace as she thrust into her.

"Ohhh yeah…" Xena grunted. The ability to form coherent words was nearly beyond her. Her movements were hard and fast, matching Gabrielle’s. "Come with me, love." Her head fell back as she sucked in a shuddering breath.

The Conqueror’s body went rigid when her climax began, she bucked hard into the body above her, taking her Queen into the abyss with her.

"Oh, Xe…" The small woman began to tremble, grateful for the strong arms that held her as she rode out the enormous wave of pleasure, treasuring every jolt, every touch, every whispered or moaned word. This was Elysia, her heart cried.

This was love.

Continued - Part 4

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