Update 54

While gazing into Marcelo's eyes, Xena thought long and hard about what she should do. Finally, she decided not to pursue her inner desires.

"I am sorry Marcelo. We cannot do this." Xena said. She had her kingdom to think about.

Marcelo agreed, "Your family and happiness should come first after all."

However, Xena's thoughts were far from her family and happiness. She had other troubles arising. Her younger half-brother, Maximilian, was now a teen and not satisfied with how things worked out.

"Xena! I'm here to tell you that MY family that you banished, have moved back to this kingdom. This is were we belong, and as son of Urban, I expect to be treated with some kind of dignity."

"Dignity?! Boy, you never had a chance at that. You lost that from the time your mother stole my father." Xena snorted.

Max would hear none of it. Mae had moved back to the Tudor kingdom, and was now settled in Oasis Springs with Urban's two sons, Max and Ace, and his last child, Nicole. Nicole was born after he passed.

Between her awkward moment with Marcelo and the encounter with Max, Xena was not enjoying her life as much as others would have thought.

"You seem tense." Diana stated at a Council meeting.

"Just stuff going on..." Xena replied.

"You should go home and relax. Spend time with your family. That always brightens my day."

But Xena was not interested in life at home.

However, Marcelo found himself enjoying the domestic life. He basically raised baby Gale. When Gale aged up into a child, he spent a lot of time around Marcelo. Marcelo gave him a lot of advise and would take him on outings. Gale made friends where ever he went and soon became good friends with the Shallot heir, Cali.

Meanwhile, Xena and Hans made an effort to keep up appearances to their subjects. This became even more important as Mae Welsh, Urban's mistress, was making herself present around the kingdom.

"Fancy seeing your majesty here. Enjoying my son's throne?" Mae smirked.

Xena did not even honor her with a response.

Frustrated with life, Xena was glad to get a call from her sister inviting her over.

"Welcome to my new house! Isn't it quaint." Nike smiled.

"Y-yes. It's quite the, umm, starter. But why have you moved from the Tribe?"

"Well, I've found a new passion for dancing! Marcelo's mom has been teaching me some great moves."

Marcelo spent a lot of time with his dance group now that things were awkward at the Tudor house.

Finally, Marcelo decided to move out.

"It's just too hard to be in the house and get over the feelings I was growing for you. So I think it will be best if I move out. I'm sure you can find a better housekeep anyway. Gale's a great kid, and smart, so find someone good for him too." Marcelo told Xena.

Xena agreed. She didn't want anything distracting her from her kingdom. So Marcelo moved out. Xena took her time before she found a replacement, so in the mean time she took up the chores.

Diana Shallot came to visit during this time. "And were is that charming Marcelo?"

"He was a bit too charming. I'll be getting a new housekeep soon. Congrats on your pregnancy. A second heir."

"Oh. Well I guess that's for the best. And thank you. At least know you have some time with just you and your family. I'm fortunate to have my sister around to help out. Surround yourself with loved ones, and be happy." Diana smiled.