Chapter 16: Shadows of the Past

"Uh Ulyssess," panting, "harder," she sunk her nails into his back, as she pulled him closer. He rested his head in the crook of her neck, clutching the bed sheets with two fists, as they both neared their climax. He continued to plunge deep into her, so close to sending them over the top. Her screams and his moans were loud. They had no shame in their joining.

Suddenly, their bedroom door opened as they found their release. Waves of electricity surged through them. The prince walked in uninvited, but the room was too dark to see what was happening. Once he heard their screams of pleasure, he stopped in his tracks. Once his eyes adjusted, he saw his father and Xena's sweaty bodies wrapped within each other.

His father was on top of her, lazily rubbing his head on her body, when both of their heads turned towards him. The prince quickly turned his back towards them, embarrassed by what he had walked in on. Ulysses quickly pulled the covers on top of them, adamant that his son not catch a glimpse of Xena. The prince had no idea Xena would be in the room with his father, and he guilty for not knocking. Xena laid there, still running her hands along Ulysses' muscular body, while their breathing steadied.

"Father, I—" the prince stammered, trying to find his words.

"Wait outside until I call for you," Ulysses interrupted. The prince could tell his father was upset, and without another word, he walked out of their room, closing the door behind him. Ulysses sighed and removed himself from Xena's embrace. She rubbed his back soothingly.

"Don't be too hard on him. Even though he was wrong for not knocking, it wasn't intentional." Ulysses shook his head, threw on a pair of pants, and opened the door. Telemachus was standing there, looking thoroughly ashamed.

"I'm sorry, Father. I swear, if I had known—" Ulysses stopped him by raising his hand in the air.

"My bed chambers now belong to Xena and me. If you need entrance, you will knock and wait to be let in, understood?" Telemachus nodded while he looked down to the floor.

"Understood."

"Good. Now, what is it you need so early?" Ulysses asked, his tone softening slightly as he stepped into the hallway. Telemachus took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.

"There's an issue with the supply ships. The captains are demanding higher wages and threatening to delay their departures. I thought you should know immediately." Ulysses nodded,

"Alright, we'll need to call a council meeting immediately and discuss it further."

Inside the bedroom, Xena could hear the murmur of their voices fading down the hallway. She wondered what was so important that it called for Ulysses' immediate attention. She wrapped her robe around her body and just as she was about to exit his room, she felt that tingle again.

"Ares," she said his name like a forbidden word. Ares materialized directly behind her, leaning into her neck, inhaling her natural scent. Xena's entire body tensed at his touch, her breath catching as his proximity ignited a surge of desire within her. She tried to ignore the intense pull he had on her, her heart racing and her senses heightened.

"Ares," she whispered, her voice trembling despite her effort to stay composed. He pressed closer, his breath warm and tantalizing against her ear.

"Xena," he murmured. His lips grazed her neck, sending a shiver through her entire being. The heat of his body against hers intensified the electric current between them, making it impossible to ignore.

Struggling to keep control, she held her breath and closed her eyes, fighting the overwhelming urge to give in to the powerful attraction she felt. The space between them was charged with an almost electric tension, a magnetic pull that drew her closer to him. Ensuring her defenses were high enough, she pulled away from him with a frown.

"What do you want?" she spat. Ares smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Just coming to see my best warrior." She rolled her eyes, scoffed.

"I'm not your warrior, Ares" she replied coldly, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You shouldn't be here." He stepped closer, undeterred by her resistance.

"Oh, but I had to see you. I couldn't resist the chance to remind you of what we once had... and what we could have again." He touched the side of her cheek with the back of his hand. Her eyes narrowed as she snatched away from him.

"That was a long time ago. I've moved on." Ares laughed softly, a sound that sent shivers down her spine.

"Have you, Xena? Can you honestly say that this life, this kingdom, satisfies the warrior within you?" She took a deep breath, her mind flashing to the battlefields, the thrill of combat, the blood pounding in her veins. She quickly shook her head, dispelling the memories.

"I have a new purpose now. I'm building a future, not just for myself but for these people." Ares tilted his head, studying her.

"And what about your own desires, your own needs? Do you really think Ulysses can fulfill them?" Ares touched the side of her head and images of them began flashing before her. She saw Ares on top of her inside her tent, thrusting her with all his godly might. She closed her eyes and moaned. Even though the images were flashbacks, she could feel them like they were happening in the present. The scene quickly flashed to another scene of her riding him.

"Ares," she moaned his name quietly and he took her into his arms. She could feel herself becoming turned on. When she said his name like that, it made him want to snap his clothes off and ram her but no. He would remind her of WHO she was.

The scene changed again to Ares' head between her legs. He knew this would send over the top and it did. Once she calmed her breathing down, she opened her eyes and gave him a disgusted look. He arched his eyebrow at her, giving her a cunning smile. She stood up straight and pushed him in the chest,

"That was a dirty move, but I'm not surprised considering who you are, you conniving bastard. Ulysses loves me for who I am," she replied firmly.

"And he doesn't have a problem pleasing me," she said with her teeth clinched.

"He accepts all parts of me, even the ones I struggle with." Ares' expression darkened slightly.

"I could give you so much more— power, glory. You could be a queen in more than just name." Xena took a step back, distancing herself from his tantalizing words.

Melaina was passing by Ulysses' bed chambers when she heard sounds coming from the room. She looked forward and briefly saw the king and the prince walking together, as they turned the hall. She looked back to his door and wondered who was in there. Slowly, she leaned her ear against the door and very faintly, she heard Xena's voice and another... man!?.

"I knew it," she said softly to herself with her hands clutched in fists to her side. She headed towards the conference room to alert the king at once.

"I want nothing from you. I won't be your pawn." She frowned at the thought. He reached out, catching her wrist with a surprisingly gentle grip.

"You're no pawn, Xena. You never were. We could rule together." She pulled her hand free.

"I am ruling, but in my own way. And nothing you say will change that." Ares' smirk returned,

"We'll see, Xena. We'll see how long this peaceful life holds your interest. IF the peace remains." With that, he vanished laughing, leaving Xena alone in the room. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. Just as she was about to leave the room again, Ulysses walked back in, looking concerned.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, noticing her unsettled expression. Xena managed a small smile.

"Yea, I just about to leave to head towards the bathhall." Xena saw his eyes scanning the room swiftly before landing back on her.

"Everything okay?" she asked in a soothing voice as she placed her hand on his shoulder. He gave her a soft smile and grabbed her hand,

"I'll escort you, my love."

As Xena entered the bath hall, her thoughts lingered on Ares again. Why did he have to continue to disrupt her thoughts, to make her feel confused when she knew what she wanted? She let her robe hit the floor when there was a knock at the door. She cracked the door and saw Zephyra standing there with towels and bottles.

"My lady," Zephyra said. Xena smiled at her and gently pulled her inside.

"I told you that you could call me Xena." Zephyra tried to focus her eyes elsewhere.

"I brought you towels and soap since we didn't get a chance to refill before you entered." Xena took the items from her, and Zephyra turned to leave.

"Zephyra," Xena said, "please stay. Join me." Xena could tell that Zephyra was terribly nervous.

"My lady," she stuttered, "we were permitted to bathe later in the day, after lunchtime." Xena softly took her hand and led her towards the water.

"You are permitted to bathe whenever you are invited." She smiled softly at her. Zephyra still avoided looking at her. Xena then asked,

"Why are you so uncomfortable? Do I have something that you don't?" Xena knew why the young maiden was nervous, but she wanted her to be more confident. Zephyra was beautiful.

She had long, dark brown hair with loose curls that framed her face. Her light hazel eyes gave her a striking look. Zephyra's skin was a warm, sun-kissed shade that made her features stand out. She was tall and slender, with a small waist, round hips, and perky, full breasts, giving her an elegant appearance.

Zephyra shook her head no. Xena then placed her finger underneath her chin and turned her face towards her. Zephyra nervously looked at her, and Xena smiled.

"See, nothing happened." Xena then walked to the door and saw Melaina passing by.

"Melaina, bring me a bottle of wine and two glasses." Melaina's curiosity was heightened, wondering who the two glasses were for. She returned swiftly, trying to peep inside the bath hall as she handed Xena the requested items. Xena closed the door before she could see anything. Xena returned to the tub, poured herself a glass, and handed one to Zephyra.

"My lady, I've never tasted the wine for the king." She smiled graciously and took the glass from Xena. Xena sank down into the water and sat her glass of wine next to her on the edge.

"The water feels great, you don't know what you're missing." With a deep sigh, Zephyra undressed and slid into the tub. Xena wasn't lying; the water felt amazing on her body.

"See, I don't bite," Xena teasingly said. After a few sips of the wine, Zephyra was completely comfortable, and they began to make conversation. Xena asked about her family, and Zephyra spoke of her parents and younger brother. Xena listened intently, sharing stories of her own childhood and adventures, making Zephyra feel more at ease.

"Do you have any dreams, Zephyra?" Xena asked, swirling the wine in her glass. Zephyra hesitated, then said,

"I've always wanted to travel, to see the world beyond the palace and the kingdom." Xena's eyes sparkled.

"I know what you mean. There's so much out there, so many places to see and people to meet. I used to feel the same way." Zephyra looked surprised.

"You did?"

Xena nodded. "I've traveled far and wide, seen many lands. But I always found myself coming back to where I started. There's something about home that draws you back."

Zephyra sighed. "It must be wonderful to have such freedom."

"You can have it too," Xena said, her voice encouraging. "You just have to believe in yourself and seize the opportunities when they come."

Zephyra smiled shyly. "I hope so. Thank you, Xena."

They continued talking, discussing the challenges women faced, and how they could make a difference in the kingdom. Xena was impressed by Zephyra's insights and ideas.

"You're smart, Zephyra," Xena said. "Your thoughts and opinions matter. Never be afraid to speak up."

Zephyra blushed. "Thank you, Xena. It means a lot to hear you say that."

Xena poured them more wine, and they toasted to new beginnings and the bond of friendship forming between them. The conversation flowed easily, and Zephyra felt a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced before. As the water began to cool, Xena suggested they get out and get dressed.

"We should head to the dining hall. It's breakfast time. I'm sure Taria is settled in by now and I would like to check to see how she's doing." Zephyra nodded, feeling a newfound confidence.

"Yes, let's go."

They dried off and dressed, sharing a few more laughs as they did. Xena led the way to the dining hall, her arm around Zephyra's shoulders. Zephyra looked at Xena with warm eyes and smiled, as she walked next to her.

Once they entered the dining hall, the other staff members were already hard at work, setting the tables and preparing for breakfast. Melaina turned towards Zephyra and said,

"You're late. I'm going to report this to the king." Zephyra looked worried, but before she could say another word, Xena grabbed Melaina's arm firmly and said,

"She is not late. She was with me. Anything you need to report about her needs to be reported to me, do you understand?" Melaina saw the intense gaze in Xena's eyes and decided she didn't want to make her mad.

"Yes, my lady," she bowed her head and went about her work. As Zephyra was getting ready to help the other staff, Xena stopped her.

"No, you no longer do this. You are my personal maiden. You tend to only me from now on." Zephyra smiled brightly at her. Xena escorted Zephyra to the seat next to hers, and she gladly took her seat. This was the first time she was sitting at the royal table. Ulysses walked in and took his seat. He grabbed Xena's hand and brought it up to his lips tenderly.

"How was your bath, my queen?"

"It was just right," she replied with a content smile. Ulysses then made eye contact with Zephyra and wondered why she was at their table. Xena rubbed Ulysses' arm and said,

"I made Zephyra my personal maiden, is that okay?" Ulysses smiled lovingly at her and said,

"Of course."

The rest of the palace staff and guests arrived for breakfast, and they all feasted. Zephyra was beaming, feeling more confident than she ever had. She noticed how the other staff members looked at her with curiosity and envy, but she held her head high.

During the meal, Xena and Ulysses discussed the changes that needed to be made in the kingdom based on Xena's observations. Ulysses listened intently, nodding in agreement with her suggestions. Zephyra listened, absorbing every word. She felt inspired by Xena's leadership and her determination to bring about change.

Throughout the day, Zephyra followed Xena closely, ready to assist her in any way she could. She now felt a sense of purpose and pride in her new role. As they walked through the palace halls, she knew that her life had changed forever, and she was eager to see what the future held.

The day was filled with meetings, planning, and discussions. Xena's presence was a channel for positive change, and everyone could feel it. Zephyra worked diligently by her side, eager to prove herself to be an invaluable ally.

After dinner, Xena called a staff meeting. Everyone arrived with curious eyes, whispering among themselves as they saw Xena sitting in a throne chair and Zephyra standing behind her. The room fell silent as Xena raised her hand for attention.

"Thank you all for coming," Xena began, her voice commanding yet warm.

"I have an important announcement to make. As you all know, Zephyra has been a dedicated and hardworking member of our staff. Her loyalty and service have not gone unnoticed."

Murmurs spread through the room, with some staff members exchanging envious glances. Melaina, in particular, seemed to be struggling to mask her jealousy.

"From this day forward," Xena continued, "Zephyra will be my personal maiden. She will be responsible for attending to my needs and assisting me directly. This is a position of great trust and honor." A few staff members clapped politely, though some did so with obvious reluctance. Zephyra stood tall although she was nervous. Xena then reached beside her and picked up a scroll, handing it to Zephyra.

"Here," she said, smiling. "Open it."

Zephyra took the scroll quizzically from Xena and carefully unrolled it. As she read the contents, her eyes widened, and she almost fainted. It was detailing her pay increase, a significant amount more than she had ever dreamed of earning. Her eyes began to water. Xena nudged her gently and said,

"Did you think that your change of title would not come with a pay increase?" Zephyra threw her arms around Xena tightly, tears of joy flowing down her cheeks.

"Thank you, my lady. Thank you so much."

Xena smiled warmly at her and said,

"You deserve it, Zephyra. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day with new responsibilities."

Zephyra nodded and slowly made her way out of the room. As she left, the other staff members watched her, some with respect and admiration, others with resentment. Xena stood up and addressed the remaining staff.

"I expect all of you to support Zephyra in her new role. We are a team, and together, we will make this palace and our kingdom better than ever."

With that, the meeting was adjourned. The staff dispersed, whispering among themselves about the unexpected promotion. Zephyra walked back to her quarters, clutching the scroll tightly. She felt an abundant amount of disbelief and gratitude, knowing that her life had just taken a remarkable turn.

As she laid down to sleep that night, Zephyra couldn't help but smile. For the first time, she felt truly valued and appreciated. She was determined to prove herself worthy of Xena's trust and to excel in her new position. And with that, she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the bright future ahead.