Aldric paced before the hearth as Elara sat at her dressing table, methodically removing her jewels.
"The ceremony went well, don't you think?" Aldric mused, pausing to gaze into the candlelight flames.
Elara's eyes met his in the mirror. "For the most part, yes. Though I couldn't help but notice your... particular interest in one of the new maids."
Aldric turned, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"
"The girl with the unusual name. Xena, wasn't it?" Elara's voice was carefully neutral. "You singled her out, asked for her name. It drew attention."
"Ah, yes." Aldric ran a hand through his hair. "There was something familiar about her. I could have sworn I'd seen her before."
Elara set down her hairbrush with a sharp click. "Seen her before? Where exactly? The maids and guards that were all interviewed have never been to the palace before now".
"Your Majesty," Elara continued, rising to approach him. "You must be careful. People will talk if you show too much interest in a servant girl."
Aldric smiled tightly. "You worry too much, Elara. It was nothing more than idle curiosity."
*****
The next morning dawned bright and clear. Xena moved through the castle corridors, her arms laden with freshly laundered linens. As she rounded a corner, she collided with a solid form.
"Oh! I'm so sorry, I didn't—" Xena's apology died on her lips as she looked up into the face of King Aldric and the guards behind him.
Bowing down immediately, Xena apologized profusely. "Your Majesty, please pardon me. I was careless in my movement. I didn't watch where I was going"
"No harm done," Aldric said, steadying her with a hand on her arm. His touch sent a jolt through her body. "Xena, isn't it?"
She nodded, not trusting her voice. Her name on his lips sounds different and his hand on her arm feels… Jolting from her improper train of thoughts. She brought her mind to the present
"Perfect timing," Aldric continued. "I was hoping to speak with you. Would you join me in my study?"
It wasn't truly a request, and they both knew it. Xena's heart raced as she followed the King down the hall, acutely aware of the curious glances from passing courtiers. She found it hard to keep up with the King's gait as she struggled with the linens in her hands
Inside the study, Aldric gestured for her to sit. Xena perched on the edge of a chair, her back ramrod straight.
"Your Majesty," she began, her voice carefully respectful. "How may I be of service?"
Aldric waved a hand dismissively. "Please, there's no need for such formality. I'd like us to speak plainly, if we may."
Xena's eyes widened. "I... I'm not sure that would be appropriate, Your Majesty."
"And why is that?" Aldric leaned forward, his gaze intense. "You seemed far less concerned with formalities when we first met."
"I don't understand," Xena said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We met for the first time at yesterday's ceremony."
Aldric shook his head. "No, I'm certain we've met before. At my coronation, perhaps? Those eyes of yours... they're not easily forgotten."
Xena's heart thundered in her chest. She opened her mouth to deny it, but the lie wouldn't come. Instead, she found herself saying, "Your Majesty, I... I can't be who you want me to be."
"And who is it that I want you to be, Xena?" Aldric's voice was soft, almost gentle.
She met his gaze, her resolve crumbling. "Someone I'm not sure exists."
The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. Aldric leaned closer, his voice low and urgent. "Tell me who you really are, Xena. I can see there's more to you than meets the eye."
Xena's lips parted, words she had kept prepared for so long trembling on the tip of her tongue. This was the perfect opportunity to increase the King's growing interest in her, but why won't the words cone out. She suddenly felt tongue tied, scrambling for the perfect speech, but before she could speak, the study door flew open.
Queen Elara swept into the room, her eyes widening as she took in the scene before her. "Your Majesty, I—oh. I didn't realise you were in a meeting."
Xena leapt to her feet, curtseying low. "Your Highness, I—"
"It's quite alright, Xena," Aldric said, his voice steady. He turned to Elara. "Did you need something, Elara?"
Elara's eyes darted between them, her smile tight. "I merely wanted to remind you of our meeting with the orphans this afternoon. But I see you're... otherwise engaged."
"Not at all," Aldric said smoothly, turning his gaze towards Xena. "Xena was just leaving. Weren't you?"
Xena nodded, unable to meet either of their gazes. "Yes, Your Majesties. By your leave."
As she hurried from the room, Xena could feel the weight of both their stares on her back. She didn't dare look back, afraid of what she might see in the King's eyes—or worse, what he might see in hers.
Back in the study, Elara's calm facade cracked. "Your Majesty, what in heaven's name were you thinking? Meeting alone with a servant girl?"
"It was nothing, Elara," Aldric said, his voice weary. "I merely had some questions for her."
"Questions that couldn't be asked in the presence of others?" Elara's tone was sharp. "Do you have any idea how this looks?"
Aldric ran a hand over his face. "I apologise if I've upset you. It won't happen again."
But even as he spoke the words, Aldric knew they were a lie. The mystery surrounding Xena had only deepened, and he was more determined than ever to uncover the truth.
Elara studied her husband's face, her own expression unreadable. "See that it doesn't. We can't afford any... distractions... right now. Not with the summit approaching."
Aldric nodded, his mind already drifting back to the conversation with Xena. What had she been about to tell him before Elara interrupted? And why did he feel so drawn to this enigmatic servant?
As Elara continued to speak of council meetings and diplomatic concerns, Aldric found his thoughts returning again and again to a pair of fiery blue eyes that seemed to hold secrets he was desperate to unravel.
****
Xena fled down the corridor, her heart pounding. She ducked into an alcove, pressing her back against the cool stone wall as she struggled to catch her breath.
"What exactly am I doing?" she whispered to herself, closing her eyes against the sting of tears. The mission, her sacred duty—it all seemed to be crumbling before her eyes. Why was she acting so weak and soft towards the King? This was not the plan. Her sister's life was at risk for crying out loud.
She had come so close to revealing her family background. One more moment alone with him, and she might have revealed truths that could destroy everything she'd worked for. And yet, a small part of her longed to go back, to spend time with the KING!
She couldn't even dare imagine it. The stakes were too high, the consequences too dire. Xena took a deep breath, steeling herself. She had a role to play, a purpose to fulfil. No matter how much her heart might yearn for something more, she couldn't afford to forget why she was really here.
She couldn't risk another encounter with the King, couldn't allow herself to be swayed by the warmth in his eyes or the gentleness of his voice.
Even as she made this silent promise, Xena knew it would be easier said than done. For in the depths of her heart, a small flame had been kindled—a dangerous, impossible hope that threatened to consume everything she'd ever believed in.