Chapter 3: Dinner's Company

Warm candles flickered in every corner and on tabletops, casting a soft, inviting glow throughout the dining hall. The gentle rhythms of music floated through the air, adding to the ambiance as diligent staff moved about, arranging succulent food dishes, plates, cups, utensils, and drinks on the tables.

At the center of the room, a long table awaited, where Ulysses would soon take his place at the head. Six chairs lined each side, with an additional chair reserved for the queen at the other end. Smaller tables filled the space, offering a cozy spot for the palace staff to dine together.

As Gabrielle entered the dining hall, the delicious aroma of the food drifted towards her, causing her stomach to growl. The tables were adorned with exquisite decorations. Gabrielle couldn't help but wonder if the lavish display was meant for eating or merely for show. Dressed in the floor-length gown, a simple yet elegant sleeveless navy dress, Gabrielle took a seat at one of the side chairs. Her eyes scanned the room with anticipation.

Soon, Telemachus entered and took his seat, followed by Ulysses, who assumed his position at the head of the table. As the guests settled in, Ulysses glanced around the room, his brow frowning in confusion as he realized Xena was absent.

"Where is Xena?" he inquired, turning to Gabrielle.

"Oh, she was super tired from the trip and decided to skip dinner to catch up on some extra sleep," Gabrielle replied smoothly, offering a reassuring smile.

He shook his head with understanding, and without another word, he got up from the table. He reached for his plate and another empty one. Carefully, he went from dish to dish, filling both plates with food. He also poured two cups of wine and placed them all on a tray. Everyone eyed him suspiciously, trying to figure out what he was doing. Before he could pick up the tray, Lysandra stepped forward and lifted it from the table.

Ulysses cleared his throat, and the music ceased as all eyes turned towards him. "Everyone, please feast and enjoy yourselves in my absence," he announced loudly. With that, he exited the dining hall, Lysandra trailing silently behind him.

Xena was stretched out in bed, fresh from her bath, and lost in the embrace of dreams. She wore one of the shorter lace gowns provided by Zephyra, her slender form curved above the covers as she slept peacefully. The room was covered in darkness as the soft glow of moonlight filtered through the balcony's window.

Ulysses knocked softly on her door. When she did not answer, he took the food tray from Lysandra, thanked her, and told her to go back to the dining hall to eat before her food got cold. He slowly turned the doorknob and walked in.

Quietly, he approached her bedside, his heart quickening at the sight of her sleeping form. She captivated him like no other woman ever had, her beauty and grace leaving him breathless. His gaze traveled lustfully over her, from her slender legs to her slim waist and the curves of her breasts that were barely concealed by the gown. He closed his eyes, imagining what it would feel like to possess her body.

With a soft sigh, he pushed aside his desires and took a seat beside her. He reached out to gently stroke her face, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"Xena," he whispered tenderly. His voice carried warmth as he spoke. She stirred at the sound of her name, her eyes fluttering open to meet his gaze. Ulysses found himself lost in the depths of her eyes, their intensity leaving him hypnotized. Those eyes, he'd never seen eyes as captivating as hers. He murmured softly,

"I brought us dinner." His lips curled into a warm smile. She lazily looked at the assortment of delicious foods stacked on the plates.

"Gabrielle said you were too tired to join us, so I'm bringing it to you." As Xena's eyes met his, he felt a surge of emotion rise within him. With the moonlight casting a gentle glow around them, he knew that he would do anything to win her heart and make her his own.

Xena's smile grew wider as she slowly sat up. Her eyes shimmered with warmth as she looked at him. Rising from the bed, Ulysses placed the tray on the nightstand and handed her a glass of wine. He wrapped his arm around hers, raising their arms in a toast.

"To us, my future Queen," he confidently said. Xena's eyes widened at his statement. He took a drink, and she slowly drank after him, their gazes never breaking.

Gabrielle noticed Telemachus' somber expression as they sat at the dining table together. She felt a pang of sympathy and a desire to reach out to him. It was clear that something was troubling him deeply.

"Telemachus, is everything alright?" she asked gently, placing a hand on his arm. Telemachus looked up, startled by her question. He hesitated for a moment before responding,

"It's just... I'm not used to all this." Gabrielle nodded with understanding, encouraging him to continue.

"It's the first dinner we've had together since my father returned, and...," Telemachus trailed off, his voice filled with frustration.

"I don't understand his connection to Xena. She's just... his friend, right?" Gabrielle listened attentively, realizing that Telemachus needed someone to confide in.

"It's understandable that you're feeling this way," she said softly.

"But sometimes friendships can be more complex than they seem." Telemachus frowned, contemplating her words.

"I just wish I understood better," he admitted. Gabrielle smiled sympathetically, offering him reassurance.

"It's okay not to have all the answers right now. Just know that your father cares about you deeply, and he wouldn't want you to feel alone in this." Telemachus nodded, a glimmer of understanding dawning in his eyes.

"Thank you, Gabrielle," he said sincerely. As they continued eating, Gabrielle decided to lighten the mood with a bit of conversation about their shared interests.

"So, Telemachus, do you enjoy any particular hobbies or activities in your free time?" she asked, hoping to distract him from his worries. He looked up, grateful for the change in topic.

"Well, I've always been interested in storytelling," he admitted with a small smile.

"My mother used to tell me stories about my father's adventures, and I've always loved hearing about them." Gabrielle smiled warmly.

"That's wonderful! I'm a bard myself," she revealed.

"Perhaps we could swap tales sometime." His eyes lit up with excitement at the idea. "I'd like that," he said eagerly. Gabrielle laughed.

"I'm sure we'll have plenty of stories to share," she said, her spirits lifting as she saw his mood improve.

Setting aside their glasses, Ulysses picked up his plate and handed Xena hers. She graciously accepted her plate. He offered Xena a forkful of potatoes, which she accepted with a smile. In turn, Xena fed him a portion of beef, their actions filled with tenderness.

As they continued to feed each other and exchange flirtatious glances, the mood surged with longing and desire. With each passing moment, their connection deepened. Still feeding each other, Ulysses initiated conversation, seeking to learn more about Xena.

"So, tell me one fact about yourself," he inquired gently. Xena paused for a moment,

"I'm the middle child. I have an older and a younger brother, who's not with us anymore." Her voice trailed off. Ulysses reached out and gently squeezed her hand in a gesture of comfort. "I'm so sorry to hear that," he murmured sympathetically, his eyes reflecting genuine compassion. Taking a sip of her wine, Xena composed herself before turning the question back to Ulysses.

"Your turn," she said, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes as she fed him some vegetables.

"Well," Ulysses began, pausing to swallow his food before continuing, "I am the oldest of my siblings, and my father was king before I inherited the throne from him." With a smile, he picked up a forkful of beef and offered it to Xena. Accepting the food with a grateful nod, she then opened up to him, confessing,

"Ulysses, I haven't always fought for good." Disappointment filled her voice as she admitted her past transgressions. He reached out, gently lifting her chin to meet his gaze.

"I don't care about your past deeds, Xena," he assured her.

"We've all made mistakes in life. Never feel ashamed to tell me anything. I'll never judge you." A sigh of relief escaped Xena's lips as she absorbed his words, grateful for his understanding and acceptance. With newfound confidence, she picked up a vegetable with her fingers and dipped it into some melted cheese before placing it in his mouth. He seized her hand, his warm lips licking the cheese from her fingers as he savored the food.

"Xena, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he said with genuine admiration, his eyes locking with hers. A tender smile graced her lips as she returned his gaze, feeling her heart swell with affection. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he added,

"That's my fact," he laughed. He changed the conversation, his tone becoming lighter.

"Tomorrow, I'm going into the kingdom to pick up the fabrics for my outfit for the homecoming. I would like for you and Gabrielle to accompany me so you both can select the fabrics of your choosing. My seamstresses will make your outfits."

He looked at Xena with hopeful eyes, silently pleading for her agreement. Xena's gaze wandered. Sensing her hesitation, Ulysses reached out to her, his voice soft and earnest.

"I need you, Xena," he said, his plea laced with sincerity. Her eyes met his gaze,

"I'll stay past the homecoming, Ulysses, but I can't promise for how long. I still need to think about it." He could tell her voice was filled with uncertainty. With a gentle and understanding tone he replied,

"I understand."

As they finished their meal, Telemachus gathered the courage to speak up.

"Do you have any plans for the rest of the evening?" Gabrielle smiled softly, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over her.

"I'm feeling pretty tired tonight," she admitted with a small yawn. "I think I'll head to bed." Telemachus nodded understandingly.

"Sure, I understand. I'll see you in the morning then?" he suggested, hoping for another chance to spend time with Gabrielle.

"Absolutely, breakfast is my favorite meal," she added with a light laugh as they told each other goodnight and went their separate ways.

Once they had finished their wine and food, Ulysses placed everything back on the tray and set it aside. Returning to Xena's side, he leaned in close, his lips brushing against hers. Their breaths mixed as their breathing intensified. He wasn't sure how she was going to respond. He let their lips brush against each other until he couldn't take it any longer. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Xena eagerly responded, her arms wrapping around his neck as they sank back on the bed into their embrace.

He ran his hand up and down the outside of her thighs, enjoying the feel of her. She softly moaned inside his mouth. He was slowly working his way up her nightgown when suddenly, the door opened, and Gabrielle entered the room, catching them off guard. Xena quickly pushed Ulysses off her. With a quick embarrassed apology, Gabrielle attempted to retreat, but Ulysses stopped her.

"Gabrielle wait," Ulysses said as he climbed off the bed, "I was just kissing her goodnight, I won't be staying." He turned towards Xena,

"Good night," giving her a light peck on her lips. They both smiled at each other tenderly once they pulled back.

"Good night," Xena murmured softly, her voice filled with affection. Ulysses tilted his head towards Gabrielle, as he walked past her, closing the door behind him as he left their room. Gabrielle looked at Xena with a smirk,

"Well, you two seem to be getting along pretty well."

"Gabrielle," she began, "I don't know how long we're going to be here. If... if I decide to stay here permanently, would you leave me?" Gabrielle's response was immediate.

"I'll never leave you, Xena," she declared with a bright smile. Moved by her friend's support, Xena crossed the room and hugged Gabrielle tightly.

"Thank you," she whispered, gratitude filling her heart. Returning to her bed, Xena pulled the covers on top of her.

"Ulysses wants us to ride into the kingdom with him tomorrow to pick out the fabrics for his homecoming. His seamstresses will make our dresses for us," she informed Gabrielle.

"That sounds great," Gabrielle replied enthusiastically, eager for the adventure that awaited them. "Then we need to get to sleep so we won't get left in the morning," she added with a chuckle.

"I love you Xena," Gabrielle said once she was changed into her nightgown and comfortable underneath the covers. When Xena didn't respond, Gabrielle assumed she was sleeping. In reality, Xena was staring at the wall, lost in thought about her place with Ulysses and where she saw herself with him.

Was she truly ready for the path that lay before her? The idea of becoming Ulysses' queen both thrilled and unsettled her. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards him, or the growing feelings of affection. She could feel she was falling in love with him too. But beneath it all lingered a nagging doubt: was she ready to embrace this new role and the responsibilities that came with it? Was she really ready to settle down and be the wife he deserved? The prospect of love and commitment loomed large before her, demanding a decision she wasn't sure she was ready to make.