The Petal of the Rose

by LJ Maas

  I smiled at the boy's enthusiasm. I had a hard time feeling the same elation. The Amazon Nation and the Empire teetered on a very thin branch. Our alliance, as we both liked to call it, was precarious at best. Queen Melosa was a few seasons older than I was, but Atrius had quickly written to tell me that she was heading the delegation herself. There was certainly no love lost between the two of us, but I thought it odd that the Amazons would come all the way to Corinth to wish me well. I thought it very odd indeed.

  "Well, ladies, as much fun as we've been having," I fixed a charming smile on all of them. The maids blushed. It was amusing how that rakish grin had the ability to have so many of my bad manners forgiven. "I must go and attend to our guests. Petra, find Atrius and tell him I'm going to change clothes, and Gabrielle and I will be on the main steps of the palace directly. Tell him to have our Amazon friends meet us there."

  "Aye, Lord Conqueror." Petra gave me a small salute and dashed off.

  "Ladies." I excused myself and made my way upstairs to my own chambers. What does one wear to a meeting with a Queen that you conquered so many seasons previous?

  * * *

  "Real Amazons?" Gabrielle repeated for the third time.

  "Yes, love," I chuckled. "They most certainly are, and they're going to be upset Amazons if you don't finish dressing quickly."

  "I'm nearly ready," Gabrielle answered.

  I watched as she brushed her hair, deftly pinning it atop her head. This girl was no fool. Gabrielle knew she looked more regal, even older looking with her hair pulled back that way.

  "I don't know very much about Amazons, Xena."

  "Not many people do unless you've lived among them. They're very secretive about their ways, and the training their warriors receive."

  "Do they have a library, do you suppose?"

  "A what?"

  "A library. A place where they keep their own collections of stories and histories."

  I looked at her face just then, and Gabrielle seemed to be in her own world. I smiled at the wistful expression on her face. If I was a Conqueror, then Gabrielle was certainly an explorer. The thought of learning something new caused her as much exhilaration as a good battle did to me. I frowned when I realized that Gabrielle would probably never get the chance to read those Amazon scrolls.

  "Gabrielle, I need to tell you a few things about my history with the Amazons before we meet with Melosa." I wasn't sure exactly how to begin this small tale, especially since it would have to be a quick one. As always, Gabrielle made it easy on me.

  "That you betrayed the Northern Amazons when you were much younger." She stated simply, placing a comb in her hair.

  "Yes," I admitted. "You know they were times I'm ashamed of now, but--"

  "Xena," Gabrielle interrupted. "I know you would change your past if you could. You don't have to explain, or try to right anything with me."

  "Thank you," I answered.

  "Tell me, though, why didn't you ever try to destroy the Southern tribes?"

  I shrugged my shoulders. I thought back to the hundreds of bloody campaigns against the Amazon Nation. "It seemed as if I'd met my match, but I was never ready to admit it. I had more pride than brains in those days. Melosa was good, and her warriors put most of mine to shame, but I had numbers on my side.

  "I put a bounty out on the head of any Amazon caught outside the land they inhabited. There were plenty of takers, and slowly the Amazon numbers started decreasing. Melosa was good, but even she couldn't hold back the whole Empire. I had too many allies on my side. I think the turning point came when Melosa lost her sister.

  "Her name was Terreis. She was a good warrior, not quite as seasoned as Melosa, but good. I heard that she was in a group patrolling the border of the Amazon territory, and some Centaur archers attacked them. I'm not sure I believed the story at the time. Centaurs had never been the kind for sneak attacks like that. Of course, the Centaurs denied it, but that didn't stop the Amazons from capturing who they thought the culprit was. I can't remember the boy's name, but he was a young, good-looking stallion.

  "The Amazon's tried him, found him guilty, and slit his throat. Phantes!" I suddenly snapped my fingers together. "His name was Phantes. Well, that pretty much started it. It was tit for tat for quite a few seasons between the two nations. An occasional Amazon would be caught outside the protection of her land, or a Centaur would wander too far into Amazon held territory.

  "By then, I had taken Athens and set up my rule in Corinth. Every territory around those two nations cried to me to do something about it. When I was younger, I had hoped they would kill each other off. Now that I was ruler of the lands, I guess everyone expected me to handle it. So, I went in as peacemaker. Of course, I took an army of a thousand with me. Trust me. Neither Centaurs nor Amazons are stupid. They knew when I said to form a truce or I would form one for them that it wouldn't be good for them if I did.

  "They formed a treaty between the two nations, swearing allegiance to the Empire. In return, I let them pretty much rule themselves. You can see why I'm not overjoyed at the idea of a hundred Amazons on our doorstep. In addition, we're expecting Kaleipus and his delegation any day now. This could get rather involved."

  "We'll simply do our best to accommodate them all."

  "Accommodating Amazons isn't always easy," I answered.

  Gabrielle was standing before me, her hand stretched out, offering to take my own. I had been talking so much I hadn't even noticed that she'd finished getting ready. She looked as regal and beautiful as any Queen I'd ever seen. She wore the necklace of emeralds that I had given her only last night as a sort of pre-wedding present.

  "You'll take their breath away," I said. I rose and kissed her lightly on the lips.

  "As will you, Conqueror." Gabrielle pointed to my own formal attire.

  Dressed in all black leather, with the exception of a white silk blouse, I knew I looked imposing. I strapped two swords to my hip for this formal occasion. One, a short Amazon blade presented to me by Melosa after our treaty had been signed. The other was my customary blade with the silver Lion's head.

  "Shall we, My Lord?" Gabrielle asked in a coy fashion.

  "Lead on, My Lady." I laughed, hoping we still felt this joyful at the day's end.

  * * *

  Flanked by half a dozen of the Royal Guard, Gabrielle and I were announced, and made our way to the palace steps. I recognized the masked figures, standing in tight formation before us. Gabrielle's hand squeezed mine, and I squeezed right back in reassurance. The masks did it. I remember the soldiers in my army back so long ago. Those Amazon masks scared the Tartarus right out of them.

  A young woman stepped forward, and knelt with one knee to the ground. She looked up, and tilted the mask back on her head until I could see all of her face. I never forget a warrior, especially a good one, and I remember Ephiny as being one of the Amazon's best. We were about the same age, but she looked to still be in as good a shape as I was.

  "Lord Conqueror, the Amazon Nation greets you on the occasion of your bonding ceremony. May I present the leader of the Southern Tribe, Queen Melosa." Ephiny rose and stepped back a pace.

  Melosa came forward, flanked by four of her own Royal Guard, two on either side of her. I knew it was Melosa from the Gods awful mask she wore. Some said the red streaks dripping down the front of it came from the blood of slain enemies. I only knew that it unnerved even me to fight the woman when she had the thing on.

  Melosa removed her mask, and I could tell the seasons had been kind to her. She was a handsome woman, more than beautiful, but she was charming. I suspect it was the charm that caused her never to want for a young woman to warm her bed.

  She inclined her head, bowing slightly, and I did the same. Releasing Gabrielle's hand I descended the steps, my Guard flanking me in much the same fashion as the Amazons. I thought I'd be magnanimous and offered my arm first.

  "Melosa," I said.

  "Conqueror," she replied, taking my arm in a warrio
r's clasp. I never once heard the words 'Lord Conqueror' pass her lips.

  I turned back to Gabrielle, and held my hand out to her. She descended the steps and stood beside me.

  "Queen Melosa, let me introduce my betrothed. Gabrielle of Potidaea, Melosa, Queen of the Amazon Nation." I finished formally.

  Gabrielle had a genuine smile on her face, and held her hand out to the older woman. Melosa took the smaller hand within her own and bowed slightly, releasing the young woman. The Amazon Queen spoke to me however.

  "I see the tales they tell are all true, Conqueror. She is gracious as well as beautiful. You are a lucky ruler indeed. Please allow me to introduce my second in command, Ephiny."

  Ephiny stepped forward, again dropped to one knee, and quickly rose. "Lord Conqueror," she said flatly.

  "Yes, Ephiny. I never forget a good warrior's face."

  We clasped forearms, and I could tell that I surprised her with my amiable comment. She surprised me even more by again kneeling, rising in front of Gabrielle.

  "Lady Gabrielle," she said.

  "It's a pleasure to meet such a fine Nation of warriors." Gabrielle replied with just the right words to fluster the blonde Amazon.

  Ephiny stepped back and a young woman all but bounced up to stand beside Melosa. Her mask was removed, revealing a young woman, perhaps sixteen or seventeen summers of age.

  "May I present my daughter, Princess Timara." Melosa added proudly.

  The young girl bowed deeply before me. "Lord Conqueror."

  "Your Highness," I responded.

  "Lady Gabrielle," she bowed also to Gabrielle.

  "Your Highness," Gabrielle repeated my words.

  I noticed just then that the young girl's cheeks blushed red as Gabrielle took her hand in greeting. Another one smitten, I thought to myself.

  "Well, now that those formalities are out of the way, Melosa, will you allow us the pleasure of your company here in the palace?" I asked, knowing what her answer would be.

  "Thank you, Conqueror, but your Captain has already shown my Amazons to a fair piece of land on the hill beside the palace. My tents are being prepared as we speak."

  "Then at least join us in a dinner," Gabrielle chimed in. "You and any in your party you would care to invite, are welcome to dine with us this evening."

  "How does one refuse such a beautiful woman?" Melosa smiled. "We would be honored."

  Atrius came down the steps to stand beside me, and leaned close to whisper in my ear.

  "Well, this day just seems to keep getting better and better, doesn't it?" I whispered back.

  "Is there a problem, Conqueror?" Melosa asked at my behavior.

  "Melosa we've run into a small situation, and I'd like to remind you that you are here for our wedding ceremony. All I can say about this situation is that I request that you let the past remain buried, and I do apologize ahead of time for this difficulty."

  Everyone but Atrius looked at me as though I had Cerberus's three heads on my shoulders.

  "Xena?" Gabrielle questioned.

  The answer to everyone's question came when the large gates to the palace courtyard opened up, and nearly thirty Centaurs trotted into the open area. Just when I was trying desperately to figure out a way to avoid certain disaster, Gabrielle saved me again.

  "Of course we'll have no trouble, Xena. The Queen isn't the kind of woman, or warrior, to let old wounds ruin this occasion for us." Gabrielle finished by taking a step closer and laying one gentle hand on Melosa's forearm.

  I watched in awe as this small woman, who I held in such high esteem, literally tamed the wildness from Melosa's heart. The Amazon's jaw was set as she watched the Centaurs warily ride in. I could see the expression on her face soften at Gabrielle's tender touch, and her easy words.

  "Do you still wish us to dine with you tonight?" Melosa turned to Gabrielle.

  Even I wondered how the small blonde would now answer; knowing Solan's adopted father led the Centaurs. We couldn't possible refuse to dine with either of these leaders.

  "Of course I still wish it," Gabrielle answered as if she'd been using these diplomatic skills all her life. "It seems, however, we will have other guests joining us also, but there is room enough for all around our table."

  Gods, she was good! I thought to myself. Melosa stood there practically biting her lip. To refuse to dine with us now would not only be an offense to us, but appear childish and petty as well.

  "Very well. As you request it, My Lady."

  With a few short nods, Ephiny had the rest of the Amazons following their Queen from the courtyard. They passed by the Centaurs with nary an Amazon flinching under the hard stares. That must have taken some doing too. Centaurs can be huge beasts, and they towered over the Amazons.

  From the corner of my eye I saw Solan rush from his hiding spot along the castle wall, out to where Kaleipus stood. The large Centaur engulfed the young man in an embrace, and I could hardly contain my smile. Solan's embarrassment was that of every young man being hugged by his parent in front of other men.

  Kaleipus ignored the young man's discomfort, and I felt for my old nemesis just then. It was and had always been apparent that the Centaur loved the boy greatly. It must have broken his heart that Solan was not of his own flesh.

  Gabrielle was literally grounded to the steps beside me. I realized with some amusement that she'd never seen a Centaur before. I figured that as long as she didn't have to sit atop one, she wouldn't be too afraid of them. Kaleipus and two lieutenants walked our way, with Solan beside them. Gabrielle backed up a bit, and at first, I thought it was fear that caused such behavior. In reality, she stood on nearly the top step to put her virtually shoulder level with the large Centaurs. I took her hand in mine for reassurance, as her eyes were unable to hide her level of excitement.

  "Lord Conqueror." Kaleipus lowered his head in respect, as did the two younger stallions alongside him. This show of deference touched me. In the past, the good-natured Centaur greeted me as a warrior and an equal, usually slapping me on the back hard enough to break bones in a weaker woman. It was when he finally looked up at me and winked his one good eye that I knew he hadn't changed at all.

  "You look older every day, Conqueror. Is that gray hair I see?"

  "If it is, you put it there." I bantered back.

  This was more the exchange I was expecting. It took a long while for me to become accustomed to Kaleipus's sense of humor. He had always been the serious one, but he confided in me once that as age crept up on him, he felt the need to laugh more and more. He was a number of seasons older than I was, and at the time, I didn't quite understand him. Now, of course, I knew exactly what he meant. Ah, perspective. What it can do for one's perception.

  "He looks good, eh?" Kaleipus cuffed Solan affectionately. "I thought when you said that he'd been injured, you'd finally managed to beat some sense into him."

  Before I could answer, Solan jumped into the conversation.

  "It's a rather long story, Rä."

  It shouldn't have surprised me, the term of affection the boy used. It was a well-known term among the Centaurs meaning, adopted or second father. Kaleipus had more than earned the name where Solan was concerned, but I must admit, it pained me somewhat. How odd, considering I hadn't had one maternal thought in the last twenty seasons. Perhaps it was Solan's willingness to be civil, or even the way he asked me for instruction on any number of things of late. Whatever it was, I was feeling as if the pain would be far reaching, should the moment come when Solan told me he did not wish to acknowledge me as his mother.

  "Rä, I would like you to meet someone very special." Solan continued, much to my surprise. "Lady Gabrielle, the leader of the Centaur Nation, the warrior Kaleipus." The young man introduced the Centaur to Gabrielle. No one was more surprised at that than I was.

  "So, this is the one." Kaleipus said rather gently. "The one who tamed the heart of the Lion." He bowed low at the waist, which is not an easy feat for a large Centaur. His forelegs ben
t as he moved low enough to reach for Gabrielle's hand.

  "Perhaps now that you have tamed the Lion, I finally have a chance at besting her on the battlefield." He said in jest.

  Not one to see my reputation weakened at all, Gabrielle kept pace with the Centaur's dry humor. "But you do that at your own risk, my new friend," Gabrielle replied. "For can anyone ever really tame the wild from a creature as fierce as the Lion?"

  Kaleipus looked at the small young woman as if in shock, then he leaned his head back and roared with laughter. "She will keep you on your toes, Conqueror!"

  That's when he slapped me on the back hard enough to nearly knock me over.

  * * *

  Once again, I was sitting at a formal dinner with Gabrielle leagues away at the other end of the table. I hadn't been in the best of moods lately. The situation with the Centaurs and Amazons both showing up at the same time for the upcoming wedding, wasn't helping my disposition any. I was nervous, tense, and edgy. Well, that's certainly not new. I thought I was hiding it rather well. I always think that, though.

  So, I sulked and brooded, while those around me talked, ate, laughed, and drank the evening away. I was much less nervous about Gabrielle. She seemed to actually be enjoying herself, listening intently to the animated conversation of Princess Timara. As always, Gabrielle was a rapt listener, her thoughtful smile occasionally gracing her features. I could see the slight flush of excitement on her face, however. While to me, Amazons and Centaurs in one room made for a tense, on edge sort of evening, Gabrielle could hardly contain herself. I teased her as I escorted her out to the open air balcony earlier by reminding her to take an occasional breath.

  Knowing that Kaleipus and the Centaurs would be visiting for the wedding, the carpenters had already been hard at work. The tables were quite massive. The chairs were stools that Gabrielle had to practically scale, to sit upon. The tables were large and high to accommodate our equine-bodied guests. Delia, as was her style had ordered the kitchens to prepare plenty of grains, fruits, and fresh vegetables. There was plenty of variety for all, since our friend had been overseeing the rest of the palace cooks since early morning when our guests first rode through the castle gates.