Chapter 14: Whispers and Worries

Gabrielle awoke in Telemachus' arms, the harsh sunlight streaming through the windows making her squint. Disoriented, she looked around, trying to piece together the events that led to her sleeping on the floor in her homecoming attire. As her eyes adjusted, she noticed Telemachus' hand resting on hers and gasped softly. She hoped she hadn't done anything she would regret, but surely, she would remember if she had.

"What was in that wine?" she muttered to herself. Carefully, she removed herself from Telemachus' embrace, trying not to wake him. As she tried to stand, Telemachus stirred and opened his eyes, looking at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"Did we...?" he asked, his voice trailing off.

"No!" Gabrielle answered quickly, a bit too loudly, before heading towards her room.

Meanwhile, Xena and Ulysses laid asleep in each other's arms. Ulysses held Xena close to his body with his arm draped over her. Her skin felt soft and warm against him, bringing a sense of peace he rarely experienced.

Gabrielle entered the room quietly, closing the door softly to avoid waking Xena. She turned to head to her bed but froze when she saw Xena's and Ulysses' clothes scattered across the floor. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene, then slowly turned to look at Xena's bed.

Xena and Ulysses were tangled together under the covers, clearly having spent the night together. She could tell they were still naked. Gabrielle's shock turned into a small smile as she realized what had happened. She tiptoed towards her bed, trying not to disturb the couple. As she moved, Xena stirred and opened her eyes, blinking sleepily at her friend.

"Gabrielle?" she whispered, careful not to wake Ulysses. She protectively pulled the covers higher on him, making sure not to expose any unwanted parts. Gabrielle looked at her with a teasing glint in her eye.

"Good morning," she whispered back, her voice full of unspoken questions. Xena gave a small, sheepish smile and nodded towards Ulysses, still asleep.

"We'll talk later," she whispered. Gabrielle nodded, still grinning, and quietly settled into her bed, her mind racing with curiosity and excitement about what Xena would tell her later. She closed her eyes, deciding to catch a bit more sleep while she could.

Melaina and the other chambermaids all entered the bath hall at the same time, ready to relax while the rest of the palace was still sleeping. Lysandra and Zephyra chatted and laughed delightfully while taking in the water's comfort. Melaina was quiet, lost in thought.

"What's wrong, Mel?" Zephyra asked. Melaina looked up and gave them a fake smile.

"Oh, nothing, just thinking."

"About what?" asked Lysandra.

"It's not like you to be this quiet." Melaina was quiet again before she decided to speak. Looking at all the women in there, she asked,

"Have any of you noticed something... off... about Lady Xena?"

"What do you mean by off?" one of the women asked.

"Well, last night, I know for sure I heard her whispering to someone in her room and her door was locked. Then, when our king knocked on her door, it was unlocked, and he went inside. Only Xena was in the room." The other women looked at each other, not knowing what to think. Melaina continued,

"He's still in there with her. I hope he's okay. Do you think Xena could have set him up?" The other women burst out in laughter. Lysandra said,

"You let your imagination run wild. I'm sure he's just spending time with her. He loves her. It's a common thing for a man to want to be with his woman, you know." Melaina shook her head, still convinced there was more to Xena than they knew.

"Maybe, but something just doesn't feel right." Zephyra leaned back, enjoying the warmth of the water.

"Melaina, you worry too much. Xena has done nothing but good since she arrived. The king is happy, and so is she. That's all that matters." Lysandra nodded in agreement.

"Besides, if there was something wrong, don't you think the king would know? He's not a fool." Melaina sighed, knowing her concerns weren't shared.

"I hope you're right. I just can't shake this feeling." The women continued their bath, the laughter and conversation resuming, but Melaina's unease lingered. She made her mind up at that moment that she would keep a closer eye on Xena.

Ulysses stretched and let his hands lazily roam over Xena's body. He trailed kissed up and down her neck, the memory of their love making still fresh on his mind. Actually, it was the only thing he could think about. The way his body reacted with hers, igniting a hunger for her, that he'd never craved for anyone in his life. She softly moaned, enjoying the feel of his lips on her body. Slowly, he crawled on top of her and wrapped her thigh around his hips, massaging it gingerly. He leaned down and kissed her passionately. She returned his kisses with equal passion but then she remembered Gabrielle was in the room. She pulled back from him,

"Ulysses,"

"Hmm," still trailing kisses up and down her body. She tried to turn her body away from him, but he kept following her every move. He opened her legs and pressed his body comfortably between her, his member hard as ever, dragging up and down her. She lazily looked to Gabrielle to see if she was still sleeping. She could see the steady rise and fall of her back.

"Ulysses," she tried again but he just captured her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Gabrielle is in here," she barely got out. He looked over to Gabrielle and pulled the fluffy covers around them, completely covering their bodies from head to toe. Then he whispered in her ear,

"I'll be quiet," as he sunk deep into her.

Gabrielle laid on her side, eyes squeezed shut, willing herself to remain still. She heard the soft murmur of voices, then the unmistakable sound of kissing. Her heart sank as she realized what was about to happen. She had thought about getting up and leaving, but part of her had hoped Xena would stop it. Now, it was too late.

She laid there, her back to them, every muscle tense. She could hear their whispered words, the rustle of blankets, the quiet urgency in their movements. The sounds grew more intimate, and her uneasiness deepened. She focused on keeping her breathing steady, pretending to be asleep, waiting for the moment to pass.

Ulysses' moans were deep, a contrast to Xena's softer, breathless ones. Gabrielle's cheeks flushed with embarrassment and something she couldn't quite name. It wasn't anger, but a strange, hollow feeling she didn't like.

She knew they had been passionate but hearing it firsthand was something she hadn't been prepared for. She tried to distract herself by focusing on the patterns in the wall, counting each line and crack, anything to block out the sounds behind her.

She thought back to all the times she and Xena had shared a campfire, talking late into the night about their dreams. Those moments felt distant now, overshadowed by the reality of Xena's new relationship. It wasn't that she begrudged Xena happiness—she wanted nothing more for her friend—but being a silent witness to this moment was a painful reminder of how much things had changed.

Gabrielle's mind wandered to thoughts of home, of simpler times, of anything but the present. She felt a pang of longing for the days when it was just the two of them against the world. She knew things could never go back to the way they were, but she hadn't realized how much she missed it until now.

Finally, the sounds began to subside. Ulysses' breathing slowed, and Xena's quiet murmurs became softer, more soothing. Gabrielle laid still, waiting for the final silence that would signal the end. When it came, she felt a wave of relief wash over her.

She remained motionless as Xena and Ulysses settled down, their breathing evening out as she heard them kissing again. Gabrielle let out a silent breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. As she lay there, she made a silent promise to herself. She would find a way to be happy for Xena, to accept this new chapter in their lives. But she also knew she needed to find her own path, one that didn't involve being a passive observer to someone else's happiness. His moans, her moans— two sounds she never had to hear again in her life.

After waking up from her nap, Gabrielle turned over to see that she was now alone in her room. She let out a deep breath, looking over at Xena's empty bed. Thoughts of Xena and Ulysses replayed in her head, imagining them underneath the covers.

"Yuck," she muttered, shuddering at the thought. There was a light knock at the door. Gabrielle wondered who it could be. When she opened it, she saw Prince Telemachus standing there, fidgeting slightly before asking,

"Can I come in?"

"Sure," she said, stepping aside to let him inside. He sat down on her bed, looking around the room.

"How are you adjusting here so far?" he asked. She sat down next to him.

"It's been pretty simple, actually. I think the hardest part was learning everyone's names." They laughed softly together, both looking around the room nervously.

"Gabrielle," the prince began, "thank you for accompanying me in my carriage."

"Oh, it was no big deal," she waved it off. He grabbed her hand gently.

"Yes, it was. You're a really good dancer too." Gabrielle blushed, feeling the warmth of his hand.

"Thank you, Telemachus. You're not so bad yourself." He smiled, their faces inches apart.

"I have to admit, I've never met anyone quite like you, Gabrielle. You're... different. In a good way." She smiled, feeling butterflies in her stomach. "Different how?"

"You're strong, yet gentle. Confident, yet kind. It's... refreshing." Gabrielle's heart raced as she met his gaze.

"I feel the same way about you. You're not like other princes." Telemachus laughed softly.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that." Their eyes locked, and the air between them grew charged with unspoken words. He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her face.

"Gabrielle, can I... can I kiss you?" She nodded, her heart pounding.

"Yes." Telemachus closed the distance between them, his lips brushing against hers tenderly. The kiss was soft, filled with the promise of something new and beautiful. They pulled back, both smiling and a little breathless.

"Wow," Gabrielle whispered.

"Yeah," Telemachus agreed, still holding her hand. "Wow."

Gabrielle found Xena practicing her fight moves and stretching her muscles in the courtyard. She knew this was comforting to Xena. She walked up to her and sat on the bench, watching her friend go through her routine.

"Don't you think you stretched your muscles enough for today?" Gabrielle teasingly said. Xena's eyes widened with embarrassment as she paused mid-move.

"I should have known you were pretending. Wouldn't be the first time," she replied, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. Gabrielle grinned back.

"It seems like you two are adjusting well."

"Uh huh," was Xena's only reply as she continued to focus on her movements.

Great, Gabrielle thought. She didn't want to discuss him. Still, she pressed on.

"Has he asked you to join his room yet?" Xena laughed softly,

"What, kicking me out already or are you trying to make room for someone?" She arched her eyebrow teasingly at Gabrielle. Gabrielle quickly interjected,

"No, Xena, I was just wondering, that's all." Xena finished her stretch and sat down on the bench next to Gabrielle, wiping sweat from her brow.

"It's a big change, you know? I'm still getting used to it." Gabrielle nodded, understanding.

"You seem happy." Xena looked at her friend, her expression softening.

"I am. But it doesn't mean I'm not worried about you." Gabrielle waved her hand dismissively.

"I'm fine, really. Just adjusting too." Xena gave her a knowing look.

"You don't have to pretend with me, Gabrielle. If you need to talk, I'm here." Gabrielle sighed, leaning back on the bench.

"It's just... different. Seeing you with someone else, hearing... well, you know." Xena smiled softly. "Yeah."

"It's not that," Gabrielle said quickly.

"I just... I miss the simplicity of our travels, just the two of us. But I'm happy for you, Xena. Truly." Xena reached out and squeezed Gabrielle's hand.

"We'll always have that bond, no matter what changes. And who knows, maybe you'll find someone special too." She winked. Gabrielle smiled as she thought about the kiss she shared with the prince.

"Maybe. But for now, I'm just trying to navigate this new chapter." Xena nodded, understanding.

"We'll figure it out together, like we always do." Gabrielle felt a wave of relief.

"Thanks, Xena. That means a lot."

"Anytime," Xena replied, standing up.

"Now, how about we spar a bit?" Gabrielle looked at Xena in surprise. Xena had never asked her to spar before, and the invitation made her feel quite special. With a wide smile, she nodded eagerly. Xena threw her a staff.

"Ready?" Gabrielle caught the staff, feeling a surge of excitement.

"Ready."

Melaina walked across the open bridge in the palace and saw that Gabrielle and Xena were in the courtyard. Seizing the opportunity to speak with the king without Xena's presence, she quickly headed to his chamber and knocked on the door. A few moments later, the door opened.

"Melaina, how can I help you?" Ulysses asked. Melaina let out a breath of relief, glad to see the king in one piece.

"Is everything okay, my king? Is there anything I can get you? I know you didn't call for me, but when I saw that you didn't come back to your room last night, I thought something might have happened to you." The king smiled at her concern.

"I'm better than ever, Melaina. Thank you." Melaina bowed to the king and left, her curiosity unsatisfied. She decided to head towards Xena's chamber, hoping to uncover something that might explain the strange feeling she had. Just as she was about to turn the doorknob, a hand suddenly covered hers.

"You know you could get in deep trouble, whatever you're trying to do, if anyone catches you in here," Zephyra said firmly. Melaina jerked her hand back, startled.

"Zephyra, you scared me!" Zephyra kept her gaze steady.

"What are you doing, Melaina? You know this isn't right." Melaina glanced around nervously.

"I just... I feel like there's something off about Lady Xena. I need to know if she's hiding something." Zephyra sighed, lowering her voice.

"Look, I understand you're worried, but this isn't the way to handle it. If the king trusts her, we should too. Besides, if you get caught snooping around in her room, it won't just be you who gets in trouble. We all might suffer the consequences." Melaina bit her lip, torn between her curiosity and the risk involved.

"I just can't shake the feeling, Zephyra." Zephyra squeezed her friend's hand reassuringly.

"I know, but we need to trust the king's judgment. Let's go back to our duties and leave this be." Reluctantly, Melaina nodded.

"You're right. I don't want to cause any trouble." The two women walked away from Xena's door, Melaina still wrestling with her doubts but knowing she couldn't pursue them any further.