“I haven’t ordered you to do otherwise.”

“Yes, but . . . I . . .,” Lucrecia turns in the water to give a scolding glare only to view intense blue eyes engulfing her, “Speak.”

“I cannot allow you to trust me with your body. It’s too difficult . . . to defy my instincts . . . to not just take what I desire.”

“Oh please”, Lucrecia goes to turn away, making the conqueror flair from within. Before she can process her nerve’s senses, the warrior spins her about face. Restrained, with her hands behind her back, “You think I couldn’t? That you could fight me off?!” Lucrecia simply stares into the warrior’s bright blue eyes, stunned, “What do you want?”

“Nothing that I would harm you for”, Xena releases her, “I’m sorry. I have broken a great trust. Forgive me, Domina.”

Looking at this enigma of a woman she sees deep pain and sincerity, “It’s alright.” She touches her prime’s hand to find it trembling. Another glance at her eyes and Domina observes a single tear trail a path from her right, washing over her chiseled features. The warrior looks down in shame to have Lucrecia place a hand on her cheek and pull her head back up. Domina strokes her arm comfortingly, and without warning embraces her companion, lack of clothes aside, “There is such agony in you. It plagues me, and now makes me regret that I haven’t seen it sooner.” She feels Xena beginning to pull away and tightens her hold, “Shhh, we needn’t speak of it. Just let me take care of you . . . for my sake.”

“You have given me more than enough, Domina. I’m forever in your debt.”

“But I have taken your freedom.”

“I chose this.”

“To be a slave?”

“Strength is all I have. I am already held captive . . .” instead of natural tears, Lucrecia feels rage start to convulse through Xena. “None of it now. You need rest. Go get dressed and we’ll go to my chambers.”

“I will not inconvience you.”

“Nonsense, go . . . it’s an order.”

“Yes, Domina.”

“Call me Lucrecia.”

“But it is forbidden.”

“Are you defying your Domina?”

“No . . . Lucrecia.”