Xena rushed back up the stairs onto the balcony and through the curtain into the main bed chamber. Her thoughts seemed muddled and confused and she felt strangely weak from her encounter with Caesar, like he had drawn her energy from her with his very presence. She could hear a distant voice within her mind telling her to leave, that something was wrong and she had to get out before he returned. She made for the main door, determined that she would leave this place and get out of this city that made her feel so uneasy. She reached for the handle and tugged, the door held fast and she pulled again… again, a slight flutter of panic gripped her breast, she was locked in… There was no escape, her mind whirled and everything clicked into place, she was no more than Caesar's prisoner.

She turned, her blue eyes widening as they beheld the outline of Caesar in the doorway ahead of her. She took a step forward, surprising herself by how the panic was mixed with anger and annoyance; she couldn't understand why she wasn't terrified by the thought of being at this powerful man's mercy, but she wasn't, she felt an insistent rage instead.

"Open the door!" she commanded, her voice unwavering and heavy with authority.

Caesar let out a smug chuckle. "Why would I do that?" he asked in a husky, teasing voice.

"Because I ordered you to" Xena stated, cocking an eyebrow as if he were stupid.

Caesar laughed again, "Fight me, and I shall give you the key and your freedom."

Xena felt her skin prickle and her blood quicken, she watched as he picked up a short sword and then threw it to her, finding a similar sword for himself. He smirked at her bemused expression.

"Fight me Xena."

Xena hesitated, this was all too bizarre and confusing, why was the Emperor of Rome asking her to fight him? Still the strange rhythm that had taken over her body would not relent and the urge to grasp the sword was too much to resist. She bent, her eyes never leaving Caesar's form, and picked up the weapon. It felt heavy and certain within her palm; she swung it, marveling at how easy the movement came to her - as if she had been born with the knowledge. The rhythm continued like a drum beat steady and familiar, as she circled him and he followed suit, their swords held high, poised to strike.

Caesar's dark eyes bore into her and again Xena felt that same delicious shiver ascend her spine.

"Don't you feel it?" he asked, interrupting her thoughts. "That surge between us, do you really want to leave it behind, do you really want to leave me?"

"Give me the key" Xena snarled in reply.

Caesar smirked. "Fight me Xena" he repeated again, his voice soft and low, enjoying toying with her.

"Why?" she narrowed her eyes.

"I want to see if you will fight against destiny" he whispered darkly.

Xena set her jaw, this man's arrogance was glaring and he needed to be taught a lesson. Without another thought she rushed forward and brought her sword down with a high pitched cry, with a dull metal clang it connected to Caesar's blade. She sprang back from the impact like a light footed feline and went in again, her blows skillful and decisive and Caesar parried each one, feeling instinctively that this was not her best form, that she was uncertain and unknowing of just how much talent she possessed within her, but her spirit was still a burning flame that shone clearly within her blue gaze.

The fight went on uninterrupted for what seemed a long time to Xena's senses. The clash of steel upon steel rang in her ears and was so familiar, almost comforting, but she could not gain the upper hand. She knew for some unknown reason she was holding back but she also knew he could not beat her; the knowledge was thrilling and sent adrenaline pumping through her veins.

She flew forward once again to connect with his sword, the blades scraped together as she tried to force him back and gain more footing for herself. Caesar surprised her as his free hand grasped around her waist pulling her forward towards him, his sword became limp, obeying her persistent strength and clattered to the floor. She stared at him, unsure what he was trying to do; now nothing stood between her blade and his bare neck.

Xena glanced up into his face to find he was already staring down at her, his dark, sweet eyes alluring, beckoning.

"I give you leave," he breathed, "you are the only one I'd wish to end my life."

Xena's breath caught within her breast, she knew that he was bluffing, that if she did indeed try to kill him he would produce a hidden dagger or other means of self preservation and kill her before she could slide the blade even a small amount into his flesh, it was mystifying just how well she felt she knew this man. Still she did not pull away, the blade stayed poised… she could play too and she also knew how reluctant he would be to produce that hidden weapon and harm her.

"Is it your destiny to die tonight?" she whispered, unable to help the tinge of desire that coated her voice, she pushed the cool blade against his throat.

Caesar did not flinch, his gaze held hers. "My destiny is with you" he breathed, and to Xena's astonishment he leaned forward, uncaring of the blade, letting it nick his skin. A thin line of blood appeared, but Caesar's goal was accomplished, his lips met hers in a heated kiss and Xena could no longer deny the burning cravings that she had been afraid of in the walled garden, she knew she was slowly giving in and letting him have the power, but she also knew she was letting him. She let the sword fall her hands wanting to touch him and with a rough jerk she pulled him to her, letting their bodies press together.

The familiarity of this situation hit her once again, making her feel dizzy with an overwhelming feeling of past desire and lust… and hatred, violent and unquenchable. She felt the conflicting emotions burn through her, one part of her wanting to kiss and caress him the other part wanting to plunge a dagger into his breast and laugh as she watched the life ebb from him. To quiet these tormenting thoughts and give herself some kind of peace she allowed him to take control. Without breaking their kiss he guided her to the bed that stood a few feet away and laid her gently down onto the soft silken sheets.

His mouth was hungry and demanding, almost as if the lust had made him forget himself, as if only she could quench the debilitating thirst the passion caused him. His lips travelled across her skin, blissfully making Xena focus on nothing else but the sensation. His hands smoothed over the contours of her body, creating little shocks and shivers as her nerves relished the thrill. His touch lingered over her breasts, causing small gasps of pleasure to escape Xena's lips. As the desire within him rose to a maddening pitch he could take no more and ripped violently at the material, exposing her bare skin to the mild night air, his warm mouth descended upon her once again, his tongue skillfully bringing her own desire to the brink as she clutched at him, urging him onwards with small sighs of pleasure.

His caresses moved slowly down her body, savoring the feel of her beneath his touch before finally burying his fingers in her silken folds. She moved her hips rhythmically towards him, unable to hold back or fight the need for him that had taken over. She let her hands slide across his chest, helping him shed his clothing until nothing barred them from each other. Caesar quickly slid himself inside her fully and they both gasped at the heady sensation as they began to move to the lascivious rhythm they had created, it was almost violent in its passionate need, devouring the both of them as his thrusts merged with her bucks, their breaths mingled heavily together as lips crashed against each other. The emotion built until both felt the burst of light explode and blur their vision, the exquisite waves of pleasure lapped at them and finally they collapsed against each other, beaded with sweat and shivering uncontrollably. After a few moments had passed Caesar regained enough of his senses to pull a cover over them both but they stayed cloaked in silence for what seemed a long time.

Finally Xena caught her breath and, brushing the hair from her damp face, glanced at the compelling man lying beside her. His eyes were closed as if in sleep, his skin smooth in the dim light, his breathing slow and forcedly controlled and she knew he was just as awake as she.

"You're a liar" she stated harshly, her beautiful gaze narrowing as he opened his eyes and turned to look at her.

Caesar cocked a dark eyebrow, his expression sarcastic and amused. "You already knew that" he breathed, enjoying teasing and confusing her further.

Xena felt a jolt as she realized she had always known this somehow. "Who am I?" she demanded, "I'm no village girl."

"I'm sure you were once" he said smugly.

She sat up; taking the covers with her to hide her body from his eyes, suddenly the act she had just performed made her feel strangely sick. "Stop your games."

He laughed lowly. "Life's no fun without games Xena" he condescended, his eyes racking over the outline of her breast and hips.

"Who am I?" she asked again through gritted teeth.

"You are Xena" he said simply.

"You have something to do with this!" she spat, the hatred gaining full force in her mind now that the lust was well satisfied. "You will not tell me the truth!"

"What makes you think I did anything to you?" He remained unconcerned by her growing anger.

"Because you're a snake!" she snarled.

Caesar tutted, "Such venom" he chided. "To the man you have just given yourself to, your show of affection leaves much to be desired." He smirked again.

Xena furrowed her brow accusingly at him. "I don't want to stay here any longer." She rose from the bed still clutching the sheet to herself. "The thought of you sickens me." She paused, seeing a small flash of anger streak across his features. "What has befallen tonight was a mistake and it will not happen again."

Caesar laughed cruelly, "Yes, but you will stay all the same." He left the bed and slipped on a crimson robe, tying it casually about his waist. "Where else will you go Xena, with no memory, you'd be a fool."

Xena hesitated, he was right - she had nowhere else to go.

"Your feelings will dull with time and the heat you felt for me tonight will become brighter." He gave her a self satisfied smile. "After all, you are mine."

Xena's mouth opened in disgust, she wished to say something damning and hurtful but knew nothing would faze him, without another word she turned and stalked back to her own room, glad that his cloying company could be left behind for now.

---

Xena awoke from a disturbed sleep; she rose and quickly dressed, noticing that the sun had not been up in the sky that long. She tentatively unbolted the door she had locked the night before and after seeing that the chamber beyond was empty she slipped out of the room and walked out onto the balcony needing the feel of some fresh air upon her skin. She was still trying to gain some kind of grasp upon the past nights happenings.

"Xena?"

Xena turned at the sound of Gabrielle's sweet voice; it somehow made her heart feel warmed and the burden of her worries seem lighter. Gabrielle handed her a small morning meal and Xena gladly sat down and began to eat.

"Are you alright?" the young blonde asked, sensing something was amiss; she hesitated as if fearing the reply she would get if she asked more questions. "Did something happen last night?"

Xena stopped mid-bite and glanced up. "You could say that" she said with a sour smile.

Gabrielle lowered her gaze. "Caesar is… hard to get used to" she stated in a small voice.

Xena nodded and gave a grunt of laughter, "This is all just a little strange to me."

Gabrielle again had to fight the urge to tell everything she knew, the thought of condemning this woman to being under Caesar's control was near unbearable but she bit her tongue.

"Can you stay with me today?" Xena asked, feeling the need to not be alone when Caesar finally returned from whereever he was.

Gabrielle shook her head. "I have quite a few duties today, but I will try and come back this evening." It was true that Gabrielle did seem to have more chores today and had been asked to work more often over the coming days, the tasks keeping her from Xena's side, and she couldn't help but wonder if Caesar had something to do with it.

"Alright" Xena said, defeat edging her voice.

Gabrielle gave a reassuring smile before turning to exit the room; Xena watched her leave, a strange sinking feeling settling over her as she realized that she was alone. She sighed and rose from her seat; she would at least spend her day relaxing before she had to face whatever Caesar had to say.

---

It had only been a few days since Ares had returned to Greece and already the place bored him. He had already had a run in with his detested half brother Hercules and lost some of his best men fighting him. How he wished his father Zeus would lift the decree that stated no one could kill the annoying half God. Perhaps one day his mother Hera would succeed and destroy Hercules, the thought certainly made him smile.

Now he sat in one of his many temples, his eyes grazing over the many offerings the mortals had left him in renewed fear that he had returned. He should have been pleased, but he felt nothing but agitation to leave this land and see what his warrior, Xena was doing. He had deliberately avoided listening to anything concerning Rome, it had been an effort to not find out how she was faring, he wondered if she had reached Caesar yet and if the battle had been immense. He found that he had begun to listen, to hope for her calling out his name, but she never did… It was as if she had forgotten all about him and this thought annoyed him more than he liked to admit.

Perhaps torturing himself was not the best course of action, he pondered upon the thought, he was the God of War, he should be at a great battle such as this beside her - reveling in the conquest and then in her downfall as he took all that power away from her. He smirked at the thought; he had planned for this for so long, would he really allow himself to miss out on the fun.

He quickly decided that to do so would be ludicrous and rising from his throne he raised his arms in the air and disappeared in a crack of light.