Chapter 27 –Lion of God
Gabrielle held a mound of the new khagana's hair away from the vomit filled pan on the floor. She had to turn away a few times but the retching and heaving sounds were difficult to ignore. She kept her distance and Arielle groaned loudly.
Her body convulsed, chest tightened, as her stomach continuously churned in a vicious cycle. Saliva dripped from her lips while the dry heaving did not cease. She grew tiresome of vomiting consistently for almost a half hour or possibly longer. She nearly forgot that Gabrielle was behind her the whole step of the way.
Xena walked into the bedroom and took off her cloak. She tossed it aside and halted at the sound of her granddaughter hacking in the baths and the slight gag of repulsion from Gabrielle shortly after. Following the bodily sounds she came to the baths and leaned against the arched open doorway.
"That better not be pregnancy puke I hear," she says aloud.
Arielle snapped her head upright and wiped her mouth. She silently thanked Gabrielle for all her help and shooed her away with a flick of her wrist. The pounding in her head and chest overcame her ability to speak. She rests her back against the wall and took in a few deep calming breaths.
"I…am," the sourness lingered in her mouth, "not pregnant," she alleged in a low growl.
"Khagana, huh?" Xena professed. "My, my, what a promotion, Arielle! From princess to commander, queen to de facto and now empress of an entire empire!"
Arielle curled her lips and regurgitated what was left in her body into the pan again. Any mention of her new position was an instant gag reflex and vomit inducer.
Gabrielle pulled her wife outside the baths. She couldn't stand the sight or sound of Arielle's retching any longer. The smell of it was starting to unnerve her and stir her stomach.
"How long has she been like this?"
Gabrielle moved further away from the baths. "For nearly an hour. Xena, she won't stop! I can't stand it anymore. You're on duty now. Please, I'm going to puke if I stay with her. I can't, I just can't."
The brunette gave a short titter and clapped a hand on her wife's shoulder. Of all the blood her wife has seen over the years she wondered how a little bit of vomit was able to frighten her so easily. Then, she remembered Gabrielle was not only susceptible to bodily fluids, but she also hated being in the room during childbirths as well.
She sat down beside Arielle and grabbed a face towel off a bench and dipped it into the pool of water. She dabbed Arielle's rosy cheeks and smiles with a sparkle in her eyes.
"Do you remember what you told everyone when you were ten?"
Arielle sneers and arched a thick eyebrow. "That I'd never have children? Too late for that."
"You said you were going to be the greatest queen anyone's ever seen," Xena recalled. "And look at you now: an Empress."
"I…I don't know if I can do it," her voice cracked. "I –I thought being commander was the toughest challenge in my life and then I had to take over mother's position but now…" she faltered. "Grandma, I can't be an empress of an empire!"
"Jiulu gave you her empire. She obviously saw a lot of potential in you from the short meeting you had with her otherwise she wouldn't have declared you as Khagana."
Arielle swiped a hand over her sweaty forehead and looked down at her soiled clothes. She rumbled and couldn't believe she did this to herself. She was sure that she vomited more than her pregnant sister which was humiliating.
"I'm a walking disaster."
Xena chortled and set the cloth on the floor. "I wouldn't say that but you are a…mess. Let's get you changed out of those clothes." She offers a hand.
"I feel bad for putting Gabrielle through that."
"I think she'll forgive you."
XXXXXX
Xerxes sat opposite his mother on the floor. With all the chaos and extensive changes, he wanted to spend some time with her and offered to have the first meal of the day together in her bedroom. He knew she was unhappy here but there was nothing he could do.
"Mother, I know that you want to go back to Persia," he begins a heavy conversation.
Nousha met eyes with her son and wiped her hands on a cloth napkin. "I feel like I'm being held hostage here. That poor girl, Pamira, is now married to a Hun prince! Is this how they treat all hostages? Force marriage upon them?"
"That was Queen Arielle's decision. She thought it best to unite the two empires."
"Arielle," she grunts, "I want you stop this infatuation you have with her. No good can come of it."
His jaw tightened. "It is not an infatuation. I care about her and I enjoy spending time with her," he expressed. "You will respect her and Anastasia Khatun, mother."
"Xerxes," she sighs, "what are you doing? You're the General of Persia, the Shah's son! Why do you waste your time with a Hun woman? You have plenty of women in your harem that you could grow close to. They could give you several sons and daughters!" she smiles and grabs his hand.
He pulls away and saw the disappointment cross his mother's face.
"I don't like my harem, mother. I never have. I'd rather focus my attention on one woman and right now, that woman is Arielle."
Nousha widens her eyes angrily and slammed her fist on the table. "Do you enjoy breaking your mother's heart, Xerxes?" she avows. "Should I just wither away while you continue to have this charade? Do not be surprised if you find me dead one day!"
He faintly grins. "Mother, you are being very dramatic." He kisses her hand. "I love you and I'd much rather have you alive."
XXXXXX
Kuba stood behind his new ruler and instructed her about the policies, taxes and treaties in the Avar Empire. This would be the third hour that passed by and he knew Arielle was overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork she had to look over and sign.
She flipped through the large stack of papers and realized this empire was a lot larger than her family's empire. Khagana Jiulu couldn't have been much older than Anastasia and she had a lot of work cut out for her during her reign. She kept wondering how she was going to control a vast amount of land and live among people she didn't know.
Her main base was in Scythia but the Pontic Steppe had nobody to regulate it at the moment. The empire was left to the Huns but that meant that she had control of all the tribes by proxy. She no longer had to follow her parents' regulations or rules anymore. In a sense she had to treat them like monarchs instead of doting parental figures.
Arielle sat back and crossed her arms, gawking at the large stack of parchment to which she was able to read through half of each stack in a short time period.
"I have a daughter. She's in Banat right now," she looked to Kuba. "Will she belong to the Avar Empire now?"
He nods. "Yes, khagana. She will be an Avar Princess from here on out. She must live with you."
She grins at the thought of seeing her daughter again. It had been quite a long time since seeing her face. She hoped Aurora was behaving herself but with Farah's overbearing older sister there was no way any of the princes and princesses could get away with anything without surveillance.
"I have a chambermaid too. Will she be able to live with me?"
Kuba chuckled at the frivolous questions. "Yes, your highness. In addition you will have several maids at your disposal. I will also remain your advisor."
She rubs her chin and gasped. "What about my grandmother? Can she be one of my advisors?"
"Well, she belongs to the Hun Empire. She can't be under your empire," he relays. He saw the disappointment cross her beautiful features. "But she can be a part of your council."
"I get my own council?" she inquires with doubt. "I'm asking a lot of dumb questions, aren't I?"
Kuba laughs and swipes his nose. "No, your highness. I'm here to serve you. You may ask as many questions as you want. That's what I'm here for."
That eased her mind for the moment until another question popped in her head.
"What about Xerxes? Can he be my commander?"
"Unfortunately not. He is part of the Persian Empire and the Avars are not allies with them." He says. "But he can also be a part of your council and act as an ambassador for the Huns and Persians like he is doing currently."
Arielle stood and pushed the chair away from the table. All this time she wanted to be far away from her family but now that she was forced to be apart from them, she wanted them close. She never realized how much she relied on her family until now.
"I think that's enough for today. Thank you for all your help, Kuba."
He bowed his head and watched her leave. "Khagana."
She turns with raised eyebrows. More work perhaps?
"I can send some soldiers to retrieve your daughter from Banat if you wish?"
Arielle's lips extended into a vivid smile.
XXXXXX
The Avar army stationed outside in the fields of Balaam was very ominous to all the Huns. They constantly gawked at the soldiers from afar. Several children ran out from their yurts to take a closer look over the hill at the hundreds upon hundreds soldiers dressed in red cloaks and turbans.
Even the Hun soldiers were curious about the stationary soldiers who didn't seem to move a muscle under the blistering sun all day. At night they retreated to their tents. It was a process that became a pattern over the course of two weeks.
Xena, curiously, oversaw the army on the hill. She was even so bold to approach the soldiers and walk along the front line of a hundred men, inspecting them. As she eyed every single from head to toe they remained focus and kept their eyes forward.
She stopped in front of a soldier and gaped into his light blue eyes. Another step closer she took. She kept trying to make the young man crack but it was like he was looking straight through her. Each soldier was so in sync with one another it was almost eerie. Even the way they stood, posture, hand positions and clothing were all aligned.
Gabrielle watched from afar and chuckled at her wife's skeptical nature. "Xena, stop trying to intimidate them!" she yells.
Xena lifted an eyebrow and took off the soldier's turban and dropped it on the grass. She took a step back to see if the man was going to move but he remained in his stance. Not even a blink of an eye. There was no reaction from him at all.
"Such discipline," she murmurs. "Pick up the turban."
The soldier stood stilly and didn't budge.
Gabrielle walked over and saw her wife trying to order the soldier around. She grabbed her arm and stepped in front of her. "The khanum of the Huns is giving you an order, soldier."
He kept his gaze forward. "I'm only to answer to our khagana," he spoke. "Forgive me." He briefly eyed Xena's miffed face.
"Did you hear that, Gabrielle?" she smirks at the soldier. "He will only listen to Arielle."
"She is their new ruler now," the governor deduced. "Are you jealous?" she goads her wife.
Xena's mouth twisted. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm stunned by their loyalty. If only my men were as loyal to me as they are to a woman whom never met before…well," she paused, "Arielle better know what's she doing."
"It's going to be tough for her to adjust but we're going to help her. You promised."
"Hmm."
"Xena…"
"Yeah, yeah. I promised. I don't break my promises," she waves her hand and winks at her wife.
Four riders dressed in leathers, black cloaks and veiled turbans trotted up to the border of Balaam. Several Hun soldiers crossed their spears and ran to form a human wall against the riders. Zolten, in charge of border control, held up his hand and ordered for the riders' weapons to be disposed of.
Gabrielle leaned to the side and watched as the Balaam General interrogated the veiled riders. The leader of the horsemen finally revealed his face and dropped his sword on the ground per Zolten's command.
"Tegin Irkin is here," she says to her wife.
"Oh really?" Xena arched an eyebrow. "We should go see what he wants."
She starts to walk off with Gabrielle and then quickly backtracked. She grabbed the turban off the ground and set it on top of the Avar soldier's head.
"You might need that," she says teasingly then took off.
XXXXXX
"For the last time, I am not here to attack anyone. I want to speak with King Khushnavaz," Tegin Irkin repeated for the third time.
Zolten grumbled. "We are not permitted to let any Persians enter Balaam."
"I've already crossed the Armenian borders. The least you could do is let him know that I am here!"
"Why do you want to speak with the king?" Gabrielle spoke up from behind.
All of the Huns turned around and Zolten backed away from the Persians, lowering his gaze. She kindly smiled at the general and approached the Shah's right hand man. Tegin Irkin scowled at the governor as soon as he recognized her face.
"Your men almost killed the king's daughter. I don't think you want to be in the same room as Navaz," she advised. "I'm assuming you got our letter?"
Tegin frowns. "I did not receive any letter but I did find your little spy when I was scouting in Hamadan. I took him to the Shah and he said you kidnapped Pamira Karen. Have you Huns decided to kidnap Persian royalty as a hobby?" he chuckles.
This man was trying her patience. "What do you want? We aren't letting you pass."
"Since you asked so nicely, Shah Kavad wants Banu Nousha returned to Persia. She is the Shah's property and part of his harem. You have no right to keep her here."
Gabrielle looked back at her wife who gave a curt head nod. "You can take her back but," she held up her finger. "You must give your word that Shahbanu Sambice will not harm her."
Tegin emits a tight-lipped smile. "She is no longer welcome in the palace. She has fled with Shehzade Kawus and they are now living in seclusion. That brings me to another matter."
She raised her eyebrows, awaiting his answer. Growing impatient she folded her arms and exhaled heavily.
"Shehzade Kawus is gathering an army with the House of Karen. They will be marching towards Hun borders soon. Shah Kavad wants reassurance that he is protected from his son. I need King Khushnavaz's word on that."
"One moment."
Gabrielle ran over to her wife and pulled her aside to confer. "Xena, what should we do? The Shah wants our protection."
Xena eyed the obtrusive Persian sitting arrogantly on his steed. "This is the most compliance we've had with Persians. We signed a treaty with them and we need to adhere to it. You can be the one to give Navaz the proposal."
"Me? Why can't you do it? You're the khanum!"
"Why let your excellent negotiation skills go to waste?" Xena smiles endearingly.
Gabriele grumpily walked back over to the Persian. "I will talk to Navaz," she relays and sneers at her smug wife in the background.
Tegin Irkin nodded. "I will come back within a week to take Banu Nousha and confirm the king's decision. I suggest King Khushnavaz to release Pamira Karen before the reign of terror rains on your land."
She laughs awkwardly. "She…has since been married to Prince Soran, the king's son."
His eyes widened. "I'm not sure if you Huns are incredibly intelligent or incredibly stupid."
"Let's go with the former."
XXXXXX
Navaz drummed his fingers against his cheek while listening to Gabrielle's spiel. So far he was not interested in helping any Persians but he did agree to be allies with them albeit against his wishes. He tried to ally with them before and it turned sour very quickly.
With everything going on in Pannonia he didn't want to deal with a civil war in Persia. He hadn't received a word from Ernak and Csaba about the situation on Eksama so he was very wary over helping Shah Kavad. When Gabrielle mentioned that Kawus was marching troops towards the Armenian border it raised some concerns.
"I think I can speak for everyone when I say that the Persians are distrustful," he began. "But I don't want to break a treaty and betray the Shah."
Gabrielle remained hopeful.
He sighs and curled his fingers into a fist. "I will send some of my best men to Persia to protect Shah Kavad," he decided. "Xena."
The khanum leaned against the wall, examining an Avar weapon while her wife talked to Navaz. Political discussions were never meant anything to her but by law and tradition she had to be present in case her opinion was to be accounted for or needed.
"Xena!" he yelled.
She looked up and smiled. "Yes, Navaz?" she lowered the sword.
"You will go to Scythia with Arielle and make sure she gets acclimated."
"And who's going to be in charge here?"
Navaz blinked a couple of times, confused by her question. "This is my kingdom," he says and her smug smile grew. Now he knew that she was toying with him. "Just make sure you take care of her."
"Of course. Anything for daddy's little girl," she snickers. "Oh come on, Navaz! I'm just joking with you."
Gabrielle rolls her eyes. "But you do spoil her," she agreed with her wife.
He grunts. "I do not."
The couple shared a look and answered in unison, "uh huh."
XXXXXX
Arielle sat on the floor in her sleeveless black nightgown, drinking a glass of her wine by herself. She leaned her back against her bed while gawking at the fire. Even though it was summertime the fireplaces were always on as the Adame could get quite cold at night.
Two weeks had passed since Jiulu died. She couldn't understand why she was given the title of empress of an empire she never heard of. Her life didn't exactly line up with what she had in mind. She was no longer married to the man she thought she'd be with forever. She was stripped of her status in Harran and forced to take over her mother's title.
But now, that didn't seem to matter. Her life as a Hun princess, queen and commander were long gone. Her entire life changed in such a short amount of time that she had yet to process it. All she could think of was the mistakes she was going to make as a ruler of an empire. She was young, yes, a bit experienced but she was groomed to be a queen for a long time. She never took it very seriously as a child. She realized she should've been more receptive.
Sipping the wine she heard the doors open. Swiftly she turned her head and it was her mother. Of all people to walk in here, she thought. She was hoping the person who walked in might be Xerxes.
Anastasia lifted the veil onto her head and sat down on the floor gently beside her daughter. The flickering flames bothered her eyes so she turned, leaning in close to her daughter.
Arielle pulled away. "What are you doing in here?"
"I wanted to come see you. Am I allowed to do that, khagana?" she pinched her daughter's arm. "Nousha is leaving in a week."
"I heard."
Ana flicks her wrist. "I'm so glad I won't have to deal with her any longer. She loathes me."
"Trust me, she hates me more than you, mother."
"I can imagine so," the khatun hinted. "I know what you and Xerxes are doing behind our backs, Arielle."
The khagana's face paled.
"But I suppose I've known all along. I don't need eyes to see that." Anastasia smiles warmly. "You and I are a lot alike but we're also very different."
"Mother, that doesn't make any sense."
"It makes perfect sense! You also remind me a lot of your grandmother. You're both very headstrong and don't let anyone step on your toes."
To that, Arielle finally grinned.
Anastasia grabbed her daughter's hand and forced their eyes to meet. "Arielle, I think you will be a great ruler but if you need help do not hesitate to ask. I had to learn that the hard way."
"But what if I'm not good at it? What if I make several mistakes and ruin the entire empire?!"
"You're going to make mistakes but that's just life."
"What if the Scythians and Avars don't like me? I'll be a Hun ruling over the empire. What if they revolt against me? What if they don't listen to me?"
"Arielle! Calm down," she says, chuckling softly. "I'll give you some unsolicited advice. Be merciful when needed and merciless as a last result. Be fair and generous but firm. Not everyone is going to like you. Our entire tribe wanted me dead!"
She scoffs. "That's because Eksama poisoned their minds, mother. You're a good khatun." She squeezes her mother's hand. "Thanks."
Anastasia kissed her hand and leaned against the bed.
"Did you see Cera today? Is she feeling better?"
"I think she is already tired of me. She will probably feel more like herself in a few weeks."
Arielle shook her head. "Being pregnant is horrible. I hated it."
"It's not that bad. The end result is nice," Ana raised her eyebrows, "Although, you almost killed me during labor."
"I guess I've always been a pain as Csaba says." She sipped the wine.
The khatun places her hand on Arielle's knee. "You'll always be my little princess."
Arielle blushed and swiped a tendril from her face. "Cera's your little princess. Not me."
"You're both my little princesses!" she wrapped her arms around her daughter. "Benim küçük Prensesim." She smothered her daughter with several kisses and Arielle tried to pry her off.
"Mom!" she recoiled. "Stop it!" she wiped her wet cheeks with the back of her hand. "So disgusting…"
Anastasia giggled at her daughter's haughty manner. "I named you after Gabrielle, you know. I knew you were a force to be reckoned with before you were born and I wanted you to have a powerful name. Now I definitely know I made the right choice naming you 'Arielle'."
"Lion." She said and turned to meet her mother's pastel eyes. "Xerxes knew the meaning of my name. He said 'it fits me well'."
XXXXXX
One Month Later
Ernak was woken up by a soldier at the crack of dawn. The young soldier informed him that a group of men dressed in crimson armor and robes were waiting outside the palace gates. At the first mention of soldiers at the gates he hoped that Bayan brought news about Eksama but that wasn't the case.
The waiting game was beginning to wear him down mentally and physically. Bayan was not well liked by the clan but he was a good soldier and did follow orders. A spy was sent to Pannonia per Bayan's request, to oversee Eksama's plans. The longer Ernak waited the more frustrated he was.
The tired king came outside the palace and approached the locked gates. Indeed, these soldiers were foreign. He didn't know if he could handle more strange foreigners that may potentially harm his people and family.
He stopped at the gates and gawked at the four horsemen. Accompanying them were two young women, dressed in white robes and veils. There was also a large carriage pulled by two large white horses.
One of the horsemen asked, "Are you the king in charge of this respected area?"
Ernak crossed his arms. "Yes. Who are you?"
"We were sent by Khagana Arielle to retrieve Princess Aurora," the Avar horseman said. "My men and I will be escorting the princess to Scythia. My name is Stefan. I'm the leading officer of the Avar Khaganate."
"Khagana Arielle? Avar Khaganate? What is going on?"
Stefan pulled out a letter and slipped his arm through the iron gates. Ernak snatched the letter and skimmed through it. He lifted his eyes periodically, skeptically staring at the Avar soldier. He couldn't believe what he was reading and it was almost like this was a huge joke but it wasn't. Arielle's name and seal was present at the bottom of the letter.
He tucked the document in his vest. "It looks like a lot has happened in Balaam. Meanwhile things are stagnant in Banat," he mused. "Arielle is the new ruler of your people, then?"
"Correct, your majesty. If you would, please inform Princess Aurora that we've come for her?"
Ernak scratched his head and sighed. "Very well. I will send a letter back to Arielle and inform her about the status in Banat. I trust she will receive the letter?" he almost threatened. It wasn't a question and the Avar officer quickly caught on.
Stefan bowed his head. "I am but a servant to my khagana. You have my word, your majesty."
XXXXXX
Ku rushed into Aurora's bedroom with a slew of chambermaids following her. She pointed to all of the clothing in the wardrobe and instructed them to pack everything that Farah and Rabia graciously gifted the princess.
She pulled the curtains aside and Aurora groaned, rolled over and yanked the sheets over her head. While the maids were folding clothes neatly into a large chest, Ku walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Halu," she whispered. "You need to get up. I have a bath waiting for you."
Aurora grumbled. "Not now, Ku-Ilm. I'm tired," she says beneath the bedcovers.
Ku pat the girl's leg. "Farah asked the chef to make menemen for you."
There was a long moment of silence and the princess shifted under the sheets. "Does it have cheese?" she asks in a questionable tone.
"Yes."
"Extra tomatoes?"
Ku rolled her eyes. "Yes, halu."
"And peppers too?"
"Mhm."
Aurora rolled over on her stomach. "No thanks, I'm not hungry."
The Assyrian grits her teeth and stood up, slowly making her way around the bed. "Well I guess you're going to be very hungry on our trip. We might not stop to camp until tomorrow morning."
Aurora sat up and yanked the sheets off her head. "Trip?"
Ku nodded her head. "Yes and this would go a lot faster if you do what I tell you. We're going to live with your mother."
She gasped and jumped out of bed. She shook Ku's arms. "Why didn't you tell me?!" she darted to the bath chamber.
There was a loud splash and all of the maids giggled. Ku sighed heavily and then heard Aurora yelp loudly.
"This water is freezing!" she yelled.
"I was going to take you to eat first," said Ku from the other room.
"Oh…"
XXXXXX
Parading through Nikopol, Scythia, Arielle lead half of her new army towards the large palace in the midst of a sea of people. Kuba walked beside her on foot, watching all of the civilians gathered around. She felt a little bit out of place here and it was not only because she was a Hun but also she wore her traditional black kozak with gold beads and chains.
Many of the stares she got were odd ones but mostly everyone sprinkled her path with gold coins and flower petals. While Kuba was on one side of her horse, another soldier was holding onto the reins to guide her through the busy streets.
A hand came to her shoulder and her body tensed.
Xena was taken aback by the reaction. "You should smile, Arielle," she whispered. "You don't look very happy to be here. Everyone is watching you."
"They know I'm a foreigner. I can tell they don't like me." Her heart raced and her eyes darted left to right, gawking at all of the Scythians and Avars waving their hands at her.
"Whatever you do, don't you dare vomit everywhere again."
Arielle took in a couple of deep breaths and looked down to Kuba who smiled warmly up at her. "How much longer until we reach the palace?"
"Not long, khagana," he informed her. "The people are very thrilled to have you as their ruler. They throw coins to ensure you live a long happy life as the khagana."
"Ah," she nervously says. "Lovely."
XXXXXX
Evening came and Arielle couldn't wait to go to bed but it seemed that time would never come. Most of the day and evening was spent unpacking her belongings and preparing her room. The palace was quite large and nothing like the Adames she lived in all her life.
All of the walls were made of stone, not wood like her previous homes. There was an atrium in the middle of the palace that had a blooming garden and fountain with an open ceiling view. Plants and ivy grew on the inside of the walls everywhere. This place was very foreign to her.
Kuba was kind enough to show her the living area which was nothing like the women's quarters in Balaam or Pannonia. There were chairs, sofas that sat above the ground and tables to sit at. Still Adhering to her customs she sat on the floor.
Her new maids thought it strange that she sat on the floor but brought her tea and desserts. Gabrielle sat across from her on the floor and quietly dismissed the servants.
The governor kept staring at Arielle and saw she was quite distressed or maybe in a bit of shock. She remembered that look all too well. It was the same look Arielle had when she was pregnant and came back to Pannonia. She was in such a depressive state that her cocky, bossy attitude ceased to exist.
"Your grandmother thought it was a good idea to search the palace," she tried to lighten the mood.
Arielle lifted her head and creased her brows. "You let her go alone? I thought you knew better than that, Gabrielle."
The blonde shrugged a shoulder. "I can't stop her from doing anything. I wouldn't be surprised if she found a room full of weapons by now. She's been gone for almost two hours."
Arielle nodded and tapped her fingers against the glass of tea. She bore into the dark pool inside the glass, staring at her blue-eyed reflection.
A loud boom erupted outside and Arielle dropped the glass and spilled it all over her black gown. Another loud boom was followed by two more. She covered her ears and frantically looked around, fearing she was being attacked already.
Gabrielle hopped up off the floor and walked over to the balcony. She watched the dark sky illuminate with multiple colors of flashing lights. She chuckled and turned around.
"It's just fireworks!" she said and her smile faded when she heard sobbing. "Arielle?"
She ran over and sat down beside her.
"Don't cry, Arielle. You can tell me anything. You know, I am known to keep secrets. Just ask your brother," she winked and the khagana smiled. "There it is; that pretty smile of yours."
"Gabrielle…" she wiped her eyes and nose. "You and grandma will help me, right? You two promised."
"Of course we will. That's why we're here." She kissed Arielle's forehead and rubbed her arm. "Don't worry. You'll be a great empress! And Scythia isn't far from Balaam so your father will be there if you need him."
Arielle nodded and shakily exhaled.
Kuba walked in and bowed his head. "Khagana, the maids have finished preparing your room. I also asked them to prepare Princess Aurora's room for her arrival."
"Thank you, Kuba," she faintly grins to acknowledge all of his hard work.
"Dinner is ready in the dining room. I have come to escort you."
She stood and helped the governor up.
Kuba glanced around the room. "Where is the khanum?"
"God only knows."
XXXXXX
Upon entering the dining room Arielle stepped in cautiously. There was a long table that could easily fit fifteen to twenty people yet there were only three plates set at the empty table and several maids waiting to serve the platters of food.
She turned to Gabrielle confusedly and then turned in the other direction to Kuba. She pointed to the table. "What's this?"
Kuba nervously smiled. "The dining room, khagana."
She walked over to the long wooden table and scraped her finger against one of the chairs. She picked up the silver platted fork and stared at it strangely. Usually the utensils back home were made of wood. The painted ceramic plates also struck odd to her. The plates and bowls she was used to were made of clay or wood.
"Is there something wrong, your highness?" Kuba asked.
"No, I…it's just, I usually eat on the floor."
"Oh. I can arrange that for you." he snapped his fingers to the servants.
Arielle frowned and put up a hand. "It's alright. This is fine."
"Are you sure, khagana?"
"Sure why not," she mumbled. She pulled out a chair and sat down, sliding her palms against the mahogany wood.
Gabrielle soon joined her and sat on her left side with a big smile. She stared at the empty spot across from her and groaned. "I have no idea what she's getting herself into."
"She's obviously up to no good," Arielle chortled. She sat back and the maids set platters of food on the table and watched as they set her plate for her and Gabrielle. Very interesting, she thought. Noticing there were only three plates at the table she whipped her head around to Kuba.
"Aren't you going to sit with us?" she asks him.
"Ah, no khagana. It is not proper for me to eat with you," he says.
She sighs. "What if I insist?"
"It's against the rules but I am humbled you were kind enough to offer, your highness."
Xena finally joined the two women that were waiting for her. Surprise and shock crossed her face when she saw a huge dining table and it was to be shared between the three of them. Smiling, she approached Gabrielle and kissed the top of her head and then passed by the squeeze Arielle's shoulder.
She sat down and the maids served her by scooping food onto her plate. Her eyes drifted to Gabrielle and she crookedly grins at the service.
"Maybe we should live here from now on. Huh, Gabrielle?"
"Where the hell have you been?"
"Is that any way to treat me after all I've done for you?" she teased her blonde wife. "For your information, I was just taking a look around. This palace is huge! I think it's bigger than Farah's place in Banat. What do you think of Scythia so far, Arielle?"
The youthful empress picked up a fork and looked at the two other forks beside her plate, unsure of which one to use. If she was supposed to be an empress ruling over an unknown and unfamiliar empire she thought she should at least have something to remind her of home. Three forks. Why?
"Arielle?"
"Oh uh," she set down the fork. "It's a big palace."
The khanum met eyes with Gabrielle briefly. It was clear there was something going through Arielle's mind and by the looks of her wife's expressive eyes and facial expressions, it was best to leave that conversation for another time.
"I'm sure your blonde advisor has plenty of things planned on your agenda but I thought we could take a stroll around the city," she offered.
Gabrielle slowly shook her head and Xena refrained.
"Or we could stay in the palace. Your choice."
Arielle sighed and picked at the food. "Sounds nice, grandma." The food was less appetizing than she realized. She set down the fork and folded her hands on the table. "I am anxious to see Aurora. Do you think she'll like it here?"
Gabrielle chimed in, "I'm sure she will. She'll have this entire palace to herself! She doesn't have to share anything with anyone."
"Let's just hope she doesn't turn into a spoiled brat," Xena snickered. She felt her wife kick her under the table and she let out a terse grunt.
Arielle didn't seem to hear anything her grandmother said and blankly gawked at the platter of food. She twiddled her thumbs and sighed heavily. "When do you think Xerxes will visit Scythia? I appointed him as my ambassador."
Xena paused in the middle of chewing and dropped the half eaten bread on her plate. "I…am not sure but he is the Hun commander now and if Kawus is leading an army towards Armenia, he needs to be on the lookout."
Gabrielle hinted a sly smile. "You like him a lot, don't you?"
Arielle eyed her and her cheeks reddened.
"I knew he liked you from the moment he laid eyes on you," alleged Xena.
"Come on, grandma. Who would like me? I'm so complicated."
"That's no lie but Xerxes puts up with your bullshit," she snickered and pointed a finger at Gabrielle. "Don't kick me again," she warned. "Anyway, everyone knows that he likes you except your father. He's going to keep living in his delusional world."
Arielle pushed the plate away from her and stood. "I'm not very hungry. I think I'll go to bed. Excuse me."
Gabrielle swirled the food around with her fork and looked over her shoulder as Arielle hurried out of the room. She wagged her head and stared at her wife with uneasy eyes.
"She's going to need our help more than I thought, Xena."
"I'll say. She wasn't listening to a word I said! All she cares about is Xerxes and Aurora, which I am very excited to see her myself."
The governor sat back, taking in the new scenery. This palace was very large and unlike the Hun households and definitely different than the Szekely palace. Living here was going to be a huge adjustment for Arielle. This was only day one.
While admiring the huge dining room, Xena sniffed the fruity drink in the silver cup and eyed Kuba.
"What the hell is this?" her voice reached across the room.
"It's sherbet, khanum. It's freshly squeezed fruits mixed with sweet syrup."
"So, in other words, it's not wine?"
Kuba laughs. "No, khanum."
"I see." Xena set down the cup. "Can I…acquire some wine?" she gave a toothy grin.
"Alcohol is forbidden in the Avar Khaganate."
She raised an eyebrow and saw the shock on Gabrielle's face. "I changed my mind. I don't like it here anymore."
XXXXXX
Being secluded in Banat affected Aurora's mood tremendously and she was no longer a pleasure to be around. She hated spending so much time with her boy cousins and even snapped at Ku from time to time. She was anxious to leave Banat when she found out she was to live with her mother.
The journey from Banat to Scythia was quite long but it wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as it was when she traveled by horse to Balaam. This time she was in a carriage with cushioned benches and shielded from the blistering summer sun.
During the ride to Scythia she was given several snacks and fruits by the Avar soldiers. They approached the capital of the territory and Aurora was getting very antsy while Ku was more tired than ever. The princess peeked through the curtains of the windows and watched several children chasing the carriage.
She smiled and waved at the little boys and girls. She poked her head out the window and several Scythians eyed her confusedly. They indistinctively bowed their heads as the carriage passed by.
"Aurora! Get inside!"
The jumpy princess sat back down on the bench and kicked her legs back and forth. "Are we almost there, Ku-Ilm?"
"Almost, halu." Ku massaged her temples and closed her eyes, desperately trying to rid herself of this blazing headache.
The carriage halted and Aurora waited impatiently. Stefan opened the door and extended his hand to aid her down the steps. She didn't bother and jumped out onto the ground and gasped at the sight of Xena and Gabrielle standing outside the palace gates.
She ran towards them and the veiled on top of her head flew off. Ku stepped out of the carriage and groaned.
"Gabby!" she crashed into the governor's legs, hugging tightly, never to let go.
Xena cleared her throat. "No hug for me?"
Aurora switched over and was picked up by the khanum. "I missed you two!" she cheered. "Where's mommy?"
Gabrielle pointed to the massive palace behind them. "She's inside waiting for you."
The girl's mouth parted and took a moment to completely take in the sight before her. "Wow. I will live here now?"
"Yes. You're the Avar Princess now. This palace is yours as much as it is your mother's."
Aurora gasped loudly. "My palace?"
"Look what you did, Gabrielle. You're feeding her ego," Xena poked fun at her wife. "We should get you inside. I'm sure you're very tired." She smoothed her hand over Aurora's wavy dark hair.
"I'm not tired!" she excitedly says and wiggled out of the khanum's arms. "Come on! Let's go!" she grabbed both of their hands and pulled them towards the gates.
Gabrielle whispered, "I think we're going to have our hands full for awhile."
"This is only the beginning, Gabrielle. It's only the beginning."