Author's notes: And this is a wrap! This started as something I had in my head for years, but somehow along the way it became something so much more. I am honored that you walked this journey with me. This community has helped me so much over the years, it gave me courage, ideas, inspiration. Even writing this story helped me. Until we meet again!

The Queen's Tradition Chapter 15

Gabrielle to her word, continued to rest and focus on her. She had spent the remainder of the day in her hut, resting, and writing. Sam had stayed pretty close. They spent some time discussing what happened in the hut, how Sam was feeling after having to take Dasani and his brothers lives.

"Sam, something I want you to know, to really know. It is okay to have feelings. When your mother and I first met and were traveling all around, I had a lot of feelings. I let everything in, the good, the bad, the difficult. I laughed, I cried, but sometime along the way, feeling everything became too much. There was too much hurt, too much loss. There was joy too, but feeling happy, laughing are the easy feelings. It also was easier to be Queen when I didn't let anyone see the hurt. Feelings are often viewed as weakness in leaders. I became really good at hiding that part away. I see how good I was, because I know you thought I never felt anything." Gabrielle looks deep into Sam,

"But I was so wrong, you need to show all sides of you. You need to feel the good things just as you feel the bad things. They make you an even better person, they make you the complete version of you. So if what happened hurts, I want you to know it's okay. You can share with us, show us that you are not okay." And just as Sam did in the woods, she wept on her mom. Sam wasn't sure how long she had been crying, but she soon felt another set of arms around her. Sandwiched between her mom and mother

"My heart hurts, my head knows that what I did was okay. I was protecting my sisters and my mom, but my heart hurts for those men. They were horrible people, but they didn't deserve to die….Mom, would you have executed them for attacking our nation."

"I am not sure Sam, they attacked our nation and planned to destroy it. Men like Dasani don't simply quit trying. They regroup and try again. But he didn't actually kill any Amazons."
"But he did capture the Queen and Princess and torture them" Xena chimed in

"And according to Amazon law, that would have been enough to order their execution. I have never been a fan of executions, but until there is a system that would keep dangerous people out society, I don't know what I would have done. Your mother and I always try to be just, but time after time we have given people second, third chances and have suffered dearly for those chances." Gabrielle stares off to the corner of the room that Dasani's dead body once laid.

"Sam, I wanted their heads, not based on Amazon law, but because of what they did to you. But as Queen you have to put your emotions aside and rule based on what is in our laws, and what is best for your people."

"And that Sam is why your mom is a magnificent Queen. If your mom would have ordered their execution, there would have been a line of Amazons asking for the honor to carry out the sentence, I would have been at the front of the line. And all of us would be in line to give some type of vengeance for what Dasani did to you and your mom. Your mom would never let anyone carry out a sentence like that for two reasons, she knows anyone but her would have executed out of anger, vengeance. She also never makes an order or decision that she herself would not carry out. When you lead well, you lead with grace and honor, not fear and vengeance. Your mom taught me that."

Gabrielle looks up at Xena, tears in her eyes, whispers.

"I am not sure I would have been able to execute them with a conscience of justice instead of vengeance."

"Then I am glad that you didn't have to mom. I am honored that I could protect your heart that way." Sam is quiet for a few heart beats.

"How long will it hurt?" Sam looks at her moms. Xena puts her arm on Bri's and nods.

"It will always hurt honey, and the moment it stops hurting is when your soul has gone."

The royal family sat together in their hut for a bit, just enjoying the peace. Gabrielle breaks the silence,

"I have a royal order to decree, from this moment on, I will not hide my feelings from you Sam. Your mother is the only one who knows them, knows my hearts struggles. But you will too, you need to see all that goes into being Queen so you can decide what type of Queen you will be. But you also have to be open and honest with me. We will no longer hide from one another. Agreed?"

Sam raises to her knees on the bed, places her arm over her heart and with a smirk bows her head

"Yes mom" then snuggles back between her moms and falls asleep. Xena and Gabrielle look at one another, feeling their hearts connection and soon join Sam.