Chapter 26: Decisions and Divisions

"Penelope?" he whispered, his voice shaky with disbelief. Penelope smiled gently.

"Yes, Ulysses, it's me." Ulysses sat up, his mind racing.

"How... how can this be? I thought you were dead!" Penelope shook her head, her eyes filled with sadness.

"It's a long story, my love. I was taken, held captive for years. I managed to escape, but it took me a long time to find my way back to you." Ulysses reached out, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"I thought I had lost you forever." Penelope hugged him back, tears streaming down her face.

"I thought the same, but I never gave up hope. I knew I had to find my way back to you." Ulysses pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes.

"You have no idea how much I've missed you." Penelope smiled through her tears.

"And I you, my love." As they held each other, the reality of their reunion began to sink in.

Xena and Zephyra were walking towards Xena's bedchamber, chatting about nothing important. Zephyra noticed Xena kept rubbing her belly and was walking slower than usual.

"My queen, are you okay?"

"Yeah, just some indigestion," Xena replied.

"Well, let's get you to bed for a nap, and then I'll grab something for that indigestion."

Ulysses and Penelope were lost in their own world. "Ulysses," Penelope said, "we have so much time to make up for." They stared into each other's eyes. Penelope leaned in and captured Ulysses' lips in a soft kiss at first, but it quickly deepened. Oh, how she missed the taste of him.

Zephyra turned the knob and she and Xena walked into the room. Zephyra's mouth dropped open, and Xena just stared at them, not sure if she was seeing things correctly. Her heart felt as if it wasn't beating anymore. Ulysses made eye contact with Xena and pushed Penelope off of him, immediately ending the kiss. Xena bent over, wincing.

"Come on, my queen, we need to get you to bed," Zephyra said urgently, helping Xena to her chambers next door. Xena was breathing hard, clearly in pain.

"My queen, what is wrong? It's too early for the baby to be coming."

"I know," Xena said through clenched teeth. Zephyra ran to the door and screamed Lysandra's name. Lysandra immediately appeared.

"Go get Mykaleia now!" Zephyra commanded. She helped Xena take off her shoes and dress once she was in her bed.

"It's going to be okay, my queen. The healer is on her way." Xena grabbed Zephyra's hand, wincing again.

Ulysses burst into the room with a pale face.

"What's happening?" Zephyra shot him a look, still holding Xena's hand.

"It's too early for the baby, but she's in pain. Mykaleia is on her way." Ulysses looked at Xena, guilt and concern clear on his face.

"Xena, I'm so sorry—"

"Not now, Ulysses," Xena interrupted, her voice strained.

"Just get out!"

Ulysses flinched but nodded, backing out of the room as Mykaleia rushed in with her medical bag. She quickly assessed the situation and began giving instructions.

"Zephyra, get some clean cloths and warm water. Lysandra, help me with the herbs." Ulysses lingered in the doorway, helpless. Zephyra turned to him and said firmly,

"You heard her. Leave now." He hesitated for a moment, then left, closing the door behind him. Mykaleia knelt beside Xena, holding her other hand.

"I'm here, Xena. I'm here." Xena's breathing was ragged, and she squeezed both Zephyra's and Mykaleia's hands as another wave of pain hit her.

"Just... make sure the baby is okay," she whispered.

"We will," Mykaleia assured her. "Now, breathe, Xena. Focus on your breathing and try to stay calm." Zephyra wiped Xena's forehead with a cool cloth.

"You're doing great, my queen. Just hang in there." Time seemed to stretch endlessly as Mykaleia worked. The room was tense, filled with the worried murmurs and the quiet, focused commands of the healer. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Mykaleia looked up with a small smile.

"Xena, the baby's fine. It's not time yet. You and the baby are okay. I was able to stop the bleeding. You need to rest and avoid stress." Xena nodded weakly, relief washing over her. She looked at Zephyra, her eyes tired but still fierce.

"Thank you... for everything."

"Of course, my queen," Zephyra replied, kissing her hand.

"Just rest for now."

Zephyra and Lysandra helped make Xena comfortable, while Mykaleia continued to monitor her condition. As the room quieted down, Xena finally allowed herself to close her eyes, hoping for some much-needed rest.

Ulysses went back into the room with Penelope. He sat down on the bed next to her.

"Things have changed since you've been gone. Xena is the queen now." Penelope interjected,

"I am still the queen. I am not dead." Ulysses sighed.

"We will need to have a council meeting."

Lysandra knocked on Gabrielle's door with a worried look. Gabrielle opened the door and greeted her kindly.

"What's wrong?" Gabrielle asked.

"We have a problem, a big one," Lysandra replied.

"What kind of problem?" The prince came up behind Gabrielle, concerned.

"The king has called a council meeting. The queen's title is in jeopardy."

"Why?" Gabrielle asked with wide eyes.

"Because Penelope has returned home." Gabrielle turned to face Telemachus as his eyes watered.

"Where is she?" he asked anxiously.

"She's in the council room. That is what the council meeting is going to be about."

"There is no meeting needed," the prince said. "My mother is still alive; therefore, she is still the rightful queen." Gabrielle placed her hand on Telemachus' chest before he walked out.

"You can't be serious. Xena is the rightful queen. She has already been ordained. You can't just take her crown."

The prince looked at her, "We can and we will," then he left the room. Gabrielle had never felt so angry with him.

"What does Xena have to say about all of this?" she asked.

"Well, she doesn't really know. Something happened to her and the baby," Lysandra replied. Gabrielle covered her mouth, fearing the worst.

"They're okay," Lysandra quickly added. "But Xena won't be able to attend the meeting to defend herself."

"Well, I will speak on her behalf." Lysandra smiled and whispered,

"Please do your best. I don't want Penelope back."

"I will," Gabrielle assured her, rubbing Lysandra's back.

The tension in the palace was high as Gabrielle made her way to the council room. She steeled herself for the confrontation ahead, determined to stand up for Xena and ensure her rightful place as queen. As she entered the room, she saw Ulysses and Penelope seated at the head of the table, with the council members murmuring amongst themselves. Telemachus stood by his mother's side. Gabrielle took a deep breath and stepped forward.

"I am here to speak on behalf of Queen Xena."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to her. Penelope's gaze was cold, while Ulysses looked conflicted. Gabrielle could feel the weight of the moment, but she knew she had to be strong for Xena.

"Xena has proven herself as a capable and just ruler," Gabrielle began. "She has earned the respect and loyalty of the people. Penelope may have been the queen in the past, but she has been absent for a long time. Xena has stepped up and led this kingdom with grace and strength. She is the rightful queen, and it would be unjust to strip her of her title now." Telemachus stepped forward, his eyes filled with emotion.

"I disagree. Our queen was held prisoner. Her absence was not her choice." Gabrielle turned to him, surprised by his words.

"Prince Telemachus, I understand your loyalty to your mother, but Xena has proven herself as a capable and just ruler. She has earned the respect and loyalty of the people." Telemachus shook his head.

"The rightful queen has returned. We cannot ignore that. Xena took the throne in my mother's absence, but now she is back, and she deserves her place." Penelope's expression softened as she looked at her son, grateful for his support.

"Thank you, son. I know this is difficult for everyone, but I am ready to take back my role." Ulysses stood, raising his hand to silence the room.

"This is a difficult situation, and I understand the concerns on both sides. But the well-being of the kingdom must come first. We will listen to Gabrielle and weigh her words carefully." Gabrielle nodded, grateful for the chance to speak further.

"Xena has led this kingdom with grace and strength during Penelope's absence. She has made difficult decisions and fought for the safety of our people. Her dedication to Ithaca is unwavering. Because of Xena, the kingdom for both men and women is thriving unlike ever before and you all know this." Telemachus stepped forward again.

"But my mother was a beloved queen before she was taken. She deserves a chance to prove herself once more." Ulysses looked torn but nodded.

"We will take a vote," he said. "But remember, we must choose what is best for the kingdom."

The vote was tense, but in the end, the majority sided with Penelope. She would be reinstated as queen. Telemachus hugged his mother tightly.

"Thank you," he whispered. "You are home."

Gabrielle felt a pang of disappointment but remained curt. She had defended her friend and would continue to support her. As she turned to leave the council room, she heard Ulysses' voice.

"Before this meeting ends, I would like to say something," he stammered slightly. "I hereby give my status to the prince. I will no longer be king if I cannot have Xena as my queen."

Gasps filled the room.

"But Ulysses, why?" Penelope asked, her voice filled with shock and hurt.

"You are special to me, Penelope," Ulysses began, his voice steadying. "But when I saw Xena today, and the scare with our child, I knew then that my heart belongs to her. I've never felt so scared in my whole life. The thought of stripping her of her title as queen confirmed my decision. I do not want to lead the kingdom without her by my side."

The room was silent, the weight of Ulysses' words sinking in. Penelope looked stricken, and Telemachus seemed torn between his mother and the woman who had become a part of his life. Penelope spoke, her voice trembling.

"I couldn't imagine you making such a sacrifice. If that is your decision, then I no longer want to be queen. You keep your crown, and Xena should keep hers."

Gasps of surprise filled the room once more. Ulysses looked at Penelope, his eyes filled with gratitude and relief.

"Thank you, Penelope. Your understanding means more to me than you know." Penelope nodded, a small, sad smile forming on her lips.

"I only want what's best for Ithaca. Xena has proven herself a worthy queen, and she has your heart. That's what matters." Penelope turned to her son, placing a hand on his cheek.

"Telemachus, my son, lead with your heart and mind. Support Xena and your father. They will need you."

The council members murmured in agreement, the tension in the room easing as a new sense of unity began to take hold. Ulysses approached Penelope, taking her hand gently.

"Your contributions to this kingdom will always be honored. We will find a role for you that respects your experience and wisdom." Penelope nodded, tears in her eyes.

"Thank you, Ulysses. Let's work together for the good of Ithaca."

Lysandra had filled Xena in on what was taking place during the council meeting. There was a knock on the door. Zephyra opened it to see Gabrielle and Ulysses standing there. She slipped outside to speak with them before letting them in.

"What's the verdict?" she asked them, looking nervously. Gabrielle spoke,

"Xena will remain queen." Zephyra smiled and sighed,

"Thank the gods."

"How is she doing?" Gabrielle asked.

"Mykaleia wants her to stay calm and relaxed," Zephyra replied. Gabrielle nodded.

"Tell her I will be in later." Zephyra looked at Ulysses with a guilty expression,

"My king, I apologize about my outburst earlier." Ulysses raised his hand, shaking his head.

"Zephyra, I could never punish you for your loyalty to Xena. I need to speak with her. Is she awake?"

"Yes, my king," Zephyra said as she pushed the door open.

Once Lysandra saw the king enter, she squeezed Xena's hand and left the room, bowing slightly towards the king. Ulysses casually touched her shoulder as she left and her heart sped up, making her move faster out of the room.

"Xena," Ulysses started. Tears immediately formed in her eyes. He slid in bed closer to her,

"Nooo, shhh, don't." He took her hand, his eyes filled with concern.

"Xena, listen to me. What you saw... it was a moment of confusion, a ghost from the past. But my heart, my love, is with you." Xena's voice cracked, anger and pain mixing in her tone.

"Are you going to kiss every ghost you see? You wanted to kiss her." He gently wiped her tears away.

"Yes, I did. And it was a mistake. I know I hurt you, but my love for you is real. You are my present and my future." Xena looked into his eyes, searching for the truth.

"How can I trust that?"

"Xena, please," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I was lost in a moment of the past, but seeing you, the fear of losing you and our baby, brought me back to reality. You are my everything." She took a deep breath, the pain still raw.

"It felt like you wanted her, like I was just... forgotten."

"You are never forgotten," Ulysses said fiercely. "You are my queen, my love. Penelope is my past, but you... you are my future. I made a mistake, a terrible mistake, and I am so sorry. Please, Xena, believe me." Xena closed her eyes, tears still falling.

"I want to believe you." He cupped her face in his hands, his touch gentle.

"I love you, Xena. Only you. Let me prove it to you. Let me spend every day showing you how much you mean to me." Slowly, Xena opened her eyes, seeing the sincerity in his.

"You promise?"

"I promise," Ulysses whispered. "With all my heart." He leaned in to kiss her gently, a kiss filled with love and apology.

"What did Mykaleia say?" Ulysses asked, his voice filled with concern as he softly rubbed Xena's belly. Xena sighed, her hand covering his.

"She said my stress caused me to start bleeding and possibly early labor. She wants me to take it easy going forward."

Ulysses nodded, his face serious but tender. "I know you're worried about Solan, Xena. But you have to try and trust the soldiers. Kryocles and his men are capable. They'll bring him back safely." Xena closed her eyes.

"It's hard, Ulysses. Every moment he's out there, I can't help but worry. He's so young."

Ulysses leaned in, kissing her forehead gently. "I understand, my love. But you have to take care of yourself and our baby too. Stressing like this isn't good for either of you." Xena nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"I know. It's just... I can't help but feel responsible for him. He's out there because of me."

Ulysses lifted her chin, making her look into his eyes. "Solan is strong, just like his mother. And we have to believe in him and in the men we've sent to protect him. Right now, the best thing you can do for Solan is to stay healthy and strong." Xena took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

"You're right."

"Now, let's get you some rest. We need you and our baby to be safe and strong." Xena nodded, leaning back against the pillows as Ulysses continued to rub her belly soothingly.

Gabrielle paced back and forth in the library, the soft glow of candlelight casting flickering shadows on the walls. Her mind was a storm of emotions, the recent council meeting still fresh in her thoughts. The door creaked open, and Telemachus stepped inside. "Gabrielle," he began, his voice soft but edged with tension.

"Can we talk?" She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart.

"What is there to talk about, Telemachus? You made your position clear at the council meeting." He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"I didn't mean to upset you. But you have to understand, my mother is—"

"Your mother was trying to take the crown from Xena," Gabrielle interrupted as she raised her voice. "Xena has done nothing but good for this kingdom, and now that Penelope is back, she thinks she can just take over?"

"It's more complicated than that," Telemachus said, his tone defensive. "Penelope has a claim, and the council needed to consider it." Gabrielle's eyes flashed with anger.

"I know it's complicated, Telemachus. But Xena has proven herself time and again. Why are you siding with your mother instead of supporting Xena?" He stepped closer, frustrated.

"It's not about taking sides. It's about what's best for the kingdom. Penelope has experience and—"

"And what about loyalty?" Gabrielle snapped, her voice trembling with emotion. "What about standing by someone who has fought for the palace. Someone who identified and heard from the people and cared about the changes that were made." Telemachus reached out, gently grasping her hands.

"Gabrielle, please. I didn't want to hurt you. This isn't just about Xena and Penelope. It's about the future of our kingdom." Gabrielle turned to face him, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

"I just wish you could see it from my perspective. Xena is more than just a queen. She's... she's my family." He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"I understand. Know that I love you, and we'll get through this together." As Telemachus left the library, Gabrielle sank into a nearby chair, her heart heavy with the weight of their argument. She stared at the flickering candlelight, getting lost in its dance.