Chapter 23: Vengeance

One sunny afternoon, Xena sat at the table in the sunroom, jotting down her plans with a determined smile. Zephyra entered, her curiosity sparked as she saw Xena's focused expression. "What are you writing, Momma?" Zephyra teased, taking a seat across from her. Xena quickly rolled up her plans, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"You'll see," she said with a wink. "But for now, I need you to gather all the girls and meet me in the sunroom."

Zephyra nodded, slightly confused but eager to help. She went off to gather the women, who soon arrived in the sunroom, whispering among themselves. They looked around with confused expressions. Xena sat on a blanket, her smile warm and inviting.

"Gather around me," Xena instructed, gesturing for them to sit close. "I'm sure you're wondering why I called you all here this evening. Well, we are going to have a party."

The women exchanged shocked glances, their expressions quickly turning to excitement as butlers entered with trays of finger foods, wine, and water. Musicians began to play lively music, filling the room with a festive atmosphere.

Xena pointed to Gabrielle. "Can you close the door?" Gabrielle obliged, sealing them in this secret celebration. At first, the women were tense, unsure how their queen would react to their behavior. Sensing their hesitation, Xena raised her hand, and Zephyra helped her to her feet.

"Well, if you're afraid to dance, then you'll be watching me, Gabrielle, and Zephyra," Xena announced, pulling her two friends into a joyful dance. They started grooving to the music, their laughter contagious.

Slowly, the other women began to join in, the butlers pouring wine and encouraging the merriment. The sunroom transformed into a haven of joy as the women danced and laughed together, letting go of their daily worries.

After the initial burst of energy, the women settled down, wine spilled in random spots on the floor, their cheeks flushed from dancing and laughter. Xena invited them to sit around her on the blanket.

"I want you to share your dreams with me and I'll share mine," she said softly. One by one, the women opened up, revealing their hopes and aspirations. Xena listened closely, her heart swelling with pride and affection for these strong, resilient women. When it was her turn, Xena shared her dreams of a prosperous, peaceful Ithaca where every girl had the chance to learn and grow, and every woman felt valued and respected. As the conversations died down, Lysandra said to Xena,

"My lady, I'm shocked at how fast your belly grew." Zephyra was unable to contain her excitement. She placed her hand on Xena's stomach.

"She's so big now, right?" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she turned towards the others. The women crowded closer,

"How long do you have left?" Syrenia asked. Xena smiled, anticipation and calm in her eyes.

"Hopefully less than a season," she replied. The questions flowed freely then, each woman eager to know more.

"Do you want a girl or a boy?" "Are you excited?" "Are you nervous about the delivery?" Xena laughed softly at their enthusiasm.

"I'm excited and a bit nervous, but mostly, I'm just looking forward to meeting our baby, whether it's a boy or a girl." She placed her hand on Zephyra's, that still lingered on her belly. Then suddenly, the baby kicked. Zephyra glanced at Xena with widen eyes as Xena smiled.

"Come," she gestured for them all to feel the baby's movements. The women around her eagerly leaned in. One by one, they placed their hands gently on Xena's belly, their eyes lighting up as they felt the baby's movements.

"Oh, did you feel that?" Gabrielle exclaimed, her face glowing with wonder.

"Yes, it's amazing!" another woman chimed in with a big smile. The room filled with soft gasps and delighted murmurs as each woman experienced the tiny kicks. The sense of connection grew stronger, not just with the baby but with each other.

"This is incredible," Zephyra said, her voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for sharing this with us, my lady." The room filled with warm, supportive murmurs and encouraging smiles, the women sharing in Xena's joy and anticipation.

After their heartfelt conversation, Xena signaled the butlers, who began to fill the room, each carrying a bucket of hot water. As they set up, Xena explained,

"Tonight, we will relax and enjoy a special treat. The attendants will wash and massage our feet as a sign of appreciation and care for all we do." One by one, they placed their feet in the warm water, the butlers and attendants tenderly washing and massaging their feet. Laughter and soft conversation filled the room, the women feeling pampered and cherished.

As the evening drew to a close, Xena looked around at the content faces of her companions, her heart full. This celebration had not only lifted their spirits but also strengthened their bond. They were not just members of a palace; they were a family.

The chambermaids lounged in Lysandra's room, enjoying the rare luxury of relaxation after the party. The air was thick with idle gossip and whispered secrets.

"You see how Zephyra is acting now, like she's better than all of us since her little promotion?" Melaina spat, her tone dripping with jealousy.

Lysandra shook her head. "As she should. She has a high position now, a lot more responsibility. I couldn't imagine having the duty of tending to Lady Xena, especially while she's pregnant." Olympia and Isadora nodded in agreement, their faces serious.

Melaina continued, undeterred. "Did you see how she freely rubbed on Xena's belly, without permission, like they were friends?"

"Well, I think that Lady Xena and Zephyra have become close, considering the time they have spent together," Olympia said thoughtfully.

They stretched out on the bed, feeling relaxed and comfortable. Gabrielle passed by their room, ready to knock when she heard them talking. She paused, deciding to listen for a moment.

"Do you think that Xena is pregnant with our king's baby?" Melaina asked. The women looked at her as if she had lost her mind but remained silent.

"Sure, she's carrying the king's baby. She didn't get like that by herself," Syrenia joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Lysandra asked quietly, "What made you say such a thing?" Melaina leaned in, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.

"Because I told you that I used to hear voices coming from her room when our king was away." The women looked down, nervous expressions on their faces. They didn't want to speak ill of their queen, especially considering her generosity towards them. Xena had shown them respect and attention that no one else in the palace had.

"Melaina, maybe we shouldn't talk like this," Isadora said, her voice trembling slightly. "Lady Xena has been kind to us."

Melaina scoffed. "Kindness or not, we should know the truth. What if she's deceiving us all?"

Lysandra frowned. "I don't think she's capable of that. She's been nothing but honest and caring."

Melaina's expression hardened. "You're all so naive. Just because someone is nice to you doesn't mean they're not hiding something."

Olympia sighed. "We shouldn't jump to conclusions. Let's just do our jobs and not get involved in palace politics."

Gabrielle, still outside the door, clenched her fists. She wanted to barge in and defend Xena but knew it would only cause more trouble. She decided to talk to Xena later, to warn her about the growing suspicion.

"Mark my words, something isn't right. We need to keep our eyes and ears open." The other women exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing more. The atmosphere in the room grew tense as they realized the potential consequences of their gossip.

Xena sat in the garden dressed in a light tank dress, determined to stay cool as the weather grew hotter. She was busy reading a document when Gabrielle walked in and took a seat next to her.

"Wow, I'm surprised that Zephyra isn't out here today," Gabrielle joked.

Xena laughed. "She's not glued to me, Gabrielle. She does have her own free time."

"How are you today?" Gabrielle asked tenderly. Xena looked at her with warm eyes, rubbing her belly.

"We are fine. Someone has been up dancing for most of the morning."

Gabrielle smiled brightly. "What are you reading?"

"Going over more updates that I need to make for the kingdom. What's up?"

"Do you have a minute to talk?" Before Xena could reply, Olympia and Lysandra nervously approached them in the garden. Xena noticed the tense expressions on their faces.

"What's wrong?" Lysandra glanced at Olympia, then back at Xena.

"My lady, I thought you should know that Melaina has been spreading a nasty rumor about you and our future prince or princess."

Xena's expression became serious. "What did she say?"

Gabrielle interrupted, "Xena, that's what I was going to talk to you about. I heard her too. She's saying that your baby is not Ulysses'." Xena gulped noisily. They could all tell she was getting mad.

"Did she now?" Lysandra and Olympia both nodded, too afraid to look Xena in the face.

"Very well," Xena said as she stood up and left the garden. Xena knocked on Zephyra's door. "My lady," Zephyra began, but Xena interrupted her.

"Tell Melaina to meet me in the grand hall at once," Xena commanded and walked away. Zephyra immediately slipped on her shoes and left the room.

Xena and Ulysses sat in their throne chairs in the grand hall as Melaina entered. Once Melaina saw the king and queen, her heart stopped. Zephyra walked in behind her and stood next to Xena's chair. Melaina knew she was in trouble. The tension in the air was unbreathable. She wanted to glare at Zephyra but remembered she wasn't in the room with them. She took a deep breath.

Ulysses spoke first, "Melaina, it has been brought to my attention that you are trying to start a rebellion between your queen and our child."

Melaina spoke nervously, "No, my king, there must be some kind of misunderstanding."

Xena's voice cut through the hall, "There's no misunderstanding. Three witnesses have come forward so far."

Melaina couldn't believe her fellow chambermaids had ratted her out. She tried to defend herself, but Xena's voice bounced off the walls,

"Enough!" Zephyra smiled at Melaina's attempt to defend herself.

"Melaina, your actions have sown discord and doubt within the palace. Such behavior cannot be tolerated. As punishment, you are hereby stripped of your current position and assigned to the position of stablehand. You will be responsible for the most menial tasks, and you will earn back any respect through hard work and loyalty."

Melaina's face paled. She opened her mouth to protest, but Ulysses raised a hand, silencing her.

"This decision is final. You will report to your new duties immediately."

Zephyra stepped forward, escorting Melaina out of the hall. The former chambermaid walked with her head bowed, knowing her fate was sealed. As the doors closed behind them, Xena and Ulysses exchanged a glance. The message was clear: they would protect their family at all costs.

Zephyra knocked softly on Taria's door. Taria opened it, looking shocked. "Lady Zephyra," she greeted.

"Our queen wants to see you at once," Zephyra replied.

Taria quickly grabbed her son and followed Zephyra back to the grand hall, her heart racing. As she entered, she slowed her pace, taking in the sight of the king and queen sitting on their thrones. Ulysses' face was stern, Xena was unsmiling, and Zephyra's expression was unreadable. Her heart sank, fearing she was about to be sent back to the kingdom.

Her baby whined, and she rocked him gently to soothe him. Xena broke the silence, holding out her arms.

"May I?" Zephyra immediately took the baby from Taria and handed him to Xena, who smiled tenderly at the infant. Ulysses spoke next,

"Taria," she braced herself for the worst, "we are in need of a new chambermaid and we are wondering if you wanted the position." Her eyes lit up with gratitude.

"Yes, my king and queen," she replied eagerly.

"Taria," Xena continued, "for the time being, Zephyra will watch your son while you tend to your duties until I make different arrangements for you."

Zephyra's eyes widened in surprise, but she kept her thoughts to herself. Ulysses stood from his throne,

"I will take you to Lysandra, who will help you get familiarized with your new duties. You will also be changing rooms a little later today." Before Taria turned to leave, Xena stopped her.

"Taria, we will take great care of your son. He's in good hands." Taria nodded gratefully and followed behind the king. Once they were out of earshot, Zephyra stepped in front of Xena.

"Why do I have to watch her son? I thought I was your personal maiden." Xena continued to bounce the baby as she spoke,

"Because you could use the practice, and so could I."She arched an eyebrow at Zephyra, who then said,

"I understand."

The fires of the forge crackled in the dim light of Ares' lair. The war god stood over a massive stone table, his face twisted with anger as he stared into the reflection of the world below. There he could see Xena, his fierce warrior, now the queen, married to Ulysses. The very thought of it made his blood boil.

"How could she betray me like this?" Ares growled to himself. His mind replayed the moments he'd shared with Xena—the passion, the battles, the connection. And now, she had turned her back on him. His fists clenched as he turned away from the table, pacing with rage.

Suddenly, the water in a nearby basin began to ripple, and from the depths of the water rose a figure, draped in seaweed and shimmering with the reflection of the ocean. Poseidon emerged from the depths, his face as stormy as the waves he commanded.

"Ares," Poseidon's deep voice boomed through the chamber.

"I see your anger, and it mirrors my own." Ares looked up, intrigued but still furious.

"Poseidon. What brings you here?"

"The same as you, I imagine," Poseidon said, his eyes narrowing. "That man, Ulysses. He's insulted me for the last time. He defied me when he sailed home, dodging my storms and ignoring my wrath. Now, he sits comfortably on his throne in Ithaca as if he owns the seas." Ares' eyes lit up with renewed interest.

"So, we have a common enemy."

"Indeed," Poseidon growled. "He took what belongs to me, and he defied your claim over Xena. It seems Ulysses has crossed both the god of war and the god of the sea." A slow smile crept across Ares' face.

"I've been waiting for the right moment to act. Together, we can destroy him—and remind the world why the gods should never be crossed." Poseidon nodded.

"I have just the thing to unleash upon Ithaca. The Erymanthian Boar. A creature of unmatched strength, born from the wilds and fueled by the fury of the gods." Ares grinned darkly.

"Let it loose. Let them know that neither man nor woman can escape the wrath of the gods." Poseidon raised his trident, and the room darkened as thunder rumbled above them. The plan was set, and soon, Ulysses and Xena would face a terror like none they had ever imagined.