Chapter 17: Embers of Conflict

The sun peeped through the windows as Xena turned in Ulysses' arms. She had plans to venture into the kingdom again today, but this time, her reasons were personal rather than observational. Ulysses stirred as he felt Xena rising to get up.

"Leaving so soon?" he asked, his voice still thick with sleep. She turned to kiss him.

"Yes, I'm going into the kingdom today. I need to purchase a few items." Ulysses nodded and said,

"Then you will need to know how to access our funds." He got up out of the bed and led Xena to a locked cabinet. As he unlocked it, her eyes went wide. She had never seen so much gold in her life.

"Take what you want and enjoy your time out," he said, pulling her naked body into his and kissing her deeply. Xena grabbed her bag, filled it with gold, and left to get ready.

Gabrielle stood on the open balcony, watching Xena and Zephyra ride away in the carriage without her. She blew out a breath of air, feeling disappointment since Xena had promised to take her with them next time. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice Telemachus approaching until he spoke.

"Gabrielle, what are you doing?" She turned to him, quickly hiding her upset feelings with a smile.

"Oh, nothing. Just enjoying the view. What about you?"

"Nothing too important at the moment. Would you like to walk with me?" he asked, his eyes warm and inviting. Her face lit up, grateful for the distraction.

"Sure." He held his arm out, and she wrapped hers around his, feeling a spark of excitement as they walked arm in arm through the palace gardens. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the gentle rustling of leaves accompanied their footsteps. They walked in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying each other's company. Telemachus finally broke the silence.

"You seemed a bit upset earlier. Anything you want to talk about?" Gabrielle sighed softly.

"It's nothing, really. Just a bit disappointed that I couldn't join Xena today. She had promised to take me with her next time." Telemachus nodded understandingly.

"I know how you feel. Sometimes it can be hard when plans change. But I'm glad we have this time together now." Gabrielle smiled at him.

"Me too. It's nice to have someone to talk to." They continued their walk, exchanging stories and laughter. Telemachus found himself admiring Gabrielle's spirit. As they reached a secluded part of the garden, he turned to her, his eyes softening.

"Gabrielle, I want you to know that I really appreciate your company. You're a good friend." Gabrielle blushed slightly, feeling a flutter in her chest.

"Thank you, Telemachus. I feel the same way about you." He took a deep breath, gathering his courage.

"And... I think you're more than just a friend to me." Gabrielle's heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity in them.

"Telemachus, I..." Before she could finish, he leaned in, his lips gently brushing against hers in a tender kiss. Gabrielle closed her eyes, melting into the moment, feeling the warmth and connection between them. When they finally pulled away, they both smiled, knowing that something special was blossoming between them.

"Shall we continue our walk?" Telemachus asked, his voice soft. Gabrielle nodded, her heart full.

"Yes."

Inside the kingdom, their first stop was the tavern. Since they didn't eat breakfast inside the palace, she thought it would do them justice if they started the day off with a full meal. Xena and Zephyra laughed and enjoyed each other's company. Xena noticed how Zephyra was loosening up around her now. Once breakfast was over, Xena led Zephyra to the various fabric stalls.

"Pick out all the fabrics you like," Xena instructed.

"It's high time you started to look like the queen's maiden." Zephyra beamed as she went stall by stall, picking out her items.

"Zephyra," Xena called, "don't forget to pick out some new shoes too, and jewelry, if you see anything you like."

"Of course," Zephyra said, bowing her head.

The carriage was overflowing with items that Xena and Zephyra had picked out. They walked inside the palace, laughing and making light conversation, when Gabrielle walked up to Xena.

"I thought you said you would let me know when you were going into the kingdom again," Gabrielle said, a hint of hurt in her voice.

Xena grabbed her hand, "I will. I only went to get Zephyra a few items."

"Sure," Gabrielle said nonchalantly.

As the footmen started unloading the carriage, Xena instructed Zephyra to let the seamstresses know what she wanted the fabrics made into.

"At once, my lady," Zephyra bowed, eagerly making her way to the seamstresses. Before Xena could walk away, Gabrielle softly touched her arm,

"Can I talk to you privately?" Xena gave her a soft gaze,

"Sure." She led them to the gardens. It was early afternoon, and she knew everyone was busy working.

"Xena, you haven't been to your bed in almost a week," Gabrielle began, her voice trembling slightly. Xena looked down sheepishly,

"Yeah, I've been meaning to tell you that Ulysses wants me to sleep in his quarters now." Gabrielle shook her head, frustration clear in her eyes.

"And how hard was it to tell me that instead of making me guess whether I was going to see you?"

"I'm sorry," Xena said. "I've been kind of busy, if you haven't noticed."

"Busy? Busy doing what? Ignoring your best friend? Pretending I don't exist?" Gabrielle's voice rose with each word. Xena's eyes narrowed.

"That's not fair, Gabrielle. You know how much responsibility I have now. It's not like before."

"And what about our responsibility to each other? Or did that vanish the moment you started sharing Ulysses' bed?" Gabrielle spat out, tears forming in her eyes. Xena took a step back, disbelief flashing across her face.

"This isn't about Ulysses. It's about me trying to balance everything. I'm sorry if that means I can't be with you every second."

"Every second? I'm not asking for every second, Xena! Just some acknowledgment that I still matter to you!" Gabrielle's voice broke.

"You do matter to me, Gabrielle." Xena said softly, trying to reach out to her. Gabrielle pulled away, shaking her head.

"It doesn't feel like it. Not anymore." With that, she stormed out of the gardens, leaving Xena standing there. Xena shook her head, dismissing Gabrielle's outburst as unnecessary drama. She took a deep breath, determined not to let it ruin her mood. Her day had been good, and she intended to keep it that way. As she made her way back into the palace, Lysandra called for her.

"My lady."

"What!?" Xena responded irritably. Lysandra was taken back and her tone softened.

"The healer has arrived." Xena's face softened.

"Great, send them into the conference hall," walking away to find Ulysses. Once Ulysses and Xena arrived in the conference room, Xena was surprised to see that the healer was a woman.

"Good afternoon, we are so glad you accepted our request. I am King Ulysses, and this is my lady, Xena." They both reached out and shook her hand.

"It is my honor. My name is Mykaleia."

"Nice to meet you," Xena welcomed. Ulysses held his hand to the table, and they all took a seat. Xena and Ulysses asked numerous questions about her background and abilities. Mykaleia responded confidently, detailing her extensive experience and knowledge. Xena then told Mykaleia,

"We have someone we'd like you to look at." She wanted to see her work before deciding whether to ask her to stay permanently. Xena escorted her to Taria's room, standing close by to watch her every move.

Mykaleia approached Taria with a calm and reassuring manner, gently examining her. She asked Taria a few questions and listened closely to her answers. Xena observed the healer's precise and caring approach, impressed by her professionalism. Once the examination was complete, Xena asked,

"How far along do you think she is? She is much smaller than I...could remember seeing." Xena sighed, glad she had caught herself. Mykaleia provided her assessment, which matched Xena's observations.

"She appears to be around seven months along, though her size is smaller than typical." Xena nodded, satisfied with her expertise.

"I'm impressed. Would you be willing to stay here permanently? Ulysses can negotiate your pay and living arrangements." Mykaleia smiled warmly.

"I would be honored." Ulysses stepped forward.

"Excellent. Let's discuss the details." He led Mykaleia back to the conference room. Xena turned to Taria.

"You're in good hands now," she reassured her.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." Taria smiled gratefully.

"Thank you, my lady." Xena left the room, feeling accomplished. She had secured a skilled healer for the palace, one less thing she had to worry about.

Xena sat at the desk inside the library, making plans for the palace. The quietness allowed her thoughts to flow clearly. Suddenly, she heard the door creak open.

"Great," she muttered sarcastically, tossing her feather pen down. She waited to see who would appear.

"Hey," Gabrielle said softly as she stepped into the room.

"Hey," Xena replied, her tone neutral.

"What are you writing?" Gabrielle asked, her voice gentle and her eyes soft. Xena looked at Gabrielle, noticing the sincere expression.

"Writing out some changes we need here in the palace, starting with the bath hall... I don't understand why there's just one. Oh, and we filled the healer position. Her name is Mykaleia. But now, we need to open a hospice." She looked at Gabrielle, knowing this would spark her interest.

"But that's another objective. I need to focus on a few things at a time." Gabrielle sat in the chair next to her.

"Xena, I'm really sorry about earlier. I don't know what came over me." Xena knew what it was but chose to offer her a smile.

"It's okay, Gabrielle. We all have our moments." Gabrielle looked relieved.

"Can you think of any major changes the palace needs?" Xena leaned back, thinking.

"Aside from the bath hall and the hospice, I was considering improvements to the dining hall. It's always so crowded, and the staff needs more space to work efficiently. Also, the gardens could use some work. They could be a peaceful retreat for everyone, not just for us." Gabrielle nodded.

"That's a great idea. And maybe we could add more living quarters for the staff. It gets cramped for them sometimes." Xena smiled, appreciating Gabrielle's input.

"Exactly. And we need to ensure that the staff feels valued and comfortable. Happy workers mean a well-run palace." Gabrielle reached over and touched Xena's hand.

"I'm really sorry, Xena. I know I overreacted earlier. It's just... seeing you so involved with Ulysses, and everything made me feel left out." Xena squeezed her hand gently.

"Gabrielle, you're always important to me. I'm just trying to balance everything. There's a lot to do, and I need your help and support." Gabrielle smiled, feeling reassured.

"You have it. Let's make these changes together." Xena nodded.

"Agreed. Now, let's get back to work. We have a lot to plan." As they continued discussing the improvements, the bond between them felt stronger.

Xena called a chambermaid meeting once dinner was over. She waited patiently, sitting on the throne chair while the women slowly arrived. Zephyra stood behind Xena's chair, slightly to the side so she could be seen. She was also curious about the purpose of the meeting since Xena hadn't filled her in either. Once everyone arrived, Xena began.

"There are some changes coming soon to the palace," Xena announced, her voice calm but authoritative.

"Starting with living quarters. Zephyra will be moving closer to me. I found out that some of you were sharing rooms. Each of you will now have your own room." Zephyra's mouth dropped as she smiled brightly at the news. The women exchanged surprised glances, whispers filling the room.

"Also," Xena continued, "feel free to mingle in and outside the palace once you have everything complete. This is not a prison, and it shouldn't feel like one. Next, I'm hiring more staff. There are more people needed to help with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These people will not occupy the palace. They will help during those specific time frames and then leave." The women nodded, absorbing the information.

"We also have a permanent healer who lives inside the palace. Her name is Mykaleia. You may see her at any time. She will stay in the same wing as the rest of you. Lastly, I want to get to know you better. I want to know what your passions are, what makes you happy." The women looked at each other with shocked expressions and began to whisper amongst themselves.

"Also, if you have any questions for me, this is your time to ask." Xena smiled at them.

"And don't worry, I don't bite. Tell them, Zephyra." Zephyra laughed softly.

"It's true. Lady Xena is very approachable." The women began to relax. Lysandra, spoke up first.

"I have always loved gardening. It calms me and makes me feel close to nature." Xena nodded.

"That's wonderful, Lysandra. We could use more hands in the garden. Perhaps you could help lead the efforts there?" Lysandra's eyes lit up.

"I would love that, my lady." Another woman, younger and shy, hesitated before speaking.

"I enjoy painting. It's something I do when I have free time." Xena smiled warmly.

"What's your name?"

"Isadora," she replied softly.

"Isadora, I'd love to see some of your work. Maybe we can find a place for you to display your art in the palace." Isadora beamed, her cheeks flushing with happiness.

One by one, the women shared their interests. Some loved cooking, others sewing, and a few had a knack for music. Xena listened attentively to each of them, making mental notes and encouraging their passions. As the meeting progressed, the atmosphere grew lighter and more relaxed. The women felt valued and heard, a drastic contrast to their previous experiences in the palace. Finally, Xena addressed them all.

"I want this palace to be a place where everyone feels at home and valued. Your passions and hobbies are important, and I want to support them. If you have any other ideas or suggestions, don't hesitate to share them with me or Zephyra." The women nodded, their faces glowing with appreciation and excitement.

"Thank you, my lady," one of the women said, her voice full of gratitude. Xena smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

"You're welcome. Now, let's all work together to make this palace a better place for everyone." The meeting ended on a positive note, with the women leaving the room with smiles on their faces and a sense of purpose. Zephyra stayed behind, her eyes shining with pride as she looked at Xena.

"That went well," Zephyra said softly. Xena nodded.

"Yes, it did. Now, let's get some rest. We have a lot of work ahead of us." Zephyra smiled and followed Xena out of the room, feeling more connected to her than ever before. By the end of the day, the palace was buzzing with a renewed sense of hope and excitement. Xena had shown that she was a compassionate leader who cared deeply about her people.

Nighttime had arrived and she pushed open the doors to their bed chambers. She slowly undressed and stretched. It had been another long day. The nights seemed warmer than what she was used to, so she crawled into bed naked. Ulysses was in bed already, his gaze fixed onto her every movement.

Every night it was the samething. As soon as she crawled into bed next to Ulysses, longing and desire would wash over her. His presence was magnetic, drawing her closer, and she couldn't resist the pull. The warmth of his body, the steady rise and fall of his chest, and his faint scent—all of it drove her wild.

She tried to close her eyes and sleep, but her mind was filled with thoughts of him. His strong hands, the way they held her so tenderly and protectively, the way his eyes lit up when he saw her—everything about him made her heart race. She felt like she was constantly on the edge, just waiting for his touch.

When he turned to face her, his eyes half-open with sleep, she couldn't help but reach out. Her fingers traced the contours of his face, and he smiled, pulling her closer. His skin was warm against hers, and the feel of his heartbeat under her palm was both comforting and exhilarating.

"Xena," he whispered, his voice husky with sleep. That single word, her name on his lips, ignited a fire within her. She pressed herself against him, her need for him overwhelming. His hands found their way to her waist, pulling her even closer. Their bodies fit together perfectly, and every touch, every kiss, felt like it wasn't enough. She wanted more. She wanted all of him.

As their lips met, she lost herself in him. His kiss was both gentle and demanding, and she responded with equal passion. Her hands roamed over his body, memorizing every inch of him. The taste of him, the feel of his skin, the sound of his breath mingling with hers—it was intoxicating.

When they finally made love, it was like nothing else mattered. The world faded away, and it was just them. In those moments, she felt complete, as if she had found the missing piece of herself. His love was a powerful force, one that grounded her and lifted her up at the same time.

When they laid wrapped in each other's arms, she felt contented. Peace. Ares was wrong, she could never get bored of this feeling. She rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. She knew that as long as they had each other, they could face anything. When she drifted off to sleep in his arms, she knew that this was where she belonged—right there, next to him.