The Heart of a Queen

by strange1

Conqueror story. Gabrielle was taken as a slave and ends up as Xena's personal one. Xena is the Conqueror of Nations but only controls about a fourth of Greece. Her goal is to some day rule all of Greece and more. But there's a catch. A certain blond seems to be able to get under her defenses. Will she let that happen or will she send Gabrielle away. **COMPLETE**

21. Chapter 21

A week had gone by since Callisto's attack and Xena's injury. Though she had been in a great deal of pain all that time somehow she rarely if ever felt it. She had never before in her life been so cared for. While she'd had personal slaves for almost the past ten years now none had even come close to how attentive Gabrielle was. It had taken its toll on the young woman and she could see her wearing down and hated to see that. It was time for them both to relax a little.

It would probably be the last time that they got to be together for a while not that the warlord had told her ex slave that yet. There was one thing that she wanted to do before she spoiled just how well things were going for them. It was selfish and she only hoped that the woman that she loved could forgive her. That was something that the warlord never would have expected wanting forgiveness. In the past she had done whatever she wanted not caring how it affected other people.

But now she had two people that she would always take into account just how her decisions would affect them. Solon had always at least a little played into her decision making process. But now there was this other person that seemed somehow to complete the warlord. While she still hated most people and their lives meant little to her, she now thought how would her killing someone be handled by her very sweet and loveable Gabrielle.

Xena was seated at her newly made desk. Her old one, along with everything else in her old tent, had been destroyed. That meant she had no backup set of leathers and no backup armor either. Luckily she had made it a point to travel with blacksmiths and tanners and basically every skill that was needed to provide for an army. In her early campaigns she found the people in the villages that she took over were less than helpful when it came to resupplying her army so she took what she wanted. However getting skilled people to do quality work at the point of a sword rarely if ever worked so she made a point of having them come willingly.

The warlord was busy making copies of her orders and reconstructing some of the papers such as deeds and titles of people she had left in charge of villages that were lost in the fire. Not that it mattered because she was the one in charge now of the lower regions of Greece. In fact looking at the map she had almost conquered half of Greece. It had surprised her that it had gotten to that point. Of course lately when her army had come to a smaller village they had simply surrendered. That was what had happened to Potadeia so she was told.

One thing she had noticed was that Palaemon had been acting a little strangely since she had him make out the order regarding Gabrielle and Solon. He had been her trusted aid for almost eight years now. The only one that had been with her longer and that she trusted more was Maleager. It saddened her if he was somehow not happy or that he was being excluded. Perhaps she should tell him that she had made up a second document granting him all the rights to Athens.

While it wasn't her entire kingdom and they had yet to technically take over the very large capital city still she hoped it would be enough to make him happy. In her mind she had always been going to leave whatever it was that she had to Solon but now that she had Gabrielle they were to share it equally. Watching the two of them interact with one another made her think that it should not be a problem. Palaemon however was going to be a problem and that caused her a great deal of worry.

There were only two people she should have to worry about. Toris and Callisto were obviously at least at one point working together. That meant that both of them were a threat to her and of course anyone she cared about. After hearing the story of how it was Gabrielle that had actually stabbed him, even if on accident, she knew her brother would want revenge. The madwoman already knew that the bard was a weakness so Xena knew that she would come after her eventually.

That was why the warlord had decided that Gabrielle and Solon were to have personal escorts wherever they went. She had spent half a day going over the remaining army roster to pick a handful of soldiers that she trusted and assigned them that duty. Palaemon once again was not happy with her decisions but as she told him it was her army, it was her that was going to be queen someday and he better get used to how she did things or else.

With all this upheaval with her lieutenant she wished that Maleager was back with the scouts. She had sent him to check on the status of Corinth's army and of course see if there were any signs of either her brother or Callisto. She knew that he would take his time and make sure he was certain before he made his return to the camp. Right now though she truly felt that she could use an ally other than her partner and her son.

That was a new way to think of Gabrielle. The warlord truly would never think to have called anyone that before. But it was true in many ways as almost every single decision she made was with the thought of the younger woman. The document she had signed pretty much sealed that. There was only one other way she knew to seal a partnership and finally she was feeling up to it. Oh she was still in some pain but nothing that she could not handle.

Speaking of her Lil One, she could not help but wonder where she had gotten off to. The warlord was not worried about her as she had Gaston, finally learned his name, and three other soldiers following her around. Solon had a similar detail setup but usually they just had to guard the already guarded slave quarters. A bit of overlapping with the guards but Xena really didn't care as people she loved most likely were in danger.

Having gotten almost all the documents recreated, the most important ones first, the warlord thought that it was time for a break still wondering where her little friend was. But before she would go after her she needed to do a little damage control. She made her way to the flap tent and sent one of the guards for her first in command. The tall dark haired warrior made herself comfortable on the chair that had a very old fir on it. Though it was still middle of summer at night there was a slight chill sometimes.

Palaemon walked in without even being announced. His hand went to his chest over his tiger sigil in a salute and then came and kneeled before his general. Xena's eyebrows rose at the sight of him kneeling. While she was one day going to be queen and her subjects would kneel before her she had hoped none of her men ever would. He must be pissed off. Better nip this in the bud. A pissed off warrior is a danger to me and to my heirs. "What do you think you are doing?"

The veteran warrior stood straight at the sound of her voice. He had kept his gaze away from her and still was avoiding looking directly in the eye. It was probably a tell but at the moment he just could not manage to look her in the face. "I was kneeling before my future queen." Finally he forced himself to look her in the eye and wished instantly he had not. Sure enough, she knew that something was going on and he feared for his life at that very moment.

Xena stood and made her way over to the man that was almost her equal in height. Her first instinct was to take her sword and simply gut the man where he stood but he had proven loyal for so many years that she was determined to give him a little benefit of the doubt. "I have a question to ask you. How you answer it determines whether you live or die, my friend." The warlord heard something just outside the tent and knew right away that her soon to be lover was outside. "Are you upset about the document that I had you write for me?"

Palaemon's eyes grew wide. He thought he had been so careful not to let his emotions show through. But he should have known better. It was like the general had some kind of ability to read people and not just by their actions. It was as if she could get inside their heads and that was why she was as good a fighter and some day she would make an amazing queen. No sense in lying to her, she would just know the truth. "I had thought that I'd be your chosen, my general."

The warlord went to pat his cheek but the man flinched. It made her both sad and happy at the same time. Happy that she still inflicted that kind of fear in someone but sad that it was someone that she had known so long. Never in all their time together had she struck either Palaemon or Maleager. Of course they had watched many a gutting or beating at her very hand. "You thought wrong but I understand why you thought that. Before if I had no child you would have been. But things have changed. I know it seems things have happened at a dizzying pace but they have. Why did you not say something?"

The lieutenant looked away a moment pondering. Had he known all along that she had had a son it would not have hit him so hard. What was really getting to him was that a simple peasant that had been a slave was now considered higher in rank, in a way, than he was. If his general was truly in love and this girl truly returned the affection that would be one thing. But what if the slave was just using his general? So many others had trying to gain their freedom in that manner. "I should have, general. It's sometimes even hard for me to speak out though trusted as I am."

Xena considered his answer. He was actually telling her the truth and partially what she wanted to hear. At the same time he was evading what she really wanted to know. So much for the indirect approach. Guess I'll have to come out and just ask the idiot. "Have you thought about doing something stupid?" The warlord watched as the lieutenant's breathing quickened just a bit and his eyes grew just a little larger. Those were all the tells that she needed. She had her sword in her hand in an instant and the point of the sword firmly against his neck. "Any last words?" She just hoped Gabrielle would stay outside long enough to see what his response would be.

The response didn't surprise the warlord in the least and actually made her proud once again that he was her first in command as he put slight pressure on the sword causing a small trickle of blood to roll down his neck. "It was an honor to serve with you. I was an idiot like all the others by not giving you my all. I had my own ambitions and when I thought they'd been foiled I did plan against you and the girl. It was a privilege serving under you, my general."

Palaemon never closed his eyes just kept his gaze steady on his general's face waiting for the final push of the sword. He never expected that the pressure would be released and that he would be able to breathe and move once again. For the first time in many a moon he looked his general squarely in the eye. While there was still the same fire burning there was something else in those beautiful blue eyes. He almost passed out when he realized there was compassion in her eyes as well.

"You are a fool." Xena laughed. "Not because of trying to fall on my sword. I give you a great deal of respect for not flinching when all it would have taken is for me to have sneezed and you would be no more." The general turned and made her way back to her chair. "No, the reason you are a fool is that you forget I always take care of those loyal to me. I was going to leave you Athens, once we've taken it, even while I rule. It would have been yours to do as you saw fit with as long as you paid me tribute."

"I take it I have lost the right to something so grand." Palaemon knew that he had made a grave mistake not going to his general. In the past he had always gone to her. Why had he not? Because not only had he thought he'd be her heir he stupidly had feelings for the general. He was jealous and that made him mad at himself. "I will take whatever punishment you hand out." Perhaps it would be best if we went our separate ways. I can't have feelings and serve her, can I?

Xena smiled big as this kind of torture, well not exactly torture, was making her feel almost as good as a good gutting. Perhaps she would be able to still rule her land and not be totally bloody after all. It was an interesting thought that was for sure. "You haven't lost it. Almost, you lost it but not yet." Again her lieutenant's eyes grew large. "You and Maleager are the only ones that have earned the right to question me or tell me when something I'm doing isn't necessarily for the good. Next time come to me and talk to me. Because if anything happens to either Solon or Gabrielle there will be blood."

"I understand, general." Palaemon once again saluted her by putting his fist over the sigil on his chest. "I will get the troops to sparring. We'll be ready to move out whenever you say." Without waiting for another word he started for the door. He figured just a little trickle of blood was a small price to pay for the betrayal he almost put into motion. While not her entire empire commanding Athens was still a highly sought after position. Suddenly his posture was straighter and he smiled in greeting as the petite blond made her way into the tent. "Your grace." He saluted her the same as he had Xena before leaving the way that he came in.

The general was still shaking her head sadly at the thought of someone so close betraying her. But it was not entirely his fault. As she was about to take over a majority of Greece, it would be time to call herself queen. That kind of ruling would take more than just battle strategy. It would take grace and willingness to self sacrifice. That was something she was not familiar with but would slowly have to get used to. For some reason she sensed that the small blond coming toward her would be a great asset to her when it came to diplomacy.

Gabrielle had watched Palaemon leave. It had been the first time that he had shown her any true respect and it got her to wondering. Even though she had heard most of what was said between the two she was still not sure what was going on or what either had been talking about. Perhaps that was for the best seeing that she was not a fighter and the less she knew should she get captured the better it would be for Xena and all that mattered was Xena's happiness.

Xena stood and met her ex slave halfway through the tent. The girl had obviously been washing up once again and had on a fresh set of clothing. The smell of soap lingered on her and it brought a smile to the almost queen's face. Of course just seeing the blond woman did that every time. "I've got something I need to talk to you about." She took one of Gabrielle's hands and led her to the bed seeing that was the only furniture save two chairs. "I want you to know that should something happen to me you'll be well taken care of."

Gabrielle put her finger on Xena's lips not allowing her to continue. The last thing she wanted to discuss was anything that had to do with her mistress getting hurt. While she was far from stupid she still never wanted to think about the general getting hurt. Funny seeing how she had just spent a week nursing the taller woman back to health. "I don't need anything more than you've given me. You gave me my freedom and land. I want you to know that Solon will want for nothing if…"

Oh if she only knew how true that was. If only she knew she was so well taken care of. Perhaps that is a conversation for another day. I still have to tell her about going away. Xena took a breath to speak and instead found her lips being captured by the bard's. It literally took her breath away and for several moments all her thoughts were gone. All that was left was the amazing feeling that always stirred at the slightest touch of the younger woman. Finally they broke from the kiss. "You are a naughty little bard. I think you need to be punished."

The bard swallowed hard as she was wondering if Xena had meant that finally they would become what she had wanted for quite some time now. But how could they do that when the warlord was still healing? No, they would wait until the slightly older woman was totally healed. "Xena…" She was barely able to get out the word before her lips were captured once again. It took a lot for her to even think there was such passion between the two but she forced herself to. "We can't…"

Xena put a hand on the bard's cheek causing green eyes to look directly into blue ones. "We've waited a long time for this. Day after tomorrow I'm going on campaign to take over Corinth. It's not going to be pretty because I want to make examples out of the city since they sent that crazy bitch after me." Gabrielle swallowed understanding at least a little what was going to happen. While the bard had only scratched the surface of the violence that the general was capable of she knew it ran deep and it scared her very deep on some level. "I…"

Now it was Xena's speech that was cut off. While all she wanted to do was to make love to the smaller woman there was a part of her that wanted to tell her that she was going to be sent away for her safety. Should she tell her or just give into this burning that was building in her and had been since she'd denied herself any kind of physical pleasure. Finally her conscience, shocking to find she had one, got the better of her. The general said quietly, "I'm going to send you to Amphipolis."

That was the last thing that Gabrielle had thought that her potential lover was going to say to her. It totally shattered the hope that this was going to be their first night together. The bard pushed out of the embrace and walked across the tent to the desk that the general had been using just so recently. She heard a slight movement and before she knew what was happening she was being turned to look into blue eyes. There was fear in those eyes and it softened her resolved slightly. "I thought you…" She swallowed before being able to finish the thought. "Loved me."

Xena's expression softened immensely and pulled the bard into a bear hug. The slightly younger woman was barely able to breathe she was being held so tightly. They stood that way for a long time before finally the warlord pulled back just a little but never let go of the smaller woman. "That's why I'm sending you and Solon there. When I'm fighting I need to keep my head in the battle." A gentle hand stroked her cheek. "Even with your guard I'm worried someone will get to you. I love you so much that I want to know that you are safe. So please, don't fight me on this."

A good portion of Gabrielle wanted to do nothing more than fight. She wanted to pick up a sword or a stick or whatever so that she would not have to be sent away. Tears were strolling down her cheeks. It was almost too much for her to process and found strong arms wrapping around her into a gentle hug. This was a contrast to the woman that she had met just less than a month ago. Whatever else she took in two things. One that Xena had said 'please' and two that she had just said she loved her.

That made her heart soar and it made her realize that if Xena loved her enough to send her away then she was actually a very lucky woman. It was time to start growing up. Up to this point she had been a silly little girl, that while in love, it was not the same thing as when a grownup is in love and she wanted to be fully in love. She wanted to be capable of the kind of love that Xena deserved. It was funny how it was now occurring to her now just how much of a child she had been.

Up until that was. Faced with losing someone like she had just a week ago was finally coming crashing down on her. It was hitting home even more as she realized that maybe, just maybe she had been partially responsible for the injury that her beloved was still dealing with made her cringe. In that instant she felt so old all of a sudden realizing in the very short time that they'd known each other just how much Xena had sacrificed for her especially because the woman had been more cold hearted before they had met.

"I'm sorry." It was a simple statement and she could see that Xena wanted to question her so she quickly continued. "I never should have doubted your love for me." She reached up and put a hand on the cheek of the taller woman relieved when she felt the return pressure. "I think I was just this young peasant kid that was living in a fantasy." The arms stiffened that were still holding her tightly. "I was thinking that no matter how horrible things got you could do anything. While I still believe that I also know that you are human and have human weaknesses such as loving a kid that doesn't deserve it."

It was Xena's turn to go deep in thought for a moment. It was true in some ways just how much younger her counterpart was than she. Not only in physical age but also in emotional age. Gabrielle had not had to go through the things that the general already had to. Was she just a naïve kid giving her heart to some warlord with really big violent tendencies or was she actually seeing the whole picture? After what she just said the warrior was now convinced that the bard had grown up, maybe not all the way, but at least enough to know what was in her heart and who she was giving it to.

"You've had a lot to go through in the past few weeks." Xena's tone was gentle and it held a measure of understanding. "I went through a lot when I was even younger than you. I'll tell you about it sometime. But for now I need you to know a few things. One I love you more than I've loved anyone. Two you do deserve the love I give you and what's more I think you could do so much better. And three you were a kid but you've grown up a lot and in a short time. I'm proud of you."

It was not the response that Gabrielle had been expecting not that she really knew what to expect. It was the sweetest thing she had ever heard and right away she knew that giving her heart to this woman was the right thing to do. And if giving her heart to the future queen was the right thing to do then so was giving her something that no one could ever again take. That was the last of her innocence. "Before you have to send me away, make love to me."

Xena got very still for a very long time just staring into green eyes. This was something she wanted more than she could say but she was also terrified. This was the bard's first time and that meant it had to be very special. Though she was, not that she'd admit to it, frightened at the thought she let her instincts take over. Not the ones that would use her personal slaves just to satisfy her sexual needs. No she was going to call upon instincts she had used only one other time or at least thought that she had. "Are you sure? I'll wait for you."

Gabrielle took her by the hand and led her to the bed and they sat next to each other. Her hands were already playing with the loose belt around her lover's top. "If there's one thing I've learned from living with you and loving you is that sometimes life is not always fair and it definitely isn't always predictable. I want you to make love to me because…" She swallowed hard not wanting to have to finish the sentence. She hated even thinking the thought.

As if to answer her, Xena began to undo the top that she wore. That was the last words either of them spoke for quite a while. It took only a few moments as they undressed one another trading kisses and gentle touches. Gabrielle took in the sight of her lover's body. It was amazing even with all the scars and the lingering bruises from the battle. The warlord was well muscled and lean and there was not anything about her body that wasn't beautiful even the scars.

Xena was amazed at how the bard's body took her breath away. She had been with her fair share of women but there was something special about the bard. It wasn't because this was her first experience. It was because there was a simple beauty to a simple young girl that was anything but simple. The soft feel of her skin under her fingertips was driving both she and the bard for the need of more contact. The ever growing need was there and beginning to consume them.

Gently Xena directed Gabrielle to the center of her makeshift bed. For a moment they just stared into one another's eyes before the warlord began to kiss her young lover. She started with her lips and then made her way down to her neck. The small little shudders that went through her Lil One's body made her want more and to give more at the same time. Her mouth found one breast than the other thoroughly exploring each and finding a burning sensation in between her legs as each nipple blossomed nicely into a rose beneath her tongue.

Xena felt hands roaming her body or tangled in her long black hair and it drove her to want to make the young woman feel good. She wanted her to feel better than she ever had before in her life. Slowly she continued the kisses down the slim body beneath her noting a scar or two and still some bruising. There was just a hint of the words that Callisto had carved so wrongly on her lover's body and for just a moment her love turned to hate.

Hands somehow finding her breasts brought her back to the here and now and she realized that Gabrielle was leaning up slightly so that she could have the more intimate contact. Xena smiled and captured the alluring lips for a moment so that her new lover could explore her body just as she was hers. It was almost natural how her bard was responding to every touch almost like their bodies were in sink. This, the warlord realized, was making love and not just having sex.

It humbled her in a way to think that this was her first time as well as the bard's. Once upon a time she had thought she had made love but being here and now with the bard told her she'd only had meaningless sex, that while gave her pleasure, it was incomplete and was an empty act. The future queen doubted that she would ever be able to go back and once again she hesitated just for a moment savoring the feeling and hoping that this would not be their one and only time at making love.

Her mouth continued down reluctantly losing the feel of Gabrielle's hands on her breasts. The bard's hands kept contact as well as they could and it made the warrior want to sing. While she wanted to take her time and really make the bard feel as good as she could it was getting hard to deny herself what she wanted. Steadying herself from her simple desire she turned her attention back to making the bard feel amazing.

Her tongue traced a line down the inside of Gabrielle's legs ending with nibbling on each toe. The girl half moaned and half giggled. Finally she figured that her young bard was ready for what her mouth was aching for. She needed to taste the bard's juices over her tongue. Slowly she licked the outside of the quivering mound that was radiating a heat like nothing the warrior had ever felt before. Slowly she tickled the line that would part and expose those sweet juices.

"Xena, please!" That was enough of an invitation for the warlord. Xena slowly entered the bard feeling the lips part and the juices flow freely over her tongue. Her one hand found a round perky breast and the other found Gabrielle's hand. Her tongue began a slow exploration of the inside of her lover having tingling sensation go up and down her spine at the thought of the pleasure that she was giving the younger woman.

Her tongue finally found a rhythm that almost matched the gently teasing of the breast. This went on for a little while slowly building up her young lover for that release. Just as her bard had enough she stopped and it elicited a groan out of her younger partner. That gave the warlord a great deal of pleasure and she reveled in it. Still her partner needed release so she began the rhythmic pulses of her tongue once again.

Finally after several moments of building the bard found her release. Her grip tightened in Xena's hair and on the hand that was holding hers. It took quite a bit for her to come back down to earth and when she did she was looking into the most amazing blue eyes that she had ever seen. She felt the warrior deliberately slide her body all the way up along hers until they were lying next to each other bodies firmly pressed together. "Thank you." The words seemed so inadequate for what she just experienced but it was the only thing she could think to say.

The warlord got serious for a moment and made sure that green eyes were looking directly at her. "That was the first time I've ever made love to anyone." She reached out and pushed a strand of sweat drenched blond hair out of her lover's eye. "To tell you the truth I was scared." She felt the bard stiffen just a little next to her. "I was scared because I was afraid that I was going to hurt you and I don't just mean emotionally."

It took a moment for the bard to really understand what Xena had just said to her. But it hit her what she had meant by that. It made her heart swell thinking just how concerned her lover was. She almost squealed when she realized that she could indeed say lover and mean it. Though she was sure that she was supposed to do something in kind and wanted to for that matter she had to reassure her lover. "You could never hurt. The only way is if you ever leave me for good. That's my only fear anymore is that someone will come and take this feeling I have away."

"I will do everything in my power not to let that happen." Xena felt the bard shifting and wondered why. "We've already had two people, enemies of mine, that have tried to take this away. One of them is still out there. And I'm sure that my brother will be too now still leaving two to worry about." Suddenly she felt a hand between her legs and had trouble concentrating on what she was saying. "But know this even in death, Gabrielle I will always love you."

Xena found her legs spreading without her permission. Or was it with her permission? All she knew was that her lover was pushing her back to the bed and was already inserting a finger into her making the warrior gasp. A larger gasp escaped her as lips were on first one breast and then the other. This was no shy innocent peasant kid anymore the future queen realized. This was a full fledged woman that was confident and seemed very sure of what she was doing even though it was only her first time.

Already being so turned on by the fact that she had just made love to Gabrielle it wasn't long until the warlord found herself about to go over the edge. Though it was not as prolonged as her love making had been to the bard it was no less intense. It was simply true that this was making love and no matter what it would always be amazing. The warrior now wondered what she had done to deserve her Lil One in her life as she had left a bloody trail between the south and here. Innocent lives were on her blade she knew either intentional or by mistake they were still on her hands.

Yet here she was being made love to for the very first time. Her mind cleared as the amazing sensations kept flowing over and over her until finally she found that final release. Her lover's name was shouted from her lips and she fell back against the bed totally exhausted. Gabrielle snuggled up against her head on her should and draped an arm over her bare stomach careful to avoid the still healing wound. It took a while for both heartbeats to resume some sort of normalcy.

Just as both were about to drift off Xena just had to say something. "Gabrielle. I know that we are soon to be a part. I'm sorry for that. Sometimes I wish I would just give up the need of being a queen and ruling everything and when you are in my arms it grows ever stronger. Just know that when all is said and done you will be by my side ruling." She felt a gentle squeeze. "You, I believe my Lil One, will be known as the heart of the queen."