How strong she was. Gabrielle remembered thinking. The arms that had cradled her hadn’t trembled, and the heartbeat she’d heard through the ear pressed against Xena had been steady.
How safe she’d felt.
How gentle Xena’s touch had been, warming her cheeks.
It was such a strange feeling. Gabrielle simply lay there, as the emotions filled her, pushing the pain back for a brief moment. She couldn’t even put a name to what she felt, except that it made her short of breath with an ache that seemed to come from her very soul.
It was like being hungry, but not sure of what for.
She wished Xena would come back, and as she sounded the words in her head, Xena did. The door opened, and she painfully rolled over, to see the queen sweeping across the floor dressed in a flowing, black silk robe.
Xena walked to the basin of water on the chest and washed her hands, using the slightly spicy smelling soap resting next to it. “So.” She addressed Gabrielle. “How are you feeling?”
Gabrielle licked her lips, which felt dry and rough. “Thirsty.”
Xena looked over her shoulder at her, a subsiding storm evident in her pale blue eyes. “Ah.” She walked over and picked up a skin full of something that gurgled and returned to the bedside. “Forgot to leave this with you.”
“How are you feeling?” Gabrielle asked shyly, taking the skin.
“Like someone who’s been shot in the back with an arrow, and had to carry around cute little blond slave girls all day. Why?” Xena’s lips twitched into a droll grin as she watched Gabrielle blush. She sat down in the chair next to the bed and slowly let the feral tension seep out of her, watching with idle fascination as her fingers twitched and curled of their own volition.
Gabrielle suckled at the spout on the skin, swallowing the water with a feeling of relief. Her eyes wandered a little, and she suddenly noticed a splash of dried rust along Xena’s arm.
Blood.
She looked up at Xena’s profile, it’s edges outlined by the dim, stormy light coming in the window. “Did you….” She hesitated, not really sure what to ask, or if she wanted to know.
Xena slowly turned her head and looked down. “Did I what, Gabrielle?” She asked in a cool voice. “Did I find out who jumped you?” She watched the girl’s eyes flicker. “Oh yeah. I found out. You wanna know what happened to him?”
Gabrielle swallowed, wanting very much to retract the question. She didn’t want to know. She knew it was bad, she knew it was her fault. Heartsick, she just lifted her head and looked at Xena in silence.
Shocked to find, not mocking but a quiet, remote compassion in the queen’s eyes.
“A lot of things I do, I do because it’s what I have to do to keep power in my hands, Gabrielle.” Xena said. “I won’t lie and tell you I don’t enjoy it. I do.” She added. “But it’s all for a reason. If I have to sacrifice a few lives, to keep control, I will.”
Gabrielle took a breath, then released it.
“It wasn’t about you.” Xena insisted quietly. “You didn’t cause that man’s gutting or his death. I did that, and I did it because what he did went against my will, and that I can’t tolerate. You understand me, Gabrielle?”
The girl nodded silently.
Xena reached over and touched her hair, feeling the flinch as she did so. It surprised her just how much that hurt, and she frowned, disturbed at the churn of emotions inside her. “Gabrielle?”
The green eyes slowly lifted to hers.
Xena touched the bandage. “I didn’t want this to happen to you again.”
Gabrielle exhaled, nibbling the inside of her lip. “Everything has a price, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, it does.”
The girl nodded her head. “I understand.”
Xena relaxed a trifle. “But you don’t like it.” She guessed, giving the blond hair a tweak.
“No.” Gabrielle answered honestly. “I don’t.”
“S’allright.” The queen said. “You don’t have to like it.” She let her hand rest on the girl’s head, grimacing slightly as she felt a warmth under her palm. “Your head hurt?”
“Yeah.”
Xena removed the bandage, and found an expected swelling under it. “Well, I tell you what, my friend. Since you’re still coherent, if you give me a hand with my back, I’ll see what I can do about this. Deal?”
My friend. The confusing swirl of emotions filled Gabrielle again. Was she?
Did she want to be?
She looked up at Xena, and suddenly, for the first time as she looked into those remote eyes, she saw past the ice, for a just a second, and found something else back in there looking back at her.
A person.
“Deal.” Gabrielle made her choice. “Better hurry up, though. I’m not feeling so good.”
Xena stood and slipped out of her robe, then knelt beside the bed, turning her bare back to Gabrielle’s eyes. She handed her the kit off the table and let her elbows rest on her knee, rubbing her fingers over the dried blood on her arm, and watching the tiny rust shavings fall to the floor.
Gabrielle worked in silence for a few moments, her touch gentle and soft against Xena’s skin. “Um.. Xena?”
“Yes?”
“It’s all red again.”
Damn it. “Yeah, I thought so.”
“We’re both pretty messed up, huh?”
Xena sighed. “Yeah.” She turned and looked over her shoulder. “But we’ll get through it.”
Surprisingly, to her, Gabrielle smiled despite the discomfort she was obviously in. Likewise, Xena smiled back.
Outside, the rain poured on, washing the seeping blood from the figure spread eagled on the gate, it’s head already tipped in death.
**
“Mistress, there is great unrest.” Stanislaus wrung his hands together.
“And?” Xena sat in her chair, in the public chamber. She picked listlessly at a bunch of grapes. “It’s the weather. After the tournament tomorrow, it’ll all settle down.”
“But, Mistress…”
“Stanislaus.” Xena was at the end of her always meager supply of patience. “I know. Drop it.” She ordered. “I know what Bregos is up to. Tomorrow, I’ll take care of it, and anyone who’s restless after that better be restless far, far away from here.”
“The slaves are agitating, mistress. After this morning.” Stanislaus braved her temper, a rare thing. “I’m concerned.”
Xena looked at him. “Okay. “ She studied a grape. “Go downstairs, and tell them if I hear they’re upset one more time, I’ll come down there again and give them something to really be upset about.” She eyed him coolly. “I’m not in the mood, Stanislaus.”
He sighed. “Mistress.”
A light knock provided a welcome interruption. “Come.”
The door opened and Alaran entered, giving Stanislaus a dour look as he crossed the floor and bent a knee to Xena. “Mistress, I have news.” He was carrying a tray, which he set down on the table after he rose.
Xena lifted an eyebrow at him.
“My men have gotten word of the men who stood outside the walls.”
Xena’s shoulderblades itched. “Ah.” She steepled her fingers. “And?”
“They have escaped, Mistress. They ran from the stronghold that very night.” Alaran looked disappointed. “My spies tell me they did not know of any success or failure of their mission.”
One thing gone right. Xena relaxed in her chair. “All right. Have you sent someone after them?”
“Yes, Mistress. Two of my best men.” Her security master assured her. “They will bring them back. Alive or in pieces, as the cause warrants.”
Stanislaus winced unobtrusively.
“Good job.” Xena praised Alaran. “Let me know any news you get back.”
“Very well, Mistress.” Alaran nodded. “They were not soldiers.” He added. “They were from the outlands, who arrived here days before Bregos did.”
“Really.” Xena murmured. “From the newly conquered areas?”
“No.” Alaran shook his head. “From Thrace.”
“Thrace?” Xena drummed her fingers on her chair arm. “Who owns them, I wonder?” She mused. “No matter. We’ll find out.” She concluded. “I want two men outside the door of my private chambers, Alaran, during dinner.”
He nodded. “To protect the little one?”
Xena watched Stanislaus’ lips twist. “Yes.” She steepled her fingers again. “I know no slave will come near her, but there are enough uncertainties around to warrant caution.”
“Mistress… “ Stanislaus spoke up. “Is such a one worth it?” He asked. “So much disturbance…”
Alaran cleared his throat. “Her majesty has already answered that question.” He said. “Or did you miss this morning’s entertainment?” His voice was sharp.
“I did not.” The seneschal said. “I was just telling her majesty of the slaves unrest over the sight.”
“Unrest?” Alaran laughed. “They’re lucky to be alive to tell of it. Tell them that! Fools! To listen to Bregos temptations?” He put his hands on his slim hips. “It has been too long for them, I’m thinking. They have gotten used to her majesties beneficence.”
Hm. Xena cocked her head to one side. Her Majesties’ Beneficence. Had a nice ring to it. “He’s right.” She stated flatly. “Everyone’s gotten complacent, and Bregos took advantage of that. It’s time to shake things up, and the fight tomorrow’ll just be the start of that.”
Stanislaus squared his shoulders. “Very well, Mistress. I will do what I need to spread that word.” He told her. “Perhaps it is what they all need to hear.” He bowed low, then turned and padded silently to the door, opening it and passing through quickly.
Xena exhaled. “Ares’ own jackass.” She muttered “I swear that man has the brains of an Agean sea slug.”
Alaran coughed, his lips twitching. “Mistress, how is the little one? My spies tell me she was cruelly used.”
“Yeah, poor kid.” Xena sighed. “They knocked her to Hades, but she held her tongue an didn’t spill anything to them.” She got up as a sense of restlessness took over, and paced in front of the fireplace. “She’ll be all right.”
Alaran watched her with curious eyes. “And you, my liege?”
Xena took a deep breath, feeling the stabbing ache in her back. “I’ll live.” She said. “And tomorrow, I’ll do what I have to do.” She added. “You checked the tray?”
“Personally, Mistress.” Alaran assured her.
“Good.” Xena rested her hands on either side of it, gazing down at the covered contents. “No sense in tempting fate.” She looked up. “Where’s Bregos?”
“In his quarters, Mistress. Waiting the rain out. He and his chief attendants were sparring earlier. They seem in good humor.” The security chief hesitated. “Word of the morning’s activities is spreading to the men.”
“And?” Xena kept her eyes on the tray.
“What I heard, Mistress, is a welcome for the leader we knew best.”
Xena smiled. She lifted her head and looked at Alaran.
**
Gabrielle was tossing and turning, her sweat drenched hair plastered to her forehead. It was obvious she was half lost in fever, softly guttural words wrenching themselves from her throat.
“Damn.” Xena nudged the door closed, and put the tray down on the dresser. She walked over and sat on the bed, putting a hand on the girls shoulder. “Gabrielle?”
"Mama?" Gabrielle whispered. "Is that you?" She clutched at Xena’s fingers. "I dreamed you were dead.. All of you..da and.." Her eyes blinked open and fastened on Xena's face. "Mama?"
"No." Xena told her. "I'm not your mother." She watched the expression in her eyes change. "You're not home."
Gabrielle's face fell, and her gaze tracked around the room. "Wasn't a dream..." Her voice broke. "Was it? They're... all gone." A look of forlorn despair appeared. “All gone.”
“Yes, they are.” The queen said. “But you’re here, and… I’m here.” She rested her free hand on Gabrielle’s fevered head. “And you’re out of your skull at the moment.”
“I.. am?” Gabrielle warbled softly. “I feel strange.” She gazed at Xena. “Are you my friend?”
Now wasn’t that a damn good question? Xena studied the kid seriously. She certainly wasn’t anyone’s friend.
However. “Yeah.” Xena told her. “I’m as much of a friend as you’ve got here right now, Gabrielle.”
It seemed to pacify the girl. She settled down, her hand still curled around Xena’s, bloodshot green eyes blinking slowly as she relaxed. “Okay.”
“I’ll take care of you.” Xena said. “So don’t worry.”
Gabrielle was breathing more heavily than she’d been earlier. “I miss mama.” She whispered. “She made cookies for us.”
The words touched her, in an unexpected way and brought back memories she’d thought long, long since buried in dust. “Yeah.” Xena stroked the sweat dampened hair. “Mine did too.” She kept her voice low. “Y’know, she was making them the day the soldiers came and killed her.”
Gabrielle gazed up at her.
“It was my birthday.” Xena added, allowing herself a brief moment to feel that horror all over again.
“Oh.” The girl seemed to understand. “That’s terrible.”
“Yeah, it was.” The queen agreed. “I don’t celebrate my birthday anymore, not since then.” She deliberately released the memories, banishing them back to the depths of her experience.
“D.. do you miss your mama?” Gabrielle asked.
Xena thought about that. Then she slowly shook her head. “I don’t really remember her.”
“Oh.” Gabrielle sniffled a little. “I wish I didn’t either.”
Xena traced a line across the girl’s forehead, smoothing the lines that creased the skin there. “Some day.” She promised. “ You’ll wake up one day, and the past will be in the past, and you just go on.”
Gabrielle clung to her hand, pulling it close and resting her cheek against Xena’s knuckles. “It hurts.” She said. “Everything hurts.”
“Yeah, I know.” Xena told her. “Let me see what I can do about that.” She gently untangled her hand from the girls and went to her kit, removing several herbal packets and taking them to the tray. She uncovered the jug on it and sniffed the contents, grunting in approval. She emptied part of three packets into one of the cups and added a full measure of wine to it, swirling it around to mix the herbs up.
Sniffing it again, she took an experimental swallow, judging its taste before she returned to the bed and sat down. “All right.” Xena slid an arm under the girl’s body and lifted her up. “C’mere. You need to drink this.” She held the cup to Gabrielle’s lips. “C’mon. You don’t want to make me mad, do ya?”
Unsteadily, Gabrielle reached for the cup, tipping it to her lips and sipping at it. “Wh.. what is it?” She asked, licking her lips.
“Blackberry wine.” Xena told her. “Like it?”
“Mm.” Gabrielle curled her hand around the cup. “Good.”
“That’s it.” Xena took the cup as it was finished, and set it on the table. She smiled slightly at the purplish stains on the girl’s lips. Her eyes were already fluttering closed from the herbs, and her body relaxed completely against Xena’s. “When you wake up, you’ll feel better. Promise.”
“Promise.” Gabrielle mumbled, resting her head against Xena’s shoulder.
For a little while, Xena sat there, absorbing the strange sensation of holding someone against her. Despite the pain in her back, it felt odd, and new to have this little scrap of a slave to care for, and Xena wanted to examine the sensation.
It was like having a pet, she finally decided. Like the small dog she’d picked up somewhere near Sparta, and kept with her an entire campaign until the damn thing got itself gored to death by a wild boar. She remembered being furious with herself for feeling bad about that.
She remembered being furious with herself for missing the stupid creature.
Xena looked down at the blond head nestled against her shoulder, and remembered her solemn vow to herself never to get attached to anything else ever again. It just wasn’t worth it, she’d told herself.
Was this worth it?
Xena’s troubled gaze drifted off across the room, watching the rain splatter against the windows.
**
Part 6
It was very dark. Gabrielle pried her eyes open, woken by the pain in her head, to find it almost as lightless as it had been with her eyes closed. There was a tiny amount of grayish silver glow coming from the window, and an equally tiny amount of reddish glow from the fireplace. She reckoned it was long after midnight, and as she listened, she could almost hear the silence of the stronghold settle around her.
The sheets around her and the clothes she was wearing had dried, and aside from the pain in her head, and chest – she was relatively comfortable. Not surprising, Gabrielle. She reminded herself wryly. You’re in the queen’s bed.
Which brought another scary thought to mind. Where was the queen, whose bed it was? Gabrielle listened again, hearing the faint pop of the log in the fireplace, and a soft rattle of the leaded panes of glass in the window and…
And someone else breathing. Uh oh. Gabrielle sucked in a nervous breath. The breathing was fairly close by. Slowly, she turned her head to the left, squinting in the darkness to make out the vague profile of someone else sleeping in the bed next to her.
Well. Gabrielle swallowed. It wasn’t really unreasonable that Xena would be sleeping in her own bed, now would it? After all, it was a very big bed, and the queen was all the way on the other side of it, with plenty of space between them. She studied the shadowy figure. Xena was sleeping on her stomach, one arm curled around a pillow, and the other resting on the bed’s surface. Gabrielle could see the curve of her cheekbone, and the slow rise and fall of the covers draped over her body.
The same covers Gabrielle was under. For some reason, just the thought made her warm, and a little, odd chill at the same time went down her back. She squirmed a bit, very cautiously, trying not to move or make a sound as she attempted to stretch her body out. Her legs felt stiff, and the bruises on her knees ached, along with the ones on her elbows. Her ribs were very tender, but all that paled before the pain in her scalp.
She slid her hand out from under the covers and touched the spot, feeling the bandage over it stiff with what she assumed was dried blood. The wound ached, but it was more a sharp, stabbing pain now instead of the tense throbbing it had been earlier. Gabrielle closed her eyes and tried to relax, reasoning that she had plenty of time before dawn before she had to be up and….
And? Would Xena expect her to do her normal duties, even when she was injured? Xena had, Gabrielle noted. She’d gone to her courts, and done her tours, even though her back had been hurting her terribly. Surely, she would expect the same of Gabrielle, right? She considered the idea. Well, she’d prove to Xena that she was worthy of that. She’d get up and do what she had to do, no matter how she felt.
There.
Gabrielle exhaled, and wiggled her toes. Then she paused and wiggled them again, realizing they were bare. Hadn’t she worn her boots the day before? Curiously, she slid a hand down and touched her calf to be sure. No, the boots weren’t on her feet, that was for sure. She let her hand travel back up, settling it on her stomach with it’s partner. If her boots were gone, where did they go? More importantly, who had taken them off?
Her head turned slightly, just enough for Xena’s sleeping profile to enter her peripheral vision. Had the queen? Gabrielle drummed her fingers on her stomach. Somehow, the thought of Xena taking off her boots was very…um.. well, on the other hand, Xena had carried her up to this room, and… She thought she remembered, vaguely, talking to Xena after that, but she wasn’t sure.
Be honest, Gabrielle. You’re not sure of a whole lot of things right now. Her conscience spoke quietly into the night. Get some rest. You’re probably going to need it.
Firmly, she closed her eyes and snuggled down a little bit more into the heavenly soft mattress. The goose down and silk comforter was light as a feather over her, and she resolved to make the most of this once in a lifetime chance. Tomorrow, she’d be back in her cot.
Sleep crept back up on her and she relaxed again into it.
**
For a change, Xena wasn’t really that thrilled to see the dawn. The faint, pale gray light hit her eyelids and she opened them reluctantly, easing her stiffened body into a slightly more comfortable position. Just moving her arm sent a jolt through her, and she exhaled in serious annoyance.
Then her eyes dropped to examine the profile of the person sharing the bed with her. Even in the dim light, the girl’s injuries were obvious, and Xena allowed that to take her mind of her own problems. Bastard. She paused to revel in the memory of gutting the slave who’d hit the kid. He’d more than deserved it, and if she hadn’t been bothered by her injury she’d have taken her time and tortured him properly.
Cut the other hand off, maybe. Then his testicles. Maybe his tongue.. an ear.. Xena mused pleasantly. Hm. Maybe I can do that to Bregos. Her spirits rose at the idea, and she stretched her body out again, this time pulling against the tight, painful spot on her back. She felt something pop, then grimaced as a warm wetness made it’s presence known at the place where the arrow had entered.
Well, that was one way to get the pus out. With a sigh, Xena slid out from under the covers and stood, observing her young bedmate for a moment before she turned and padded silently into the bathing chamber. It was time to prepare anyway, and she could use the extra time the early start had given her.
She opened the stopper on the water trough, and watched the clear liquid fill the marble tub. She let the water run over her hand, glad of it’s comfortable temperature. She didn’t like her bath water heated, but she’d also grown out of enjoying ice cold streams much anymore. Xena waited until the bath filled, then she stoppered the water and shucked her shift, stepping into the tub and kneeling.
Most in her position, she acknowledged, would have servants to wash them. She knew most of her nobles did. But Xena had spent too many years fighting in the field to be comfortable with that many people so close to her in such a vulnerable position. And this bath, the bath before the battle, was an old superstition of hers and one she always did alone. She picked up the soap resting in the carved soap dish and started scrubbing herself.
First her hands, and arms. She rinsed the suds off her wrists, and continued up over her forearms to her shoulders, still thick with muscle though lacking the tan she’d always had as a soldier. Another rinse, then she scrubbed her torso, glancing down between her breasts to rub the soap over a belly she’d taken pains to keep flat, despite the cook’s indulgences and the distractions of her court. Her night sessions in the room upstairs had provided her with more than stress relief and she was fiercely proud of the fact that every piece of her armor still fit the way it had when she’d retired from the field, to rule the land.
She ran the soap down over her thighs, which were so heavy with muscle that if she’d been a little shorter, they’d have seemed ungainly. But they gave her power, a strength to balance the speed of her upper body and she scrubbed them with a sense of wry affection, tracing over a few of the scars that tracked over the skin. Now that she’d finished there, she sat down in the tub and slowly lowered her back and shoulders into the water, feeling the sharp sting as the liquid entered the hole in her back.
She washed her hair first, scrubbing its dark length then ducking under the water to rinse all the soap out of it. As she came up she twisted, and a jolt of pain made her hiss.
Damn. Xena attempted to reach around, but the wound was just in a place she couldn’t touch. She cursed silently, then sighed and kept her shoulders underwater, hoping at least it would do the damn cut some good.
Her ears cocked, as she heard movement in the other room. Covers rustling, yes, and the sound of someone getting out from under them. She could hear the faint scuff of bare feet against the floor, then a soft hiss of pain. “Gabrielle.” She called out.
A pause. “Yes?” The timid response was half whispered, half spoken. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to.. um.. bother you. I’m just going to get cleaned up and..um..”
“Gabrielle, shut up and come in here.” Xena ordered.
Hesitant footsteps approached, then the doorway was filled with a short, scruffy blond woman with a battered face, and gentle green eyes. For some reason, the sight made Xena smile. “I need your help a minute. I thought I could do this, but I can’t reach that damn arrow wound.”
Gabrielle’s eyes went to the tub, then to her face, then to the tub again. A soft blush colored her fair skin. “Um.. okay.” She walked across the floor, quickly circling Xena’s submerged form and keeping her gaze averted.
“How’s your head feel?” Xena asked her.
“Um.. “ Gabrielle took the soap Xena held out to her and very carefully started to wash around her wound. “It hurts.”
Xena put a wet hand up and touched the girl’s forehead, startling her. “Least you’re not raving out of your head anymore.”
The touch on her back stopped. “Was.. was I?” Gabrielle asked.
“Oh yeah. You were singing bawdy songs, making grabs at me.. you’re quite the wild thing in a fever, y’know.”
Gabrielle gasped. "B.. I.... "
"Heh." Xena chuckled. "Never thought you had that side in ya, Gabrielle "She turned her head casually and glanced up at the girl, who was brick red and very obviously mortified. "Hey.. I didn't say I minded!"
If anything, that made Gabrielle blush even darker, and at least it took Xena's attention off her back. "Better cut that out, or your head'll start bleeding."
"Sorry." Gabrielle whispered. "I.. um. I don't remember any of that." She put her head down and concentrated on her task. "I didn't..." She let the words trail off lamely.
"Tch tch.." Xena relented. "Musta been some fever. How's my back look?"
The girl's hands stopped again. "Oh." She exhaled. "Wow."
"Is that good or bad?" Xena eyed her, glad the kid was turning a more normal shade of color. "Hey, you're not going to keel over, are you?"
Gabrielle wasn't entirely sure. She rested her hands on the edge of the tub and tried to recover her breath. Jus thinking about what she’d done…what she’d said… great gods. How could she have? And more importantly, why had Xena put up with it? She could have been killed! Or worse!!!
“GABRIELLE!”
The voice made her jump and gasp. She blinked, bringing the queen back into focus. Xena was leaning an elbow on the tub, just watching her with those incredibly blue eyes. “Yes!”
“Relax, would ya?” Xena laughed.
Gabrielle sucked in a breath, immediately regretting it when her ribs protested vigorously. “Oh.” She held onto the tub, momentarily forgetting her embarrassing episode. “Ow.”
“Okay.” Xena told her. “Just relax. Stop losing your mind on me.”
After a minute, the pain faded, and she could stand upright again. Gabrielle dipped the cloth in the water, and resumed cleaning the wound on Xena’s back. It didn’t look very good. It was red around the edges, and it seemed swollen again. There was yellow pus seeping from the center, and she carefully rinsed that out. “It’s kind of nasty.” She told Xena.
“Feels like it.” Xena agreed. “Hopefully your head doesn’t look like that.” She rested her head against her forearm. “Put pressure on it.”
“What?”
“Was that in Mycean dialect or something?” The queen asked, testily. “That nasty stuff’s gotta come out. Put pressure on either side.”
“Oh… that’s going to hurt.” Gabrielle protested.
“No, really?” Xena drawled. “Just do it.”
Gabrielle put the cloth down, pausing before she hesitantly put her fingers down on the angry red skin on either side of the opening. She could feel heat beneath touch, and as she put a slight pressure on it, she saw the flicker of motion as the muscles of Xena’s back flinched.
Her face didn’t twitch, though. Gabrielle noted. She watched Xena’s hand curl around the edge of the tub and tense as she waited. “You know something?” She said, as she carefully put pressure against the wound, watching the center erupt with nastiness.
“What?” Xena spoke in an even tone.
“You’re a really brave person.” Gabrielle finished her task, noting that the swelling had now noticeably gone down.
Xena tilted her head and looked around at the girl. “You know something?”
Gabrielle paused, and looked shyly at her. “What?”
“You didn’t really act like a whore in heat last night.” The queen said.
“I didn’t?” Gabrielle blurted. “Really?”
Oh, it was so tempting. Xena observed those big green eyes gazing so openly at her. “No. I was joking.”
Gabrielle’s whole body slumped in reaction, relief written all across her. “Ah.” She sighed. “I’m glad. I didn’t want you think I was…um… anyway.” She concentrated on the wound.
Xena watched her profile, seeing the tensing on either side of her lips of an unconscious smile.
Gabrielle rinsed the area again and again, until every speck of yellow was gone. “I think that’s it.”
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