Update 55

"Thank you for coming on such short notice Mrs. Hanako." Xena greeted their new housekeep.

"Of course. As your new governess, I take pride in my duties. Punctuality being of great importance."

Having taken care of the household responsibilities, Xena turned her attention back to her queenly duties. Presently on the table, a negotiation with the Amazon tribe of Newcrest. Seeing that the Tudor kingdom covered so much territory, which included Willow Creek, Oasis Spring and part of Newcrest, Xena was offering to give the Newcrest lands officially to the Tribe.

"While our presence and authority has been acknowledged, having sole rights to Newcrest will help move the tribe forward into a new age. Someday we may be known as the Kingdom of Newcrest." the tribe's Creator thanked.

Xena was a little reluctant to give away even a small portion of her kingdom, but felt it would help her focus on the bigger worlds and strengthen the Tudor kingdom in the long run.

Meanwhile, Prince Gale was readjusting to his new home life. He missed Marcelo and would seek ways to entertain himself. Most of the time his antics did not please his new governess.

"Stop that splashing this instance! Princes do not gallavant in fountains." Governess Hanako scolded.

"Yes." Gale sighed.

"Yes what?"

"Yes Govness."

The only time Gale found freedom from Hanako was when he managed to spend time with his father, Hans.

"How was work Pops?!" Gale beamed.

"Please don't call me 'Pops'. 'Father' will do. My day was good. I knew your mother would be out so I thought I'd come home early." Hans was a little uneasy around children, but he tried his best with Gale.

In the days to follow, Xena felt more relaxed about the state of the kingdom. She even got a makeover. She was all business during the day. She spent most of her time away from home, usually with the Council, or just with Diana. But with Diana expecting, the two didn't get to spend as much time as usual.

In the evening, home life was simple and quiet. Too quiet. So Xena connected with other friends and started frequenting nightclubs with them. She spent her nights out not only to get away from home, but she also hoped to run into Marcelo with his dance group.

Xena had decided not to get involved with Marcelo to avoid a scandal that could hurt her status as rightful queen. However, the longer they were apart the more she realized her feelings for him.

Sometime later, Xena invited Diana out to celebrate her new heir. Xena felt good about the night and took extra time to get ready.

"Congrats Diana."

"Thanks Xena. Thank you for inviting me out too. I'm sorry I cannot stay very late. But I do want to get home to the little ones."

"Of course."

After Diana left the club for the night, Xena stayed a while after. While looking down from the balcony, she spotted Marcelo.

They had some small talk and a few drinks later they slipped off to the downstairs closets. For the first time in years, Xena felt like she caught a glimpse of what happiness was.

But at what cost?

Stay Tuned!

Previous
Next