Disclamers: I only own the story idea, no the characters are not mine.

Thank you for all the reviews I will try and make the next few chapters longer, I was just testing the story.

"Where did you get this one?" I heard a rugged female voice speak from above me. "You don't want this one, my dear empress. She's much of a pain I may say." Although I couldn't see her face, I could tell she was someone who got her ways.

"Answer me!" The brown leather of her boots were right next to my face. "Podedia, down in Greece, but mam-" He was cut off by the Empress speaking. "I don't care if it takes me eternity to break her. I want her loaded onto my horse. I'm taking her to Rome, to be my personal slave."

I swallowed hard hearing these words. I never been in Rome, let alone outside Podedia. Why does the Empress want me as her slave? I definitely not the strongest, or the best looking woman in this group. So why me?

"I suppose you want her sister too?" Said the man from earlier, fear clear in his voice. She glared at him and lifted me up onto the beautiful blonde horse. She tied my feet around the horses stomach. She stood and gave a few more commands to the men.

This gave me a good view of her. She had long black hair and stunning blue eyes. I instantly felt intimidated. She jumped onto the horse, behind me. I looked back to my sister at her tear stained face. I'm scarred that this might be the last time I see her face. I wanted to cry. I had to look away as the men started to whip them.

I could feel the horse speed up as the Empress gave him a kick. With every step the horse took I felt the ropes cut deeper into my ankles. The discomfort was immense.

We rode for two days before we finally approached a huge castle. Guards instantly opened the gates. Backs perfectly straight, watching as we entered into the… garden? There were guards everywhere watching us. I felt uncomfortable under the gaze of all the eyes.

A man in a royal robe walked out with his arms outstretched. "Ah, Xena my wonderful Empress, you have returned and with a new slave," This man has brown hair and eyes and a loud booming voice. The Empress pulled the horse to a stop and dismounted her.

The guards slowly surrounded us. I felt cold fingers brush against my screaming ankle. I felt the ropes disappear from my ankles. A guard grabbed my arm and lift me off the horse. The man approached the Empress and kissed her on the cheek.

"You must tell me all about your travels, my dear Xena." I could see it on the Empress face that she was annoyed. She patted his cheek. "I'm awfully tired, Caesar. I think I'm going to go to bed, perhaps in the morning." She said looking into his brown eyes.

He nodded his head. Xena motion me to follow her. We walked through the garden into the castle. I instantly took my breath away. The halls were a beautiful grey stone and paintings of Rome on every wall. With every turn we took I felt more overwhelmed. This place was huge! I felt like we have been walking forever when we came to a door at the end of the hallways maze.

She pushed the door open with little effort. "You are to sleep in there," The Empress pointed to a green door in the corner of the room. "Go to sleep but keep an ear open for my call," Was all she said before she striped her armor and went to sleep.

I walked into the small room. There was a bed and a small dresser. I opened the dresser to see some brown servant clothes along with a hairbrush. I quickly changed and brushed my hair. I looked at my dirt covered face in the mirror. I want to scream, just scream and get all this worry out of my system.

I held myself back and blew out the candle and laid down in my bed, just staring at the moonlighted ceiling. I just laid there nothing going through my mind, wanting to sleep but I can't close my eyes… Why can't I close my eyes?

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