After Jordon left them Gabrielle planted herself firmly in the warrior's lap and wrapped her arms around her neck. "I am so proud of you." She said as she began kissing Xena's neck with tender little kisses. "I have something I want to give you." She got up and crossed to the fireplace, taking a scroll from the mantle and returned to the warrior's lap. "This has been a work in progress for sometime. I finished it this morning."

Xena took the scroll and unrolled it, beginning to read as the bard continued to nuzzle her neck.

I get lost in your eyes
And I feel my spirits rise
And so like the wind
Is it love that I am in
I get weak in a glance
Isn't this what's called romance
Now I know
Cause when I'm lost
I can't let go
I don't mind not knowing
What I'm headed for
You can take me to the sky
It's like being lost in heaven
When I'm lost in your eyes
I just fell, don't know why
Something's there, we can't deny
And when I first knew
Was when I first looked at you
And if I can't find my way
If salvation seems worlds away
I'll be found
When I am lost
In your eyes

Xena re-rolled the scroll and sat it on the table. She looked deeply into the green eyes of the bard. A single tear slipped down the warrior's cheek. Without a word between them, Xena lifted Gabrielle up and carried her into the bedchamber.

This time she laid her down ever so gently and kissed her soft lips, lovingly. Xena slowly removed the bard's clothing, kissing every part of her flesh that would be uncovered during this exercise in restraint. Gabrielle unfastened snaps that held armor in place and slipped the warrior's leathers off. Then as Xena sat on the bed and kissed the back of Gabrielle's neck she knelt down before the warrior and removed her boots. As she stood back up, she allowed herself to begin the exploration of her lovers' body for the first time. Xena felt her bard's hands shake as they began moving over her.

"You don't…" A finger to her lips ended her train of thought.

She laid Xena back onto the bed. They lay facing each other with just a breath of a distance between to bodies that ached for each other. They caressed each other, slowly, lovingly. Gabrielle closed the distance and began kissing the warrior's neck and shoulder. Xena let her head drop back to enjoy the touch of the bard's lips against her flesh.

Gabrielle could feel the warrior's pulse quicken and hear the soft moans that escaped her lips. The combination flooded the bard's senses. She could no longer see the warrior, she could only hear her breathing, feel her body, and smell the sweet mixture of passion and pleasure that was beginning to enrapture them both.

The bard tenderly kissed Xena's collarbone and then for some unknown reason she felt the need to move back up to her neck. The desire was just as strong as it had been one other time and without realizing it, she bit down on the warrior's neck. She didn't draw blood this time, just a loud pleasurable moan from her lover. As she held her mouth there for a moment she flicked her tongue over the two little scars she had left behind the last time she was this close to the warrior. She released the bite and returned to her downward decent.

Xena pulled her as close as she could and ran her hands all over the bard's body. The fire between them had never burned like this before. She hadn't felt this much pleasure in so long. Her entire body began to shake with the thoughts of Gabrielle finally being this close to her and touching her in ways she had only dare dream of, until now.

Gabrielle was doing very well for her first attempt, but Xena could tell she was nervous and hesitant. Slowly she rolled the bard onto her back and began kissing her. First those wonderful, soft lips. Then her neck and further down her body until she reached the bard's breasts. Taking a nipple into her mouth she played with the bard. She felt her body tense up and her back arch as they continued to make love.

Again the warrior took the bard. Again the bard allowed herself to be taken by the warrior. Such pleasure, her body had never known before. Their bodies entwined around each other as they moved over the silk sheets. Hands clasped together with such force, muscles ached from their erotic dance.

Gabrielle gasped and moaned as Xena move between her legs and kissed the inside of her thighs, nuzzling her softly and then consuming her with a passionate, hungry mouth. The bard grabbed the sheets and gripped them with all of her might as the warrior drove her to the edge of the explosion she so desperately wanted.

"Please…" She begged through ragged breaths. "Please Xena."

This only served to make the warrior more intent on making the bard wait. She slowed her love making to soft simple strokes and kisses intentionally designed to make the bard cry out.

"Please don't stop."

Xena was enjoying the torture she was inflicting upon the bard. All was going well until she felt the bard's hands wrap themselves up in her hair. There was absolutely no question about what was being demanded. She returned to the passionate consumption of her lover. Gabrielle arched and shuddered under her. Xena wrapped the bard's thighs up in her strong arms and held her there as she continued to drink in every sweet drop. The first rush of pleasure caused Gabrielle to cry out as she rode the wave. The second caused her to set up and collapse onto the warrior who still managed to maintain her loving kisses. The third sent the bard to Elysia. She collapsed forward again and whimpered.

"Stop. Stop."

The warrior stopped her loving strokes and gently laid the bard back down and pulled her into her arms. Gabrielle continued to shudder from the after effects of their lovemaking. Her eyes were closed and Xena knew she was well on her way to being sound asleep. She covered them with the sheet and settled down to hold the light of her life. She kissed her on the forehead and whispered softly, "I love you." It wasn't long before the warrior was also slumbering peacefully.

He slapped the water on the reflecting pool as he watched them fall asleep in each other's arms. "Nothing is going my way today!" Rumbled Ares as he began pacing back and forth. He was so frustrated he didn't even notice the arrival of his sister.

"Sweet isn't it bro?" She asked as she looked in the pool at the vision of the lovers.

Ares turned, anger flashing in his eyes. "You! You're responsible for this aren't you?"

"Well duh. Of course I am."

"I want you to release Xena from whatever spell you have put on her."

"Oh there's no spell here bro. They really love each other. I just had to give them a shove in the right direction."

"Aphrodite, Xena is not capable of being in love. I know her better than anyone."

"I few years ago I would have agreed with ya' on that one, but not now. She'd walk through fire for that little bard."

"She just might have to before I'm done with her."

"Oh get a grip. It's over, let her go."

"Never! She's mine. She always has been and always will be."

"Ares we all know this is the right thing to do and no one is going to let you interfere anymore. Xena has worked hard to change and the Gabster is an important part of that change."

"I don't care. I want my warlord back!"

"Oh quit whining. It's so unbecoming. Just let them have their time together. Let them be happy. Just because you lost one lousy warlord you would think Zeus was about to send down lighting bolts and destroy the world."

"I wish he would."

"You have dozens of other perfectly good warlords to play with…"

"Yeah, but every time I try, Xena stops them."

"So basically you're upset because she keeps breaking your toys?"

"Oh would you just go away." He hissed.

"Yes dear brother, I will go away. I just came to tell you that the rest of the family has decided that if you keep trying to interfere it's only going to end badly for you."

Aphrodite was gone in a flash and Ares just continued to rage on.

Gabriele was awake before Xena. She snuggled in next to her sleeping lover and just sighed as she thought of everything that had taken place over the last couple of days. It was then that she noticed it for the first time, Xena snored. Not loudly, just a quiet little snore, almost like a cat purring. Not long ago that probably would have annoyed her, but now it just served as a reminder that her love was close to her and content.

The sun was starting to set and she knew that they had to meet with Jordon for the evening meal. Jordon wanted to introduce Gabrielle to Kaylan and his fiancé. It would also be a good first test for the restraint of the warrior. As badly as she hated to do it, she knew it was time to wake Xena. She tenderly kissed her on the ear and the neck.

"Gabrielle if you want to make it to the dining hall anytime soon you'd better stop."

"Oh so you are awake. You cheat."

"There's nothing that says I can't lay here with my eyes closed and enjoy the feeling of just being close to you."

Gabrielle made a mental note to add that to the list of rules for making love. No pretending to be asleep. She moved over the warrior and lay herself down on top of her. Xena wrapped her arms around her and held her close.

"Why did you stop me?" The bard asked softly.

"What?"

"When we were making love. Why did you stop me? Did I do something wrong?"

"No my love, it was nothing like that. You just seemed a little hesitant. I don't want you to push yourself. It will take time before you're ready to give of yourself. Just relax."

"Are you sure? Because I could most certainly…"

"You will not. I'm willing to wait for as long as it takes."

"We really do need to get up and have a bath before we go down stairs." Gabrielle said resting entirely on top of the warrior.

"If we want to make it downstairs at all then I suggest separate baths."

"Probably not a bad idea under the circumstances."

"You go first." The warrior said giving the bard a playful little shove.

"Why me? Why not you?" Shoving back.

"Because maybe I'm in the mood to just lounge in bed for a few more minutes."

"Oh yeah, I buy that one. I suppose you've got a coliseum in Athens you'd like to sell me too."

"Do you doubt me, bard?" Xena asked lifting her eyebrow.

"I'm in trouble aren't I?"

"You're gonna be if you don't get out of this bed and go take a bath."

Gabrielle hesitated for a moment then decided against her next action, which probably would have ended up with her getting dumped onto the floor. She just kissed her lover and dashed into the bathing chamber. Xena did indeed spent the next few moments lounging in bed until someone interrupted her relaxation by pounding on the door.

"What is it with this place?" She grumbled as she got up and put on her robe. She stretched as she entered the main room and headed for the door.

She opened the door and Jordon dashed in, completely out of breath.

"What's wrong?"

Taking a moment to regain a little princely composure. "You know how you get to a point where you just don't think your life can get any more complicated than it already is?"

"Yeesss." Xena drew it out as she eyed the young 'prince'.

"Come here." Jordon led Xena to the window. "Look."

Outside the walls of the village, an army was amassing. Two or three hundred soldiers. "Do we know who it is?" Xena asked as she surveyed the scene in front of her.

"Oh yeah. That's how it get complicated."

"You know Jordon you have an amazing talent for understatement. Who is it?"

"Jorgus."

"Jorgus? Oh gods. What's he doing here?"

"He brought his daughter here hoping, no, make that demanding I take her as my wife."

"Let me guess. He says that if you don't marry her, he'll attack the village."

"Do you have any suggestions on how we might handle this?"

"Yeah, but I'm gonna need a few things to pull it off."

"Name it."

"I'll make a list. Have Darrius collect all the items and bring them up here."

She sat down at the table and made a list of the things she needed. Handing it off to Jordon she asked, "Who else knows Gabrielle and I are here?"

"Just the palace staff and Kaylan."

"Tell Kaylan that no matter what he see or hears tonight, not to react to it."

"What are you going to do?"

"Before I tell you. Send a messenger out to Jorgus and invite him to dinner. Tell him you want to discuss his kind 'offer'. Then come back up here and I'll tell you what's going on."

"Okay. I'll be back in a few."

Jordon took the list and dashed from the room. Xena looked out at the army and just shook her head. "Me and my bright ideas. Take a vacation I said. Have a little fun I said. Next time I'm just going to keep my big mouth shut." She chastised herself as she made for the bathroom.

"Gabrielle do you have you're amazon jewelry with you?"

The bard was surprised by the question and it took a moment for it to register. "Ah, yes, of course."

"Good. Wear it tonight. All of it. And you know that little dagger I gave you for spring solstice?"

"Yeah."

"Carry it tucked away tonight."

"Xena what's going on?"

"We've got company."

"Oh I don't like the sound of that."

"Yeah, well it isn't going to be fun for any of us but if we handle it right the problem should take care of itself." Xena sat down of the edge of the tub. "Gabrielle I'm about to tell you to do something you may not like, but it's very important that you do exactly as I say."

"What? What do I have to do?"

"You have to own me."

"Oh but I already do warrior. You just don't know it yet." She purred.

"Come on Gabrielle I'm not joking around here. You're going to have to give off the impression that you defeated me in battle, and that you kept me as a prize." She paused and drew a deep breath, "A slave."

"I don't like the sound of that."

"I didn't think you would. It's the only way we're going to convince Jorgus…"

"The warlord Jorgus?"

"The one and the same. His army is amassed outside the village. He has brought his daughter here to marry Jordon."

"Could things get any more complicated?"

"Let's hope not or one of us may have to commit ritual suicide." Said an exasperated Xena as she lay a towel on the side of the bat tub. Just finish your bath so we can get you dressed."

There was no answer to this. Just the glugging noise that always accompanied someone sliding under water. Xena turned just in time to see the bard's head disappear. Only little bubbles remained.

Xena returned to the bedchamber and chose clothing appropriated for the both of them. She laid the clothing out on the bed and returned to the window's edge, being extremely careful now not to be seen. Jorgus' army had grown and it looked as if he were recruiting men of a little better quality these days. This may not be as easy as she thought. 'No time to worry about that', she said to herself as she heard Gabrielle come out of the bathroom. She turned. The bard wrapped in a towel was making her way across the room.

"No stay there. I don't want to take a chance on anyone seeing you yet. Go in the bedchamber and get dressed. The black leather number is yours."

She turned and headed for the bedchamber mumbling something about ownership. All though Xena hadn't heard the whole statement she decided to play off of it. "I heard that." She yelled at the bard.

"Good!" Came testy the reply.

Xena bathed quickly and went to get dressed. As she came out of the bedchamber, she found Jordon had returned. She was adjusting to her new clothing, simply boots, leather trousers and a white shirt with long sleeves. She felt almost naked, no sword, no chakram. Both Jordon and Gabrielle just sat at the table in the main room. Jordon looked a little nervous and Gabrielle looked, well Gabrielle looked just ravishing in the black leather outfit Xena had chosen for her. She also looked a little miffed as she sat there, legs crossed and bouncing her foot in an irritated manner. Xena decided to ignore this fact for the moment.

She walked over to the table and began inspecting the items that had been brought, per her request. Gabrielle picked up a black leather collar and held it up on one finger, just letting it dangle there. "What is this?"

"It's a collar." The warrior said dryly, her gaze never leaving the items before her. She picked up two more items that looked like the one Gabrielle held in her hand. The only differences being they were smaller in diameter and hooked together by a chain. She pulled on the chain and frowned. Looking around she spotted what she needed; reaching over she retrieved the dagger from between Gabrielle's breasts. She handed the cuffs and the dagger to Jordon. "Use some of that demi-god strength and pry those end loops apart a bit. I want to be able to get out of them if need be. Not to much though, they have to look solid."

Jordon took the cuffs and began the task. Xena took the collar. "Thanks." She said and then fastened it into place around her own neck, making all the necessary adjustments so it would at least be somewhat comfortable. She looked down at Gabrielle who now had tears in her eyes. All the anger gone, replaced now by something the warrior couldn't quite identify. She knelt down in front of Gabrielle and smiled. "It's going to be okay."

"I don't like this. I don't like what you're asking me to do and I don't like seeing you this way."

"Gabrielle it's the only way we're going to convince Jorgus that Jordon isn't interested in his daughter."

"And exactly how is all of this going to do that?"

"I was wondering that myself." Jordon muttered, handing the dagger and the cuffs back across the table to Xena.

Xena took the items. She handed the dagger back to Gabrielle and once again examined the cuffs. "Okay," She started as she tugged on the chain again. "I've met Jorgus in battle four times and defeated him every time. So logically speaking, anyone who can beat me…"

"Can beat Jorgus." Jordon chimed in.

"Exactly." She said as she snapped the cuffs into place around her wrists.

"Okay, call me stupid, but I still don't get it." Gabrielle said as she tugged on the chain between Xena's hands.

"Gabrielle if Jorgus thinks you defeated me in battle he won't challenge your right to marry Jordon."

"And why not?"

"Because if you and your army can take me down. You can probably take anyone."

"Well, aren't you full of yourself warrior. Besides I don't have an army."

"Oh but you do," Xena replied deciding to let the first part of Gabrielle's comment slide. "You have an entire nation at your disposal My Queen."

"The amazons?"

"Un-huh."

"But they're not here."

"Not yet, but they will be arriving for the impending nuptials." The warrior said raising an eyebrow, hoping that the bard would catch on.

"And if anything happens to their queen in the meantime…"

"Now you're getting it."

"So why don't you just go don't there in warlord mode and do your thing?"

"Because I don't have an army, nor do I have one I can call on that's big enough to battle the two hundred soldiers outside these walls. Besides why should anyone get hurt?"

"But this," the bard said tugging on the chains again. "This hurts."

Xena smiled at her love and leaned up to give her a gentle kiss. "Thank you. It's just my pride it'll heal. Besides if I have to belong to someone…" She continued with an evil little grin.

"Xena this is not funny."

"No it's not, but it is necessary. So now we have to give you lessons in how to be a slave owner. Stand up." Xena could she Gabrielle was reluctant. "Come on stand up. Gabrielle our lives may depend on your performance."

"She rose and stood before the warrior. "All right what do I have to do?"

"First, get a feel for that outfit, because my love you do look good in it. You should wear leather more often."

This was the first time Gabrielle had really considered the outfit she was wearing. Black boots to her knees, where the black leather skirt started or ended as the case may be. Then a black leather bodice that did a good job covering everything but her cleavage. She had on the armbands, wristbands and necklace that identified her as Queen of the Amazons. There was also a signet ring that Xena had made for her in Athens.

The breast dagger was in plain view. Xena had given it to Gabrielle as a gift to be used in making her daily activities such as cooking and sharpening her quills a little easier. It had never meant to be used as a weapon. How quickly things could change. Xena thought about making her move it, then she decided it was good right where it was. 'Easy access' she thought as she inspected the bard. "Okay, first things first. Take that whip and put in on your side, there on that hook."

Gabrielle picked a small black whip up from the table and eyed it suspiciously. "What exactly am I suppose to do with this?"

"It's a slave whip. If I get out of hand…"

"I will not take a whip to you!" She yelled, throwing it on the table.

Xena calmly reached over with both hands and picked up the whip and put it back in the bard's hands. "If it's a choice between whipping me or getting yourself killed. You WILL take this whip to me. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

Gabrielle took the whip and placed it on the hook, keeping her eyes lowered and nodding her head yes.

"Good. Now take the belt there and put it around my waist." Gabrielle picked up the thick leather belt and put it in place. "Now lock the wrist cuffs in place, here in the front." Again the bard did as she was told. "The chain and the key on the table, take them. The key is for my cuffs and the chain is my lead." The bard reluctantly picked up the items from the table. "Now I want you to give Jordon your signet ring and I want you to go into the bedchamber and lay down for a few minutes. Okay?"

Gabrielle was numb at this point. Without comment or even without really thinking about it she handed the ring to Jordon and left the room. When Xena was sure she wasn't coming back anytime soon she turned to Jordon.

"Take those tongs and heat that over a candle. Get it good and hot."

"Why?"

"Just do it." Jordon did what was asked. When Xena thought the metal hot enough, she had Jordon pull the shoulder of her shirt down and lay the hot metal on the flesh of her left shoulder blade. She gritted her teeth as the sound of searing skin sizzled in her ears. When it was over a small round brand was left. "Now I want you to hit me."

"What?"

"Hit me and make it good. It's your only chance you may as well take it. I know people that would pay good dinars to take a swing at me and live to tell about it."

Jordon had given up trying to understand the warrior. Pulling back slowly, the punch came out of no where, sending the warrior sprawling over the table and landing on the floor with a thundering crash. Gabrielle came out of the bedchamber and went immediately to Xena's side. The warrior was dazed and now had a spilt lip and the beginnings of what was going to be a beautiful black eye in a few moments.

"What in Tartarus did you do?" The bard asked Jordon as she helped Xena to her feet."

"She told me to." Replied Jordon, also assisting the warrior to her feet.

"And if she told you to jump off a cliff would you do that too?"

"Gabrielle," Xena said, "I told her to do it. It's for realism." She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "Feels real enough." The blood from her lip has already begun to splash down on her shirt leaving crimson drops to soak through. The bard had found a cloth on the table and began to stop the flow of blood. "Gabrielle you can't show me this kind of tenderness."

"Shut up!" She commanded as she continued to try and stop the bleeding.

"Gab…" Xena started, but she soon found herself being pushed down by the chains at her waist until she was on her knees in front of the bard. Gabrielle grabbed the warrior's face and tilted it up. "I said shut up!" She held the cloth in place until the bleeding stopped. Xena ran her tongue across her swollen sore lip. She didn't however make eye contact with the bard, who, in her opinion was beginning to feel right at home in this 'mistress' role. The next thing she felt was the click of the lead being put on the collar and then being drawn back to her full height by a tug.

"Is this the way it should be done?" Gabrielle asked with harshness in her voice the warrior had never really heard before.

"Yes."

Another jerk on the lead. "Yes. What?"

Xena smiled ever so slightly as she replied. "Yes…Mistress."

Gabrielle smiled back. Xena just shook her head and turned to Jordon. "Go on down, Gabrielle and I will be down in about half a candle mark."

Jordon sighed deeply and left the room. Xena turned back to Gabrielle who had lost her smile again.

"So, warrior," she began with a jerk on the chain "I own you?"

"No." Xena said defiantly waiting to see if the bard had it in her. Soon she was back on her knees. 'Promising' she thought as she kept her head down, refusing to look at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle took the warrior by the hair and pulled her head back. "Do I own you?"

"No." Still testing the waters. There was a jerk on the chain that brought the warrior further down to the floor. She was on her hands and knees know. Then the boot to the center of her back sent her entire body to the floor. Face down with her hands pinned under her, she waited. She felt the bard straddle her back and lean over. Her lips close to the warrior's ear.

"Do I own you?" She growled.

"No." The sensation of the dagger at her throat was exhilarating and completely unexpected.

"Not the answer I'm looking for warrior. Do I own you?"

Xena decided Gabrielle had played a good game and let her have the victory. "Yes."

"All right," the Queen of the Amazons said as she pulled the warrior up by her lead. "Now that we've established who's in charge here let's go down for the evening meal so I can't show off my prize."

'Oh, boy I could really be in trouble here' Thought Xena as they headed for the door.

Gabrielle stopped and looked lovingly into the warrior's eyes. She placed and open hand on the side of her face, "I love you."

"I love you too." Xena said.

Gabrielle pulled down on the chain and kissed Xena, hard and fast. Leaving the warrior breathless. "It would be my guess that you're going to be of service to me later." She said as they walked out of the room.

As they made their way to the dining hall they paused briefly at the entrance to hear what was going on.

"This is a disgrace!" An unfamiliar voice boomed. "You're out of you're mind if you think I'm buying this for even one moment Jordon!"

"How dare you address my brother in that manner! He is the crown prince and you will address him as Your Highness." Another voice retaliated.

"Be quiet boy! This does not concern you!" The older voice spat out.

"Enough of this!" Jordon commanded. "Jorgus you are here at my invitation. You will not speak this way to my brother in my home. I was hoping we could talk this situation through. I wanted to try and make you understand, but if all you plan on doing it raving, then my guards will be perfectly happy to remove you."

"If I leave this village tonight. It won't exist in the morning."

"Is that a threat Jorgus?"

"A promise" He paused "Your Highness." The sarcastic tone was unmistakable.

Gabrielle took a deep breath and made her entrance. Xena walked two paces behind her, trying her best to look the part of the defeated warlord imprisoned by the little amazon. She kept her head down, but at every opportunity tried to have quick look around to get a handle on exactly what their odds were should this plan fall apart.

Besides Jordon, Kaylan and Jorgus there were two women in the room. Xena surmised that one was Kaylan's fiancé and the other was Jorgus' daughter. There were four of Jorgus' men standing along the walls. Jordon had already countered that problem by placing two palace guards for each of the soldiers. The warrior was so engrossed in taking a head count she had totally missed Gabrielle's first command to her. For her apparent lack of attention she was rewarded with a hard jerk on her chain which snapped her back to reality.

"Down!" Gabrielle commanded, indicating that she should kneel next to an empty chair.

"Yes Mistress." She said as she knelt down. Eyes lowered she smiled to herself as she noticed that Jordan had evened out the odds even more by having various small weapons attached to the underside of the table. 'Clever' she thought as she chose which one she would utilize if need be. Gabrielle 'secured' her lead to the table and then turned her attention to Jordon.

She moved in and leaned down with such seductive movements it was all the warrior could do to keep from blowing the whole thing right there. "So my dear Jordon. Why all the yelling?" She purred as she leaned in and kissed the prince.

When the kiss was over Jordon cleared his throat and smiled a nervous little smile. "Well you see my dear, our guest here doesn't seem to understand that I have found my queen and am no longer looking."

Gabrielle stood up to her full height. She turned to the warlord. "What exactly don't you understand?"

The warlord sized up the woman and smirked. "What could you possibly offer him?"

"Well now," Gabrielle continued to purr as she took her seat and began stroking Xena's hair, petting her as if she were a beloved pet. "I am royalty. I have a strong army at my disposal and I take the most delicious prisoners."

The warlord took notice of the warrior for the first time. It was quite obvious that he didn't recognize her. "What's so special about that particular slave?"

Gabrielle wrapped her hand in Xena's long raven hair and pulled her head up. Jorgus drew a deep breath when he realized who sat beside this woman. "Xena?" He croaked.

Xena did her best to look beaten. It wasn't hard given the condition of her face. She lowered her eyes and choked out, "Yes My Lord."

Jorgus smiled. A new respect for the amazon crept into his features. "Well now. A new twist to the little puzzle. Tell me Your Majesty how did you come to have such an interesting prize?"

"Tell him Xena." Gabrielle said knowing that the warrior would be better suited to tell a story of battle than she would. 'Go with what you know' she thought as she encouraged the warrior to tell the story.

"Yes Mistress." Xena said softly before turning her attention to Jorgus. "I tried to raid the village of the Amazon's. Queen Gabrielle's warrior's wasted no time in defeating my men. In less that three candle marks my entire army was facing defeat. Most of my men lay either dead or wounded. Some of the coward's retreated into the forest. I thought that my only chance to salvage what was left was to defeat the queen. So I challenged her. It turned out to be my downfall. I underestimated the power of my mistress. After a short engagement I found myself on my back, defenseless with her sword at my throat. I had watched her kill several of my men single handedly and I knew she wouldn't think twice about cutting my throat. When she gave me the choice between submission and death, I chose submission."

"You defeated Xena in battle?" He asked not quiet believing it.

"My Gods man you are thick." Gabrielle countered. "Isn't that what she just told you?"

"Somehow it just doesn't seem possible."

"Why not?" Gabrielle hissed at the warlord. The tone in her voice sent chills down Xena's spine.

"Well you're…so…" He stammered.

"Yes?" Gabrielle answered as she made a reach for her breast dagger.

Jorgus raised his hand. "No insult meant Your Majesty. If Xena says you defeated her in battle then I believe it."

Gabrielle settled back in her chair and took a sip of her wine. As she finished she put the goblet to Xena's lips and gave her a drink of the wine. Xena sipped slowly. First, it was difficult to drink this way and secondly she had no desire to get drunk. Gabrielle put the goblet back down and smiled down at Xena. "Now, if I remove your bindings do you promise to behave?"

"Yes Mistress."

Gabrielle unlocked the cuffs and removed the chain, leaving the collar in place. "You may remove the waist restraint." She said to Xena in a soft tone.

Kaylan watched the entire exchange. He had forewarned his own wife to be that things might be 'unusual' this evening. They both managed to maintain an air of normalcy, as if they had become quite accustomed to this whole thing, when in reality they hadn't even been introduced to the powerful young amazon that Jordon proclaimed to be in love with.

Jorgus and his daughter sat quietly and took in the scene as Xena removed the restraint and gently laid it beside her. Gabrielle smiled at Jordon and leaned over towards him. They met half way and Gabrielle once again planted a soft kiss on the prince's lips. Xena watched. Half of her just wanted to get up and beat Jorgus senseless so this charade could come to a close. The other half of her was intrigued by the display of affection between the two women she cared for so very much. 'Do go there' she silently chastised herself. 'You'd never be able to handle it.'

"So Jordon when is the wedding?" Jorgus inquired with a very demanding tone in his voice.

"Gabrielle and I thought that we would be married with Kaylan and Atallia during the spring festival."

"Really now. Well I may just have to stay for that. Two royal weddings at once, I'm sure it will be quite the spectacle."

"You know Jorgus," Jordon began "if I didn't know better I'd say you were mocking me."

"Far from it Your Highness. I just think it's only fair. I mean after all, my daughter and I did travel a great distance to get here and I think it would be rude to leave before the wedding."

"When did you ever care about being rude?" Xena had let it slip out before she had even realized it had happened.

She expected what happened next and was glad to know that Gabrielle was right on top of the situation before it could get any worse. Xena found herself lying on the floor on her stomach. The bard had her knee planted firmly in the warrior's back. The slave whip brushed Xena's cheek.

"Apologize!" She demanded.

"I'm sorry Mistress."

"Not to me, to him," She indicated Jorgus "and to Prince Jordon. How dare you insult a guest of the royal house."

Suddenly Xena felt the whip wrap around her throat. It wasn't as tight as it could be, but it certainly made the point very clear. Gabrielle brought her up to her knees using the whip as her leash. "Apologize before I take this to your hide!"

"Please My Lord forgive me. I forgot my place. I meant no disrespect to Your Highness or to your guest."

Jordon couldn't do anything but nod in an approving manner. It was tearing the prince apart to see her friend like this. Gabrielle looked over to Jorgus.

"Is that satisfactory to you Jorgus?" Gabrielle asked, hoping against hope that it would be because she didn't think she'd like the options that were going to be left.

"Yes. Just to hear the great warrior princess so humbled and begging is satisfaction in itself."

'Thank the Gods' Gabrielle thought as she released Xena with a shove that sent her sprawling backwards. The bard turned on the warrior, stood over her menacingly and shook the whip in her face. "You do that again and I'll kill you right here. Do you understand?"

"Yes Mistress."

Before turning back around the bard gave the warrior a quick smile and a wink. She took her place at the table and Xena returned to her place at the Queen's side. Regardless of what everyone else in the room thought, Gabrielle was grateful that the warrior was there to protect her.

By the end of the meal, Jorgus made it quite clear he wasn't leaving anytime soon and even hinted about accommodations in the palace. Jordon had determined that she couldn't very well make him leave but she didn't have to make him comfortable and she didn't make any offers. Xena was indeed grateful that her young friend was a warrior at heart and was thinking tactics all of the time. Gabrielle also felt a rush of relief when it became clear that he wouldn't be sharing any more space with them than absolutely necessary.

At the end of the meal, the palace guard escorted out Jorgus, his daughter and the soldiers. Once it was assured they were gone Gabrielle immediately removed the collar from Xena's throat and pulled her to her feet wrapping her arms around the warrior's waist.

"I'm so sorry." She cried into the warrior's shoulder.

Xena kissed her on top of the head and ran her fingers through her hair. "Don't be. You did a wonderful job."

"I almost believed it myself for a moment or two." Jordon offered as she stood to be with her friends. She nudged Xena to remind her that Kaylan and Atallia were still in the room. Xena knew immediately what the nudge was for and turned a very confused Gabrielle loose. Jordon immediately took over and wrapped a protective arm around the bard. Gabrielle started to protest then she realized the slave façade might by over but the engagement façade wasn't.

"So," Kaylan began "the warrior is still a warrior and not a slave at all."

"Not by a long shot." Xena said as she went forward and embraced the young man. "How are you Kaylan?"

"I'm fine Xena and very relived to see you are your old self."

"I'm far from that Kaylan. I am however champion of the Queen and her humble servant in so many different ways you can't even begin to image."

The comment was lost on Kaylan and Atallia, but Gabrielle and Jordon understood the meaning immediately. Jordon brought Gabrielle forward for introductions. "Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazons may I present my brother Prince Kaylan and his fiancé Atallia."

Kaylan knelt and took Gabrielle's hand kissing it gently, "Your Majesty I am honored."

"Please Kaylan, get up. You and I will be brother and sister soon. You shouldn't kneel at my feet."

Kaylan got up with a smile on his lips. "Now I see what Jordon sees in you. Your so much alike."

"Thank you Kaylan. I take that as a great compliment."

"So would somebody like to explain to me what just happened here."

"Kaylan," Jordon began "I'll explain everything to you in awhile. Right now I want to get Gabrielle back to her chambers. I'm sure she's exhausted."

"Jordon," Xena interrupted "It's okay. I can take the Queen back to her chambers. You should fill Kaylan in on everything that's going on." With that Xena picked up the discarded slave garb and she and Gabrielle left the dining hall.

Once safely back in their chambers, Xena sat on the couch in the main sitting room and massaged sore muscles. Gabrielle had gone to change. She wasn't fond of the leather and wanted to be out of it as soon as possible. When she returned, Xena was leaning forward, massaging her right shoulder. Gabrielle went over and sat down next to the warrior and took over, without a word being spoken between them.

Gabrielle worked on the shoulder in silence for awhile, then she just couldn't take it any longer. "What's wrong my love?"

"It's silly. Don't worry about it." Xena said as she moved her head from side to side trying to work the knots out of those muscles as well.

Gabrielle moved her hands to the warrior's neck and began manipulating the tight muscles she found there. "You can't lie to me Xena. What's wrong?"

"Did have to kiss Jordon?"

"Yeah at the moment I thought it was the right thing to do." The bard said standing her ground. "You wanted convincing…"

"Yeah I was convinced." Xena said.

"Then it stands to reason, that Jorgus was convinced too."

"Maybe. I don't know. He seems awful bent on staying for the wedding."

"So he stays for the wedding. What's the big deal?"

"You're not the one who has to be a slave until it's over. Not exactly how I wanted Jordon's people to perceive me."

"Ah, warrior's pride. I see."

"Yes Gabrielle, pride." The warrior responded with just a trace of a pout.

"You said it would heal."

"With some help from you, it might."

"What kind of help?" Gabrielle said with a mischievous grin.

"Well you could kiss it and make it better."

"Just tell me where it hurts."

They lay in each other's arms; Gabrielle ran her hands over the warrior's skin. It was still damp with the perspiration of their most recent lovemaking. As she ran her hand over the left shoulder of the warrior Gabrielle felt her flinch.

"What's wrong did I miss a spot?" Gabrielle said with a giggle.

"It's just still really tender."

"From what?" Gabrielle pushed herself up and for the first time saw the brand her signet ring had left.

"Great Zeus Xena what have you done to yourself?"

"Nothing that didn't need to be done I assure you. If Jorgus had doubted our story he would have asked to see your mark."

"My mark? I don't understand."

"All slaves are marked Gabrielle. Identifiable to their respective owners."

"I can't believe you did this to yourself."

"I had to be done. Besides I do belong to you my Queen, heart and soul. You've already left your mark on me."

Gabrielle wanted to cry, but she realized it was done now and couldn't be undone. She gently kissed the brand that would someday be another of Xena's battle scars. Xena pulled the bard back down and kissed her on the forehead.

I love you, my little one. Please, no matter what happens from this day forward don't ever forget or doubt that." The warrior said softly. To Gabrielle it almost sounded as if she were pleading.

"I won't Xena. I promise." Gabrielle played with the end of Xena's hair as she watched the warrior in the moonlight that was streaming into their room. "Xena?"

"Hmmm?"

"When did you know?"

"What?"

"That you were in love with me."

"I don't remember the exact moment Gabrielle. It's been building for sometime now. Although you were awful cute on the nutbread." Xena said with a smile, Gabrielle blushed. "Every time I looked at you, you would capture a little more of my heart. The thought of being without you began to tear me apart. I knew that eventually I was going to have to tell you how I was feeling before it destroyed me. I was just afraid that the truth would drive you from me so I kept putting it off. I'm not very good with words and I was afraid of saying the wrong thing."

Gabrielle reached across the bed and intertwined her the fingers of her right hand with the fingers of the warrior's left hand. She caressed the hand and just thought about what the warrior had just said.

"What about you?" The warrior's question broke through the stillness.

"The last night we were out in the woods. You know, when I kissed you."

"Oh come on!" Xena said pulling her head back a little so she could look down at the bard. "You're kidding right?"

"No I'm serious. I knew from the first minute I saw you, I had to be with you. I just didn't know to what extent until that moment.

"Why didn't you tell me the other night?"

"Just scared I guess."

"Scared? Of what? Me?" The warrior's heart was about to break at the thought that Gabrielle could be scared of her. Of course she had every right to be, after all that had happened between them. She had shown her dark side to the gentle little bard and she would always regret it.

"I was afraid you would send me away. I mean I'm not exactly the type you normally go for."

"And what type would that be?"

"Oh you know, tall, dark, handsome, deadly."

Xena Chuckled and hugged the bard. "Male?"

"Yeah."

"Now Gabrielle you know very well that I have had a variety of…um…well…" 'Now I've done it' she thought as she tried to find an ending to that incredibly stupid sentence. "Experiences."

"Oh yes let us not forget the other women in your life. Women who could teach you more in a month than I could in a lifetime."

"Gabrielle it's not what you've taught me. It's what you've given me."

"Given you? What could 'I' possibly have given 'you'?"

"The ability to love. To finally accept being loved. You are the light that keeps me from being swallowed by the darkness of my soul. You gave me my life back." Xena could feel the warm tears of the bard's falling from her eyes. "Hey what's that all about?"

"For someone who doesn't talk much when you do it's always a surprise I hadn't expected."

"Should I stop? I mean if you're gonna cry every time I open my mouth…"

"Don't you dare. I love it that you've started opening up to me. It shows me that you trust me."

"With everything I am, my little one. With everything I am."

Soon the bard was asleep in the warrior's arms once again. Xena slept lightly that night, expecting someone to come crashing in on them again. She awoke several times through the night, each time relieved to find Gabrielle sleeping next to her. Rolled on her side and just watched the bard sleep. It wasn't the first time she had just watched her sleep and now she knew it wouldn't be the last. Quietly she slipped from the bed and went into the main room.

Gabrielle awoke with the morning light, stretched and reached out for her warrior who was gone. In her place Gabrielle found a single long stem rose and a scroll. She took the rose and inhaled its sweet scent then she unrolled the scroll and began to read,

My Darling Gabrielle,

I know that I'm not good at expressing my feelings and it seems like the harder I try the worse I make it sometimes. I just wanted you to know that I truly love you. Nothing will ever change that. Now that I have found you, I'll never let you go. My words are not as beautiful or as elegant as yours are but they come from my heart. I thought I'd write them down for you because it seems like every time I talk to you lately, you start crying. Happy tears or not, I hate to see you cry.

Every thing you are
Every thing you'll be
Touches the current of love
So deep in me
Every sigh in the night
Every tear that you cry
Seduces me
And all that I am
And all that I'll be
Means nothing at all
If you can't be with me
Your most innocent kiss
Or your sweetest caress
Seduces me
I don't care about tomorrow
I've given up on yesterday
Here and now is all that matters
Right here with you is where I'll stay
Every thing in this world
Every voice in the night
Every little thing of beauty
Shining through in your eyes
And all that is you
Becomes part of me too
Cause all you do
Seduces me
And if I should die tomorrow
I'd go down with a smile on my face
I thank Gods I've ever known you
I'd fall down on my knees for the love we've made
Every sigh in the night
Every tear that you cry
Seduces me
Seduces me
And all you do
Seduces me

I hope you understand what you really do mean to me.

Love,

X

You tell anyone about this and I'll deny it until my dying day.

Gabrielle smiled and rolled up the scroll. She curled up with the rose and the scroll and drifted back into a deep slumber. Two candle marks later she was rousted out of bed by a frantic Jordon.

"Gabrielle, get up its Xena!"

She sat up like a shot. Wrapping the blankets around her she focused on Jordon. "What? What has happened to Xena?"

"She came down this morning to help with the school. She was still doing the slave bit…" Gabrielle was off the bed and getting dressed while Jordon continued, " Jorgus brought a small group of men into the village. Before any of us knew what was happening his men surrounded her and began…" Jordon paused.

Gabrielle feared the worst. "Jordon Xena's not…"

"No. My men rescued her, but she badly beaten. My healer has her. Come let me take you to her."

"What about Jorgus?"

"Taken prisoner by my men. He's in the dungeon. We'll deal with him later, right now we've got to get you to Xena."

Jordon took Gabrielle by the hand and led her through the castle to the healer's quarters. An elderly man was just finishing up wrapping up Xena's ribs. Gabrielle was relived to see her warrior setting up on the bed, grimacing with every painful tug on the wrappings. The bard knelt in front of her and looked up into a face that was now more bruised and bloodier than the night before.

"You just had to go outside didn't you?"

"The school…"

"The school? Xena Jordon has plenty of people…"

Xena cut Gabrielle's words short, "I'm sorry. Forgive me."

"Of course. Now let's get you to bed."

Gabrielle helped the warrior to her feet. Xena grimaced again. The healer handed a small packet to the bard. "Those ribs are broken. It's going to be awhile before she should do anything strenuous. That will help the pain. You can give it to her in tea. I'll come up later to check on her."

"Thank you." Gabrielle said as she helped the warrior to the door.

Back in their chamber Gabrielle put the injured warrior straight to bed, over many protests. She very slowly undressed her and laid her back in the bed. A light sweat began to break on Xena's brow. Gabrielle got fresh water and towels and sat on the bed carefully wiping down the bruised face.

"Sometimes I just don't know what to do with you." She said as she ran the cool cloth over her lovers' face and neck.

"What do you mean?"

"It seems like you're always looking for trouble."

"I wasn't looking. It just manages to find me finds me."

"Don't I know it."

They both chuckled. Xena's laugh cut short by her lip which, reopened and started bleeding again. Gabrielle was once again right on top of it and carefully wiped the blood away. She leaned in and gently kissed the warrior. Xena was careful not to flinch even though it hurt just a bit. She didn't want the bard to get upset.

"So now that I'm out of commission. We're going to have to find another way to deal with Jorgus." The warrior said as she absent mindedly picked lint from the blanket.

"You just leave him to me. When I'm done with him he's going to wish he were dead."

"Gabrielle what are you thinking?"

"I'm not thinking warrior, I'm doing and you can't stop me."

"Gabrielle Jorgus is a dangerous man…"

"Not nearly as dangerous as the amazon queen he's managed to piss off."

Xena couldn't believe it. There was a fire in the bard's eyes that actually, well for lack of a better term, frightened her. "At least tell me what you're planning to do."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because if I do you'll just try to talk me out of it."

"Gabrielle I don't like not knowing what's going on."

The bard smiled. "Yeah it sucks doesn't it." With that she got up and left the room.

A short time later a maid entered the chamber and brought Xena a hot cup of tea. "I have a message from Her Majesty for you." She said meekly.

"Yes?" She said as she accepted the cup of tea.

"Her Majesty wanted me to relay to you that she had posted a guard outside the door and if you try to get out of that bed, she will personally 'kick your butt from here to Amphipolis'."

Xena smiled and sipped the tea. Her mind wrapping itself around the knowledge that she would just have to trust the bard on this one. She was in no condition to take a chance that she just might try that 'butt kicking' thing.

In the dungeon, Jorgus sat in the cell. Waiting now. He had raved, he had ranted, and he had paced and yelled to no avail. Now he just waited. His head snapped up when the door opened and the Amazon Queen walked in. She stood before the bars of the cell and just stared at him.

"Don't tell me you're going to try and execute me for beating a slave?" He said with a smirk. "Or maybe you two are more than owner and slave."

"Xena services my needs quite nicely thank you." The tone wasn't lost on Jorgus.

"I thought as much. I've heard stories about Amazon ways. And I know Xena's appetites."

"So do I. Xena has many appetites. Her greatest appetite is still for battle and blood. You see I haven't had her that long. I haven't managed to break her warrior spirit. Not that I would want to really, it can come in quite useful on occasion. So this is what I've decided to do." She began walking back and forth in front of the bars. "Once she is healed I'm giving her, her freedom."

"And your point would be what?"

"You will be held here until she's strong enough to defend herself properly."

"You've lost your mind Amazon. If I don't return my men will…"

She cut his word short with a wave of her hand. "Word has all ready been sent to your men that you have committed crimes against the crown of this village and the amazon nation and that you are being held here pending trial. They have also been told that if they make any attempt to gain entry into the village your life will be forfeit. You will be killed before the first man makes it over the wall. I hope you treated your men well Jorgus."

"You have no intentions of giving me a trial do you?"

"Yes, yes I do. I'm just going to let Xena be the judge, jury and," she paused. The dramatic effect was not lost on Jorgus. "executioner."

"You can't do that!" Jorgus yelled. He was on his feet rushing the bars now.

"Oh, but I can and I have and I will." Gabrielle said before turning and leaving the caged man to his rage.

"Your Majesty please…you can't turn me over…"

Gabrielle ignored the pleading from the cell and continued walking until the door slammed shut behind her. Jordon was leaning against the wall outside waiting for her.

"That sounds like it went well." Jordon said pushing off the wall

"Yeah it did. I kind of enjoyed it too. He's a little more than nervous now."

"What did you say to him?"

"I told him as soon as Xena was well enough to defend herself I was going to give her, her freedom and turn him over to her."

"He'll be begging for a swift execution by morning."

"To bad he won't get one." Gabrielle said as they started walking down the hall.

Xena was sleeping quiet soundly when they returned to the room. Jordon took off her sword and put it down on the table and fell into a chair. As Gabrielle came back in from the sleeping chamber she noticed how tired her friend looked. She made Jordon a cup of tea and then began massaging tired shoulders.

Jordon closed her eyes and let the bard continue to work on her knotted muscles. "How's Xena?"

"Sleeping like a baby."

"I find that hard to believe. I don't think Xena was ever a baby. I think she was just born the way she is. Gods, that feels good. No wonder she loves you."

Gabrielle blushed at this comment and realized that she was indeed giving Jordon the same kind of massage that she normally reserved for the warrior. She lightened her touch and released it completely soon after.

"Gabrielle I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"It's okay. I shouldn't have…" Her words trailed off and were lost to a deep sigh as she sat across the table from Jordon. "So tell me about the wedding."

"Nothing to tell really. You show up. We get married. You and Xena are on your way after the coronation."

"It's a warrior thing isn't it?"

"What?"

"The lack of romance. I mean you and Xena must be cut from the same cloth in that department."

"Oh, my dear I can give you all the romance you would like. I just thought it might be detrimental to by health."

Gabrielle laughed. Jordon smiled. They both knew she was right.

"But speaking of such things Gabrielle. Now that we have Jorgus safely tucked away for the moment if you want me to explain the wedding to you I will."

The words rang in Gabrielle's ears. Wedding. She hadn't realized until this very minute, she was getting married, again. "You know I just can't seem to get this wedding thing right."

"What do you mean?"

"Well I gotta warn you. The people I marry tend to end up…well…dead. Sometimes they actually start out that way." She laughed, Jordon looked confused. She took the time to explain about Perdicus and her brush with a certain already dead monarch.

"You two have been through a lot haven't you?"

"You simply wouldn't believe it."

"How does my little problem compare?"

"It pales."

"Tell me about your travels with Xena."

"You're the one who said that we had a wedding to discuss."

"It's waited this long it can wait a little longer." Jordon said as she got up and rang for Darrius. He appeared within the flicker of a flame. Jordon ordered food then returned to her spot across the table from the bard. All of her attention now focused once again on those beautiful green eyes. 'Yes it was no wonder this woman had brought the Warrior Princess to her knees' Jordon thought as Gabrielle began telling of her travels with Xena.

Concluded...Part 4

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