Xena sat upon the stone bench in Caesar's private walled garden, the many aromas seemed to comfort her senses, reminding her of home in a strange way, strange in that she could not even remember the place she called home. She tried to make sense of her thoughts, was Caesar really part of the reason for her current condition, it seemed insane to think that he could be, what reason could he have to do such a thing to her… but still she was at least certain that he knew more than he would willingly tell her. She felt both disgusted and pleased with what had taken place between them. She knew that part of her desired him but she was also acutely aware that part of her also hated him, for what reason she could not fathom.

She sighed heavily and glanced around the garden. A strange tingle crept up her spine, the feeling was oddly familiar and she became glaringly conscious that she was no longer alone. She rose slowly from the seat her eyes narrowing, scanning the empty garden, her gaze meeting nothing that would account for the strange sensation.

"Xena." The voice was demanding and she turned around quickly to face the speaker.

A tall and darkly handsome man stood before her, she swallowed back her surprise as to how he had come up behind her so silently. She tried to rack her mind for his face in her memories, his eyes seemed to remind her of something that was just out of reach and trying to remember, the effort was too much and she sunk down onto the bench, a small groan escaping her as she rubbed her temple in a vain attempt to dispel the unpleasant feeling.

He took a step forward, his eyebrows drawing together in an expression of stern concern. She raised her hand to him, telling him without words to stay where he was. Finally after a few moments had passed and she had regained herself she looked up at him.

He gave a gruff laugh and looked about the garden. "What are you doing here?" His face was shadowed in anger. "Did you lose?" He snarled as the last word passed his lips as if it disgusted him.

Xena furrowed her brow and her eyes became ablaze with excitement at his words. "You know me?" She stood from her seat carefully, not wanting her head to begin throbbing again.

He gave her a confused and reproachful look as if he suspected she was toying with him. "What are you talking about Xena?"

"Do you know me?" Xena repeated, taking a step forward.

"Of course I…" He paused, his dark gaze taking her in, he seemed to sense something and took a small step back. "Something's wrong" he stated, his eyes still locked upon her.

Xena took another step forward, this man may hold all the answers she so wished to know. "I have no memory, please, if you know me tell me who I am" she implored.

The man's mouth fell slack in shock and then he regained himself, letting a laugh boom from him. "Very amusing" he said, his laughter dying harshly, contradicting the words he spoke.

Xena watched him, unsure what to say her eyes gazed upon him with faded hope; he glanced at her and his stern expression lifted as if now seeing that she spoke the truth.

"You… don't know… who you are?" he spluttered.

"I was brought here after my village was pillaged, Caesar saved me" she said, giving the only version of events she knew.

"Caesar?" His eyes narrowed.

Xena nodded and held his gaze. "Who are you? How do you know me?"

"My name is Ares; I am… an old friend" he said quickly and a little tersely as his mind pondered the facts he had just been given.

Xena glanced about them, "How did you get in here?"

Ares smirked, "I have my ways." He walked forward, his stride certain and caught her around the waist, Xena narrowed her eyes in annoyance. "Trust no one here Xena, I will find a way to get you out." His normal snarling sarcasm was gone and he was surprised to find he meant these words. He would pay Caesar a little visit, only he, Ares the God of War had the right to this woman's downfall, had the right to have her by his side, he would not tolerate a mortal man interfering.

Xena's dazzling blue eyes widened at his words. "Am I in danger?" she asked, her voice steady and calm.

Ares nodded. "You could be, be on your guard… it is best for your own safety that I tell you nothing of your past." He paused, "But just know that if you need to fight, fight." Before Xena could answer he kissed her heatedly, the sensation made her thoughts swim as a new and burning passion engulfed her. When he pulled away she studied him thoughtfully.

"I feel" she stated casually, "that we are more than old friends." She smirked.

Ares flashed her a devilish grin but did not reply. He turned and made his way up the steps, his intention was to not startle or confuse her further by disappearing before her very eyes. Once he was out of her line of sight he vanished, reappearing where he could feel Caesar's presence. He cloaked himself with the veil that prevented mortals from seeing him and looked around the place he now found himself. He was surrounded on all sides by dark, damp tunnels; he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and turned in time to see Caesar making his way down one of the dark passageways. Ares quickly followed with light silent steps, his curiosity piqued as to just why the arrogant and proud mortal Caesar would be in such a place.

Finally they came to a large archway and Ares came to a stop by it, he chanced a glance round and froze. Now he knew why he had felt so cautious, in the room beyond were two of the old ones, once mortals that had gained such great power that they had become God-like, living for countless years, ageless. This was why his powers had felt so weak here; their presence was draining him as it drained everything.

He listened intently, not wanting to storm in and create a battle he may or may not win when the time came. Caesar was talking in a hushed voice but Ares was able to hear.

"You have your sacrifice as promised; it will be brought at the end of the month."

The woman gave a shrill sickening laugh. "And how is your project my Emperor? I trust the warrior women is recovering."

"She gains in strength." He paused, lost in his own thoughts, "Her warmth leaves something to be desired."

The woman laughed once again, "I can remedy that if you wish."

Silence followed.

"I do not need your concoctions Prisca, as long as she does not remember what I did to her I can win her over to me."

"And you need not worry over the cure, as I said if you keep your promise… I'll keep mine."

Ares caught sight of the woman pointing to a blue glass jar and narrowed his eyes. There was an easier way to get his warrior princess back it seemed and if he was cunning he would not even have to lift a single finger all he would have to do was watch and wait.

---

Xena slowly climbed the steps back to the large bed chamber. Her mind was no more clear than it had been when she descended into the garden that morning, she was aware that although many hours had passed she did not feel thirsty or hungry, her thoughts had been too deep and too consuming to dwell upon anything else. The appearance of the strange man had left her feeling even more confused. She knew that she did indeed know him; she had felt herself pulled to him by a strange desire and lust that was near all consuming. She had become convinced that they had at least once been lovers…but he was here in the palace, could he possibly be part of Caesar's plan, if indeed Caesar had a plan. She sat down in a chair beside the balcony ledge exhausted by her unrelenting thoughts. None of it made sense, if only she could remember she felt sure all would become clear, she knew Caesar was hiding something, knew that he was playing a game with her… but what proof did she have to convince herself, never mind anyone else.

She sighed and glanced out across the city before her.

"Beautiful isn't it… Rome."

She turned to see Caesar stood a little way behind her dressed in crimson robes and golden armor. Xena slowly turned from him, knowing she would get none of the answers she craved from him.

"Yes" she replied simply.

"It's all mine" he said in a whisper, his eyes grazing over the sun dazzled buildings.

Xena gave a small nod. She heard him walking up behind her and his hands came to rest upon her shoulders, his fingers expertly caressing her skin sending small shivers of pleasure through her. He bent down and pressed his lips softly against the back of her neck.

"It could be ours" he whispered. His breath was warm upon her cheek, smelling sweetly of honeyed dates.

"Ours…" Xena repeated the word, understanding the meaning but not the intent. "Why?"

Caesar gave a low chuckle his lips now working slowly across her bare skin. "Can't you see?" he said, nipping her ear lightly, "it's our destiny."

Xena closed her eyes slowly as his hands smoothed down her shoulders to the neckline of her gown, he teased the hem of the material gently with his fingertips before lightly slipping underneath, his fingers circled the sensitive skin of her breasts and Xena felt that same growing, conflicting emotion rising within her that made her want to bed him and kill him all at the same time. She covered his wrists with her hands and gently eased him away from her; she stood from her seat and turned to face him.

"I don't know what my destiny is." She spoke calmly but the iciness within her voice was truly chilling. "So how can fate have any plans for me if I don't even know who I am?"

Caesar regarded her coolly knowing that she was rebuffing his advances, his jaw tightened in annoyance.

"If fate is trying to tell me anything it's that my future is not with you." She snarled and turned to walk from him, before she had taken two steps Caesar had grabbed her forearm and pulled her roughly back to him.

"Why do you relish tormenting me?" he growled.

She smirked at his true annoyance, she did not think this man often showed his real emotions and she found she delighted in bringing out the sides he would wish no one else to see.

"Because you make it so easy" Xena teased, her full venom in work. "You play your games with me and I shall play mine with you."

Caesar let out an amused laugh and his grip tightened upon her arm, pulling her to him. Xena did not resist, she found that the desire for him was once again building inside her, preventing her from pulling away. Their lips were close and they both regarded each other with casual ease, neither wanting the other to know what they were really thinking.

"Then…" Caesar said in a husky whisper "let the games continue."

Their lips met and within moments they had stumbled back into the chamber, their destination once again the bed.

---

Xena awoke to bright sunshine bathing her face. She smiled sleepily at the sensation and slowly opened her eyes, feeling soft silk sheets upon her naked skin. She glanced about her taking in the large golden bed she was laying in and the man, Emperor, sleeping softly beside her. She studied him for a moment, watching his slow, calm breaths moving his defined chest. She sighed inwardly, wondering silently to herself how they had again arrived in such a position. She let her eyes be drawn back to him and slowly she reached out a hand tentatively and touched his shoulder, feeling the smooth skin beneath her hand. Her gaze lingered over his handsome face and she found herself wondering for a moment if perhaps she could love him, could become his Empress. She closed her eyes tightly and pulled back her hand as if stung; she shook the thoughts from her mind and slowly rose, wanting no more than her own bed and her own company.

---

Xena found that she could not sleep even though she bolted the door to her chamber, the fact that Caesar was mere feet away made her feel as if she could not let her guard down. She felt oddly furious with herself for giving herself to him again; a nauseating feeling crept up from her stomach sending gooseflesh across her skin. He was arrogant and his manners left much to be desired, but he was a handsome man, his eyes captivating and she could not deny the fire he caused to run inside her veins, so she could not understand where the hatred came from. The only conclusion she kept coming back to was the same thought she had had after their first liaison, somehow he was responsible for her memory loss, for her being in this palace, he was someone that knew her and wanted to punish her.

It seemed as if she had gone over every possible situation as to why he would do such a thing to her, but most did not make sense, why would such a powerful man trouble himself with her?

Finally exhausted she dozed in the warm sunlight. She had not relaxed for long before a sharp rapping sounded at her door, she jerked up into a sitting position, her heart pounding a little harder than she would like to admit. She felt a strange icy chill of fear brush against her at the thought that she still did not know his agenda; she did not feel ready, strong enough to face him yet, she knew it would just replay in the same loop as last night.

"Who is it?" she snapped.

"It's me, Gabrielle."

Xena sighed in relief; at least she would not have to deal with Caesar just yet.

"Your door is locked" Gabrielle continued, her voice edged in confusion and worry.

Xena rose and quickly unbolted the door, letting the young blonde woman in before shutting the door once more and securing it. Gabrielle carried a plate of cold cooked meats, bread and fruit.

"I brought you something to eat" she said, her brow furrowing upon seeing Xena's agitated expression, she placed the food down upon a nearby table before turning back to her.

"Is Caesar in his chambers?" Xena asked, her eyes flicking to the door.

Gabrielle eyed her suspiciously. "No, he has gone to the senate."

Xena nodded, "Good". She let her tired body relax a little and sank down to sit upon the bed. Gabrielle's face clouded in concern and she quickly went to Xena's side.

"Xena?" Gabrielle reached out and rested a hand upon the distressed woman's shoulder; Xena flinched but slowly looked up to let their gazes meet. Gabrielle could clearly see the confusion and hurt lurking in her blue eyes and within that moment she knew that Xena knew Caesar was lying, that she was a prisoner, that she had no choice. She bit her lip, unsure what she should do.

"I know nothing is right here Gabrielle, I have to get away!" She paused, "A man told me that my life is in danger." She paused once again as if gathering her thoughts, "I know Caesar is lying to me." Her voice was no more than a strained whisper.

Gabrielle took a small step backwards at Xena's words, not quiet registering that this small movement incriminated her to the plan also.

Xena's eyes became wide, a sadness descended upon her beautiful face. "You knew?" she breathed.

Gabrielle's hand clasped to her breast, her eyes filling with pools of tears as she shook her head. "You don't understand," her voice was pleading, desperate.

"You knew!" Xena stood from the bed, the hurt still burning brightly within her stunning gaze. The sudden urge to slap the woman before her, to hurt her was so strong.

"Xena!" Gabrielle pleaded, "I'm a slave! I had no choice."

Xena cocked her head a cruel snarl curling at her lip, "I trusted you" she hissed. Xena felt the blood rushing in her ears and she balled her hands into fists trying with all her might to not reach out and snap Gabrielle's pretty little neck.

"I meant no harm, I was just doing as he bid me, he promised… he…" she cut off, the tears spilling onto her cheeks.

"What did he promise you?" Xena snarled. "Gold, rank, what was the worth of my memories?!"

Gabrielle swallowed hard; it was as if every bitter word pierced her heart, "My freedom". She sighed sorrowfully, "Freedom from him."

Xena's eyes widened in shock as realization descended upon her, she was not just his slave - Gabrielle was Caesar's whore. It was only now that Xena registered the whip-scarred skin upon the young girl's arms, punishments served out by her master. Xena stared transfixed, the conflicting emotions of betrayal and sympathy leaving her speechless. Gabrielle turned on her heel, unbolted the door and left, hiding her face within her hands to cover her shame.