"Since I have nothing that will fit you, this will have to do."

She instructed a guard to cut a slit in the center of the blanket, then slipped it over Xena’s head so the front and back of her was covered.

"I brought food, but since you are unable to eat by yourself, I will have to feed you."

From the basket she first took a bunch of purple grapes, but once again, Xena’s mouth was firmly set.

"You might as well eat, because I’m not leaving until you do."

Reluctantly, Xena allowed Gabrielle to put a grape into her mouth and slowly chewed it up and swallowed it, spitting the seed at Gabrielle. There was no look of gratitude, only a stony stare.

When the grapes were gone, and the queen's dress was peppered with grape seeds, Xena was fed several small tart apples. Then she was  given goat cheese, and lastly, bread. When the food was gone, Gabrielle gave her more water.

After the meal nei
ther woman spoke but only looked at each other. Gabrielle hesitantly put Xena’s hair behind her ears and said, "With a bath and the proper clothing you would be a beautiful woman."

Xena replied, "And with the proper weapon, you would be dead!"

Sounding braver than she felt, Gabrielle said, "I suspect you could kill me with no weapon at all."

"Why are you doing this? Just so I’ll be stronger for another flogging?" Xena asked bitterly.

"No. I don’t approve of it. But my husband, the King has decreed it. I do it to gain your trust. I want to know what has caused your heart to be so black. I want to know why you found it necessary to kill so many men, women and children."

"I have NEVER made war on women and children!" Xena spat out. "Lies! All lies!"

"If you say so. I must go now, but I will return tomorrow."

"Guard!" Gabrielle said, "I am leaving this water and ladle for the prisoner. Don't take them away."

"But my Lady, the King said nothing that can be used as a weapon was to be left near her."

"Are you so afraid she might beat the rats to death? The ladle and bucket stay."

As she left the cell and it was closed, Gabrielle broke off several strands of her long golden hair then wrapped and tied them around the lock.

"I will be here tomorrow, and if these strands are broken you will join the prisoner in her cell. Do you understand me?"

Bowing his head, the guard answered, "Yes, my Lady. It will be as you say."