King Aldric sat in his study, reading the concise report Beatrice had given him once again. He couldn't quite grasp how this fascinating young woman was simply a farmer's daughter from a quiet village in the north.
He wondered how the death of her parents had affected her, and how she must now bear the responsibility of caring for her sister. Aldric knew all too well the weight of taking on such a burden while dealing with profound loss. He too had lost both his parents and had no time to grieve before his coronation. Since then, his life had been consumed by the affairs of the kingdom. Yet, whenever he walked alone, his thoughts inevitably wandered to memories of his family.
There was no one he could confide in—not his wife, whom he had married out of duty, nor his advisors. He couldn't help but wonder if Xena was experiencing the same sense of loneliness, which led him to summon her.
********
Xena's heart pounded in her chest as she made her way to the King's study. The letter from the Shadow King weighed heavily on her mind, demanding a progress report. She couldn't help but wonder who might be watching her on behalf of the Shadow King. Could there be other spies in the palace? She knew the other assassins wouldn't be able to infiltrate easily, yet she was keenly aware of the Shadow King's cruelty. She couldn't afford to fail—not when her sister's life hung in the balance.
As she entered the study, Aldric lifted his eyes from the papers in front of him. His stern expression gave her pause, and he observed her for a moment before asking her to sit. Xena complied, her nervousness evident in the way she muttered "Your Majesty" with a slight curtsy every few seconds.
"Xena, I've recently come across some new information about your background," Aldric said. "I had to look into it further."
Xena froze, panic surging through her. Was her mission already compromised? She had carefully concealed her true identity, providing just enough detail to maintain the illusion of being a simple village girl. How could the King possibly know the truth? Fear gripped her as thoughts of her sister's safety flooded her mind.
"I learned that you lost your parents when you were seventeen and that you've been solely responsible for your sister for the past five years," Aldric continued, his eyes fixed on hers.
Xena exhaled quietly in relief. "Yes, Your Majesty," she replied softly.
"I know how you must feel," Aldric said, his voice unexpectedly gentle. "I know you probably didn't have time to grieve. You've had to sacrifice your own needs to care for someone else. You've had to be strong, never allowed to show vulnerability. I know all of this because I've experienced it myself."
Aldric felt a strange sense of release as he spoke. For the first time, he expressed aloud the thoughts he had long kept to himself. Xena's eyes filled with tears, her emotions betraying her, as every word he spoke mirrored her own struggles since her parents' death.
She blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears before they could fall, but Aldric had already noticed. He was watching her too closely not to.
Xena remained silent, determined not to reveal her true feelings. She rose from her chair, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "You are right, Your Majesty."
Aldric walked over to her, taking her hand in his. Xena's heart raced; she had never felt so nervous. The warmth of his breath brushed her skin as he spoke again.
"Xena, you and I are different, yet somehow, we're alike. Maybe you can tell me things about my kingdom that others can't. Things I need to know from someone who doesn't live in a palace."
"Your Majesty, I wouldn't know what counsel to give. I'm just a servant, and I already have duties to the Queen," Xena replied, her voice trembling slightly.
A small smile curved Aldric's lips. He realized he had no real reason to call her to his study, yet he couldn't let go of her soft hand. He couldn't stop staring into her delicate blue eyes.
Xena gently pulled her hand away and lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.
"I want to be a part of your world, Xena," Aldric admitted. "I want to know who you are when you're not your sister's guardian or a servant here. But most of all, I want a friend."
"A friend?" Xena echoed, her surprise evident.
"I know it might seem odd, but I don't have many friends," Aldric said, his tone lighthearted.
Xena couldn't help but laugh. "I'm not that surprised," she teased.
"I suppose I haven't been very good at hiding it."
"No, Your Majesty, you haven't," Xena replied, a hint of playfulness in her voice. "You could learn a thing or two from someone who's an expert at hiding such things."
Aldric's smile widened. "Is it wrong for me to hope that expert is you?"
Xena smiled back, her earlier nervousness dissipating. "I suppose it's not wrong, and it seems you've already learned your first lesson."
"How so?" Aldric asked, intrigued.
"You've finally learned how to smile. I think that's progress."
"Well, I hope I can get more lessons, then," Aldric said, his tone warm.
His words jolted Xena back to reality. She hadn't realized how far their conversation had drifted from propriety.
"Your Majesty, I'm sure you understand that I cannot be seen sharing a meal with you or speaking so casually. I have duties to the Queen, and I appreciate your concern, but I should go."
Aldric began to protest. "I am the King, and I have every right to—"
But he stopped himself. He knew, deep down, that whatever argument he could make would be futile. His title and responsibilities were precisely the reasons he had to keep his distance from her.
"You may return to your quarters, Xena," he said finally, his voice heavy with resignation.
Xena curtsied and left the study quickly. Aldric sank into his chair, feeling as distraught as ever.
*****
Elara had sent for Xena shortly after Aldric had called for her. When the messenger informed Elara that Xena was already with the King, her impatience grew. What could Aldric possibly have to discuss with a maid? Why was he so interested in her?
Elara had not spoken to Aldric since his angry departure from the dining hall that morning. Throughout the day, she assigned Xena to trivial and menial tasks, driven by jealousy. She watched Xena work, comparing herself to the maid and growing more resentful.
****
That evening, Xena returned to her room in the servants' quarters, where Lily was waiting by the door.
"I was beginning to wonder if the Queen would keep you working all night," Lily said as she hugged her.
"I thought so too," Xena replied, unlocking the door. "How long have you been waiting?"
"I'm not sure, but it's been a while," Lily said. "Did you think I'd let you spend the night scrubbing floors? I was just about to ask the Queen to send you back."
Xena laughed, realizing she was no longer alone in her struggles. She had found a friend in Lily.
After sharing her experience with the Queen, they parted ways for the night. Despite her exhaustion, Xena couldn't sleep. She lay in bed, replaying her conversation with the King in her mind—his piercing green eyes, his chiseled jaw, his broad shoulders, and his undeniable appeal.
She thought about how his touch had melted her defenses so easily. She knew this attraction was dangerous. He was the man she had been sent to kill—the man upon whose death her sister's life depended.