Chapter 4: Into the Kingdom

A soft mist hung in the air, casting a mystical aura over the Kingdom of Ithaca. The gentle chirping of birds filled the air, their melodies soaring through the calm morning. Inside the palace, Gabrielle stirred in her bed, reluctant to leave the comfort of her covers. Softly groaning, she rolled over, burying herself deeper beneath the blankets. A soft knock at the door interrupted the peaceful stillness, but neither Gabrielle nor Xena made a move to answer. Another knock followed, slightly more insistent this time. Gabrielle let out a muffled protest.

"Just a little bit longer, pleeeease," she pleaded, her words barely reaching outside the door. Zephyra's voice floated through the door, patient yet persistent.

"Unfortunately not, if you will be accompanying the king into the kingdom." Xena rose from her bed, crossing the room to Gabrielle's bed. With a gentle tug, she pulled the covers away from Gabrielle's sleepy form.

"Up you go," Xena said, offering her hand to her friend. Gabrielle reluctantly emerged from her cocoon of blankets, blinking sleepily as she rubbed her eyes.

"Zephyra, we'll be down shortly," Xena called out.

Ulysses paced back and forth towards the entrance as he awaited the arrival of Xena and Gabrielle. He was dressed in regal attire, sporting a striking red cape that swayed behind him as he moved. His attire expressed his royal status and commanding presence.

Finally, Xena and Gabrielle emerged from their quarters with their movements still slow and groggy from sleep. They wore the elegant dresses provided for them the night before. Ulysses' eyes lit up as he caught sight of Xena, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"Good morning, beautiful," he greeted her, his voice filled with warmth as he pulled her in his embrace. Xena leaned into him for a gentle kiss, returning the affection. Turning his attention to Gabrielle, Ulysses greeted her with equal kindness.

"Good morning, Gabrielle. I hope you slept well." Gabrielle nodded, a tired yet content smile gracing her lips.

"I slept awesome, just didn't get enough of it." Ulysses then handed Xena a red cloak, that matched his cape, and Gabrielle a black one. He then said,

"Wrap up, its misty out today." Gabrielle and Xena eagerly threw their cloaks over their dresses. Ulysses grabbed Xena's hand softly,

"Are you ready?" his gaze locked on her. She gave him a light nod.

"Right this way," Ulysses smiled, leading the way as Gabrielle followed closely behind.

Telemachus entered the dining hall, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of his father and his unexpected guests. He settled into his seat, and eagerly looked around, wondering where everyone else could be. A flicker of concern showed in his eyes as he addressed the staff members nearby.

"Have you seen my father and his guests?" he asked worriedly. One of the staff members nodded in response.

"Yes, the king, his lady, and their friend left out earlier this morning, heading into the kingdom." Telemachus creased his brows.

"His lady?"

"Did he say that she was his lady?" he asked in a soft voice. The staff member hesitated before clarifying,

"I'm sorry, my prince. It was an assumption on my part. Your father didn't explicitly refer to her as such. I only assumed that she was his lady by the way they greeted each other. " Telemachus' gaze sharpened with curiosity.

"How did they greet each other?" His tone was tense. The staff member recounted the scene, describing how Ulysses and Xena had embraced and shared a kiss. Telemachus' expression darkened at the information; his heart heavy.

Frustrated, he abruptly rose from his seat. His appetite had vanished. Before he could storm out of the dining hall, a compassionate staff member approached him, urging him to reconsider.

"My prince, please don't let this news upset you." She softly touched his shoulder.

"You need to eat." Taking a moment to collect himself, Telemachus reluctantly returned to his seat.

As the trio walked past the guards, their heads bowed respectfully in acknowledgment of Ulysses' presence. Xena couldn't help but cast a menacing glare at the guards who had given them trouble earlier. The guards could feel her gaze on them, so they kept their heads lowered, hoping to avoid any further confrontation.

Upon reaching the front entrance, a magnificent carriage, that had a regal covering, awaited them, drawn by two majestic stallions adorned in red and gold. Gabrielle's eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Ulysses.

"Are we riding in that?" she exclaimed eagerly.

Ulysses nodded with a smile, and Gabrielle wasted no time in skipping towards the carriage. Xena snickered and followed suit. As they climbed into the carriage, Ulysses settled in beside Xena, wrapping his arm protectively around her.

The driver could tell they were ready, so he inquired,

"Are you ready, my king?" Ulysses affirmed with a confident yes, and without further ado, the carriage set off, the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses' hooves echoing, as they embarked on their journey.

As the carriage rolled into the busy marketplace, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. Locals gathered around them, pointing and cheering as Ulysses stepped out first. They swarmed around him, expressing their joy at his return, their voices blending into a chorus of welcome. Gabrielle marveled at the scene, nudging Xena, smiling.

"Look how much his people love him," her eyes shining with admiration.

Xena nodded in agreement, observing the genuine affection the villagers held for their king. When Ulysses reached for Xena's hand, she hesitated for a moment before accepting, feeling the weight of their curious gazes upon her. Ulysses then helped Gabrielle out of the carriage. He grabbed Xena's hand as they walked towards the various stalls. Xena took in how all eyes were on them.

With Gabrielle following closely behind, they navigated through the marketplace, attracting stares and whispers along the way. Some watched Xena with curiosity, while others seemed less welcoming. Amidst the stalls, Gabrielle's excitement sparkled as she pointed out a vibrant red fabric.

"This would be beautiful on you, Xena," she suggested eagerly. Ulysses chimed in,

"Anything would be beautiful on her," his affectionate words bringing a faint blush to Xena's cheeks. She hesitated, not much into shopping, but trusted Gabrielle's judgment as they made their selections. Gabrielle then picked up golden fabric.

"What is the gold for," Xena inquired.

"Oh, well your dress would look amazing lined in this color."

"Okay," Xena said doubtingly but she went along with the flow. Ulysses chose fabrics to match Xena's along with navy. Gabrielle picked out a stunning burgundy fabric for herself. With their purchases secured, Ulysses arranged for them to be transported to the carriage. Gabrielle's stomach rumbled.

"Are we going to eat?" she asked Ulysses eagerly.

"Of course," a smile gracing his face.

"I'm sure we're all starving by now."

The trio stepped into the local tavern, causing a stir among the villagers as Ulysses entered. Murmurs and whispers filled the air. Some moved swiftly to clear a table for their esteemed guest. The owner approached them eagerly, offering a warm greeting and took their food orders. Once their orders were placed, Gabrielle initiated conversation.

"Xena's mom owns the local tavern in Amphipolis." Ulysses turned to Xena.

"Amphipolis? That's where you're from?" Xena nodded with a hint of nostalgia in her features.

"Yep," she confirmed softly, a fond memory flickering in her eyes. Ulysses then turned his attention to Gabrielle.

"And Gabrielle, where are you from?"

"Oh, I'm from a small town called Potidaea." Ulysses nodded, unfamiliar with the name.

"I've never heard of that place," he admitted. Their conversation was interrupted as the owner returned with their meals.

"My king, I hope you will find the food to your liking," she said graciously, placing their dishes before them.

"I'm sure I will," he replied with a grateful smile. While Xena and Gabrielle sampled their drinks, the owner leaned closer to Ulysses and said,

"She's very pretty, my king." Ulysses beamed proudly.

"I know," his eyes reflecting his admiration for her. With that, they began to enjoy their meal in the warm ambiance of the tavern. A man approached the trio as they ate,

"Xena, I thought I would never see you again." Xena turned to look at the man.

"Sorry, do I know you?" The man laughed loudly at Xena.

"You knew me enough when you kicked me out of your army." Xena smiled tightly.

"Ah, yes, I did kick all the cowards out." The man's face turned into a frown. Ulysses spoke up,

"If you have nothing else, please leave us." The man bowed at the king, frowned at Xena, and walked away.

"Xena, you had an army?" Ulysses asked in disbelief.

"A long time ago, I was commander of Ares' army."

"The God of War, Ares!" He exclaimed.

"The one and only."

"Wow, so you know him personally?" Gabrielle smirked as she drunk her wine. Xena shot her a look. She blew out a breath,

"Ulysses," Xena said softly as she grabbed his hand,

"that was a long time ago, around the time when I told you I wasn't a very good person." Gabrielle watched their interchange quietly.

"So, that's what Poseidon meant when he said Ares was fond of you?" Xena shrugged,

"I guess so," losing interest in the conversation. Gabrielle noticed how the mood was changing for the worse, so she changed the subject.

"Do you have an army, Ulysses?"

"Most of my men died at sea after the Trojan War. I have to form a new army." His eyes lit up bright as he had an idea.

"Xena, I could use your help with the recruits today, if you'd be so kind to join me."

"I'd love to." She smiled tenderly at him, and he gave her a smile of his own. Once the trio were done eating, the king left a generous tip and they left. On the ride home, Ulysses wrapped his arm around Xena, and she lazily laid her head on his shoulder. With their stomachs full, conversation was nonexistent as they enjoyed the sounds of nature on their way back to the palace.

The prince observed closely as the king's carriage arrived. He watched as the king tenderly helped Xena out of the carriage, his smile filled with love. Seeing Xena return the smile softly, the prince clenched his fists by his side. Ulysses then assisted Gabrielle out of the carriage, and they headed towards the entrance.

"Good day, Xena and Gabrielle," the prince greeted eagerly. They both smiled lightly at him.

"Father, may I speak with you, in private?" He looked at Xena and then back to Ulysses.

"Son, I really need to prepare for this afternoon's army recruitment, but I promise, we will talk later today." With a disappointed look, the prince agreed. Ulysses walked past his son to Xena, linking his hand in hers.

"I'll accompany you to your room." Gabrielle noticed the displeased look on the prince's face, so she decided to talk to him.

"What do you have planned for now?"

"Well, I was hoping to talk to father, but since he has his mind elsewhere, I guess I'll go sit in the library." Gabrielle's eyes lit up.

"May I come with you?" she asked with a sweet smile.

"Sure," the prince's eyes lit up.

"Do you know how many men are expected at today's recruitment?" Xena asked as they walked towards her room. Ulysses shook his head.

"No. I was briefed on it early this morning before our trip. Once you get changed, have Zephyra show you where the courtyard is."

"Okay," Xena replied, nodding in understanding.

As she reached for the doorknob to her room, Ulysses grabbed her arm and pulled her into him, kissing her passionately. Xena moaned softly into his mouth as he deepened the kiss, his hands tenderly resting on her ass. She wrapped her arms around his neck. The various staff members passed by them in the hallway, their eyes lit up at the scene unfolding in front of them. Ulysses' heart throbbed as he took in the taste of her.

Reluctantly, he pulled back first, his face flushed with desire.

"I need to let you get ready before I make you late," clearing his throat. Xena nodded, still breathless from their kiss, as she entered her room.

Once Xena was dressed and sheathed her sword, she felt that familiar tingle down her spine. She closed her eyes, allowing her head to lazily roll from one side to the other.

"Ares," she said softly. Suddenly, he appeared, speaking in his low, seductive voice.

"Xena, what are you doing here?" Ares asked as he circled around her. Xena calmly replied,

"I'm helping out a friend."

"A friend?" raising an eyebrow.

"Xena, you are about to help him pick his army, next you'll be leading it, and then you'll be sitting on his throne by his side."

"What is it to you, Ares?" Xena asked, her tone steady.

"Oh, nothing." Smirking he told her,

"I'm actually looking forward to it," and then he disappeared.