Chapter 2: Outsider Among Them
Xena sat in the rocking chair, gently nursing Bellexa, her eyes partly closed as she watched Solan. The boy sat in his small chair, gleefully smashing pieces of fruit into a sticky mess on his tray. She huffed quietly, amused at the chaos of having little ones. Across the room, Borias busied himself packing their belongings into satchels. He tied up bundles and set them by the door.
"You're really serious about this trip," Xena asked, her voice carrying a hint of doubt. Borias paused, looking over his shoulder at her.
"Of course, I am. We could all use a change of scenery, and it's not far. Just half a day's ride." Xena adjusted Bellexa in her arms, raising an eyebrow.
"A nearby village. Sounds thrilling. She rolled her eyes." He shook his head with a smile, turning back to his work.
"It's not about the destination. It's about the time together. Our family." He stepped outside, beginning to secure their items onto the horses. Xena scoffed, her lips curling into a wry smirk.
"Family? You think dragging me and the kids out there is going to suddenly make everything perfect?" Borias tied another satchel tightly, his expression calm but determined.
"Why not? We've been through worse. We've fought wars, crossed continents. And now we've got something more to fight for. Our life can be fulfilling, Xena. Peaceful, even." Xena laughed under her breath, shaking her head.
"You sound like a bard trying to spin a tale. You know that's not us. We're not cut out for 'peaceful.'" Borias approached, leaning on the doorframe as he met her gaze.
"Maybe not before. But now? Look at them." He nodded toward Solan, who was busy giggling at his messy hands, and Bellexa, now dozing peacefully in Xena's arms.
"They change everything. And maybe it's time we let them have something steady."
Xena studied him, her skepticism lingering. Before the kids, they'd roamed the world, chasing battles and treasures. The idea of slowing down seemed foreign, even suffocating. Still, part of her couldn't deny she was tired of the same old routine. A change of pace—at least for a little while—might not be so bad.
"Fine," she said at last, standing and shifting Bellexa into her carrier. "But don't expect me to start knitting by the fire." Borias grinned, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
The journey to the village wasn't exciting. Xena rode one horse with Bellexa secured on her back, while Borias rode another, Solan seated in front of him. The rhythmic sound of hooves striking the dirt trail was the only noise for a while.
"Mama," Solan's tiny voice broke through the silence. He paused, then called, "Papa," before humming a simple tune.
Xena glanced at him, her face softening. He was asking for a song. Without missing a beat, she began to sing, her voice strong yet soothing. The melody flowed easily, a tune they had sung many times before. Borias soon joined in, his deeper voice complementing hers. Their voices blended perfectly, carrying through the air.
Solan grinned, his little hands clapping in delight. His bright eyes darted between his parents, soaking in the moment. Xena smiled back at him, her heart unexpectedly light. These moments, rare as they were, felt almost... right. Singing together had always been a shared joy for her and Borias, something they had done long before Solan was born. The memory gave her a brief moment of comfort, a connection she rarely allowed herself to feel. But as Borias slowed his horse, signaling they were close to the village, her brief contentment vanished.
"We're almost there."
Xena's mood changed instantly. She sat up straighter in her saddle and her expression turned hard. The thought of entering this village, mingling with strangers, and pretending to care about their dull lives didn't sit well with her.
When they arrived, Xena scanned her surroundings and sighed heavily. The village was small, nestled in a quiet clearing. Women gathered outside their homes, chatting while they hung clothes, stirred pots over open fires, or sewed. Children of all ages darted between the adults, their laughter ringing out as they played. Men worked steadily, repairing houses, tending livestock, and tilling the earth.
Everywhere Xena looked, there was movement, life. The air smelled of earth, firewood, and freshly baked bread. The simplicity of it all reminded her too much of Amphipolis—the very life she had fought to leave behind.
"Look at them, Xena," Borias said, his tone light. "Look at how peacefully happy they are." Xena turned to him, raising an eyebrow.
"If I wanted to live like a peasant, I would've stayed home and married a farmer, fool." Borias laughed, though he didn't let her sarcasm faze him.
"You're unbelievable," he muttered, more to himself than to her. But he liked that about her. She was a storm in a world that often begged for calm, and that made life with her anything but dull. Before long, a broad-shouldered man approached them with a wide grin.
"Borias! It's been too long, my friend." He extended a hand, which Borias clasped firmly.
"It has, Kallos," Borias replied. "Good to see you." Kallos nodded toward a small stable.
"You can leave your horses here. They'll be well taken care of."
Borias dismounted and lifted Solan down, handing him to Xena, who had already slid off her horse. She adjusted Bellexa on her back and eyed Kallos suspiciously while holding Solan's hand. Kallos turned his friendly gaze toward her.
"You must be Xena," he said. "Borias speaks highly of you." Xena gave him a tight nod, her face unreadable.
"I'm sure he does." Undeterred, Kallos smiled and gestured toward a group of women standing nearby.
"My wife, Doria, and some of the others are eager to meet you. They'll make you feel right at home."
Xena's lips pressed into a thin line, but she followed Borias as he led her toward the women. Doria stepped forward, her warm smile matching her husband's.
"Welcome, Xena," Doria said. "And these must be your little ones." She reached out, but Xena's hand instinctively tightened on Solan's shoulder.
Doria seemed to sense her hesitation and withdrew slightly. "It's lovely to meet you," she said, her tone gentle. "Why don't you come inside? We've got food and a place to rest."
Reluctantly, Xena allowed herself to be led into their home. The interior was cozy, with a large wooden table at its center and the scent of freshly baked bread lingering in the air. The women inside greeted her with kind smiles, their hands busy with various tasks.
Solan smiled happily at the attention that he was getting. He was like Borias, friendly. Bellexa quickly became the center of attention too, her tiny coos and bright eyes drawing the women in like moths to a flame. One by one, they took turns holding her and gently passed her from one pair of arms to the next. They cooed softly, their voices high-pitched and soothing.
Xena's jaw tightened while she watched, her posture stiffening. She stood near the doorway, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her sharp eyes fixed on her daughter. Bellexa, who had never been in anyone's arms but hers and Borias', looked so small and fragile in their grasp. The baby squirmed slightly, her tiny hand curling against the unfamiliar touch, and Xena's heart skipped a beat. One of the women, Thessa, beamed at Xena from across the room.
"She's such a sweet little thing." Xena gave a quick nod, her throat feeling dry.
"She's... special," she replied, her voice strained.
The words tasted foreign in her mouth. Xena hadn't thought of herself as the protective type, yet here she was, fighting the urge to snatch Bellexa back with every fiber of her being. She adjusted her stance, her boots scuffing the floor. Her eyes narrowed when another woman, whose name she didn't even know, took Bellexa into her arms. The woman giggled softly while cradling the baby and bouncing her gently.
"She's so tiny," the woman said. "I've never seen a baby this small grip be so firm," she gestured at the way Bellexa gripped her finger.
Xena didn't know if it was meant to be a compliment, but it grated on her nerves all the same. Bellexa wasn't just "tiny." She was a fighter, just like her mother. Xena's stomach knotted when she imagined something happening to her daughter in the hands of these strangers. The thought made her feel uneasy.
"She's a warrior's child," Doria chimed in, her tone warm. "It's in her blood."
That statement brought Xena's attention back to the room. Her gaze snapped to Doria, who smiled obliviously, clearly trying to make small talk. Xena's jaw twitched, but she stayed silent. She didn't trust herself to speak without snapping.
The women continued their chatter, trading stories of their own children and laughing softly as Bellexa let out a tiny yawn. Xena's stomach churned when yet another woman reached out to take her baby.
For a brief moment, the woman adjusted her grip, shifting Bellexa in her arms. But she wasn't supporting the baby's back or neck properly. Bellexa's tiny body slipped backward, her head tipping dangerously far, and for a terrifying instant, it looked like the baby might fall completely. Xena's stomach dropped like a stone. The baby let out a sharp, startled cry. Xena's body moved before her mind could even process the sight. In an instant, she snatched Bellexa out of the woman's fumbling grasp before the baby could slip further.
"What in Tartarus are you doing?" Xena growled, her voice sharp and furious as she cradled Bellexa against her chest. The baby's cries pierced the air, her little fists flailing as Xena gently soothed her.
"Shh, I've got you," Xena murmured, her voice low but trembling slightly with anger. She turned her head sharply toward the woman, her glare like ice.
"Do you even know how to hold a baby?" Xena snapped, her tone blunt and unforgiving.
"I—I didn't mean—" the woman stammered, her face pale and her hands trembling. "I thought I was—"
"You thought wrong," Xena cut her off.
"She's not a doll. You could've hurt her." Xena then heard a whine come from behind her. She turned slightly to see Solan standing a few feet away, his big blue eyes filling with tears. He toddled toward her, his lip trembling.
"Mama?" he whined, clutching at the hem of her skirt. Xena's face softened momentarily as she adjusted Bellexa and crouched down to scoop Solan into her free arm.
"I'm here, Solan," she said quietly, kissing the top of his head. His little arms wrapped tightly around her neck, and she stood, holding both children close. From the corner of the room, Doria spoke up hesitantly.
"We didn't mean to upset you, Xena. We were just admiring your children." Xena glanced over her shoulder.
"They don't need admiration," she said quietly. "They need their mother."
The room had fallen silent, every pair of eyes fixed on Xena as she held her children, her protective instincts blazing like a wildfire. She adjusted the baby's position and rocked her gently until her cries softened into soft, hiccupping breaths.
"She's fine, Xena," Doria ventured cautiously, her voice hesitant as she tried to defuse the tension.
"It was an accident. No harm done." Xena's glare shifted to Doria.
"No harm done? What if she'd snapped her back? Would that be 'no harm done' to you?" Doria flinched uncomfortably. Xena looked down at Bellexa, who had finally settled against her chest, her tiny fingers clutching at Xena's top. The sight calmed her slightly, though her anger was still raging. She looked back at the woman who had fumbled Bellexa, her voice now quieter but no less firm.
"If you don't know how to hold a baby, you don't touch mine." Xena scanned the room wildly.
"And if any of you even think about doing something like that again, you'll regret it." Without waiting for a response, Xena turned and walked out of the house, cradling Bellexa securely in one arm and holding Solan close with the other. The cool air hit her face as she stepped outside, but it did little to calm the adrenaline coursing through her. Solan buried his face against her shoulder, his small hands clutching at her top, while Bellexa whimpered softly, her tiny fingers curling into Xena's palm.
"Just us," Xena murmured softly, her voice barely audible above the noise of the busy village. She pressed a kiss to Bellexa's head, breathing in her baby's familiar scent, then turned her head slightly to kiss Solan's hair.
"No one's going to hurt either of you. Not while I'm around."
The noise from inside the house drifted through the open doorway, laughter and chatter continuing as if nothing had happened. Xena's jaw tightened, but she forced herself to take a deep breath. She couldn't stay out here forever—not without drawing attention or questions. Solan stirred in her arms, and she kissed his cheek before glancing down at Bellexa, who had finally settled against her chest.
Reluctantly, Xena walked back inside. The smell of roasting meat and herbs filled the air as the women moved between tables, chopping vegetables and stirring pots. Her sharp eyes scanned the room, lingering briefly on each person, silently daring anyone to approach her or her children again. Doria glanced up from her spot at the table.
"Xena, would you like to join us? We're almost ready to—"
"No," Xena replied bluntly, cutting her off. She put Solan down and tightened her hold on Bellexa and walked past them. She didn't trust herself to sit among them without saying something.
Instead, she returned to her spot near the doorway, her back against the wall, holding her daughter securely in her arms. Solan was just as happy as he could be, as the women carried him around the kitchen, letting him snack on various foods. Her eyes looked up just as Borias entered the house, his broad frame filling the doorway. He was laughing, clearly in his element as he greeted a few of the men gathered at the other end of the room.
Xena's gaze locked onto him, her eyes narrowing. His cheerful expression faded slightly when his eyes landed on her. He could tell something had happened—her stance was tense, her grip on Bellexa a little too firm, and her sharp gaze seemed to pierce through everyone in the room. Whatever it was, he decided not to ask here, not in front of so many watchful eyes.
Instead, he approached her quietly. He placed a gentle hand on her arm, pulling her toward him. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close, resting his chin atop her head.
The noise in the room didn't die down, but several pairs of eyes turned toward them, watching as Borias kissed the top of Xena's head softly. The tenderness of the gesture spoke volumes. His love for her shone brightly, even in this simple moment.
Xena didn't resist the hug, though she didn't fully relax either. She closed her eyes, letting out a deep breath. Borias whispered in her ear, and she nodded. He pulled back from her and walked into the gathering. Xena sighed, rocking Bellexa gently. This was his world, not hers—but for now, she'd endure it. Or maybe she would just kill them all. She laughed to herself.
Bellexa started to fuss, letting Xena know that she was hungry. Her eyes scanned the crowded room, taking in the clusters of people busy with their conversations and tasks. Doria noticed Xena's glance. She stepped closer with a smile.
"Come with me," Doria said, leading her to a quieter room where a cushioned bench sat near a woven curtain, offering some privacy.
"You can tend to your baby here."
Xena gave a brief nod and settled in, adjusting her daughter to nurse. While the baby fed, she heard soft footsteps approaching and turned her head slightly. A young woman, maybe still in her teens, sat down beside her. Her face was blank, her eyes sharp as they stared out the window.
"Is there something you need?" Xena asked. The teen didn't respond right away, her gaze fixed outside. Finally, she spoke.
"You're like me," she said quietly. "You're a warrior. I can tell. You're not like these other women here. You're strong." Xena raised an eyebrow, surprised by the girl's directness. The young woman turned to face her.
"I want to be strong like you," she continued. "I don't want this life. I don't want to marry some farmer and end up like them." She gestured towards the room where the other women were gathered. Xena sighed, shifting her baby to her shoulder to burp her.
"Look, kid," she said with a sarcastic laugh. "I'm not even living the life I was meant to live." She patted her daughter's back, her eyes momentarily distant.
"Being a mother wasn't part of my plan. It just happened." The teen's eyes narrowed.
"You're good at it, though. But I know that's not all you were meant for." Xena smirked.
"I have many skills." The girl's face lit up with an idea.
"Then teach me. Take me with you," she pleaded, her voice full of urgency. "I don't want to waste my life here. I want to fight. I want to learn from someone like you." Xena stared at her, amused by her boldness.
"Why would I do that? I don't have an army anymore. I don't even feel like a warrior these days. My life isn't so different from yours."
"It is," the girl insisted. "Even if you live like this now, you still carry that strength. You could teach me how to fight, how to wield a sword. Doria is my mother, and I refuse to end up like her."
Xena's gaze softened slightly as she saw the fire in the girl's eyes. It reminded her of herself, years ago, hungry for power and change.
"What's your name, kid?"
"Tara."
"Well, Tara," Xena said, her voice light with a hint of teasing, "the best advice I can give you is this—never have sex with a man." She stood, giving Tara a pat on the back before walking away. Tara sat there, puzzled, trying to decipher Xena's words.
In the main room, Borias was in the middle of an animated conversation, his deep laugh filling the space. Solan was bouncing on his knee, giggling as his father entertained him with playful gestures. When Xena returned, Borias immediately rose and crossed the room to her.
Without hesitation, he wrapped her in his strong arms. His hands rested on her waist, pulling her close as he tilted her chin up. He captured her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. The room seemed to hush, all eyes drawn to the pair. Despite her usual hard expression, Xena didn't pull away. To Borias, this was progress. She was trying, and that was enough for him.
Once they pulled back from their kiss, another woman entered the home. She walked straight up to Borias and pulled him into a hug that was far too friendly for Xena's liking. Xena turned her lip up at the sight, her eyes narrowing. She scanned the woman from head to toe, taking in every detail. She didn't like how this woman had her entire body pressed against Borias. Her hands ran over his arms and shoulders, flirtatiously lingering.
Borias smiled tenderly at the woman as he pulled back from the embrace. Xena's jaw tightened. He enjoyed being too friendly with women, and it irked Xena more than she cared to admit. The woman noticed Xena's expression and linked her arm through Borias'. With a sweet but condescending tone, she asked him,
"Do you know this woman?" Xena didn't hesitate. She snatched Borias roughly from the woman's grasp, her eyes blazing.
"He's my piece of meat that you're slobbering over," Xena said coldly.
The woman raised an eyebrow, her smile fading. She stepped closer to Xena, clearly not one to back down from a challenge. But Xena stood her ground, her baby still cradled in her arms, daring the woman to make a move. She hadn't had a good fight in a while, and if this woman wanted to push her, she was more than ready.
Before things could escalate further, Borias stepped in, wrapping his arms protectively around Xena from behind.
"Poma, this is my partner, Xena," he said firmly. Then he slowly turned the side of Xena's face towards him and softly kissed her cheek. Xena motioned her eyes towards Borias but quickly changed them back to Poma, giving her a steely gaze.
"The baby she's holding is our daughter, and that—" he gestured to Solan, who was being bounced by another woman nearby—"is our son." Poma's expression changed, though not by much. She stuck out her hand, forcing a smile.
"Nice to meet you."
Xena eyed the outstretched hand and then looked back up to Poma. She simply walked around Poma and headed for the door, letting it slam behind her as she stepped outside.
Outside, Xena paced the village paths, trying to keep her fury in check. She felt like an outsider in this place, surrounded by people she neither knew nor trusted. The whole trip felt pointless. She didn't want Borias' friends, didn't need their approval. All she needed was Borias—and even then, she reminded herself, she didn't need him. She wanted him.
Her mind wandered to the time when they had split up before Solan was born. She remembered the ache of that separation, the emptiness she hadn't felt in years. When Borias came back to her, even after she'd declared him her enemy, she knew he loved her.
Borias stepped outside to meet Xena, letting her know that he was going to play a game with a few men. She nodded while watching him walk away. Feeling calmer, she made her way back to the house. Bellexa slept peacefully in the carrier on her back, her tiny breaths warm against Xena's shoulder. Xena took a deep breath before stepping inside, ready to rejoin the group...again. But as soon as she crossed the threshold, her calm shattered.
Poma stood near the center of the room, holding Solan on her hip, completely unaware of Xena's presence. Her back was turned to the door, but the chatter in the room died slightly. The other women fell silent, their eyes darting to Xena standing in the doorway with a hard, unyielding expression.
Poma, oblivious to the change in the room, continued in her sugary, smug tone.
"Look at this little one," she cooed, bouncing Solan lightly on her hip.
"Blonde as his hair is, there's no way he's Borias' son. Belach, yes, I can tell he's Borias." She glanced down at Solan again, tilting her head.
"But this one? Doesn't look like him at all, does he?" She adjusted Solan on her hip, her smirk growing as she continued.
"But Xena may have a secret she's not telling. Borias and I have been close for years, in every way that counts." Her tone turned even more self-satisfied.
"You could say we've shared more than just a few conversations.
The room felt still, heavy with tension. Xena 's fists clenched at her sides, her jaw tightening as her fury rose. Bellexa stirred against her back, and Xena bounced her gently, adjusting the straps tighter around her body, though her rage threatened to boil over.
Poma started to turn slightly, noticing the sudden quiet, but she didn't have time to understand why. In three swift strides, Xena crossed the room and landed a punch squarely on Poma's jaw. The force sent Poma stumbling backwards, nearly dropping Solan.
Gasps erupted as one of the other women rushed to them, quickly grabbing Solan from Poma's arms. Xena didn't even look at her son being carried to safety. Her entire focus was on Poma, who was now clutching her face, wide-eyed and trying to find her footing.
Before Poma could speak, Xena closed the distance again, grabbing her by the front of her dress and slamming her hard against the wall. The sound of the impact made the room shake.
"You dare speak about my son?" Xena growled, her voice low and venomous. She threw another punch.
The other women in the room scattered, their screams filling the air as one of them bolted outside to fetch Borias. But Xena barely noticed or didn't care to. She wasn't finished yet. Poma had made a mistake, and there would be no explaining herself now.
Poma swung her fist in desperation, but Xena caught it easily and twisted her arm behind her back. Poma let out a sharp cry as pain shot through her shoulder. Tara stood in the corner, her eyes wide with excitement. She grinned, raising her fists and throwing fake punches into the air, mimicking Xena's movements.
"You have no idea who you're dealing with," she whispered, clearly enjoying every second of the fight.
Poma tried to kick, aiming for Xena's shin, but Xena sidestepped with ease. She yanked Poma's arm harder, using the momentum to send her crashing to the floor. Poma hit the ground with a thud, but before she could react, Xena pounced, pinning her down with a knee pressed firmly to her chest.
Poma thrashed beneath Xena, her breathing labored as she struggled to free herself. Her face twisted in rage, but there was no mistaking the fear in her eyes as Xena glared down at her. Tara, still glued to the corner, mimicked a finishing move in the air, her grin never fading.
"She's amazing," Tara whispered. At that moment, Borias burst through the door.
"Xena!" he called out, rushing toward her. "What's going on?"
Xena didn't release Poma right away. She yanked her up by the collar, shoving her roughly toward the corner. Poma crumpled. Borias grabbed Xena's shoulders, pulling her back.
"Enough, Xena!"
Xena's eyes were still blazing as she turned to face him. She slapped him hard across the face. The sharp crack echoed through the room, and all the remaining conversations ceased.
"You've been sleeping with this whore behind my back?" Xena's voice was like a blade, cutting through the silence. Borias staggered slightly, his hand flying to his reddened cheek. His expression changed from shock to confusion as he blinked at her.
"What?" His voice was low. "Xena, what are you talking about?"
"Don't act like you don't know!" she spat, pointing directly at Poma, who watched in the corner.
"Why would she tell people she's been close to you for years, in every way that counts?" Borias froze, the color draining from his face. He turned to Poma, his voice cold and dangerous.
"You said that?" Poma's mouth opened, but no words came out for a moment.
"I—I didn't mean it like that," she stammered, trying to laugh it off. "It was just... a joke. A misunderstanding—"
"A joke?" Xena's voice rose, trembling with rage. "You think it's a joke to say you've been sleeping with my partner?" Borias shook his head, raising his voice.
"Xena, I haven't touched her. Not now, not ever. You're the only one. You know that."
Xena's fists clenched at her sides, her breathing heavy as she searched Borias' face for any sign of deception. She didn't respond. She turned sharply and headed for the door.
As she reached the doorway, Poma, still laid on the floor, pushed herself up slightly. Her face was red from embarrassment, but her voice rang out, dripping with venom.
"If Borias loves you so much, why hasn't he married you yet, huh, Xena?" she hollered. "Two babies later... huh! He married Natasha! That says a lot about how he feels about you, wouldn't you agree?"
Xena didn't stop. She didn't turn around. Her pace didn't change. She walked out the door as if Poma's words were no more than an irritating breeze, her focus solely on leaving the room and its bitter energy behind.
Borias yanked Poma up with one hand, staring at her angrily.
"I don't know what kind of game you're playing, Poma, but I will let Xena kill you." He dropped her, letting her fall to the ground. He turned to walk away, but Poma's words stopped him.
"Borias, when you left Natasha, you were supposed to be mine. Mine!" Borias turned slowly with a frown.
"When I left Natasha, I left with Xena. Xena is my life, and you have no place in it."
Without another word, he stormed out of the house, heading straight for the stables. He knew Xena, and he knew she wouldn't wait around after what had happened. Sure enough, when he reached the stables, there she was, saddling her horse with quick, angry movements.
Solan was already seated securely, while Bellexa slept peacefully in her carrier. Xena's jaw was set, her eyes blazing as she prepared to mount. Borias grabbed her arm, but she snatched it away, shooting him a furious glare. She tried to mount again, when Borias grabbed her arm once more, this time not letting her go when she tried to break free. She looked at him with hate in her eyes.
"You brought me here to embarrass me? Was this your plan all along?" She was hurt. He sighed, stepping closer.
"Xena, Poma's been after me for years. She's jealous. She hates that we're together and now have a family. You know I love only you."
"I couldn't care less who you love, Borias," Xena shot back. She turned, ready to mount her horse.
Borias acted quickly, grabbing the front of her dress with both hands and pulling her close. Xena's eyes widened briefly, and her heartbeat quickened. He held her gaze,
"Only a maniac would put up with you and have another lover too. By now, my hair would've turned grey." Xena's lips twitched, and finally, a small, cunning smile broke through her anger. Borias released her dress, and she reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck.
That smile—he knew it well. Whenever she smiled at him like that, they had the most amazing sex. His eagerness to get home grew. She leaned in, pulling him into a hungry, passionate kiss.
Borias could feel Xena's fire in the way she kissed him, her lips moving against his with fierce passion. Her arms tightened around his neck, pulling him closer. She moaned in his mouth. His hands found her waist, gripping her as if she might disappear.
Poma had followed Borias, lurking in the shadows near the stables. She had hoped Borias might still feel something for her, but it was clear his heart belonged entirely to Xena. The intensity of their connection was undeniable. Xena broke the kiss, her breathing heavy, and her eyes locked onto Borias'.
"If you ever humiliate me like this again," she warned, her tone half-teasing, "I'll make sure you regret it." Borias laughed lowly, his eyes gleaming with affection.
"I wouldn't dare. No one compares to you." Xena smirked, her mood completely changed.
"Good," she said, her voice softer now. "Then let's get out of here. I've had enough of these people."
Borias nodded and helped her onto the horse. He made sure both of the children were secure. Xena gave him a nod of approval, and he mounted his own horse, ready to ride alongside her.
As they began to leave the village, Borias glanced back. His eyes met Poma's for a brief moment. She stood there watching while he disappeared with the woman he loved. Once they were far from the village, Borias rode closer to Xena, his hand brushing against hers.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly. Xena looked at him.
"You'll make it up to me," she said with a slick smile. Borias grinned, knowing exactly what she meant.