Chapter 22: Cheers
The palace was lively with activity, preparing for the royal wedding. Ulysses had hired a team to plan every detail, ensuring the event would be stress-free for Xena. Her only task was to pick out her dress.
Today was the big day. The palace was full of strangers, many of whom didn't even know Xena as anything more than a regular guest. Leaders from neighboring kingdoms had also arrived. In her chamber, women staff members worked diligently to prepare her. One woman placed jewels in her hair as another closed her dress. Zephyra, also being tended to since she was in the wedding party, turned to the woman lacing Xena's corset and shot at the lady,
"Not too tight; you see she's with child." Xena smiled softly at the lady dressing her, who nodded, understanding how overly protective Zephyra was of Xena. Once Xena was dressed, they led her outside the palace to a waiting carriage.
"Where are we going? I thought the wedding was inside the palace," Xena said, a bit confused. The women smiled and shook their heads. They helped her into the carriage, and it all made sense to Xena why everyone had long sleeves on. The carriage led them down to the beach, where all the guests, including Ulysses, had already gathered. The beach was beautifully decorated, and all the guests were seated. Although no one could see her, she could see them.
"Stay here until you hear the music, my lady," one of the women instructed before they all left, leaving Xena standing there with her heart racing. Suddenly, she felt a familiar tingle down her spine. She immediately walked behind a tree and said,
"Ares, now is not the time."
Ares appeared, rage clear in his eyes. "So you are really going through with this," he said in a low, anger-filled voice.
"Yes," she replied nonchalantly. Ares threw his arms in the air.
"What do you see in him that you don't see in me?!" His nostrils flared.
Xena scoffed, "He's not a lying manipulative bastard like you." She pointed her finger at him. "He's not trying to destroy my life. He loves me for who I am, not for who he wants me to be. He values what I say. You only want me for one thing: to reign terror under your name. I'll never do that again," she spat in disgust as she turned away from him. Ares gripped her neck firmly.
"Oh, but you will," he said, his voice low and menacing, and then he disappeared.
Xena felt the lingering tension in the air as Ares disappeared, his last words echoing in her mind. She took a deep breath to steady herself. Just then, she heard a familiar voice.
"Xena," the prince called softly. She turned to see Telemachus standing there, looking at her with a worried look.
"Are you ready?" he asked, holding out his arm. Xena nodded, giving him a reassuring smile.
"Yes, I'm ready." Telemachus offered his arm, and she looped hers through his, feeling the steady strength he provided. The guests turned, their faces lighting up as they saw her. Ulysses stood at the end of the aisle, his eyes filled with love and admiration. As Xena approached, she felt a wave of calm wash over her. This was where she belonged.
When they stood under the beautifully decorated arch where Ulysses waited, Telemachus paused and looked at Xena. He gave her a small, encouraging smile before taking her hand and placing it into Ulysses'. He then gave Ulysses a curt nod and took his seat among the guests.
The ceremony was beautiful. As the officiant reached the part of the vows where Xena was to respond, she saw Ares appear behind Ulysses, visible only to her. His eyes were filled with hurt and anger. Despite this, Xena looked into Ulysses' eyes and said,
"I do." The hurt in Ares' eyes deepened, and then he vanished. Ulysses took Xena's hands and looked into her eyes.
"Xena, you are my heart and my soul. I promise to love and cherish you and our child for all the days of my life." Xena smiled, her eyes glistening with tears.
"Ulysses, you are my strength and my safe haven. I promise to stand by your side, to love you, and to build a future together." The officiant pronounced them husband and wife. Ulysses turned to the guests and said,
"It is with great joy that I present to you Xena, my wife and your new queen." The prince brought the pillow that held the queen's crown and handed it to his father. The king then placed a crown on Xena's head, declaring her the new Queen of Ithaca. The guests erupted in applause, and Ulysses kissed Xena passionately. The couple turned to face them, their faces beaming with happiness.
The reception was held on the beach under a large, decorated tent. The tables were decorated with beautiful flowers and candles. Xena and Ulysses shared their first dance as a married couple.
After they sat at their table, watching the guests dance, their eyes were drawn to Telemachus as he approached Gabrielle. Xena leaned over to Ulysses and said,
"They are really starting to fall for each other." Ulysses nodded.
"I've also noticed that." Telemachus extended his hand to Gabrielle.
"May I have this dance?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. Gabrielle blushed and took his hand.
"Of course."
As they moved to the dance floor, the music shifted to a slow, romantic tune. Telemachus pulled Gabrielle gently into his arms, and they began to sway together, completely in sync. Xena and Ulysses watched with smiles on their faces.
"You look beautiful tonight," Telemachus said softly, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Thank you," Gabrielle replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "You look quite handsome yourself."
They continued to sway, the music wrapping around them like a gentle embrace. Telemachus tightened his hold on Gabrielle slightly, drawing her closer.
"I'm really glad you decided to dance with me tonight." Gabrielle's heart skipped a beat.
"I'm glad too", her eyes locking onto his.
As they danced, Telemachus leaned in closer, his forehead gently touching Gabrielle's.
"I can't seem to get enough of you," he muttered. Gabrielle's breath caught in her throat.
"I feel the same way," her voice trembling slightly. Telemachus smiled and in a bold yet tender move, brushed his lips softly against hers. Gabrielle closed her eyes and lost in the moment. The kiss was gentle and sweet.
When they finally pulled away, both were slightly breathless, their hearts pounding. Telemachus rested his forehead against hers again.
"I think I'm falling for you," he whispered. Gabrielle's eyes glistened with unshed tears of happiness.
"I think I'm falling for you too," her voice filled with warmth. From their table, Xena and Ulysses watched the scene unfold, a satisfied smile playing on Xena's lips.
Once the last of the guests departed and the beach grew quiet, the moon cast a gentle glow over the sands. Xena and Ulysses found themselves alone, the night air cool and refreshing. The sound of the waves provided a soothing tune as they walked along the shore, hand in hand.
Ulysses turned to Xena, his eyes filled with love.
"It's just us now." Xena smiled, her heart swelling with affection.
"Just us," she echoed, leaning into him. They walked together along the shoreline, the cool sand beneath their feet. They found a secluded spot, away from the remnants of the wedding celebration. Ulysses spreaded out a blanket, and they sat down, gazing at the moonlit ocean. Xena laid back, her eyes fixed on the stars above.
Ulysses laid beside her, propping himself up on one elbow to look at her. He gently traced his fingers along her jawline.
"Are you happy, my queen?" he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.
"More than I ever thought possible," she replied, her eyes meeting his. She placed her hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. Tenderly, he reached for the corset lace of her wedding dress. Xena's heart raced with anticipation.
As the dress loosened, Ulysses slid it off her shoulders, kissing her skin as he pulled the material off her. His gaze lingered on her, desire clear in his eyes. He gently traced the curve of her waist, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
Xena met his gaze, her own filled with love and longing. With a soft smile, she reached for the buttons of his wedding attire, her fingers carefully undoing them one by one. As she peeled away the layers, revealing his strong chest and broad shoulders, her breath caught in her throat.
Ulysses leaned in and kissed her, a tender and loving kiss that spoke of all the emotions he felt. When their lips parted, he hesitated for a moment, looking down at her belly.
"Xena, are you sure... is it safe for us to...?" His concern was clear in his eyes.
"I just don't want to push too hard," he muttered, his hands resting gently on her hips. Xena laughed softly, her breath warm against his skin.
"You worry too much," she whispered. She gently guided him to lie back and then straddled him, her hands resting on his chest.
"I want this. I want you," she whispered, leaning down to kiss him deeply. Ulysses wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. The feel of her body against his, the warmth of her skin, ignited a fire within him. Their kisses grew more passionate, and the world around them seemed to disappear.
As they made love beneath the moonlight, their movements were slow and passionate, each touch and kiss filled with love and tenderness. Ulysses' hands roamed over her body, cherishing every curve. He was careful, mindful of the life growing inside her, yet his desire for her was undeniable.
Xena moved with him, her body responding to his every touch. She felt completeness, a bond that went beyond the physical. Their love was deep and enduring. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was the only witness to their union.
Satisfied, they laid entwined on the blanket while the cool breeze gently caressing their skin. Xena rested her head on Ulysses' chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart. He held her close, his hand resting protectively on her belly.
"I love you, Xena," Ulysses whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
"I love you too, Ulysses," she replied, her heart full. "Forever."
In the Halls of War, Ares stood in front of his grand forge. His forehead wrinkled, and his usual confident look had a hint of rare uncertainty. Images of Xena and Ulysses exchanging vows played in his mind like an unending loop, stirring emotions he struggled to understand.
He paced back and forth, the clang of his boots echoing through the chamber. He clenched his fists, trying to stop the unsettling feelings gnawing at him.
"What is this?" he muttered to himself, frustration creating lines on his face.
His mind wandered to the moments he had shared with Xena—seeing her in battle, carrying his banner with fierce determination. He remembered the times they joined together as one, her moaning his name in the heat of passion. The way she looked at him with defiance and understanding, a fire in her eyes that matched his own.
"Love?" He scoffed suddenly, his voice echoing off the walls. The idea seemed ludicrous to him. Love was a weakness, a sentiment for mortals who didn't understand the true nature of war.
Yet, a small voice whispered in the back of his mind, urging him to consider the possibility. Was it love that made his heart ache at the thought of Xena belonging to another? Was it love that made him feel a pang of regret, a sense of loss?
His sister's words echoed in his mind, her gentle lecture about the power of love. For a brief moment, Ares wondered if she was right. Was this feeling he felt, this inexplicable sorrow, actually love?
"No," he growled, shaking his head vehemently. He couldn't afford to be distracted by such notions. Love was a dangerous path—one that led to vulnerability, betrayal, and heartache. His purpose was clear: to sow chaos, to revel in the clash of armies, to be feared and revered.
With a bitter laugh that echoed through the Halls of War, he dismissed the ridiculous thought of love. Love was for mortals, not for a god like him. And yet, deep down, a part of him wondered if there was more to his feelings than he dared to admit. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside.
As the reception came to an end, Gabrielle and Telemachus walked side by side, hand in hand, with their hearts still racing from their confessions of love. The echoes of laughter and music from the celebration gradually faded as they made their way through the palace halls.
Telemachus accompanied Gabrielle to her room. The silence between them was thick with unspoken desire. As she reached for the door handle, her heart pounded in her chest. She opened the door slowly, but neither could bring themselves to let it close. Telemachus reached out, gently pulling her back into his embrace. He kissed her passionately, pouring all his emotions into that moment. When he pulled back with their faces inches apart, he whispered,
"May I join you?" Gabrielle's breath hitched.
"Of course," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. They stepped into the room together, closing the door behind them. The flickering candlelight cast a warm, intimate glow, illuminating their hesitant expressions. Telemachus reached out, his fingers trembling slightly as he brushed a lock of hair from her face. She leaned into his touch, her eyes closing momentarily.
"Gabrielle," he murmured, his voice filled with longing.
"I've never felt this way before." She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze.
"Neither have I," she admitted, her own nervousness mirrored in his eyes. Telemachus took a deep breath, his hands settling on her waist.
"We don't have to rush," he said softly. "I want this to be perfect for you." Gabrielle's heart swelled at his words.
"And for you," she added, her hands resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.
Slowly, they undressed each other with careful and tender movements. Each piece of clothing that fell away seemed to take a bit of their nervousness with it, revealing the raw, vulnerable connection between them. His hands trembled as they caressed Gabrielle's skin, his touch feather-light as if she might break under his fingers.
They moved to the bed, their bodies gravitating toward each other. Telemachus paused, his gaze searching Gabrielle's for any sign of hesitation. Seeing only trust and desire reflected back at him, he leaned in, kissing her with a renewed intensity. Gabrielle responded, her hands exploring his back, pulling him closer.
As they laid together, their kisses deepened, growing more urgent. Telemachus' hands roamed over Gabrielle's body, discovering every curve, every sensitive spot that made her gasp and shiver. She mirrored his actions, her own hands tracing the lines of his muscles, as she felt the heat of his skin against hers.
Their nervousness slowly melted away and was replaced by a shared desire that grew with every touch, every whispered word of encouragement. Telemachus moved between Gabrielle as their eyes locked in a silent promise of love and devotion. He entered her gently, both of them pausing to savor the moment, to adjust to the new, intimate connection between them. Gabrielle's breath came in shallow gasps, her hands gripping Telemachus' shoulders.
"Are you okay?" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. She nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy.
"Yes," she breathed. "More than okay." They moved together, their bodies finding a natural rhythm, each thrust and movement drawing them closer together. The room was filled with the sounds of their lovemaking, soft moans, and whispered names.
As they reached the peak of their passion, Telemachus leaned down, capturing Gabrielle's lips in a searing kiss. They climaxed together, their cries of pleasure mingling in the air, their bodies trembling with the intensity of their release.
Feeling fulfilled with their breathing gradually slowing, Telemachus held Gabrielle close. He pressed his lips into gentle kisses to her forehead, her cheeks, her lips.
"I love you," he whispered. Gabrielle smiled, her heart full.
"I love you too," she replied, her voice soft and content.
In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of their love and the quiet of the night, they knew they had found something truly special. They fell asleep in each other's arms, their hearts beating in perfect harmony.
Zephyra handed the small bag of gold to Lysandra with a smile.
"Make sure this gets to the messenger." Lysandra nodded, gripping the bag tightly as she headed toward the outgoing compartment of the palace, where the daily items were sent out. The task of delivering payments rotated among the palace staff, which had made it difficult to figure out who was behind the theft. But Lysandra had been watching, and she had her suspicions.
When she reached the compartment, she placed the gold carefully inside, making sure everything looked as it should. She lingered, her eyes scanning the area, pretending to adjust a few things while keeping an eye out.
It didn't take long. Melaina appeared from around the corner, her movements cautious and deliberate. She glanced around, clearly checking if anyone was watching. Once she thought she was alone, she slipped the bag of gold into her pouch and began to walk away, casually blending into the palace halls.
But Lysandra was ready. As soon as Melaina rounded the corner, Lysandra swiftly grabbed her arm and pulled her into a dark corner, out of sight from anyone passing by.
"This is a setup," Lysandra whispered harshly, her grip firm. "Lady Xena is looking for the person who's been stealing the gold every week." Melaina's eyes widened in panic. She tried to pull away, but Lysandra tightened her hold.
"Put it back now," she hissed. "And I won't say a word. Your secret is safe with me." Melaina scoffed quietly, trying to mask her fear.
"How do I know you're not going to take it for yourself once I put it back?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at Lysandra, her voice dripping with suspicion. Lysandra raised her voice slightly, just enough to add weight to her words.
"Xena knows the gold has been disappearing for weeks. She's searching high and low. You think you're the only one she suspects? Go ahead," she challenged, "take it, and see what happens when she comes for you."
Melaina's confidence faltered. She swallowed hard, the threat of Xena's wrath looming over her. She glanced at Lysandra, weighing her words carefully. After a long, tense pause, she exhaled sharply and reached into her pouch. Reluctantly, she pulled out the bag of gold and slipped it back into the compartment.
"There. It's back," Melaina said, her voice bitter. "You happy now?" Lysandra's grip on her arm loosened.
"You made the right choice," she said calmly. "Now, get out of here before anyone notices."
Melaina gave Lysandra a hard look before disappearing down the hall. Lysandra watched her go, her heart still racing. She knew Xena wouldn't take this lightly, but for now, she'd managed to stop Melaina from getting caught in the act.
Two months had passed, and Xena had achieved remarkable progress in Ithaca. The schoolhouse for girls was flourishing, offering education and hope to the kingdom's young women. She had no more complaints from the tavern owner not being paid, who now regularly fed the boys and girls before and after school. The temple now flowed with a dedicated team of healers, and fresh supplies arrived regularly to support their noble work. The safe house, once just a vision, now stood as a beacon of safety and support for women and children in need.
Back at the palace, the women were thriving in their new classes. The once routine tasks now felt different as they spent their afternoons learning how to read and write, sewing garments, cooking nutritious meals, and providing basic medical care. There was an air of excitement and determination as they embraced these new opportunities. Gabrielle often joined them, lending her support and sharing in their joy.
As Xena neared her third trimester, she made weekly visits to the training grounds to become better acquainted with her army, ensuring her leadership remained strong and respected. Her pregnancy did little to diminish her commanding presence, and the soldiers admired her dedication and strength.