Update 53

While the whole kingdom waited anxiously for the birth of Xena's first heir, it was life as usual in the Tudor house.

Finding a moment together Xena asked, "Hans, why didn't you tell me Marcelo was your brother?"

"Didn't want to. Personally, I wouldn't even have him here if it wasn't for my father. He loved Marcelo and me equally and didn't want to deny him an inheritance. He wanted us to share the house. But I've got my image to uphold. How does it look if I so easily except an illegitimate heir?"

Xena gave a quick side glance. For a moment, she though Hans was making a prod at her. Was she technically an illegitimate heir?

She thought this because her father never named her heir, officially. Think about her father got her a little upset. So she and Marcelo decided to take a day trip to Windenberg. They visited the Shallot home.

"Congrats on your daughter Diana."

"Thank you. Her name is Cali, and she is so perfect. Hugo just adores her." Diana replied.

"That's great. I hope Hans will be as excited. He's not a very expressive man." Xena sighed.

"Trouble in the royal home?" Etta smirked. For an old lady, she was still pretty sharp when it came to others problems.

"Mother," Diana protested, "Leave her alone. Your not queen anymore, you don't need to but into everyone else's business. However, Xena, I am curious about you and that charming Marcelo."

Xena blushed but said nothing. Later that evening, Xena and Marcel began the trip home.

Xena thought about what Diana said. Marcelo was quite interesting and charming. When he found some free time, Marcelo would often be off with his dance club. They went to various parties and clubs.

Xena was too pregnant to join him now, so she spent quite evenings at home with Hans. While Marcelo was out one evening, Hans and Xena celebrated Hans' birthday together. He was now an adult. Hans was a celebrated sim. He was sophisticated, calm and collected. But in Xena's mind, he was kind of boring...and old.

Pushing these thoughts aside, Xena finally went into labor. Ever the level headed one, Hans was the most calm expecting father, which helped Xena relax. Relax a little too much maybe. Hans was the first to welcome Prince Gale. Meanwhile, Xena was more interested in other things.

Xena finally took some time to get to know baby Gale once they were back home. Even Nike came to greet her new nephew. But Xena still had her mind on other things.

"Marcelo," Xena suggested, "Can you help me lose some of this baby weight?"

"Sure." Marcelo agreed to train with Xena. With busy days, the two spent their evenings working out together. Xena liked being around Marcelo.

But her duties as queen often distracted her from any further thoughts about Marcelo. One day, Hans and Xena went out for a lunch date.

"Good to be out and about isn't it?" Hans asked.

"Yeah. My grandfather always felt it was good to see what was up in the kingdom personally. He would even go out and perform."

"Yes. It's also good for the kingdom to see us. While this marriage was an advantage to us both, it's good to show ourselves as a couple."

"Wow Hans, you really know how to charm the ladies. Is that all I am to you? An advantage?"

"Was that not all I was to you? Either way, it's not like I haven't grown feelings for our family. I love Gale. I do hope someday we can truly call ourselves a family. I've got to get some work done. See you at home." Hans said as he stood to leave.

Xena was a bit miffed by the exchange at lunch. Yes, their marriage had been one of opportunity. But maybe that wasn't enough anymore. Should Xena look for something more, to make her happy?

One afternoon, Xena and Marcelo sat down in the garden for a chat. They took in the scenery and relaxed. When the conversation stopped, they sat quietly together for a moment. Xena noticed herself getting closer to Marcelo, until the two were side by side, looking into each other's eyes.

Xena wasn't sure what would happen next. But she knew she had a choice to make.
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Update 52

While Xena wanted to take her time figuring life out, she knew the first order of business would be having an heir. Between her Council duties and Han's business, they at the least managed to find time for that.

"You've been hard at work Xena." Marcelo remarked one evening, "Why don't you come with me and my club tonight? Have some fun."

"Alright. I guess I shouldn't be all work and no play."

So the two went out to the Blue Velvet nightclub. They danced and had a great time. A while into the night Xena ran into her sister, Nike.

"Surprised to see you here Nike."

"Yeah. The tribe is fun and all, but they don't have much going on at this time of night. Plus, I've kind of gotten into dancing and wanted to check out the scene here. Nothing like in Windenburg though. What are you doing here?"

"Oh, Marcelo invited me. Marcelo, this is my sister Nike." Marcelo walked up with lady in a big sun hat and blue striped dress. Xena raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"It is nice to meet you Nike. And this is my mother, Natalia." Marcelo replied.

They all spent the rest of the evening together.

Having had such a great time with everyone, the next day Xena decided to visit her mother. She had not seen her very much since she became queen.

"Mother, you look down almost every time I've seen you. What has been going on?" Xena asked.

"Oh, it's just, I miss your father."

"Really?!"

"Yes. Really. I know we were not on great terms before he died, but still. And it was so sudden. I still loved him so much, and hoped he would be here with me." Harmony began to tear up.

"That's unlikely. I mean, he seemed pretty cozy with that woman, and his precious boys. I didn't do right by you or me or any of us. I do not see why you miss him that much." Xena retorted.

"How could you say such a heartless thing?!" Harmony wailed, "You will see. Once you love someone, you will see. He may not have been perfect, but he was still my husband. And I loved him."

Xena just shook her head. She really had little love to show for her father, and she wasn't afraid to show that.

Back at home, Xena realized she was getting kind of pudgy and not feeling well. Maybe she was pregnant.

"Definitely sounds like it to me." Diana said. Xena had invited her over that afternoon, "Well congrats on your pregnancy. I for one cannot wait for my own to be over. Look at me, I'm about to pop!"

Xena chuckled. She thanked Diana for visiting, and went to tell the rest of the house the good news. Hans was happy to hear and gave his thin smile. Marcelo was a bit more expressive in his joy and beamed brightly.

"Anything you need, just let me know. I will get it, right away!" Marcelo stated.

Despite the news, things were as usual in the house. Hans was busy at work most of the time. Xena spent her time off at home with Marcelo.

"Your mother is quite the lively one." Xena said.

"Yes. Sometimes people think she's my sister. She loves life. We both lead our dance group. She was a professional back in the day."

"I'd say she still is. You both are." Xena replied, "Tell me then, how did you come to work for Hans?"

"Truth is," Marcelo sighed, "Hans' father is also my father. We are half-brothers. Our father meet my mother when she was a dancer. Mr. Whitfield had married a woman from another wealthy family, but I think he truly loved my mother. She went to work for him and they had me."

"Oh. Is that why Hans doesn't really get along with you?"

Marcelo shrugged, "I guess. Our father treated me no different from Hans, which I guess upset him. Inheritance can be a messy thing for any family I guess."

Xena would go on to ponder Marcelo's words, as she was now expecting an heir of her own.
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Update 51

News and speculation swirled in the wake of Urban's death. What would become of the kingdom? Would it be taken over? Some suspected foul play. Others wondered who would inherit the throne. With no royal heir, the law permitted the king's oldest son. But neither Max nor Ace were of age to take over. In the case of an heir not being of age when a king passes, the queen would usually hold their place until they were of age. But Mae was not queen. Officially Harmony still was, as she and Urban never divorced.

Before anyone could think any further, Xena made her claim. She gathered the Council together to make her announcement.

"Thank you for coming." Xena started, "After the passing of my father, I know my kingdom is on edge about what will happen. I'm here to say that they have nothing to fear. As my father's eldest, and legitimate, child, I will be taking his place."

The Council listened closely.

"Further more. I don't know how you all let her stay so long, but as a Queen, I'm banning Mae from Council. She should have been removed as soon as she got involved with my father. She has no right to be here. I will not acknowledge her or her sons."

With that, Xena took the throne.

Returning to the now empty Tudor home, Xena sighed. Harley came out to welcome her home.

"Don't welcome me home, Harley. This is no home for me anymore. As Queen, I've got to make my own mark. But you've served my family faithfully all these years. The house is yours now."

"Really darling? Thank you! But where will you be going child?"

"I know not everyone will be behind my claim to the throne. My father never officially named me, and many will be looking to take my place. So, I'm going to marry Hans and move in with him. His fortune should cement my position."

"Are you sure? Will you be happy?"

"I got what I wanted. I'll be fine. Thank you Harley."

So Xena moved into the big Whitfield house. It was actually a converted factory. The hallways were long and cold. Hans and his father were often busy with work, so Xena planned on spending the first night there alone.

While sitting in the music room, the door suddenly opened.

"Oh, I'm sorry miss. I didn't know you would be arriving today, your Majesty."

Surprised Xena stood up, "No, it's alright. I didn't know anyone else was here. You are?"

"I am Marcelo. I work for Hans."

"Oh, I guess you will be our housekeep. It is nice to meet you. Were you coming in to play something?" Xena questioned.

"Yes. The piano. May I, play for you?"

Xena was glad for the company. The following day she and Hans got engaged and planned their wedding right away. While prepping, Xena noticed some tension between Hans and Marcelo, but chalked it up as pre-wedding jitters. She herself was feeling nervous.

"You make a beautiful bride your Majesty." Marcelo complimented.

"Thank you Marcelo. And thank you for catering."

Finally the ceremony took place. The Whitfield's garden was a great place for the wedding, and all the guest thought so. After the I Do's, Xena mingled with the guest, many who were on the Council.

"Beautiful ceremony. Soon, hopefully, you too will be expecting, like my Diana." Etta Shallot smiled. Diana had married Hugo Villareal and was already expecting. Xena smiled back.

In the following days, Hans and Xena got into quite the routine. Hans was the first king to have a career. Xena would see him off and the morning then go see about breakfast.

"Marcelo? Did you grill burgers? For breakfast?" Xena raised an eyebrow.

"Veggie burgers, to give you energy for the day. You said you had a full schedule."

"That I do. Thanks." Xena said munching down a patty.

Xena had a full day with the Council. It was a lot more responsibility filling her father's role. The connection between all the represented kingdoms were fragile, as each had their own agenda. Getting everyone to work together was a delicate task.

Xena was glad to have a friend amongst them.

"Sorry about my mom the other day." Diana said, "She's just so proud of our kingdom you know. With me expecting it means we have a bright future."

"I understand."

Feeling a little home sick afterwards, Xena got together with her sisters.

"Now that I am queen, you all can live with me or where ever you want. You, mom, I can take care of you guys." Xena offered.

"Thank you Xe. but I'm content where I am. If I wasn't I wouldn't be here." Iris said.

"Yeah. It's not like dad didn't take care of us. We had our time in that life. But being queen was your desire. I'm fine with mom and the amazons. I'm glad you got what you wanted. I just hope you are happy Xena." Nike replied.

"Am I happy?" Xena wondered, "What would make me happy?"

As Xena contemplated her choices, the whole kingdom waited anxiously to see what the future had in store.
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