Gabrielle knew exactly who was standing before them. She kept her grip on Xena, forcing the slave to accompany her to stand next to Palaemon. "My friend, this is Ares. God of War. I think you need to put your sword down. As good as you are, you are no match for the likes of him." There was a snort from across the room. The princess, Palaemon and Xena had been so attuned to the God of War they had not noticed the fresh smell of roses or the other arrival.
Ares took in his sister standing in less than nothing. "What brings you here, Sis?" The leather clad god crossed his arms over his chest. "Don't tell me you or your son have come to make a match with the princess and her royal guard?" Xena's blood was still boiling from the practice combat she had just been involved in. Hearing Aphrodite was here to nudge the pair together was sending shivers up and down her spine. Her jealousy, it seemed, was magnified times ten.
"Relax, Bro." Aphrodite made her way to stand in front of Gabrielle. The pleading in green eyes was too much. Her little one was pleading with her not to reveal her prayers to the Goddess of Love. After watching the princess' far from perfect life and how her father treated her, she was not going to say a word. It didn't mean she wouldn't 'pop in' from time to time to give much needed encouragement to the fledgling friendship. "I'm here just to watch the princess take on the slave."
"Excuse me?" Ares suddenly materialized between the princess, slave and his sister. "You aren't suggesting…" He turned and waved a hand between Xena and Gabrielle. There was fear on Xena's face. Somehow, Gabrielle had regained her composure. It came from how many times being called in front of her father for some heinous crime against the realm. Sometimes the princess wondered if she would still be alive if her father had produced a male heir.
"As if!" Aphrodite dismissed her brother easily. "I may be the Goddess of Love, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate talented fighters. After all, it's warriors that make the best lovers." The Goddess of Love had made sure she was looking at Xena and Gabrielle. The fact the princess still held tight to her slave was not lost on Aphrodite. "While they're both a little young, one day they'll be ready for what I have to offer them."
Ares shook his head in disgust. Love did not have a place on the battle field or conquering the world. Lust, now that was a different story. There was battle lust. There was lusting after power. There was even lusting after a beautiful woman could drive wars to go on for years, if not decades. If his sister was here, on his turf, there was a reason for it. He was going to have to figure out exactly what. If he lost his prey, he'd be left with nothing as far as protégés go.
"Somehow, I don't believe you." Ares saw the mock hurt look on his sister's face and rolled his eyes. He didn't have time for this. It was time to woo his latest protégé. The one that could bring an end to the peaceful times. True, Herodotus, like his fathers before him, had pledged his life to the God of War and had waged many campaigns. But he sensed times were about to change. If the Pharaoh was ever ousted, times would change to a more peaceful way.
More peaceful ways was not something he could have. As a god, he needed worshipers. Without constant wars, they would soon lose interest. "Why don't you go play with Artemis or Athena. I would suggest Hera, but we all know how she feels about you." If he'd been trying to get a rise out of his sister, it failed miserably. She simply crossed her arms over her chest as she made her way to sit on the edge of the workout area. "Whatever. Fine. Enjoy the show."
Ares turned his focus solely on Xena. "I'm definitely not here for Palaemon. Though you are a tremendous fighter, you lack heart and passion." A low growl escaped the sandy blond man. The God of War simply ignored the insignificant mortal. "Princess, I'd love to say I'm here for you. You too are a fighter most would wish to lead their army. However, I sense in you something Aphrodite would care for. Again, as the God of War, I need someone with skill and fire."
The look on Xena's face was priceless. It was clear she had never even thought about being a warrior, let alone Ares chosen. "Yes, you." The God of War held out his hand. Instead of coming to him like everyone else, the slave remained holding her mistress. "If you come with me, you won't have to be shackled. You won't have to serve anyone. You'll be your own mistress. You'll one day rule Greece and most, if not all, of the Known World. What do you say?"
To some, it would very tempting. And there was a part of Xena that had to admit she was very interested in what Ares had to offer. It was the side she had discovered as she fought with Palaemon. While the God of War could surely teach her things that Palaemon could not, there was a stronger pull. There was a different side to her she was also just discovering. She didn't have a word for it just yet, but she knew for now her place was by Gabrielle's side.
"It's a most gracious offer, but I'm afraid I'm where I need to be." Ares' eyes grew wide. He had been so certain that he could entice her to leave the palace behind. As he looked into somewhat defeated eyes, he knew his mistake. Xena had been broken, but it hadn't been by Gabrielle. It had been by Draco. In the slave's eyes, the princess was her savior not her destroyer. "If my mistress will continue to have me as her personal slave, that is."
Ares snorted. There was plenty of time to continue to court his young protégé. It wasn't like there weren't wars. And he still heard plenty of prayers. It was just the heights he could reach with Xena serving by his side. If he pressed now, he might just turn her away forever. Feeling his sister's eyes upon him, he knew she was going to attempt to meddle and turn both Xena and Gabrielle away from him. He would have to continue to pay visits from time to time.
"For now, I'll respect your wishes." Ares came up to Xena. He waved his hand. The two young girls were roughly separated. He took the raven-haired one by the hand before leaning down and whispering in her ear. "Just remember, if you ever feel trapped. If you ever feel like you are wasting your potential, all you have to do is call my name. I'll be here in less than a blink of an eye." The God of War brought the strong hand to his lips. "Until next time, my dear."
With that, Ares disappeared. Gabrielle was stunned. If word got out that her slave was being sought after by the God of War, her father would kill her. Alti's scheming, Joxer attacking her and now Ares was interfering. Her mind needed a release. Since they were in the training room, she decided to give everyone a show. "Xena, this may sound odd. But I could really spar to shed some of the excess energy. If you don't want to, Palaemon will accommodate me."
Xena had been hesitant for a moment. The thought of Palaemon accommodating Gabrielle in any way again had her blood boiling. Jealousy was never something she had felt before. The fact that she had only had Lyceus as a friend probably had something to do with that. One had to have friends to feel jealousy, didn't they? And that was all this was. Jealousy over the friendship between the princess and her trainer. "As you wish, Princess."
Gabrielle nodded. She was glad that Xena had returned to the formal addressing. It had to be because they were still being observed. Aphrodite was now sitting on a huge comfy pink chair. When she looked at the goddess, she wondered why she was doing this. What just happened had to be difficult on her slave. After all, it was only a few days since she had been purchased. And only a month prior to that since she was ripped away from her family.
Was the princess being selfish? Perhaps. Or maybe she wanted to test Ares' theory. Having missed the match between Xena and Palaemon because she had been daydreaming, she had not seen the skills her slave possessed. Something told her to not use the sword. While Gabrielle was quite proficient, her lead guard was one of the best in the army. Xena had easily defeated him. Perhaps the staff was the weapon she needed to choose. It was too soon for the sias, her favorite weapons.
Those had taken her a few years to become an expert with. It was because no one had known had to use them. Gabrielle had insisted she could learn by herself. Her father had not been happy with the wasted hours. And now, he praised her. It was a rarity to garner praise from him and she was glad she had been stubborn enough not to give up. The princess retrieved two of the best staves, handing one to the taller young girl.
Emerald eyes grew wide as she watched her slave warm up. The ease with which she twirled the long wooden weapon shocked her. Perhaps she should have chosen her favorite weapon. No matter, it was time to start the exhibition. The noise from the door never caused her to hesitate. It was the usual time for her father to check on her progress. This was perfect timing as she could put on display the skills of their newest addition.
The sound of wood clacking echoed throughout the training room. Herodotus watched intently as his daughter and the slave fought for the upper hand. Though not the warrior his daughter was, not that he would admit it to anyone, he was not proud of her. Watching as the slave nearly bested his daughter caused a slight sneer to appear. If nothing else, he knew with a warrior like Xena in his army, Ares would have to be pleased.
And if Ares was pleased, he would continue to have many more happy years as the Pharaoh of Greece. Xena alone could take out half an army. For now, Herodotus was pleased with his daughter's acquisition. He was still not pleased she wanted her for herself. Love was a distraction. In fact, if Gabrielle knew what he had done to her mother, she would probably hate him enough to kill him herself. It was best if she and the rest of the realm thought she died suddenly of an unknown illness.
Figuring he'd seen enough, the Pharaoh continued to his war room. The emissary for Chin was arriving soon. He wanted to be ready for a proper greeting. If he had his way, he would not have to sign the offered peace treaty. Herodotus was hoping to destroy the great nation. Just like so many others he had destroyed. With the Romans threatening, he knew he might just have to concede. For now, he would go in with the normal thoughts. He would win at any cost.
If the Pharaoh had remained, he would have seen quite the battle. Just as Gabrielle had gotten the upper hand, Xena made a move that surprised the smaller girl. The speed the princess contained was her advantage. To Gabrielle's surprise, the strength of her slave was far superior to her own. No one, not even Palaemon, had challenged her like this in either battle or training. It was stimulating her in ways she could not even begin to describe.
Aphrodite was now on the edge of her seat. It wasn't the great battle before her that was engaging her so. It was the feelings coming from the two combatants. If what she suspected was true, one day she would be blessing a wedding. The goddess sat back. She couldn't get too excited, not yet. After all her brother wanted Xena for himself. There were also the feelings Palaemon had for the princess. The biggest obstacle was a certain Pharaoh.
Those weren't the only obstacles. For now, they were the greatest as far as the potential soulmates were concerned. For that's what Xena and Gabrielle were. Aphrodite had been planning their pairing ever since the younger girl's birth. She had known they would be so different and yet so similar. Love was never easy. War was easy. So now she had to bide her time, offering encouragement when she could to her little one and her warrior princess.
Finally, Gabrielle managed to trip the tiring warrior slave. Being exhausted herself, the princess collapsed onto the taller girl. Their bodies met in a very familiar way. It was how they had gone to sleep twice now and how they had awakened. Their eyes met for a few moments. There was a pull. It would be so easy to give in. And yet this was not right. This was not how Gabrielle wanted their first kiss. She wasn't quite ready to kiss her slave, at least and have it mean something.
Aphrodite quickly stood. She'd seen all she needed to. She felt all she needed to. It wasn't going to be easy, but one day Gabrielle of Potidaea would be married to Xena of Amphipolis. In fact, there was one more thing the Goddess of Love could do now to help give them a little shove together. She waited until they stood awkwardly, not looking at one another. "That was impressive." Both looked at the goddess as if she were crazy. "I know, not a war person."
"But I know war, thanks to my idiot bro." The comment seemed to ease the awkwardness. She was glad for that. Growing up and falling in love was difficult enough. Doing it while under the scrutiny of a realm and with the God of War interfering, it made it that much more difficult. "I'd say you two deserve to get away, after the meeting with Lao Ma." They looked at one another and then the goddess. "Maybe a little trip of…mercy…or getting to know the farther regions."
Gabrielle smiled shyly. All these years, since she was old enough to make her own decisions, she had chosen to pray to the Goddess of Love. Was it paying off? Was she here to tell her her prayers had been answered? It had to be Xena. After all, she'd practically grown up with Palaemon. True she was just coming into womanhood. But the timing was not simply a coincidence. Still, she had to take things slow. Her life was not her own now, but she was determined soon to make it her own.
It wasn't just that her life wasn't her own. Xena's would never be her own as long as she was a slave. The only way that could be changed is if her slave was more to the realm than another body to do menial tasks. That was why they needed to make her the best warrior in the realm. And that had its drawback as the continued growth and success of the warrior slave would further draw Ares attention. Gabrielle was certain Aphrodite could only help so much.
"I think that's a grand idea." Gabrielle made a motion with her hand. Instantly two male slaves Xena had not seen in the room were by her side. The princess handed them the staves and took the cloths they offered. Without thought, she handed one to her friend. For that was now what she thought of Xena as. Would she still refer to her as slave? Definitely. It was just how it had to be until they could make changes. "Of course, convincing father of such things with Alti around is not going to be easy."
For now, it was time to continue with the training. "After we take a break…" An idea flashed through the princess' mind. She glanced at the Goddess of Love who was attempting to hide a smile. It wasn't her idea, but it didn't matter. It was a good one. Her father would hate it, but she'd deal with that if he should say something. "I think the gardens would be lovely. The autumn blooms are in full swing. Soon, we'll be having the harvest festival."
Xena seemed surprised by the suggestion of a walk in the royal gardens. She had assumed they would rest by meditating or simply sitting and getting their second wind. To actually have a chance to be alone with Gabrielle and in such a beautiful setting…The slave didn't know why it thrilled and frightened her at the same time. It wasn't like they hadn't spent a majority of their time alone, even sleeping in the same bed together.
Perhaps it was because of the near kiss. When Gabrielle had looked at her with such wanting, it had done something to the slave. Xena now knew what she wanted from life. She could keep going over things or settling. What she wanted was to be with her princess. It didn't have to be ruling side by side. If they had to go to some foreign land, so be it. They would be together, and more than just as friends. They would be together as partners in everything.
But that was a day far off, sadly. "I'd be honored to join you." Xena quickly toweled the sweat from her face and arms. She linked her arm through Gabrielle's. At the moment, she felt more like a part of the royal guard instead of a slave. It gave her more freedom. Those that didn't know that she was the slave the princess had purchased without her father's permission would assume she was allowed to roam the castle freely.
They slowly walked the hallways of the castle. Xena, to her surprise, was already beginning to know her way around. Her memory was better than most and it was going to come in handy. As they made their way to the doors, a familiar man was standing guard. She felt Gabrielle stiffen at the sight of Joxer. Outside of what had happened the two times they had met, the slave wondered what had happened to him. He was now sporting two scars.
Joxer made a grand gesture of bowing deeply. First he bowed to Gabrielle. Then he made sure they both knew he was bowing to Xena. The slave studied the guard. She could feel the trembling in her friend's arm and knew she needed to get her away from the guard. But there was something about him. She wanted to study him. He was too…The right word was eluding her. It would come to her, eventually. Hopefully before harm could come to her princess.
The moment they stepped inside, Xena felt small and insignificant. Even the times she managed to sneak away from her mother's inn and spend a night under the stars was nothing like this. And this was during the day. She felt the gentle tug on her arm and allowed herself to be led down the center aisle. So many flowers, trees and plants. Some she had seen before. Most she had no idea what they were. Part of her wanted to pick one of the fragrant buds and give it to Gabrielle.
Even as her friend, it seemed inappropriate, at least for now. There would come a time when they would be able to give one another gifts freely. They would be able to hold hands. Not have Gabrielle have her arm linked through hers like she was her royal escort. Xena shoved those thoughts away as she realized where it was she had been led. It felt like the forbidden fruit she had been told about by one wandering bard.
"I'm one of the few that's allowed to eat from this tree." Gabrielle picked two juicy peaches. "In fact, I am one of the few allowed to step in this garden, outside of the slaves that tend to it." She handed one of the ripe fruits to her companion. "Normally the fruit is saved for the harvest festival or if we are to entertain dignitaries. Since the only upcoming scheduled entertainment is for Lao Ma and then the harvest festival, I think two sweet delicacies can be spared."
The princess watched as Xena bit into the fleshy fruit. It was obvious she'd never had such a fruit. She knew in the outlands, basic food was all that was allowed. Even if exotic foods grew there, it was all taken as tax for the realm. "These are sweet and juicy." Gabrielle was now standing so that she could look into the depths of blue eyes. She wanted to say how she thought her friend would taste that sweet and juicy but felt better of it.
Gabrielle wasn't even sure where the thought had come from. She wondered more and more if Aphrodite wasn't lurking somewhere. Or if she had already been such a big influence that these thoughts of love were entrenched in her mind. Before she or Xena could say anything, a familiar voice was announcing the presence of the person she hated the most and trusted the least in the known world. Her greatest enemy, especially to the throne.
"Well, well, well." Alti was where she wasn't supposed to be, but didn't care. Her relationship with the Pharaoh was tentative at best. If she needed to step on toes or break some rules, she was going to do just that so she could one day gain what she wanted. It would be through Gabrielle all her dreams were to come true. She had had a vision to that effect. There had been another vision as well. One she was going to do her damnedest not to allow to come to fruition.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say two love birds were out for a stroll." Before either could react, Alti had knocked the princess to the ground and placed a hand on either cheek of the slave. "Let me take a look into your soul. Let me find out what makes you tick." Gabrielle managed to recover only to find herself being kicked in the stomach. "Not now, Little One. Your turn to be in the hot seat will come soon enough. Now let Alti in."
Xena fought with everything she had the invasion she felt in her mind. It was as if she was being forced to do something she didn't want to do. Never having experienced the physical act, she wondered if this could be considered mental rape. It was as if Alti's fingers were probing her mind. They were like icy tendrils that could get her to do whatever she wanted her to do. Finally, she stopped fighting and allowed the advisor to do as she willed.
That seemed to irritate Alti. Though the advisor now had free range of the powerful mind of the slave, it took away from the thrill she always got when she forced her victims to share things with her they weren't willing to share. Or better yet, sharing with them their deeply hidden fears. She was so distracted by the way Xena had simply given in, she lost track of where the princess was. There was a resounding cracking sound as Gabrielle hit Alti on the back of the head with a tree branch.
Gabrielle wanted to scream at Alti. She wanted to tell the bitch to leave, but she saw the look on Xena's face. Without hesitation, she was kneeling next to the limp form of the slave. There was blood flowing from her nose. The princess tore a small patch from her workout tunic and removed the blood the best she could. The heavy sounds of breathing told her the advisor was still unconscious. For how long, she wasn't certain.
"Hey." Gabrielle gently stroked the angular cheek, hoping the gentle caresses would bring her slave back to the here and now. Whatever Alti had done to her was frightening to say the least. If the advisor ever touched her in that manner, she would not hesitate to kill her. No matter her father was still taken in by the floozy. "It's the princess. You're the one supposed to be waiting on me, remember?" The words were meant to be a joke.
The sudden look of panic on Xena's face told her she'd had the opposite desired results. "I'm sorry. I was just joking." As the slave attempted to sit upright, Gabrielle took a gentle hold on her and eased her back down so that she was now cradling her head in her lap. "While you are my slave, you don't need to wait on me. I told you, you are on the same level as me. Well, almost. At least you don't have to deal with my father."
The princess was relieved when she felt Xena relax in her arms. Her body stiffened when she heard the groans. She cursed herself for not carrying a weapon. It was her father's asinine rule that since she was the princess, she didn't carry a weapon on the palace grounds. Yet she was supposed to be armed with so many weapons, it made it difficult to move when they were engaged in battle. It made no sense. Luckily for Gabrielle, she was a walking, talking weapon.
Alti sat up, holding the back of her head with her hand. When she brought the hand around, the blood there was enough to piss her off. The fact she had forgotten what she had learned from the mind of the slave pushed her over the edge. "I ought to kill you for touching me." Her face was red as she scrambled to her feet. "But you and the little slut are not worth me dying over. The fact we are both here, you with her, would not go over well with your father."
It almost, almost slipped out. Gabrielle almost bragged about how the God of War had wanted to take away Xena as his protégé. She wasn't ready for her father to discover that as she knew death was certain for her slave. Instead, she held her head high as she continued to massage her slave's scalp. "The fact that you attempt to harm, either physically or mentally, my property would get you the death penalty. So just save the threats."
The advisor bowed her head for a moment. Once again, she had underestimated her foe. It was a mistake she needed to stop making. It was one she could put an end to, if only she could get her hands on the princess. Gabrielle seemed to have a strong mind. Was it like the slave's? Would she present a similar problem when it came to invading her mind? For now, Alti knew she had to leave. She would pay Joxer a visit, thanking him properly for the latest information.
"When I speak, they are not threats." Alti came within inches of the two young girls on the ground. "They are simply truths. They might not be easy to hear, but it doesn't make them any more or less the truth." The advisor bowed her head. It was with mock respect she left the pair. Lao Ma was arriving in the morning. There was much she had to do to prepare. Not just as the Pharaoh's advisor either. It was so she could gain as much knowledge and power as possible.
Gabrielle watched the advisor blend in with the foliage about them. She knew there were different passageways and therefore hidden entranceways into the garden. Most she had discovered in her youth while she had been restless and roaming the castle was allowed by her father so she could use up the excess energy she always seemed to contain. "I know you're not up to it, but we have to get back to training. We've been away too long as it is."
Xena managed to stand on her own. Whatever it was Alti had done to her was having a lingering affect. She hoped she didn't have to spar with the princess again, at least not for some time. The slave had to admit it had felt exhilarating being pushed like that. Palaemon was a great fighter, but lacked something. Perhaps it was heart. Gabrielle was feisty in life and feisty in a fight. The only time she cowered was with her father.
Somehow, the slave walked with her head held high. Gabrielle kept looking at her, wondering. Though Xena seemed to be handling everything in stride, there was something about her demeanor that told her she was not a hundred percent. How could she know this when they'd known one another for less than seven moons? It went back to how connected they felt, as if they had been together in another life and would continue to in every life.
As soon as they were out of sight of the guards that lined the hallways, Gabrielle led her friend to the padded chairs in the training room. Though there were slaves in here, they knew their place. At least she hoped they knew their place. "Water!" She shouted partially out of worry and partially because she shouldn't have to ask. Xena stretched her legs out in front of her and leaned her head back. Not only were glasses of water provided, but a bucket with a soft rag as well.
Though it was not her place, Gabrielle took the cup of cold water and put it to Xena's lips. It seemed everything they did together, even the sparring with the staves, had seemed familiar. Even tending to a wounded warrior felt so right to the princess. Xena managed a few sips before refusing anymore. The fear in her eyes made Gabrielle wonder if she was refusing more because of the role reversal than having her thirst quenched. "Drink. You need it."
The raven-haired girl decided it was best not to fight her mistress, especially with the tenderness in the voice and the delicate touch with which Gabrielle had begun to wipe her face with. The cold cloth felt good on her overheated skin. Whatever Alti had done almost seemed to make her blood boil. Is that why her nose had bled? The princess carefully cleaned the dried blood from her nose and lip. In between gentle touches, Xena continued to sip the cold water.
"Whenever you are up for it, we'll move on to my favorite weapons." Gabrielle thought she heard a squeak or something akin to it. When she turned around, Palaemon was looking at her with wide eyes. The princess had yet to allow him or anyone else to use her chosen weapons. Her sparring partners would go at her with whatever was considered their strength in weapons. But never was anyone to touch her sias. "Problem?"
"No, My Lady." Though his words said no, Gabrielle could tell her friend was not happy she was already showing Xena how to use her favorite weapons. There was something in his eyes. If she didn't know any better, it was jealousy she saw there. It, hopefully, was just because she was allowing someone to use her sias. If it was something else, she hoped Palaemon would not attempt to act on those feelings. There was no way, not even given all the time that existed, could she feel something for him, outside of friendship.
"I think we'll start slow." The princess turned her back on Palaemon. When she looked into Xena's eyes, there was something there. What, she wasn't certain. Was it that her slave had seen the same thing in the trainer's eyes? The normally sure Gabrielle was suddenly unsure of herself. Even with Aphrodite's influence, she wondered if she would ever be ready to love someone. Her father had never shown her how to do that, not even as family.
"I'll use a sword. You seemed to defend that pretty well." Though she was managing to speak of combat, Gabrielle's mind was anywhere but on the upcoming training session. Her mind was on her mother. Though she was observant and mature at the age of three, remembering her mother was the most difficult thing in the world. She almost wished there was a way someone could either turn back time or help her to focus so she could remember her.
If she could remember her, maybe she could remember what true love was. Even just before she passed away, Gabrielle could remember being held in her mother's arms. The sensation got weaker and weaker as time went by. For a moment, she wondered if it was fading memories that caused the strength of being held to become weaker as she aged or if there was another reason. For now, it didn't matter. For now, the princess would continue to pray to Aphrodite for guidance both in love and in life.
"I'm ready." The deep rich voice of the slave stirred Gabrielle out of her musings. Without having to say a word, two slaves were retrieving the princess' sword and the other was carrying her sias. The sias rested on a pillow and were not to be touch by anyone. "Are you sure I'm ready for this?" Gabrielle smiled as she took possession of her beloved weapons. She tested the weight before holding them out, handles first.
With reluctance, Xena stood and took the weapons. The feeling of their weight was foreign to her. The sword and the staff had felt almost natural in her hands. This weapon, it was like she was using it for the first time. It wasn't right as she'd never handled a sword, not really, or a staff before today. It took only a moment of holding the weapons for her to start twirling them. Gabrielle's eyes grew wider as she watched her slave go through a perfect warmup routine.
Gabrielle was realizing more and more what Ares had been speaking of. There was something about the young girl standing before her using her sias like she had been her entire life. A part of her was jealous as it had taken her a couple seasons to properly learn the weapon. And yet, perhaps outside of Xena's natural ability with weapons, the God of War somehow enhanced the natural abilities of her personal slave. If he wanted her under his control that badly, she wouldn't put anything past him.
It gave her hope that perhaps Aphrodite was capable and willing to do the same thing. It was clear that she wanted Gabrielle and Xena to become more than friends. While never coming out and saying it while Ares was around, the hints were there. It wouldn't take a genius to figure that out. And yet, she hoped her father and the God of War would have their eyes closed enough so that they wouldn't see what was so obvious.
There was the other one she had to fear. If Palaemon was the jealous type, she would have to be cautious around him. The looks he was attempting to conceal told her he was not one to share her affections with anyone. That was definitely going to be problematic, especially the way Xena had handled him so readily when they had sparred. As always, her life was anything but simple. And yet, since her slave had entered her life, it had only gotten better.
"All right then. Let's take this in slow movements. From earlier, I know you can handle yourself. It's me that's not used to going against my own weapon." Xena's eyes grew wide with fear once again. Gabrielle sighed. One moment her personal slave could be so confident and certain of herself. In the next, she was afraid of doing something that would cause her to be punished, or worse, causing the princess to be punished. "My idea, remember?"
Taking a deep breath, Xena nodded. For a moment, both princess and slave closed their eyes. It was as if they were both getting in tune with their bodies so that they could perform. Or was it they were getting in tune with each other? Gabrielle began slowly with thrusts that were easy to deflect. Soon they involved into sweeping arcs. Before she knew what was happening, they were going full out. Both sword and sias were a blur.
It felt like earlier when they had gone against one another with the staves. It felt like they could match one another, blow for blow. It wasn't long before Xena had gone on the offensive. Gabrielle was hard pressed to keep up with the moves her slave was making. Again, there was a part of her that was jealous with the ease in which Xena had learned the sias. And yet, it made perfect sense Ares would choose someone like her to be his protégé.
"Enough!" Just as Palaemon called an end to the match, Xena managed to get inside one of the princess' blocks. The tip of one of the sias grazed her neck, leaving behind a thin trail of blood. It was a jagged mark that would require stitches. The sias fell to the stone floor with an earth shattering clanging sound. "Guards!" The trainer called out. He glanced at the slave before turning his attention fully to his injured princess. Instantly, the guards had a solid hold on the stunned slave.
The same slaves as had handed them the towels and brought the water were by the princess' side in an instant with a cloth to press against her neck. Palaemon was still taking charge as both Xena and Gabrielle were stunned by the turn of events. Earlier, it had been the princess who'd gotten the upper hand. Now, it was the slave who had managed to defeat the princess. Something no one had done since she was ten years old. "Hold still."
Palaemon turned to the guards holding Xena steady. "Take her to the dungeon!" His voice bellowed. There would be hell to pay. Even if the slave had been sparring, she had marred the princess' perfect features. There was no way that could go unpunished. Should the Pharaoh hear of the events, Xena would be headed for the cross, of that the trainer was certain. "Take it easy. I've got you. I'm here for you."
"Get your hands off me." Gabrielle managed to get her wits back and hold the cloth to her neck. Already the guards had removed the defeated Xena from the room. The princess knew she needed a healer. But she needed to free her friend more. As Palaemon kept attempting to hold her back, Gabrielle turned and growled at him. Finally, his hands fell to his side. "You've overstepped, Palaemon. But we'll discuss this later. Just hope I can save Xena from punishment or you'll wish you were dead."
With those words, Gabrielle saw something in her friend's eyes she never had before. Hate. If Palaemon now hated her, so be it. That just meant her pack had gone from three down to two. While her lead guard was important to her, Xena was already her life. It was crazy, but true. The princess quickly made her way to the dungeons. Already her personal slave was shackled around the neck and was attached to the wall. Her heart broke at the sight.
"Get her out of there!" Gabrielle somehow managed to keep her voice under control as she ordered the guards what to do. There was a panic rising in her. What if Alti or her father chose to visit the dungeons at this moment? Both were known to do so. Sometimes it was to attempt to gather information from the prisoners. Most of the time it was to torture for no other reason than it gave them both pleasure. They were both sick twisted people.
And how Gabrielle had turned out the way she had, a compassionate yet tough ruler, was beyond her. There were two things that could have influenced that. Her mother was number one on the list. It was her love that had helped her survive. The other was Aphrodite. Had she blessed her? She knew the Goddess of Love had heard her prayers. At the very least, Aphrodite had listened and given her strength she might not have otherwise.
"And why is she in there in the first place." Gabrielle turned to see the one person she didn't want to see. While Alti would have been bad, very bad, to have discovered what happened between the slave and princess, her father seeing Xena in prison was the worst possible thing. "I assume it has something to do with that." Herodotus pointed at the cloth that was still being pressed against his daughter's neck in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
Gabrielle swallowed. What was she to say? Though she was certain if she told the truth Xena would be put to death, would her father really simply kill one of his best warriors? The princess stood there, attempting to formulate a plan. Her heart sank when she heard Palaemon's voice coming from behind the Pharaoh. He was kneeling and bowing his head. "I'm the one that placed her there. Xena became too aggressive and harmed the princess in combat."
And just like that, Gabrielle's world came crashing down on her. She could hear the soft sniffles coming from the cell. Xena was a strong young woman. But perhaps slowly getting her hopes up that she would one day be able to be free only to find they were being crushed by her death sentence, the princess couldn't even comprehend how that would feel. She wanted to comfort her friend in any way she could, but knew it was most likely useless.
Instead, she turned her steady gaze on Palaemon. The man had the good sense to swallow audibly from the look Gabrielle was giving him. Mentally she was telling him he would find himself on the wrong end of one of her sias should something happened to Xena. The princess hoped with her entire being she wouldn't soon find herself a lone wolf. And yet, the look in her father's eyes told her it was already decided.