Gabrielle casually sat sideways on the throne, looking outside the window with a blank look on her face. She was bored. There was nothing else for her to do for it seemed she had done it all. She had conquered lands near and far, had instilled fear in everyone, and had more money than she knew what to do with. 'Maybe I should order a random capture of peasants and ....'
"My Lord?"
Oh gods, it was that annoying new advisor again. It seemed like that woman was always bringing her something that required her 'immediate' attention. "Yes, Xena, what is it now?" she asked in an exasperated voice. If the woman hadn't been extremely beautiful, she would have had her beheaded or something already. She watched as the woman walked gracefully toward her. By the Gods, she was beautiful. Wouldn't I just love to....
"My Lord." Xena repeated once she had reached Gabrielle. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but this requires your immediate attention." 'And I needed to look at your beauty' Xena thought to herself.
"Xena, to you, everything requires my immediate attention. Even you going to the pot to relieve yourself, requires my immediate attention. Are you trying to tell me I really don't need you, I can just take care of everything myself?"
Gabrielle smirked as she saw Xena's reaction.
Xena cringed at the thought. Part of the reason she was always seeking out Gabrielle was because she couldn't seem to get enough of her. It had become a craving. She found the conqueror amazing. However, it seemed she was pushing her luck with her tactics. "I'm so sorry, my Lord, but this is something I can not do. Today marks the end of the time limit set on your 3rd marriage postponement and the people are demanding an answer. You must choose a consort right away. As it is, the people are close to mass rioting, my Lord. Speak to your guards. They have been breaking up fights everywhere for a week."
"Have they now?" Gabrielle stood up and walked towards the window as if to see things for herself. "Perhaps I should remind them of who I am. Maybe I've been too lenient. How dare they think they can push me into marriage."
Xena flinched when those green eyes turned to her. The anger showing in them made them all the more beautiful. By the gods, she truly was gorgeous. The sunlight highlighted her hair, and the soft breeze carried her scent to her. She always smelled so good! How can someone so ruthless be so beautiful and smell so good all the time?
"Xena!"
The shout broke her out of her reverie. "Yes, my Lord?"
she stammered. Hades, how was she supposed to explained her lack of attention? Gabrielle was now standing directly in front of her. Xena stared directly ahead of her instead of into her eyes, afraid of giving herself away.
"Mind telling me what could be more important than listening to me?" Gabrielle asked in a somewhat menacing tone. "You are already walking on thin ground, Xena."
What! Xena's mind raced. What did she mean by that? "My Lord." Xena took a step back and bowed. "Please forgive me, I'll try not to do anything to displease you again." Xena waited for Gabrielle to say something. Anything. Unable to wait any longer, she casually glanced up. "My Lord?"
"What were you thinking about?"
Xena looked at her stance. Her hands were on her hips and she looked quite like a goddess.
"Nothing at all, I must have gotten sidetracked thinking about your wedding announcement, that's all. Everything you say is very important. I...."
"Why would my wedding announcement mean anything to you?" Gabrielle crossed her arms in front of her. "And you can stand up now."
Xena stood up but looked everywhere except into her eyes.
"Look at me." It was said as a gentle command.
Xena had no choice. Green eyes locked onto hers. She was saved however, by the sudden loud sounds of running feet.
Guards came crashing through the door just then. "My Lord, please forgive my intrusion but the riots are getting out of hand. You need to set your army in motion now, we need help!"
Gabrielle quickly reached for her sword as soon as she heard the news. "Xena, do you know how to fight?"
"Uh, yes, but it's....."
"Good, gear up." She said as she directed her to where she could armor up.
Xena couldn't believe what had just happened. It seemed Gabrielle enjoyed putting her on the spot. That had been close.
These were the thoughts that ran through her mind as she galloped behind Gabrielle. Soon, however, she had to concentrated on fighting and surviving.
She instinctively stayed by Gabrielle's side watching her back while admiring the smaller woman's skills. She was very good, in fact, she was a vision of power and mastery.
Gabrielle's fighting presence soon quieted everyone down. Her mere appearance and fighting skills were enough to discourage further riots. Xena was glad it was over. She was tired, covered in blood, and hurting really bad. Gabrielle however seemed unscathed. She silently followed Gabrielle back to the room.
"You've been very quiet, Xena. Are you hurt?" Gabrielle said, her back to Xena while she rummaged around some clothes.
"No, my Lord, but I think I should go now."
Xena turned around to leave, not really expecting to be stopped.
"Wait! Come here."
Xena sighed and wearily turned around and walked back towards Gabrielle. "My Lord." she bowed slightly.
"Gods, Xena, you are hurt!" she said with great concern, noticing all the cuts and blood the woman displayed "Hades, why didn't you say something sooner. Here, sit. I'll
get a bath going."
"Gabrielle." Xena was too tired to notice the lapse.
Gabrielle stopped at the sound of her name. Xena never called her by her name.
"Please, my Lord. Don't go through any trouble for me. I'm sure the cuts are minor and not all of this blood is mine. I'll stop by the healer tomorrow."
Gabrielle stared into the blue eyes, momentarily getting lost in their beauty.
She had been extremely please with Xena's actions on the ground today. She had proven to be a skillful warrior, in spite of her lack of experience. She'd also notice how the tall woman never left her side, as if she were protecting her. But why? Why the loyalty? She knew she treated the advisor poorly, constantly yelling at her privately and publicly. Yet, she'd felt fiercely protected by her side today.
"I like the way you say my name." She stated quietly, not breaking eye contact. "Please stay." Gabrielle emphasized her words by placing a hand on Xena's arm. "Let me take care of y...your wounds."
Xena was shocked. She had even said please. Too stunned to do much, she let herself be led over to a chair.
"Sit, I'll be right back." Gabrielle walked out of the room to order water for a bath, supplies and food. When she came back, she saw Xena was looking at her with warmth and tenderness. Wow! She reached up and started removing tattered clothing. How can she look at me that way? After all the horrible things I've done, and even continue doing, how can she.... She suddenly stopped undressing Xena. Could she possibly have feelings for me?
"My Lord, is something wrong?" Xena asked worriedly. She had temporarily gotten lost in the small touches on her body, concentrating not to give too much away. The small woman had been busy when she'd suddenly stopped all movement.
The conversation was momentarily stopped as the servants brought in the requested supplies.
Gabrielle went back. "No, I just had a sudden thought. Well, actually two." She looked up at her and grinned. "First, I want you to call me Gabrielle, and second, would you... like to...have dinner with me tonight?" She rushed and hesitated foolishly, afraid of a rejection, she looked away and continued her inspection of the body before her, started tending to the numerous wounds.
Xena felt her heart drop. Her body was no longer hurting, no longer tired, not even close! "My L..."
Gabrielle's head shot up quickly.
"Uh,...I mean, Gabrielle, it would be my greatest honor and pleasure to be your dinner guest." Xena stammered, having lost coherent thought. Gabrielle. She really liked saying her name, the way it rolled off her tongue.
Having finally finished tending to Xena's wounds, she looked up again. She hadn't missed the taller woman's shaky voice. Putting on a very wicked smile, she said. "Guest? Oh no, Xena. I was thinking more along the lines of a very...intimate...dinner." Gabrielle laughed as she saw Xena open and close her mouth several times without saying anything. "I'll take that as a yes. The bath is now ready, enjoy. I will come get you later as I have things to attend to now." She stood on her tippy toes and planted a soft tender kiss on Xena's lips.
Xena almost fainted. Her lips were so soft! Her eyes were still closed when she heard the door closed. She quickly hurried and took a bath, afraid Gabrielle would come back and still find her rooted in the same spot.
Xena wondered through the halls in a daze waiting for Gabrielle to come get her. She had decided to skip her duties for the day, thanking the gods that they could easily be done the next day without incurring the conqueror's wrath. She had too many butterflies in her stomach to concentrate on petty work. She was sure Gabrielle would understand, at least she hoped she would. She giggled like a young innocent maiden. Well, she felt like she almost was one. Her experience in these things was almost next to nothing. Gods, not only was her experience close to nothing, but she'd never even been with a woman! Walking and thinking wicked thoughts, Gabrielle's voice filtered through the haze.
"These riots have got to stop! I don't want to hear it again from you." The conqueror looked down at the table she was leaning on, but did not register the slew of papers and maps scattered all over it. "You round up these peasants and hang them, or behead them or whatever. I'm not about to let these people think they can riot every time to get what they want." She finally answered with barely restrained anger.
Xena stood by the door, listening intently. Hades, she was going on a killing rampage again! She trembled at the anger she heard her voice. What could she do?
"Haven't you killed enough? I thought you said you were going to try and do things differently!" Ovid, the captain of the guards responded. His long time duty and loyalty to Gabrielle is what made it possible for him to speak his mind. Sometimes. "My Lord, please. Let me and my men try to rally up some support for your cause."
"Cause! You think this is a cause!" Gabrielle turned to look at her captain.
His eyes would not meet hers.
"You're siding with these peasants again, aren't you?" She asked with a fake calmness in her voice. Gods, why was this happening today? All she wanted to do was get back and get ready for her date with Xena. Xena. She took a moment to enjoy the name but the thought that she was being kept away enraged her.
Ovid swallowed hard. Hades, he should have just let her kill them. Why should he care?
Xena heard a sword being unsheathed. Not liking the sound, she stepped in through the doorway, not know what she would do since she was weaponless. Gabrielle was standing there with the point of her sword held at the man's throat. "Gabrielle, please." She said softly.
"My Lord." Ovid bowed all the way down, carefully avoiding the point of the sword as it stayed with him. "I mean no disrespect. However, I too wonder why you choose to remain alone. There are many who would jump at the chance to be your consort. You are an extremely beautiful woman"
Gabrielle resheathed her sword, and stared at the head of the man at her feet. "They don't want me Ovid, I know I am a murderer. All of them just want the power that comes with being my consort, not my love." She growled.
"Not all of them, Gabrielle. I can think of at least one person who would love to be your consort, but for love, not power."
Gabrielle slowly turned around.
Ovid slowly stood up and looked at the woman who was standing in the middle of the room. He looked back to Gabrielle. It seemed as if they had both forgotten he even existed. Yes, this is what Gabrielle needed. Someone to love her. He smiled to himself. Since all the attention was away from him, he stood up and left the room, closing the door behind him to give the ladies the privacy they deserved.
Feeling unaturally brave, Xena walked up to Gabrielle 'till they were just inches apart. She took the smaller hands and placed them around her waist, then moved in closer. She cupped Gabrielle's face and lowered her head to meet her lips. At first touch, her mind went into overload. Multiple sensations bombarded her body as she felt soft lips, sweet breath, and small hands pulling her tighter and tighter! She started moaning, pleasure spreading rapidly throughout her body. Gabrielle was such a great kisser, she thought.
The little body pushed against her, and then she felt herself turned and roughly thrown on top of the table. Amazingly, lips remained firmly locked in place. She vaguely heard papers falling to the ground, but Gabrielle's kisses, caresses and passionate moans soon became her only focus. She wouldn't have heard an army come into the room.
Her trembling fingers hurriedly started undressing the smaller woman.
Feeling hurried hands begin to undress her, Gabrielle quickly got off the table and removed her weapons and finished what Xena had started.
Now, standing naked in front of Xena, her movements slowed down and Xena saw a mischievous look on her face. She watched as Gabrielle slowly took off her boots and gave her feet a quick massage. However, when her tongue touched her legs, the feeling was too much. She closed her eyes and let out a long moan. Gabrielle was leaving a trail of wet fire as she slowly climbed back up the table, still seemingly oblivious to the mess around as more reports ended up on the floor. When she felt her reach the top of her inner thigh, Xena opened her legs and gasped in anticipation, but she cried out as she felt her go back down to begin another wet ascent on the other leg. She felt she was going mad with the need to be touched there.
Gabrielle silently chuckled. "Not so fast. I want to taste all of you." She said seductively. Once again she skipped over Xena's middle and moaned as she heard the cry of frustration. Xena was so responsive! Her sounds were enough to send her over if she let it. As she nudged the shirt up to lick her navel, she felt hands entwine in her hair and pull her head up.
Xena crushed her lips, and she responded back, the passion overwhelming her senses.
She felt hands grasp her breasts and lips sucking down her neck. Gods, that felt so good! She lost herself in the pleasure that ran up and down her body. She nudged Xena's legs open with her knee and pressed down hard as simultaneously, she brought her lips down to her neck and bit just as hard. The body underneath arched up into her and she felt the rumbling of her moan.
"Gabrielle!" said a strangled voice.
"Yes, Xena." She whispered.
Gabrielle had to have more! Having waited long enough, she grabbed the shirt and savagely ripped it off her. Lips, tongue, and teeth latched on to a nipple.
"Gods, Gabrielle! Uhh!" Xena swam in emotions she thought only gods were privileged to. She loved the soft skin she was caressing and the smell of her body intoxicated her. She pulled up the conqueror again, this time, she got a mouthful of a perfect breast. She circled the nipple with her tongue and gently pulled it with her teeth. Deep moans filled her ears. It was like a siren's song.
Gabrielle reluctantly pulled away and reached down to rip off her britches . She closed her eyes as the scent reached her and she moaned hard. Her mouth watered, as she drank in the delicious smell. She moved up to Xena's ear as she slid her hand down, gently swirling her fingers, getting them soaking wet. "You are so wet!" She whispered. She felt the body beneath her shudder and she smiled. "Open your eyes."
Darkened blue eyes opened, showing lust and passion. "Watch." She brought her hand up and slowly licked her glistening fingers. "Ummm, you taste and smell so good, Xena." She purred.
Xena reached down to do the same. She smiled when she felt how wet Gabrielle was. "You feel so good, Gabrielle. I've wanted to touch you like this since I first laid eyes on you."
Golden hair suddenly covered Xena's face and a moan penetrated her senses when she inserted her fingers all the way into Gabrielle.
"Xena." She heard softly and a small hand gripped her tighter. She then felt the compact body begin to move against her fingers. The writhing body above her was the most beautiful site she had ever seen.
Once again, Gabrielle brought her hand down. She lifted up her head to watch the beautiful face. "Xena, who's conquering who?" She rasped hoarsely. This time she too went all the way in. Xena's arm tighten around her, nails digging in. Both groaned loudly as they moved together in unison. Gabrielle soon realized, it was she, who had been finally conquered.
The crowd went wild as Gabrielle walked out onto the stage and she looked around the arena. Gabrielle smiled as she heard everyone chanting 'lord' over and over again. When she raised her hand, everyone hushed down immediately. "I know you have all been waiting long for me to chose a consort. I apologize, to each and everyone one of you." She smiled as the peasants roared again. Once she was ready, she raised her hand again for silence. "I know that I have been responsible for the many deaths of loved ones, the taking of your husbands for my army, and many other rapings too numerous to name. I too apologize for that." When no one said anything at that, she knew they were too stunned. "I stand here now to let you all know, that Lord will no longer exist. For I have found what was missing in my life, I have found love." The words seemed to have finally sunk in and the roar from the crowd was deafening.
She turned around and signaled Ovid. He smiled at herand she smiled back at him. She knew that he was truly happy for her. He quickly turned around and left and emerged with a blindfolded Xena. Gabrielle could tell that Xena was nervous, not knowing what was going on. She reached out and held her hand for reassurance while Ovid took the blindfold off.
Xena gasped at the site. Gabrielle looked every bit the conqueror. She felt her body react, as warm tingles ran southward, thoughts of the glorious week they had spent together, a pleasant reminder. She looked out at the crowd, noticing all the smiles and the cheering. What was going on?
Gabrielle momentarily took her eyes off Xena and looked out to the crowd. Instinctively, they all quieted down again. She turned her eyes back to the blue ones that had so easily captured her heart. Gabrielle unsheathed her sword and got down on one knee. She placed the sword on the floor and bowed her head. The meaning had a profound impact on all. She looked back up. "Xena, I love you with all of my heart. You have made my world a brighter and happier place, shown me how good life can be. I lay my sword at your feet, pledging my allegiance to you. I vow to protect you at all cost, to gladly give up my life for you." She paused, suddenly nervous. "Xena, will you be my queen?"
Xena couldn't hold herself up any longer. She fell to her knees and crushed Gabrielle in an embrace.
Once again the crowd went wild!
Xena only knew Gabrielle. "I love you too, my Lord." she whispered. "I would gladly be your queen." She cupped her face and kissed her passionately. Neither one remembered that a crowd of thousands was still watching them.
Ovid smiled at the two. Maybe he should remind them not start something out here. He chuckled as he remembered walking into the planning room and seeing reports and clothing all over the floor. He shook his head at the memory. Gabrielle had met her match.