“More tea!” Gareth called out, and
rubbed his hands together briskly, looking at the King seated behind his
desk. The King waved his hand to indicate he had no interest in further
refreshment. He looked at Gareth and twirled his quill.
“Good man, Gareth. After tonight, we’ll all sleep better. Unless
something happens to you, of course.” the King quickly added.
“A productive day, indeed.” Gareth wiped his mouth. “We
get new recruits from the trials, and get rid of our biggest problem, all
in one day.”
They both fell silent as the tea was served.
Gareth put down his cup. “Actually, our second biggest problem. Wish
I could take out the bastard too.”
The King pointed his quill at Gareth, who muttered “I know, I know.”
“Have you told Gabrielle?”
“I imagine Dantien will do that explaining personally.” it was
almost a sneer.
“Well, she does seem fond of her. I hate to upset her. She’s
such a ray of sunshine. I still think she’d make a good Queen.”
he rubbed his nose with the quill. “You’re sure that Dantien
understands the plan?”
“Yes.”
“No!”
“It has to be done, Gabrielle. There’s no other way.”
“But you’re hurt. Look at you.” Gabrielle said sharply,
feeling a sudden surge of anger.
“Bruises…just sore.” she started back towards the bed.
“I need to finish dressing.”
“Let me fight for you. You saw what I did to him before.”
Dantien picked up the hairbrush and began brushing her hair. “With
a staff, not a sword.”
Gabrielle opened her mouth to speak but Dantien tossed her brush down
and held up her hands.
“I won’t allow it and neither will Gareth. You know that.
Please, don’t argue with me. Let’s just enjoy the morning
together.” she turned away from Gabrielle, pulling her shift over
her head, her muscles catching the light of the sun as it washed over
her golden back. Gabrielle’s immediate thoughts washed with it.
“You’re beautiful, Dantien.” it came out so simply.
It was the truth.
“Thank you.” she tossed she shift onto the bed, and picked
up a silk undershirt, pulling it over her head. She turned to face Gabrielle
while pulling her hair out of the back of her shirt. “That means
a lot to me.”
They looked at each other in comfortable silence as Dantien continued
to free her hair.
“I used to help Xena get dressed.” Gabrielle said quietly.
Dantien’s hands stilled for moment. “I see.” she said,
and sat down on the bed, waiting.
Gabrielle did her boots first, not looking at her. Dantien said nothing,
holding up her feet obediently.
“Now stand. Please.” Gabrielle added. Dantien stood up, looked
down at Gabrielle and smiled.
“Xena must have liked this.”
“We both did.” Gabrielle answered, reaching around her to
get the vest. She slid it over Dantien’s outstretched arm, up to
her shoulder, and over her other arm. “I’m liking it now.”
she brushed out Dantien’s hair from under the vest, taking her time.
“I’m liking it too.” Dantien murmured. “I’ll
bet Xena was late more than once.”
“Definitely late more than once.” Gabrielle said, a big grin
on her face. She couldn’t resist a sly wink at Dantien as she reached
around her for the arm gauntlets.
“You’re killing me, Gabrielle.” Dantien gave a huge
sigh of frustration.
Gabrielle fell quiet, and pulled a little too hard on the upper arm laces.
“It’s Gareth that’s killing you. Or you killing Gareth.
What happens when you win?”
Dantien sat down on the bed unexpectedly, shaking her head.
“That’s just it, Gabrielle. I can’t win.”
|
