Two years later ... Chapter 21.

Enjoy it!

At the border between Centaurs territory and the Amazon Nation.

"ARROWS!"

"TAKE COVER"

Eponin watched an arrow land not far from one of her sister, she waited for others to fall around them but none were sent. She walked toward the single piece of wood planted in the dirt, reaching for it she almost lost the little scroll attached to it. Reading it her heart contracted immediately.

"Get my horse!" She ordered to a surprised amazon fighter. Swiftly mounting the beast Eponin turned suddenly toward her sisters. "Shoot whomever put a foot in Amazon territory."

"But if it's a friend?"

Eponin looked toward her sister, "We have no friends on this side of the frontier." She said crushing the message in her hand, "Not anymore."

The Amazon fighter watched the Weapon Master leave her side, a sudden fear growing inside her. Identical looks were plastered on the soldier's face around her. "You heard Eponin." She said. "Be ready."

The Amazon's Capital.

Eponin rode pushing her horse to its limits. She didn't have the luxury to stop now that she was so close, no time could be wasted now after all. Rushing into the streets of the city, she used all her skills to avoid crushing into pedestrians, some of them screamed in fear at the sudden appearance of the beast and its rider.

Finally she stopped, leaped off her horse and marched toward what was the Queen's study not too long ago. To the Weapon Master displeasure, the room was already occupied with Ephiny surrounded by members of the Council. Every one of them stared at her when she entered the room unannounced.

"Glad to see you could finally find the time to join us Weapon Master." One said barely hiding her contempt.

Eponin glared at the woman. "My place is out there on the field. Council's sessions are not my priority."

"Maybe it should be considering our situation." Eponin frowned at the woman's words, tensing at the implied meaning behind them. Ephiny caught the change in her wife demeanor and thought better to jump in the conversation.

"With no news from Queen Gabrielle since you parted ways, the Council is questioning the possibility that the Conqueror is cutting off communications."

"It is a possibility you – i'm sure – have considered Weapon Master."

"I do not believe the Conqueror would treat the leader of a sovereign Nation in that way. I believe our Queen has a reason to keep her message to a minimum."

"We don't even know if our Queen is indeed in Corinth like she is supposed to. It is time to acknowledge that our Queen's plan may have failed. We need to act accordingly because now it is not only the Centaurs that are threatening us but it seems the Romans are also taking a stand against us. We can no longer keep silent nor can we wait any longer for words from our Queen. I ask that a formal announcement be made to every corner of Amazon territory to informs our sister of the reality of the threat and to prepare for war. It is not the time of secrets anymore."

Not all members of the Council agreed with the demand. Most of them focusing on the fact that such action would surely derail their Queen's plan or worse putting her in danger, something Ephiny seemed to agree on. A debate started, all members sharing their thoughts on the subject until it was Ephiny's turn to speak. The Regent had final say in the matter, all knew it. She was about to speak when Eponin stepped forward showing her desire to take part in the debate. All eyes fell on her and she knew why. The Weapon Master's opinion in these matters was often the one followed by the Council and therefore – in their current situation – by their Regent.

"Queen Gabrielle took a gamble when she chose to seek the Conqueror's help. I voiced my concern at the time but I always trusted her judgement." Murmured were heard among the room, most members not at all surprised that the Weapon Master would side with the Queen. "However," Eponin carried on "as the Weapon Master I have to think first about the Amazon Nation safety. Earlier, during one of our patrols, we received a message from the Centaurs." She gave to Ephiny the scroll found on one of the arrows.

To Queen Gabrielle,

As requested by Kaleipus, a message was to be sent immediately to you upon his death. We are outnumbered but to respect Kaleipus' memory and for the Centaurs survival, we will keep working on our end to maintain the peace. We have no right to ask for this but please, once this is all over, remember that there were people like us hidden in the shadows.

May the Gods have mercy …

The Regent passed the scrolls over to the Council without a word. When Ephiny caught her eyes, the Weapon Master cowered a bit under the fiery eyes. Eponin knew the woman would be mad at her for not sharing this information with her first. Unfortunately, there was no time to play politics.

"With this new information and the suspicion I know is growing among our sisters, as the Weapon Master I advise that every step be taken to warn our sisters of the threat. Queen Gabrielle knew the risks. All we can do now is hope that her plan worked and that she managed to convince Greece Ruler to help us."

"And if that's not the case?"

"Then we will have to pray for her safe return." Truthfully, Eponin was not that worried for the safety of her Queen while in Corinth, Gabrielle told her she would be safe with Greece ruler and Eponin believed her. But it was not something she would share with the Council.

"Given this new information, I will follow our Weapon Master's advice." Ephiny said reluctantly "Every villages must be in high alert and every available warrior will join our standing forces under the command of our Weapon Master."

Every members nodded their agreement before leaving the room. Eponin waited until the last members was out of the room to approach her wife.

"Ephiny..."

The Regent didn't look up from her scrolls. "You have work to do, as do I. I suggest you get to it."

Eponin didn't insist. She would let her wife calm down before pleading her case.

The Conqueror's study.

The atmosphere was tense since Gabrielle entered the Conqueror's room, so tense that they both were careful to put a safe distance between each other. Their last encounter caused a shift, it was not anger that permeated the room but fear … fear that they had crossed a line.

"I know what I'm asking ... " Gabrielle said finally breaking the silence. She waited for the ruler to react, to say something, anything!

Xena remained silent weighting her answer. She couldn't believe the nerve of Gabrielle to ask such a thing without expressing a single doubt about her right to do so. "How can you enter here and propose this to me when some candlemarks ago you had a knife to my neck?" There was no emotion in her voice. "You talk a lot Gabrielle, like you always do. But I'm not a novice at this. You're pushing your agenda over everything I've worked for. What you're asking … no what you demand, because let's be honest with each other, you came here expecting to have what you want, expecting me to go your way. But why should I, why should I go through that again?"

Patrocle's words came to the Queen's mind, haunting. They had wasted enough time already in talks and arguments, they needed to act. "That way peace will still stand tomorrow." The Queen said standing in the middle of the room keeping her eyes on Greece's ruler. She would stand there until an agreement was reached between them. "You have my word." She tried wanting to quell the ruler's last doubts.

Xena glanced at the Queen. Any other day, the assertiveness of the woman would have made her proud, probably awakening feelings of want toward her. The woman was oozing confidence, something the Conqueror was deeply attracted to. But right now it infuriated her. Greece was not there for the taking and she refused to let the Queen believe that she was in conquered territory. "Your word?" She asked with clenched teeth. "Your word doesn't mean anything to me." She faced the Queen this time wanting to show her she wouldn't back down.

"My word is all I have. I'm offering you a way Xena, something we can both get behind."

"This goes against everything you worked for." She said eyeeing the Queen suddenly suspicious. "It was never on the table so I need to know what made you consider this as a solution to your problem."

"Patrocle did." There was no hesitation, no doubt in the Queen's mind.

Patrocle of course. The man was working in the background, pushing his pawns. He was good at this game, too good maybe... It never should have been that easy to convince the Queen to agree to his plan.

"You plot with my General to take what's mine and you expect me to stand there and accept it without a fight? Do you really know me Gabrielle?"

Of course, nor Patrocle nor the Queen were plotting anything and the Conqueror knew that. "You want insurance." Assessed the Amazon well aware of the game the older woman was playing.

"I want you to stop this charade!"said the ruler forcefully, her anger beginning to take the better of her. "If you want me to go with this, we will discuss it as Xena and Gabrielle, not The Conqueror and The Amazon Queen. I want to talk to the human being not the politician. I want to know what you think. And I want us to weight the consequences of this path you seem so eager to take. Because if we're going to do this Gabrielle, we first need to be honest with each other."

"You're willing then?"

"Will you stay here if I refuse?" Will you stay safely here? She didn't need to look at the Queen to know the answer to her question. "I am ready to keep you here against your will you know, to prevent you from going back to your Nation. I cannot let Brutus win this battle. Your capture or your death is too big of a trophy for a man like him. The power he would gain with this victory … it is too risky. It seems Patrocle couldn't accept this. The man is smart Gabrielle and he has plans for both of us. But you know more than anyone that I do not like to be manipulated."

There was a sincerity in those words that the Queen didn't expect especially not from the woman in front of her. Maybe it was time to put everything on the table.

"Brutus is out there waiting to strike. My people don't have much time." Gabrielle said keeping her emotions at bay. "When I took the crown I promised to protect the Amazons, their lives but also their way of life. I did just that on my own until today. But we have reached a point where my own power is not enough to assure freedom and safety to my sisters. It is not easy for me to acknowledge that as you can imagine. But it's my duty as their Queen to find a way to protect them without threatening their traditions. I will sacrifice my life before I let them sacrifice theirs. It is politics Xena."

"Sacrifice and politics?"

The Queen saw the hurt plastered on the older woman's face but she refused to soften her stance. They indeed needed honesty. They had the rest of their lives to figure out the rest. So she carried on.

"Above all else" The Queen stated. "But anyone else..." She approached the ruler, stopping at arm's length. "if it had been anyone else Xena, I would never have even consider it. But this is you. This is us. I believe we are strong enough now to make this work."

Any other day, Xena would have rejected the Queen's words. But the plan was perfect, managing to stop the Romans' hunger for conquest and put the Amazon Nation under her power. That way no one would have any grounds for dissent. And with this new concreet force, maybe she could finally found a way to take on Rome with minimum casualty on her side. But to achieve this she needed to put her pride aside. Either I swallow my pride or I let you die …

For the first time since the Queen entered the room, Xena relaxed. She saw the determination in Gabrielle's eyes, enough for the both of them. The plan was great, yes, but she was not naive. They had tried before and neither of them got out of it unscathed. They were both capable of turning this into an ugly endeavour. In a way, they were both the worst thing that could happen to each other.

"Once it's done, no matter what happens" Not matter what we do to each other, "there is no coming back." Xena warned one last time testing the Amazon's resolve.

"Bonded until one of us dies." Gabrielle said proving to the ruler she would not waver.

One decision to spare thousands of lives.

"For Greece." Xena said extending her hand.

"For the Amazons" Gabrielle said taking the outstretched hand in her own sealing their deal.

Alienor's earlier proposition to spend time with her came as a surprise for Alexa mostly because she figured that the older woman would have a lot more things to do now that she was the Conqueror's heir.

But for the past two candlemarks Alienor took the time to share with her all her knowledge of Corinth's stronghold, giving her clues to find her way around the place. The older woman also shared anecdotes about her life here during the past years.

If anything, throughout the anecdotes, Alexa was able to see who was the real Alienor. How confident she was, how selfless too …

Alienor spoke of the struggles she had to face during her first moons spent in Corinth, the shame she had felt when realizing that she was happy here, way more than she had ever been in Persepolis. She talked of the moments spent with 'Xena', allowing herself to reveal to Alexa the bond she shared with the ruler. She talked also about the guilt she was feeling since they met, as if she, in a way, spoiled her of something.

"I had Misha. I'm glad there was someone there for you." Alexa reassured hoping to put the woman's fear to rest. Alienor was touched by the Princess' words knowing they were true.

On their trip around the Castle, they paused once in the Throne room and watched as workers were busy putting the final touches before the Ball.

"It was supposed to be your night" Alienor said unable to look at the girl at her side. For her this night was another thing she felt she was spoiling her of.

"I was having nightmares thinking about this Ball. Believe me, I like it better now that I know it won't just be about me."

After getting around the stronghold, Alexa was asked where she wanted to go next, her answer making the older woman laugh.

"Are you sure we're allowed here?" The Princess asked hesitant, refusing to get passed the door's threshold before receiving confirmation.

Her companion turned around and smiled at the young girl. "Of course I'm sure" she gestured for the girl to follow her. "I often come here myself. She doesn't mind, in fact she's glad someone is enjoying it."

Convinced, Alexa entered the Conqueror's quarter and walked toward the private garden. "I feel like we're intruding." Said Alexa loud enough to be heard by the older woman.

Alienor stopped in the middle of the room thinking about the girl's words. "I assure you our presence here is welcomed." She sensed the girl's reserve toward Greece's ruler, she understood it but she vowed to herself to show the girl there was something else behind the Conqueror's mask. "I know it's hard to get past her reputation but I've lived here, with her, for years. Trust me when I say that there is more to her than the tales and myths shared by some."

"I know but since I learned who she really is … I don't know … I wasn't scared of her when she was just the Conqueror to me. Now it's different."

"Now that you know she is your mother."

The statement was making Alexa uncomfortable. She was not ready yet to explore her true feelings about this fact. "I can't get my mind around it." She said even if she knew it was not the whole truth. Intellectually she had come to term with it but emotionally things were different.

"You will. Give yourself some time."

"Do you see her as such?" Alexa asked suddenly. Seeing the woman's reaction she almost withdrew her question.

"I … I think so." Alienor tried uncomfortable. She had told the ruler that much and she believed her words. The ruler acted the role at least, whether she acknowledged it or not. Even after all those years spent at her side, she never made the next step. The most she allowed herself was to call the ruler by her birthname which was enough of a privilege already. But now, she could maybe take it a step further and acknowledge the reality of their relationship. Nothing was keeping her from doing just that. Nothing except the girl in front of her.

Alexa walked around the garden closely followed by a curious Alienor. "I don't think you should hide what you really feel for her. I never told Misha. I wish I had."

If only it was so simple, Alienor thought.

The sun was at its highest and today being a particularly hot day, Alienor was struggling to keep her unprotected skin away from the agression. To her relief, Alexa chose to stop and sit under the little kiosk, enjoying the shade it was providing.

A light wind was carrying the smell of the garden's flowers, Alienor closed her eyes and took a big breath. And a second. She relaxed progressively, feeling better now that the tension was leaving her body. Slowly she opened her eyes and took in the view of the girl hunched on her bench, her black hair falling onto her face, her eyes closed.

"Why do you like it here?"

Keeping her eyes closed Alexa took a deep breath and smiled. "It reminds me of home. The quiet and the smell of flowers and dirt. If I keep my eyes closed I can pretend I'm still in Amphipolis, napping in a field away from the buzz of the city or walking in the forest." She could clearly see the path she was usually taking into the forest, passing by Liam's house and his lilies growing haphazardly, lilies he was so found of. Then walking north, the smell of fresh cut grass was reaching her nostrils before the road touched the first trees of the forest. She could almost feel the fresh air on her skin, or smell the humidity in the air. When she opened her eyes, she was surprised to feel something run down on her cheeks, unaware that tears started to spill from her eyes as soon as she closed them.

Those emotions, Alienor shared them. As the years passed, this garden became her safe place, coming here every time her emotions were getting to her. The peace always managing to quell her fears, her frustration and anger. Here she felt safe enough to let go of the tears she didn't dare shed otherwise. Sometimes, Xena would join her, often when Alienor felt at her worst. There, with a few words or sometimes just by her presence, she'd make her feel a little bit better.

Alienor reached out taking the girl's hand in her own. We're in this together now.

They both stayed silent for awhile. But soon Alienor would have to break the peace. In fact, she had hoped that by now she would have found the words to convey what she was feeling about the turn of events in both their life. She was a good speaker, she knew that but right now she couldn't find the right words to express how she felt. Many would have said nothing, pretending – or genuinely thinking – that everything was what it was supposed to be. In her case, she needed to explain herself, to show her good faith. But most of all she needed to know what Alexa was thinking about their situation.

Alienor realized that Alexa must have felt the shift about to happen to their moment when she saw her stand up and walked toward the parapet.

"I thought we should talk."

Alexa heard the plea but kept her back to the older woman, her attention on the life under them. "You want to make sure I'm okay with the Conqueror's decision."

Alienor didn't move either, she needed this space between them. "With Xena's decision yes. Are you?"

"You want to know what my first thought was?"

"Please."

"How weird it is that I end up with a mother and a sister so quickly after loosing all I cared about. Then I wondered if I could really call you that … sister … I was not sure it would mean the same to you." She said lowering her eyes. "When we first met you were angry and I can't shake the feeling that I was the reason for it. Now that I know more about you, about your relationship with the Conqueror, I understand. You didn't know about me. You feel the same betrayal I felt when I learned the truth about who I was." It felt good to share those feelings. So many thoughts and questions were turning in her head days and nights lately that she had felt like it would bury her if she didn't let them out. She heard Alienor move behind her and wondered if maybe she had been too honest too quickly. But rather than leave, the older woman joined her, leaning on the parapet their shoulders almost touching.

"My anger was not directed at you and if you felt that way i'm sorry. The truth is that the past few moons we were barely talking Xena and I. I was angry at her and at myself. When I came back from Athens and heard about you … I was scared that my relationship with her was severed forever and that she was replacing me." It was the first time she was admetting this to someone other than herself. Strangely, she felt safe enough to share it with Alexa. "It was foolish of me to think that way, to think so little of her but ... I feel at home here and I was scared to lose it, to lose her. Accepting this," she said taking her necklace in her hand, the token of her new place in the world "is not only about Greece's throne. I'll wear it proudly because this is proof that i'm part of something. I'll not let anyone take that from me. But I also feel guilty" She said turning to face Alexa, her arm already burning under the sun "because it should be yours. The last few years should have been your years."

"You know Misha told me she never had any regret after taking me in, she never looked back. They made decisions for us. I don't blame you for making the most of it. In fact, the last thing I want is for you to feel sorry for me."

"And the last thing I want is to do this without your support."

"You don't need my support." Alexa said a bit peeved that the woman would play this game with her.

"The sole heir of the Persian throne, a non greek, a white-skinned on Greece's throne. Believe me, I need all the support I can get especially the one coming from the Conqueror's blood daughter."

"You are greek."

"Now maybe but I wasn't always. Not by blood. It will matter to some."

Alexa poundered the woman's words. She had heard Misha say that people were interested in two things in life: their safety and wealth. In Amphipolis, most disliked the Conqueror but they knew she was the reason the place was thriving. People were now used to live in peace, to always have enough to eat. Surely they would not care who was taking the throne as long as that person was keeping things the way they were.

"I am on your side Alienor." There was no hesitation in her statement. But could she really say otherwise? The Conqueror knew better than anyone who was the most skilled to take her place and she seemed to think Alienor was this person.

Alienor nodded relieved. "I promise I will make sure you don't regret putting your trust in me."

That was something Alexa had no doubt about.

They both chose to stay put, comfortable in their own silence. The moment was cut short though when they heard movements coming from inside the Conqueror's quarters. They both saw a figure coming into view, Alienor was the first to recognize who it was.

"Patrocle." She acknowledged taking a step toward him.

"Princess Alienor. Princess Alexa." He saluted in a bow. "We were looking for you. The Conqueror is requesting our presence."

"Us three?"

"Us four." He said moving so the two Princesses could see the Amazon Messenger.

Alexa moved to join the General but was stopped by a hand on her wrist.

"Before we go, I want you to know that I am on your side as you are on mine."

The unexpected support put a smile on the Princess' lips. "Thank you."

"Isn't that what big sister are for?" Alienor said before taking her hand guiding her to join Patrocle.

The Castle was buzzing, servants were making the last preparations for the Ball, soldiers were taking their post, Nikolas was running around making sure everything was ready to welcome the powerful guests who were soon expected to pass the gate.

But in the background another kind of buzzing was palpable. In the salon of the Conqueror quarters a little assembly had gathered, all unaware of the reason of their presence here. Patrocle was standing tall, arms crossed. For once, he was the only man in the room. Standing next to him was Eris, the Amazon's messenger, awkwardly looking everywhere but at him. The two Princesses were sitting on the salon's couch, both silent. They all were anxious, not knowing why they had been summoned here. Alexa would glance from time to time trying to catch the older Princess' eyes, she wanted to ask her if she was being serious before when she called herself her sister. She was about to ask when the Conqueror passed the door followed by Queen Gabrielle.

The Amazon girl and Patrocle straightened up upon the entrance of the rulers, Alienor stood up from the couch. Alexa followed her lead and stood up next to her.

They all watched the Conqueror walk briskly toward her desk putting scrolls on the furniture. Then she looked up at them. "We need witnesses."

They all looked at each other. Alienor caught the eyes of Patrocle and realized he didn't know what was happening.

"Witnesses?" He asked unsure.

"Yes. These scrolls" The Conqueror said pointing at her desk, "have been written today by Queen Gabrielle and myself. We need two people to witness their signatures. One from the Greek Empire and one from the Amazon Nation." She said looking at the Amazon messenger.

Patrocle looked agape at the two women. "You came to an agreement."

"We found a resolution beneficial to both sides." The Conqueror asserted to answer the man. "This is shared in confidence. No word of this will be spoken of until we say so. Is that clear?"

All nodded albeit unsure of what they were agreeing to.

"Shouldn't we know what is written on these scrolls before accepting to witness their signatures?" Alienor asked finally genuinely curious.

"Take a look if you wish." The invitation came from Queen Gabrielle.

Alienor and Patrocle took both copies of the scrolls. The General finished before the Princess. He shared his satisfaction with a nod in the direction of the two rulers. Then he waited to see the Princess' reaction to what was about to be an historic contract.

"These terms put Amazon warriors under the command of the greek army Generals." Alienor said with a frown rereading the scroll a second time to be sure. "The Amazons will never accept to fight under our banner so why would you put that in the terms?" She asked the Conqueror. "And why would you accept?" She asked turning to the Amazon Queen.

"They will if I'm the one they follow." The Queen answered matter of fact.

Alienor waited for denial but found none. There was only one way for this to happen, for the Amazons to fight under Gabrielle's command and under Greek banner at the same time. She wanted to say something about this, about the change about to fall on them all, about the risks they were taking. Looking again toward Xena, she wasn't seeing any ounce of doubt, nothing either in the eyes of the Amazon Queen.

"Pardon me My Queen." The Amazon girl dared finally voicing her lack of understanding. Gabrielle jumped at the occasion to remind everyone what was at stake here.

"As you know, I came here to ask the Conqueror for help fighting the Centaurs who are on the verge of rebellion, therefore on the verge of war with us to reclaim what they think we stole from them."

"Our land."

The Queen nodded at the girl. "During my time here, I was made aware of movement at the limit of our territory. Romans from Brutus' army were positionning themselves. We have reason to believe Brutus is the one who orchestrated the Centaurs rebellion inside their ranks. We think Brutus is also responsible of the attack on Amphipolis, using paid mercenaries."

"Why would he do that?"

This time it was the Conqueror who answered. "Brutus is a revengeful man. Attacking my hometown while I'm here or at least while my own soldiers stand guard ... He was sending a message. Brutus saw an opportunity and took it. We cannot let the Romans destabilize the region. And we cannot let Brutus garner too much power. This agreement will stop any ideas the Romans might have to revive their hunger for conquest."

"And you will make him pay for what he did." The voice startled them, full of anger. "You promised me the ones responsible will pay for what they did to Misha. All of them." Alexa said her eyes brimming with tears.

"They will." Xena assured her.

But they needed to do something before getting to that.

Corinth, in the Throne's room emptied of the wandering eyes for the occasion.

Both women stood before Master Elpis. Patrocle and Eris were standing by their ruler while Alienor and Alexa watched.

"Who is acting as a witness for Xena of Amphipolis?" The voice of Master Elpis, the current ruler's physician and High Priest of Corinth echoed in the room.

"I am."

"And who are you?" Master Elpis asked again.

"I am Patrocle, citizen of the Greek Empire." The voice of the man betrayed his emotion. He had waited years to finally witness what was taking place.

"What do you say Patrocle of the Greek Empire?"

"I, Patrocle, hereby acknowledge the unification of Xena of Amphipolis and Gabrielle of the Amazon Nation."

Of all the things that she had witnessed since the Conqueror entered her life, this was surely the most surprising of all for Alexa. Some candlemarks ago, it was said to her the two rulers walked different path and here they were now.

"Gabrielle of the Amazon Nation, who is acting as your witness?"

"I am"

"Who are you?"

"Eris of the Amazon Nation."

"What do you say Eris of the Amazon Nation?

"I, Eris, hereby acknowledge the unification between Quee- … between Gabrielle of the Amazon Nation and Xena of Amphipolis."

Alexa smiled gently at the Amazon. The poor girl was shaking from being asked to stand here and act as her Queen's right hand. Young and afraid she was doing what her ruler was asking of her but she was still aware of the importance of the moment, she knew what was happening here. They all knew.

"The witnesses will hold the memories of this union and speak the truth about it before the people. Do you comply Patrocle of the Greek Empire?"

"Yes I do."

"Eris of the Amazon Nation, do you comply with what is expected of you?"

"I do."

"I, Elpis, with the power I hold as Hight Priest of Corinth, am declaring you Xena and Gabrielle unified under the protection of the Gods and with respect of Men's law."

The two rulers signed the scrolls before them ratifying the contracts bonding their Nations and their life.

Receiving a nod from the Conqueror, Elpis went on. "By law and with the conscent of Greece ruler, you, Queen Gabrielle of the Amazon Nation, are given the title of Empress of the Greek Empire. You are to uphold the laws of the Empire, to pledge fealty to the Greek Empire and to put the Empire's best interests before anything else. Do you conscent?"

"I do."

Alienor approached the Queen a necklace in her hand. The piece of jewelry was not unfamiliar to the Queen, having seen it around the Conqueror's neck and around the one of Alienor since becoming the Crown Princess.

"By the power unbestowed to me, I announce the coronation of the Empire second ruler."

Upon those words, Gabrielle watched everyone bow before her. Locking her eyes with Xena she was surprised when she too bowed to her showing a deference she never before granted to anyone in her life.