The following morning, Xena awoke before dawn, the early light filtering through her small window. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, but her mind was already racing. Thoughts of Aldric's piercing green eyes and their shared moment lingered, making it hard to focus on her duties. The weight of her assignment pressed heavily on her chest, a stark reminder of the mission standing between her and any chance of happiness.
As she dressed, she thought of her sister's face—so innocent and hopeful. Lilith's warm smile had been a comforting distraction, but Xena knew she couldn't afford to be distracted for long. She was a sister first, a friend second, and a reluctant assassin last. She had to keep her priorities straight.
Once ready, Xena headed to the palace kitchen to help with breakfast preparations. The kitchen buzzed with its usual activity, the air rich with the smell of freshly baked bread and simmering porridge. She exchanged pleasantries with the other servants, but her mind kept wandering back to Aldric. Why had he been so drawn to her? What could a king possibly want with a servant girl?
As she stirred the porridge, familiar footsteps approached. It was Lily, her ever-loyal friend, who always seemed to know when Xena needed support.
"How are you feeling today?" Lily asked, pouring herself a cup of tea.
Xena hesitated before answering. "I don't know, Lily. I thought I could separate everything, but yesterday was... overwhelming."
"Because of the king?" Lily's eyebrows rose in curiosity.
"Yes," Xena whispered. "He sees me, not just as a servant, but as someone who's been through the same loss as him. It's strange to feel understood, but it also complicates everything."
"You know it's dangerous to get close to him," Lily warned, a frown creasing her brow. "The Queen will have your head before she lets you anywhere near him."
"I know!" Xena snapped, frustration boiling over. "But I can't just turn off my feelings. I'm not some heartless person. The King... he makes me feel seen."
Lily sighed, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. "Just be careful. You need to keep your head clear." She paused before adding, "You're the one who was all excited about love and me finding someone."
"Wow!" Xena exclaimed, laughing. "How was I supposed to know I would fall for the king?"
They both chuckled, but the laughter quickly faded as reality set in.
"Seriously though, you need to stay away from any drama. The other servants are already gossiping about the King's sudden interest in a maid. I'm sure the Queen has heard some of the rumors too," Lily advised. Xena nodded, her resolve hardening. She had to remember the main reason she was here. All she cared about truly was to live a happy life with her little sister. She forced herself to focus on her tasks.
As the day wore on, Xena kept busy polishing silverware, cleaning the grand hall, and arranging flowers in the Queen's chamber. She caught glimpses of Aldric throughout the day—speaking with advisors, attending to court matters, often staring out the window, deep in thought. Each time their eyes met, a flicker of something passed between them—something forbidden.
By evening, the palace felt stifling. After dinner, Xena returned to her quarters, weighed down by the day's events. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was on the edge of something monumental, and it terrified her.
That night, sleep eluded her. The walls of her room felt too close, her mind too restless. She decided to take a walk in the moonlight. The gardens were calm, bathed in silver light, and she hoped the cool night air would clear her thoughts.
Walking along the winding paths, Xena found a secluded bench beneath a large oak tree. Sitting down, she let her thoughts drift. How had she become so entangled in this web of loyalty, duty, and unspoken attraction?
Suddenly, footsteps approached. Her heart quickened as she turned to see Aldric, silhouetted in the moonlight. He stopped when he saw her, surprise flickering across his face.
"Xena?" he called softly, moving closer.
"What are you doing here, Your Majesty?" she asked, struggling to maintain her composure.
"I could ask you the same," he replied, sitting beside her. "I often come here when I need to think. Perhaps you have forgotten about our first meeting here"
Xena felt the tension between them. "All the same, Your Majesty. I didn't mean to intrude."
"You're not intruding," Aldric said, his voice warm. "In fact, I'm glad to see you. I've been thinking about our conversation."
Her breath caught. "About what?"
"About feeling alone," he said, his gaze searching hers. "You mentioned carrying the world's burdens while hiding your true self. I know how that feels. It's exhausting to wear a mask all the time."
Xena frowned, her curiosity piqued. "But you're the king. Don't you have people around you?"
He sighed, looking up at the stars. "It's not the same. There's always a distance between me and everyone else. They want something—advice, favor, or a chance to rise in the court. I can't trust anyone completely."
Xena's heart ached with sympathy. "And that's why you sought me out? You wanted someone who understands?"
His green eyes met hers, reflecting the moonlight. "I wanted to know you, Xena. Not just the maid or the guardian. I wanted to know who you really are."
She took a shaky breath, feeling exposed. "You know I have responsibilities. I can't just—"
"I'm not asking you to abandon them. But you deserve to feel free, even if just for a moment," he said, his voice earnest.
For a fleeting second, Xena felt the weight of her mission lift, replaced by longing. But reality crashed down on her once more. "I can't afford that, Aldric. Every moment I spend with you is a risk."
"What are you afraid of? I would never let anything happen to you, Xena," he insisted, his hand brushing hers.
She flinched at the contact, tension sparking between them. For a moment, she wondered if she could tell him everything—about the Shadow King, about her sister's peril. But she knew she couldn't. She was already at the Shadow King's mercy. Her sister would be dead before Aldric could even begin to plan an attack.
"You don't understand," she whispered. "You have a kingdom to protect."
"And I need allies. I need friends. I need someone who understands my struggles. And you..." He paused, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You feel like home."
Xena's breath caught in her throat. His gaze, so intense, sent her heart racing. For a split second, she considered letting go of her fears. But then the image of her sister's face flashed in her mind, reminding her of the stakes.
"I can't be what you want me to be," she murmured, pulling her hand away as if burned.
Aldric's expression faltered, but he quickly masked it. "You're right. I shouldn't have put that on you."
They sat in silence, tension heavy in the air. Finally, Aldric broke the stillness, his tone calm but resigned. "I'll respect your boundaries, Xena. But know that I'm here. You don't have to carry everything alone."
Tears pricked at her eyes at the kindness in his voice. She wanted to trust him, to lean on him, but fear held her back.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she whispered.
As they sat under the stars, Xena felt a flicker of hope mixed with fear. She didn't know what the future held, but for the first time, she allowed herself to imagine a life beyond duty—a life where she could be more than just a guardian. Yet the shadow of her mission loomed large, reminding her that some paths were set, and not all led to happiness.
With a heavy heart, she stood. "I should go. I have duties to attend to."
Aldric nodded, disappointment shadowing his face. "Of course. Just... promise me you'll think about what I said?"
"I will," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt.
As she walked away, Xena knew she was treading a dangerous line. But deep down, a small part of her hoped that, just maybe, there was a way to navigate this task of duty, love, and betrayal. For her sister's sake, she had to try.