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YOU CAN NEVER GO HOME
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| Gabrielle’s feet pounded heavily on the
floor as she strode down old stone hall. I won’t lose you- she
had said to Xena. Images of a red kimono and raven hair meshed with dark
eyes and gold silk. Her steps became more forceful. She knocked and without waiting, swung the door open with force. The King was so alarmed at her entrance that he jumped, spilling the inkwell on the desk. “Gabrielle!” “Call off the match.” she was at the desk, her hands gripping the edge, leaning in at him. Although he appeared afraid, he didn’t move back. “It’s got to be done, Gabrielle. If we don’t do it then her brother will.” he raised his hands again as Gabrielle opened her mouth to speak. “I’m sorry, but she knows too much for her own good. If she’s really tried to escape, her brother will kill her. And she won’t help us fight him, Gabrielle. She won’t turn on her own family. I’m sorry, but that’s what happens when you’re born of bad blood. It’s just fate.” Fate. How she hated that word. “You don’t have to kill her. Hand her over to me and I promise you that she’ll never bring harm to you or your people.” “You don’t know what you’re saying. You can’t take that responsibility. She could kill you at the first bend. If she doesn’t kill you, you’ll both be hunted by her brother’s men. I’m trying to protect you Gabrielle, now think about this.” “I can take care of myself.” “I know that.” The King softened his tone. “I don’t doubt your courage, Gabrielle, but I think even Xena herself would think twice before taking on such a project.” How many times had she wished Xena had thought twice about her last project…. “Xena’s dead. I’m the one left standing- and I will go on with my life and accept the consequences of my actions, even if they get me killed.” she moved around the desk and knelt down, taking the King’s hand. “If you think I am asking this just for your benefit, or that of Dantien, think again. It’s for myself. And I’m asking you, from the bottom of my heart, to just give us the chance to walk out that door together.” The King placed his hand gently on the top of Gabrielle’s head and smiled. “I cannot turn a deaf ear to a call of love, Gabrielle, when it comes from a heart like yours. I only wish I could give you more than a chance, but come what may outside my kingdom, know that with all my heart, I only wish you well.” Gabrielle joyously kissed his hand, and he tousled her hair. She got up to go and he gave her a large grin. “Just remember, if you change your mind, we could use a good Queen here.” “Oh. I’m already a Queen.” she tossed over her shoulder as she left the room. “Of the Amazons.” The look on his face was priceless. She didn’t even bother to knock on the door, but flung it open.
The King jumped and spilled another inkwell as the door was flung open
again. “What-”
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