Chapter 5: Lies, Anger, and Steel

Borias marched through the dense forest with his boots pressing down on fallen leaves and snapping twigs beneath him. The moonlight barely filtered through the thick canopy above, but he didn't care where he was going. His mind raced as he walked, replaying the argument with Xena over and over again.

He loved her. He knew she loved him too, even if she never admitted it out loud. But sometimes—times like these—her impossible stubbornness was too much to bear. She pushed and pushed, refusing to acknowledge how she really felt. Borias clenched his fists, frustration rising inside him.

The sound of hoofbeats snapped him from his thoughts. He frowned, stopping in his tracks. A horse? Out here? There was nothing in this direction but his house and the forest.

"Who's there?"

From the shadows, a figure on horseback emerged, and Borias' frown deepened as Poma came into view. She looked just as shocked to see him as he was to see her.

"Poma," he said, his tone a mix of suspicion and confusion. "What are you doing out here?"

"Borias," she stammered, her wide eyes darting around as though searching for an excuse. "I... I could ask you the same thing." Borias exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair.

"I live out here. You know that. You, on the other hand..." He trailed off, watching her closely. Poma swung her leg over her horse and dismounted, tying the reins to a low-hanging branch.

"I was just riding," she said quickly. "Needed some air."

Borias only shook his head. He was losing interest in her. He walked over to a nearby tree and sat down heavily, leaning his head back against the trunk. With a sigh, he reached up to untie the bun holding up his hair, letting it fall loosely over his shoulders. His muscles ached, his head throbbed, and the load of the day pressed heavily on him.

Poma walked to him cautiously, sitting down beside him. Her posture was hesitant, but her eyes were locked on him, studying his every movement.

"What's wrong?" she asked softly. Borias didn't answer immediately. He stared into the forest and clenched his jaw before speaking.

"Xena and I... had a fight." His tone was short, unwilling to tell more than that. Poma nodded slowly, as though she already knew.

"She seems hard to get along with," she said carefully, trying to gauge his reaction. Borias gave a dry laugh, shaking his head.

"That's putting it mildly." Poma moved closer to him and let her hand lightly touch his arm.

"Maybe," she began cautiously, her voice low and soothing, "you don't need all of that. Maybe what you really need is someone who can give you peace. Someone who can... understand you." Borias frowned, glancing at her.

"What are you saying, Poma?" She met his gaze.

"I'm saying... maybe you don't need her, Borias. Maybe you could find comfort elsewhere. In someone else's arms." Her words lingered, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Poma reached out and placed her hand gently on his shoulder. Borias didn't pull away, though his expression remained conflicted.

"Poma—" he started, but before he could finish, she leaned forward, closing the distance between them. Her lips pressed against his, cautious at first, testing his reaction. For a moment, Borias froze, his mind racing. He knew this was wrong, knew he should stop it—but the anger, the frustration, and the ache of feeling unwanted by Xena overwhelmed him.

Slowly, he gave in. His hands moved to Poma's waist, pulling her closer as their kiss deepened. She responded eagerly, adjusting herself to straddle his lap. Borias ran his hands over her back, his touch growing bolder as the heat between them intensified.

But while his hands ran over her body, a small voice in the back of his mind whispered that this wasn't right—that no matter how angry or hurt he was, this wasn't the answer. He pushed the thought away, losing himself in the moment.

He froze for a moment as Poma's lips pressed against his. Her hands moved with purpose, sliding up his chest and down his arms, urging him closer. He didn't pull away, letting the turmoil from his fight with Xena cloud his better judgment. Poma's touch was warm, insistent, her body pressing against his as she deepened the kiss.

Her fingers fumbled with the ties of his tunic, and he allowed her to pull it over his head. Her eyes roamed hungrily over his chest, lingering on the defined muscles as her lips curled into a soft, satisfied smile. She leaned in, her lips trailing down his neck to his collarbone, planting open-mouthed kisses along his skin. Borias exhaled sharply, the warmth of her breath against him stirring something primal inside. His hands moved instinctively to her waist, gripping her firmly as he began to untie the laces of her bodice.

Piece by piece, their clothing came off, landing in random spots on the forest floor. The moonlight filtered through the trees, illuminating Poma's naked skin while she straddled him again. Her hands held onto his shoulders as she captured his lips again.

Borias groaned low in his throat as she rocked her hips against his arousal. His hands slid up her back, pulling her closer as her breath caught in response to his touch. Her moans were soft at first, barely audible, but as she began to move with more urgency, they grew louder, mixing with his own labored breaths.

"Borias," she murmured, her voice trembling with desire as she kissed along his jawline. "You deserve this. You deserve someone who will give you everything."

Her words sent a sharp pang through his chest, but he pushed the thought away, focusing instead on the warmth of her body as she moved against him. Seeing that he wasn't rejecting her, she reached down and guided him into her. Borias' head fell back against the tree as she lowered herself onto him.

Poma let out a low moan, her nails digging into his shoulders as she began to move. Her breath came in soft pants, her chest rising and falling as she rode him. Borias' hands gripped her hips, guiding her as their bodies moved together.

Her moans grew louder, her head falling back as her hands tangled in his hair. Borias groaned, his grip tightening as he bucked his hips to meet hers. The forest around them seemed to fade, leaving only the sound of their bodies moving together—the soft slap of skin against skin, the rustle of leaves beneath them, the mingling of their voices as the heat between them built.

But even as the pleasure mounted, something inside Borias changed. He opened his eyes, watching Poma as she arched above him, her lips parted in a breathless moan. No matter how much he tried to lose himself in the moment, it wasn't right.

"This isn't right," he murmured. Poma didn't seem to hear him, her hips still rolling against him as she chased her own pleasure. Borias' hands moved to her shoulders, stilling her movements.

"Poma," he said again, his tone sharper this time. "This isn't right." She stopped, her breath coming in short gasps as she stared down at him, confusion flashing in her eyes.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice unsteady. "You need this, Borias. I can give you everything you need." Borias shook his head.

"No," he said, his voice softer now. "This isn't what I need. This isn't what I want." He leaned his head back against the tree, his chest rising and falling heavily.

"It's Xena."

The words lingered between them. Poma's face tightened, and she pulled back, crossing her arms over her chest

"You're a fool, Borias," she snapped. "She'll never give you what you want. She'll never love you the way I could." Borias didn't respond immediately. He stood, brushing the leaves off his pants as he turned to face her.

"Maybe you're right. But she's the only one I want. No one else comes close." Poma's eyes filled with anger and disappointment, and she opened her mouth to respond, but Borias cut her off.

"Go home, Poma. You shouldn't be here."

For a moment, she looked as though she might argue, but then she huffed and walked back to her horse. Borias watched her mount and disappear into the trees before he let out a heavy sigh, leaning back against the tree once more.

He stared at the moonlit forest, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. The anger he had felt towards Xena earlier still lingered, but now it was mixed with guilt. He closed his eyes, running a hand down his face.

"Damn it, Xena," he muttered under his breath.

He sat beneath the shelter he built, staring up at the dark canopy of trees above him. The chill of the forest seeped into his bones, but it wasn't the cold keeping him awake—it was the thought of his children. Lexa's tiny hands clutching his tunic, Solan's giggle when he played with sticks. He already left one family before; he couldn't leave another. Not his children.

Not this time.

With a deep sigh, he pushed himself to his feet. The argument with Xena replayed in his mind as he began the slow walk back home. She'd mock him, call him weak again. She'd probably scoff and tell him he wasn't needed. But no matter how much she taunted him, no matter how stubborn she was, he couldn't walk away from her.

He wouldn't.

When he reached the house, the faint glow from the windows caught his eye. The sight of it softened some of the anger still lingering in his chest. This was what he was fighting for—their home, their family. Quietly, he opened the door and stepped inside. He glanced towards the children's room, where Solan and Lexa slept peacefully. For a moment, the sight of them eased his tension.

Then he heard her voice.

"Back so soon?" Xena asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Borias turned towards the main room and saw her sitting on the bed, leaning casually against the headboard. She wasn't sprawled out or sleeping—she was wide awake, watching him like a predator waiting for its prey.

"I thought you were done with this 'prideful selfish woman,'" she added, her lips turning into a sharp smirk. Borias clenched his jaw.

"I came back for the children." Xena arched her brow, tilting her head slightly.

"Of course, you did. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that you can't survive without me." Borias stepped closer, his fists tightening at his sides.

"I came back because they need me."

"Is that what you tell yourself?" Xena shot back, her voice sharp as a blade.

"You think you're doing them some grand favor by staying? They'd be fine without you."

"Would they?" Borias challenged, his voice rising. "Because you're doing such a great job keeping everything together, aren't you?" Xena's smirk faded. Borias stepped even closer.

"Do you ever stop, Xena? Do you ever let yourself feel anything other than anger? Or is this all you've got?" Xena stood abruptly, closing the distance between them until they were face-to-face.

"You don't get to lecture me, Borias. You don't know what it takes to survive."

"I know enough to see that you're scared. You think pushing everyone away makes you strong, but it doesn't. It just makes you alone." Xena's eyes flashed with fury, and she laughed bitterly.

"Spare me your wisdom, Borias."

"You just can't stop, can you?" Borias growled, his voice filled with frustration. "Everything is a fight with you. You can't even admit when you're wrong." Xena's lips curled into a sneer.

"And what would I be wrong about? You? This life?" She jabbed a finger into his chest. "You're the one who wanted this, Borias. Not me." Borias grabbed her wrist.

"You could've left. You still can." Xena yanked her arm free, her eyes burning into his.

"Don't tempt me," she hissed, her voice low and dangerous. They stood there for a moment. Finally, Borias exhaled sharply and turned away, running a hand through his hair.

"You're impossible," he muttered.

"And you're soft," Xena shot back, her voice cold. "You don't have what it takes to be with me, not anymore."

His shoulders stiffened at her words, but he didn't turn back. Instead, he walked to the children's room, pausing only briefly at the opening.

"You can keep pushing me away, Xena," he said quietly, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "But one day, you'll realize you can't do this alone."

Xena didn't respond, her gaze hard as she watched him disappear into the other room. The silence that followed was deafening, but she refused to let it rattle her. She sat back down on the bed with her jaw tight.

Poma mounted her horse in silence, her mind racing as she left the forest behind. The sting of Borias' rejection burned deep, but her anger was already twisting into something darker. She couldn't believe he had chosen Xena—Xena, who treated him like nothing, who walked all over him, who didn't deserve him.

She pressed her heels into the horse's sides, urging it faster. Her hand rested on her wrist, her fingers brushing against Borias' hair tie. She had picked it up off the forest floor before leaving, wrapping it around her arm like a trophy. She smiled bitterly to herself, feeling a strange satisfaction at keeping this piece of him.

"Fool," she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible over the sound of the horse's hooves pounding against the dirt. "He doesn't even realize what he's giving up."

By the time Poma reached her village, everyone had turned in for the night. She left her horse in a stable and retreated inside her hut. As she stepped inside, her fingers lingered on the hair tie, twisting it slowly around her wrist. It was almost like she could still feel his touch, his presence.

She stared into the small mirror on her wall, her reflection illuminated by the dim lantern light. The hair tie stood out against her skin. But instead of taking it off, she tightened it.

"This isn't over," she whispered to herself, her voice low and firm. "Not by a long shot."

Her lips curled into a sly smile as her mind began to work. She didn't care how long it took—she would make Xena pay for humiliating her. And when the time came, Borias would see who truly belonged at his side.

Two weeks had passed since that night, and the house was heavy with silence. Xena hadn't spoken a word to Borias. She didn't eat with him, didn't acknowledge him when he entered a room, and, most cutting of all, she wouldn't let him share their bed. Borias was sleeping in the children's room.

He sat up from the floor, his back resting against the wall. His gaze drifted towards the curtain separating the children's room from where Xena slept. He closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the wall. It wasn't the cold floor or the thin blanket that made the nights unbearable—it was the absence of her. He missed her warmth beside him, the way her body curved perfectly against his, like she belonged there.

The memories of her consumed him. He could almost feel her nails digging into his back, pulling him closer, her voice whispering his name, low and breathless. His chest tightened as he thought of the way her moans echoed in his ears, the way her body responded to his, setting every nerve on fire.

He dragged a hand down his face, exhaling sharply. He hated how much he missed her, hated how weak it made him feel. But nothing compared to the way she would look at him during those moments, her piercing eyes... soft, vulnerable, just for him. He craved it—not just the intimacy but the connection, the rawness that came when they were together. It was a side of her no one else saw, and it was his.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. The ache in his chest wasn't just physical; it was deeper, a hollow space only she could fill. But now, that space felt wider than ever, and no amount of memories could bridge the gap between them.

"I miss you," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible in the quiet room. But the curtain remained still and the only sound was the soft breathing of their children.

But deep down, Borias knew he had to tread carefully. Xena's wrath was fierce, and while her silence was unbearable, it was also a blessing in disguise. Poma's scratches on his back hadn't fully healed yet, and he knew without a doubt that Xena had memorized every inch of him. If she saw those marks, there would be no explanation that could save him.

Lying on the floor of the children's room, he glanced at Solan's peaceful face as the boy slept soundly on his blanket. The soft rise and fall of Lexa's chest in her crib offered him a brief moment of calm. But his mind kept returning to Xena, to her sharp eyes that missed nothing. He ran a hand over his face, letting out a low sigh.

She wasn't paying him any attention now, but he knew it was only a matter of time before her icy exterior melted into fire. And when that fire came, there would be no hiding.

The first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon as Xena rose silently from the bed. She moved quietly, her steps careful to avoid waking Borias or the children. Xena reached down and brushed her daughter's soft cheek with her fingertips. She made sure there was enough milk prepared and within easy reach. Solan stirred slightly on his blanket but didn't wake. Xena allowed herself one last glance at her children before stepping out the door without a word.

The cool morning air greeted her as she walked briskly into the forest. When she reached a clearing deep within the woods, she stopped and crouched, brushing away leaves and dirt to uncover the armor and weapons she had buried the night before.

One by one, she strapped the pieces of armor onto her body. She tied the sword securely at her hip, the bow and quiver slung over her shoulder. With her preparations complete, she pulled out the map she'd taken and studied the marked location. Her lips tightened as she memorized the route.

Darphus.

His name alone brought a mix of memories—violence, power, and ambition. He was exactly the kind of ally she needed to rebuild her reputation and command respect. If anyone could help her reclaim her place in the world, it was Darphus. But it wouldn't be easy. He didn't trust easily, and she knew he would test her at every turn.

Xena set out, weaving her way through the dense forest. The sun climbed higher while she moved but her weapons provided a reassuring presence rather than a burden. The sounds of birds and rustling leaves faded as she got closer to Darphus' camp.

When she finally arrived, she stopped just outside the perimeter and scanned the area. Men moved about, some sharpening weapons, others laughing and drinking. They were rough, hardened fighters—exactly the kind of men she expected to see.

She stepped forward, making her presence known. Instantly, several heads turned toward her, their expressions shifting from curiosity to caution. Two men approached her, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.

"Who are you?" one of them asked, his voice rough.

"Xena," she said calmly, her tone cold and commanding. "I'm here to see Darphus." The men exchanged glances, clearly recognizing her name. One of them smirked slightly, gesturing for her to follow.

"This way."

They led her through the camp, the stares of the other men following her every step. Xena kept her head high, her gaze steady, showing no hint of fear. As they approached the center of the camp, she spotted him—Darphus—sitting by the fire, gnawing on a piece of meat. He looked up as they approached, a wide grin spreading across his scarred face.

"Well, well," he spoke, tossing the bone aside and standing to face her. "If it isn't the great Xena. I thought you'd retired. Or was it settled down?"

Xena didn't respond, her piercing gaze locked on him. Darphus laughed, stepping closer.

"What brings you here, Xena? Don't tell me Borias finally grew a spine and kicked you out."

"We split," Xena replied bluntly. Darphus threw his head back and laughed loudly, drawing the attention of his men.

"Split, huh? Guess that means you left that baby with him?" He leaned forward, his grin wide and taunting. "What was it this time? Couldn't handle changing diapers?"

One of Darphus' men snickered, muttering something under his breath. Xena's gaze snapped to him, and in a flash, she had her sword drawn, the blade pressing against his throat. The man froze, his laughter dying in his throat.

"Do you find something funny?" Xena asked coldly, her face inches from his. The man shook his head quickly, his eyes wide with fear.

"Good," she said, lowering her sword but not stepping back.

"I'm not here to talk about Borias or my child. I'm here because I need an ally." Darphus tilted his head, his grin fading slightly.

"An ally? That's an interesting way to put it. Last I checked, Xena didn't ask for help. She took what she wanted."

"Things change," Xena said, stepping closer. "But I haven't. I'm building something, Darphus. Something big. And you can be part of it." Darphus crossed his arms, studying her closely.

"Why should I trust you, Xena? You're a legend, sure. But legends fade. From what I've heard, you've gone soft." Xena's lips formed into a dangerous smirk.

"Try me," she said, her voice low and sharp. The men around them murmured, their interests rising. Darphus laughed again, shaking his head.

"You've still got fire. I'll give you that. But fire isn't enough. What exactly are you offering, Xena?"

"Power. Control. Fear. Everything you ever wanted." Darphus raised an eyebrow.

"And what's in it for you?" Xena stepped even closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper.

"Revenge." Darphus stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he smiled.

"You've got guts, Xena. I'll give you that. But if you think you can waltz in here and give me orders—"

"I'm not here to give you orders," Xena interrupted, her tone cutting him off. "I'm here to make you an offer. Join me, or step aside. Either way, I'm moving forward." The challenge in her voice was clear, and Darphus' grin returned, wider than before.

"Alright, Xena. You've got my attention. Let's see if you're worth it."

He extended his hand, and Xena clasped it firmly, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. She knew this was only the beginning. Darphus wasn't an easy ally, but he was a necessary one.

"Welcome to the game," Darphus said, his grin sharp. "Let's see if you can still play."

Xena turned sharply, motioning for the men who had escorted her into the camp to move aside. She walked out with her head held high. She could feel their eyes on her, but she didn't care.

Once she reached the edge of the camp, she paused and pulled out the map again, glancing at the markings. Her recruits were waiting in the forest clearing she had designated. The thought of them brought a faint smirk to her lips. They had no idea what they had signed up for.

Her mind was already racing with strategies. This wasn't just about numbers—it was about precision, discipline, and loyalty. She didn't need an army of brutes. She needed warriors who would follow her into the depths of chaos without hesitation.

The clearing came into view as the sun began to sink toward the horizon. Xena boots crunched against the dried leaves as she approached the group of men she had gathered. They stood in loose clusters, some leaning against trees, others sharpening weapons or talking in hushed tones. They all fell silent as she entered the space, her presence commanding their full attention.

One man walked to her, a burly fighter with a scar running down the side of his face. "We've been waiting," he said, his voice gruff. "You have a plan, or are we just here to look tough?"

Xena's smirk widened slightly as she walked to the center of the clearing. "I always have a plan," she said, her voice carrying authority. "But first, let's see if you're worth it."

The challenge in her tone silenced any murmurs of doubt. She surveyed the group, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous edge. The time for talk was over. Now, it was time to show them what they were made of—and what they could become under her command.

"You're here because you want more," she began. "More than this pathetic, insignificant life you've been scraping by with. You're here because you've heard the stories. You've heard my name." The men fell silent, their eyes fixed on her. She took a step forward, her boots crunching against the dirt.

"Let me make one thing clear," she continued. "I'm not here to babysit you. If you follow me, you'll fight harder than you've ever fought. You'll bleed. You might even die. But if you survive, you'll be part of something greater than yourself. You'll be warriors—true warriors." A man at the back of the group smirked, crossing his arms.

"Talk's cheap," he said, his tone laced with mockery. "Let's see if you can back it up." Xena's lips curled into a dangerous smile.

"Step forward," she said, her tone inviting but deadly.

The man hesitated for a moment before walking into the clearing. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and clearly used to being the strongest in the room. Xena circled him slowly, her eyes assessing every inch of him.

"You think you're tough?" she asked, her voice low. "Show me."

He lunged at her without warning, his massive fists swinging. Xena sidestepped easily. She delivered a swift kick to the back of his knee, sending him stumbling forward. Before he could recover, she spun, landing a sharp elbow to his jaw. He crumpled to the ground, groaning. Xena crouched beside him, her voice a deadly whisper.

"Lesson one: Never underestimate your opponent." The other recruits watched in stunned silence as Xena stood to her full height, her gaze sweeping over them.

"If anyone else doubts me, now's your chance."

No one moved.

"Good," she said, her voice cold and commanding. "Let's begin."

Xena barked orders as the recruits ran through the forest, carrying heavy logs on their shoulders. Sweat dripped down their faces, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. Some stumbled, their legs giving out beneath them, but Xena was relentless.

"Get up!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the air. "The enemy won't wait for you to catch your breath!"

One man collapsed to his knees, clutching his side. Xena walked over to him, grabbing the front of his vest and hauled him to his feet.

"Weakness will get you killed," she hissed. "Push through it or leave now." The man nodded shakily, forcing himself to continue.

Later, she had them spar in pairs, testing their strength and endurance. She moved among them, correcting their stances, demonstrating techniques, and occasionally stepping into the fray to remind them who they were dealing with. Her strikes were precise and she didn't hold back.

"Discipline," she said, her voice firm. "Control. Without these, you're nothing but wild dogs."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Xena stood before the recruits, her silhouette framed by the dying light. They were battered and bruised, their faces streaked with dirt and sweat, but there was a spark of determination in their eyes.

"You fought well today," she said, her voice carrying over the clearing. "But this is just the beginning. If you stay with me, you'll learn what it means to be unstoppable. You'll learn to take what you want without fear. You'll learn to make the world tremble at the sound of your name." The men listened closely, her words igniting a fire within them. She stepped closer, her piercing gaze locking onto each of them in turn.

"We'll meet again in one week," she said. "Come armed. Come ready. Together, we'll reshape this world."

The recruits nodded. Xena watched them disappear into the forest, a faint smile forming on her lips. She knew they would follow her—not because of the promises she'd made, but because they believed in her. And that was all she needed.

Xena walked into the house, her body tired but her mind sharp from the day's training. She didn't so much as glance in Borias' direction as she passed him, her focus entirely on the children.

"Hey, my babies," she murmured, scooping Lexa up from her cradle and brushing a kiss to Solan's cheek as he played on the floor. Her voice softened, totally different from the harsh edge Borias had grown accustomed to lately. Borias leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching her with his eyes narrowed.

"How long are you going to keep this up, Xena?"

She didn't respond, didn't even look his way. Instead, she walked outside with both children, stepping into the setting sunlight behind the house. She unfolded a blanket, spreading it out on the ground, and sat with Lexa in her arms. Solan, full of energy, darted off to gather sticks, proudly returning to show her his tiny collection.

Xena cooed at Lexa, rocking her gently while keeping an eye on Solan. Lexa smiled brightly at Xena, melting her heart. Borias followed her outside, his frustration rising. He stood over her.

"Xena," he said firmly. Still, she ignored him, brushing her hand over Lexa's tiny head. Her stubbornness was like a wall, impenetrable and unyielding.

Borias had enough. He crouched down and grabbed her collar, pulling her up just enough so she had no choice but to face him. Her eyes blazed with defiance as she glared at him.

"Listen to me," he hissed, his voice low but full of authority. He knew softness wouldn't work with her. Xena respected strength and he needed to meet her on her level.

"You can't keep shutting me out, pretending I'm not here. I love you, Xena. Do you hear me? I love you. You're my partner, the mother of my children, my everything."

Xena's jaw tightened, her eyes looking away as though his words didn't affect her. But he saw the faint flicker of something in her expression—something she wouldn't admit even to herself.

"I'm not going anywhere," Borias continued, his grip firm but not rough. "The only way you're getting rid of me is through death. And even then, I'd find my way back to you."

Her lip twitched, a sign of the internal battle raging inside her. She hated how much she loved hearing him say those words. She hated how much she needed him, even though she would never say it out loud.

"You're impossible," she muttered, her voice tinged with both annoyance and something softer. Borias smirked slightly, leaning in closer.

"And you wouldn't have it any other way."

Before she could remark, he kissed her, hard and full of passion. She stiffened at first, but the heat of his lips and the intensity of his touch melted her resistance. Her free hand came up, gripping the front of his shirt as she kissed him back, matching his passion with her own. Lexa stirred in her arms, letting out a small whimper, breaking the moment. Xena pulled back slightly, her breath uneven as she looked up at him.

"Don't think this changes anything," she said, her tone sharp, though her eyes betrayed her. Borias laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"I shouldn't have said what I did about Natasha. It was out of anger, and it was wrong. You're the one I've built my life with. You're the only one who matters." Xena's eyes narrowed, her lips curling slightly. She tilted her head, her voice sharp as ever.

"You expect me to believe that after you threw her name in my face?" Borias leaned closer, his jaw tightening.

"I don't care if you believe it or not. The truth doesn't change. You're mine, Xena, and I'll never want anyone else." Her gaze hardened again, but the corner of her mouth twitched.

"Then stop acting like a fool," she muttered, her tone short. Borias smirked faintly.

"Only if you stop acting like I'm the enemy." She glared at him but didn't push him away. Instead, she sat back down on the blanket, adjusting Lexa and motioning for Solan to come closer. Borias stood over them for a moment longer, his expression softening as he watched the woman he loved and their children. He knew they'd fight again—it was their nature. But for now, he'd won this small battle, and that was enough.