Xena

  The morning of Tregan’s wedding was dark from a violent summer storm. The sky was dark and churning, rain smacked the glass in a violent rhythm.

  A bad omen.

  The thought rose, without warning, and she tried to push it away. Hands poked and prodded as dread coiled tightly in her stomach. Fabric was smoothed and laces tied tight, hair twisted and pinned, face painted and powdered. Through it all the dread was there, lurking behind her thoughts and fake smiles.

  The handmaidens were calling it magical. They smiled as they hurried around the room. Xena kept her mouth shut as they fused over her, Ryna instructing and leading them. Saying her fears aloud made them real. Gave them substance. She’d wait, silent, for the day to turn on her.

  The door to her quarters opened. Xena’s breath caught as light footsteps echoed across the entrance hall.

  The air changed. It became charged and thick. She sat up straighter as a shadow entered the bed chamber a moment before its owner appeared.

  The omen found her. The room fell silent as the Queen Consort appeared in the doorway.

  Tregan’s mother, Pendra, swept inside, dressed in the fine white robes of her station. Everyone turned and stilled. Xena rose and sank into a deep curtsey with the others, pulse thundering along with the storm outside. Princess Ryna stepped forward.

  “My Queen,” Ryna said. “How can we he-”

  SMACK

  The sound of the smack reverberated off the stone walls. Xena flinched involuntarily at the sudden show of violence. No one else moved, eyes trained forward, faces stoic.

  Ryna’s hand automatically flew to her cheek as she drew back an automatic step. Stunned, only for a moment, before straightening once more.

  “You will remember your place, second,” queen Pendra hissed. “I don’t remember asking you a question.”

  Icy cold rippled through Xena as the Queen’s eyes landed on her. She forced her spine rigid and the emotions off of her face. The Queen moved slowly, deliberately, toward her. Her crystal blue eyes shined brightly as she approached, as if amused. She circled Xena’s chair once and she fought the shiver that threatened to rip through her when the Queen was out of her sight. Still, she didn’t move.

  “I came to see my new future daughter-in-law before the wedding,” the queen said, her high-pitched voice dripping with venom. “To make sure she understands how important this day is and not to ruin it for my son and new daughter like she did last night.”

  The queen reached up and grabbed Xena’s face around the chin, long, pointed fingernails digging into her cheeks as she tilted it down to face her. Xena looked into the woman’s eyes in fear. She stared back, narrowed in scrutiny as she squeezed.

  “If you so much as breathe too hard in their direction, I will have you taken to the highest tower of the castle, which happens to be MY quarters,” she hissed, eyes crinkling around the edges, showing she was smiling beneath her white cloth mask. “And have you thrown from it before the night is over. We will claim insanity. Or maybe depression. Maybe jealousy of princess Ja’Lena being wed to my son? The possibilities are endless.”

  She shoved Xena’s face away, causing her to stumble back a step. The queen was still smiling as Xena righted herself and got her bearings once more. She stood with her hands behind her back as she watched her.

  “The King worships me,” She said in a breathy voice. “He wouldn’t even question me when I told him you were found, just a puddle of blood and bones, along the castle wall and that the servants heard you talking in your sleep. Saying the craziest things.”

  Then she turned to face Ryna, a cruel smile spread across her face.

  “Some of us are actually important around here,” Pendra said, now circling Princess Ryna. “More than just a common whore.”

  Ryna’s eyes went dull for just a moment before they refocused. The Queen, eyes shining with her obvious delight, turned and strode toward the exit without another word. She opened the door and slipped through, leaving the cluster of women behind.

  The moment the door clicked shut the ladies were moving again. They circled around Ryna and Xena, checking them over and fussing. Xena met Ryna’s eyes once more but Princess Ryna shook her head.

  “I’m fine, I’m fine,” Princess Ryna said, shooing them away. “Let’s get back to work, we’re almost out of time.”

  –????????–

  The time to leave came quickly after the queen’s unexpected visit. Xena rushed after Princess Ryna through the halls toward the main ballroom. Everything was decorating in shimmering, fluffy white and countless thousands of candles, even more than the night before.

  Just before rounding the final corner, Princess Ryna stopped and whirled to face Xena. She almost walked straight into the woman as she stopped so suddenly.

  “What are you-” Xena began to ask but was cut off by Princess Ryna’s finger at her lips.

  “You better listen to what Pendra said,” Ryna whispered. “Stay as far away from Prince Tregan and his bride as you possibly can today. I’ve heard that he’s still seething over how you fell ill last night. I know it’s not your fault. I can see the protest in your eyes. Beck has tried to smooth things over with his brother and it seems to have worked… For now. Tregan is quick to temper. Don’t even make eye contact if you can avoid it.”

  Xena nodded, eyes wide. She had known, of course, that Prince Tregan was angry with her over her sickness the night before. She had hoped that a good night’s rest and the weight of today’s events would dull his memory. The hope felt foolish now.

  Princess Ryna turned and strode around the corner, and Xena hurried to keep up. Anxiety stole her breath as they approached the great hall. She fought the urge to bite her lip as they reached the doors. Two servants, dressed in exquisite robes, pulled open the gigantic, intricately carved oak doors at their approach.

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  Standing just inside was a sight that distracted her from everything else.

  Prince Beck turned toward them as they entered, his face lighting up with one of his brilliant smiles as he looked them over. He stooped to kiss his mother on the cheek as she paused briefly, patting his chest affectionately before sweeping past and making her way to the dais.

  Then he turned to Xena and when their eyes met, relief washed through her. The sight of his confident smile made her heart flutter. He was dressed in beautiful silken dress robes of deep blue that brought out his eyes. His cute dimples contrasted sharply with his strong, masculine jaw and she smiled despite herself.

  His eyes roved over her gown and he nodded approvingly before leaning in close.

  “You are the most beautiful woman in the room,” He murmured.

  Heat rose unbidden to her cheeks, the norm when she was around her soon-to-be husband, she realized. Beck took her gloved hand and bent low, pressing a gentle kiss to her gloved fingers. She smiled but then movement on the dais above caught her eye. Queen Pendra took her seat and met her gaze, a hard look in her eye. Xena’s smile slipped, startled, as reality slammed back into her.

  Prince Beck straightened, blocking her vision once more. She attempted to recover, offering him a small smile as he still gripped her hand. He turned her toward the dais and guided her to their seats in the front row, just before the raised platform.

  The King and Queen sat atop the dais, behind where the bride and groom would be wed. The King’s two other wives, Princess Ryna and Ovanka, were seated farther back, partially obscured.

  The hall filled quickly. Lords and Ladies being seated first in the front rows by their house and rank. Then various ranking army officials and officers plus their wives behind them. The hum of voices grew louder as more people arrived.

  Xena had heard the castle staff whispering about the common folk camping on the castle steps for days to secure a spot in the halls. They all wanted a glimpse of the wedding day action. The staff had been nervously whispering about the smell, the buckets that were overflowing with waste, and the King’s fury at the conditions. It all suddenly made sense as the common folk were ushered in behind a roped area in the back. They were dirty. Ragged. The smell wafted in, making some toward the back wrinkle their noses. It was tradition that common folk be allowed to witness the ceremony to spread the joyous news throughout the city.

  As Xena gazed up at the King’s tight expression, it was likely to be a dead tradition soon.

  The room filled to capacity.

  The King rose. Silence swept through the hall at once. Xena straightened instinctively as he stepped forward, luxurious cream robes shimmering in the light streaming in through the high windows. A golden rope was fashioned at his waist and it swished as he moved, sparkling in the light. His crown was unfamiliar, tall and golden, nothing like the simple one she’d seen before. Everything about him looked regal and intimidating, standing tall over his people.

  “I have invited you, my people, to witness a momentous occasion, " he announced, voice echoing around the large room. “Today and tomorrow, both of my sons will be wed.” He gestured behind him and then down toward Beck. Tregan stepped forward. Beck rose beside Xena. They bowed together as the crowd clapped.

  Xena watched Beck’s face soften into a genuine smile as he waved, acknowledging the crowd. When she turned back, Tregan’s face was hard as he stared out across the people, hands tucked behind his back. The contrast between the brothers was jarring. She wondered how many others noticed.

  Beck sat again and his eyes shone with pride. He reached out and placed a hand gently on her knee, grounding her. Xena turned back toward the dais, a small smile creeping on to her face unbidden as the king began to speak again.

  “Let us not delay this Holiest occasion. Please rise to meet your future Queen, Ja’Lena,” He said, gesturing to the grand doors.

  A lovely melody began to play from the high balcony. Xena rose with the others but stood poised while people craned their necks for a better look. Beck’s touch went from her knee to her waist as he stepped closer in wait. Murmurs rippled through the crowd before Ja’Lena was in her sight. Behind her, Beck tensed a moment before she saw the princess herself.

  When she stepped into view, Xena froze.

  The gown was elegant, delicate and shockingly transparent. Xena schooled her face into neutrality as the girl walked past them, her body barely concealed under the pale gossamer gown. Ja’Lena’s head was held high, her gaze locked on Prince Tregan above.

  Xena became acutely aware of the room around her. The silence of the women and the hushed excitement of the men. She saw the satisfaction on their faces and felt something sour twist in her stomach. She risked a glance at Beck. He was frowning, jaw tight, eyes dark with displeasure. The sight unsettled her, much different from the smiling man she’d come to know and yet… Something like pride bloomed in her chest at his obvious disgust, so different from the other men around them.

  A sharp thought struck her. Would this display be expected of her tomorrow? No one had warned her. She had chosen a modest cut, a simple fabric. Measurements were taken but she’d yet to see the finished gown.

  The king called for silence and the ceremony began. She tried to listen but the words blurred together, becoming nothing but a roaring in her ears. Her thoughts were scattered, heavy with worry and doubt. Her training hadn’t prepared her for this but she had to endure somehow. Like Ja’Lena endured. She looked up at the woman standing before her, backside on display as she faced the king.

  That’s when a commotion on the dais drew her attention. She watched as Tregan and Ja’Lena kissed, turning to face the crowd as man and wife. Except no one clapped. No one moved. She glanced around and all eyes were eagerly glued on the stage. She looked toward Ryna but couldn’t distinguish her expression. Beck’s hands were clenched tightly in his lap. His skin looked pale. Something was wrong.

  Servants carried out a large lounge, upholstered in light blue velvet and set with golden trim. They finished moving things around, positioning the lounge directly center before scurrying away once more. The King stepped up to the front of the dais again.

  The king spoke again, his words striking her as hard as a physical blow.

  “Thank you to our guests for coming to see our beloved Prince and new Princess wed. That concludes the main ceremony and the castle staff will now show the common folk out. As I stated earlier, Prince Tregan has decided to honor our ancestors by completing the consummation in witness of those who have blessed his marriage. It is a long practiced tradition that in recent years has become less popular as fertility has gotten better through our lands. After the war, it was practiced after nearly every wedding ceremony. While it is not required, our young Prince wants to ensure the fertility of his wife's womb. Our esteemed guests are asked to stay to offer the prayers to the Goddess. The rest of you will be shown out.”

  The consummation.

  Xena stared at the dais in horror. It took everything not to fall apart as the words tumbled through her mind. It had not been practiced in nearly six decades. She was taught that the first time was a private union between husband and wife. Sacred. The color drained from her face as the doors shut behind them, sealing them inside.

  Ja’Lena stood before Tregan, unnaturally still. Xena watched her face closely, searching for fear or resistance. She found nothing. Just blank, emotionless calm. Her eyes were glazed and unfocused and Xena frowned a little. The realization that she might be drugged made her chest ache.

  Tregan undid the buttons of his new wife’s dress with careful, slow precision. When he turned her to face him and drew the fabric down, Xena clenched her hands until pain flared in her palms. She could not, would not, look away. Her disgust made it hard to watch but if Ja’Lena was forced to endure it then she would too in unwavering support.

  The hall was utterly silent.

  Ja’Lena did not react as she was led to the lounge. She did not cover herself. Xena focused on her face, refusing to let her gaze drift anywhere else.

  “Please rise to say the prayers as this couple becomes one for the first time,” the king announced, gesturing up with his palms.

  Xena got stiffly to her feet, legs trembling. She was surprised to feel a firm hand wrap around her elbow to steady her. Beck.. She leaned into him for support, not caring who saw. Without his support, she was certain she would have fallen.. She looked up at him, eyebrows drawn in question, desperate for an explanation. He shook his head slightly, then turned his attention back to the dais.

  The prayers began and turned into a chant, rhythm growing faster as the couple, both seated on the lounge, turned to face one another. Curtains were drawn, plunging the room into darkness. Thousands of candles had been lit around the dais and lining the walls, now casting an eerie glow over the room. Candles had been strategically placed around the lounge, illuminating the newlyweds’ skin and making their shadows dance as they embraced, leaning in to kiss. Tregan traced a hand down Ja’Lena’s back as she tilted her head to the side, giving him access to kiss her neck. Ja’Lena closed her eyes as she was laid back against the cushions.

  Xena didn’t pray. A single tear slid down her cheek as she watched.

  Beck’s hand never let hers as the chanting continued though he offered her no words of comfort. There were none to give.

  Tregan moved, spreading his wife’s legs and positioning himself in between them. Xena felt her stomach lurch as she watched but swallowed the bile as it burned the back of her throat. He sank into her, the chanting becoming louder, faster. Tregan began to writhe and thrust in time with the words. Ja’Lena lay still and quiet, eyes closed, chest rising and falling in a shallow rhythm.

  Tregan’s shadow twisted and tumbled as he moved in the candlelight, somehow making the scene more grotesque and obscene. It was wrong. Unsettling.

  Tregan finished and the chanting died, music fading away from above. He panted, hunched over his bride who still lay unnaturally still beneath him. He withdrew and straightened before leaning down to whisper something in Ja’Lena’s ear. Her eyes fluttered open and he helped her stand. They walked, hand in hand, to the edge of the dais as everyone watched in silence.

  Servants appeared, bundles of fabric in their arms. They raced around the couple, dressing them in simple robes. Tregan was dressed in robes similar to his father’s. Xena watched as Ja’Lena’s body, face and then head, disappeared behind white robes, hood and mask. When they were through, only her eyes were visible. Hidden for all time, only to be exposed at the hands of her husband.

  She couldn’t help noting the irony. Why hide what everyone has already seen?

  The king thanked the guests and the royals were led offstage first, waving as they passed the crowd.

  The curtains were opened but the storm had returned and it did little to brighten the room. Rows were dismissed from the back of the room because they were closest to the door. Xena shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably as she waited to be released. She looked around at those in the crowd around her. No one was speaking but as she watched, many of the men were holding their wives close in front of their bodies as they were turned to the aisle to await dismissal. Some were bent, whispering in their ears. She realized, quite embarrassed, that they were likely aroused by the ceremony rather than horrified like her.

  When she was finally released, Xena fled to her quarters, not waiting on Beck to escort her. The moment the doors closed behind her, her legs gave out. She sank to her knees and wept.