"THE PRINCESS & THE QUEEN" series -SCROLL III: MUTINY IN THE MONARCHY

pt.1

-NOTES:
-This is the 3rd story in my
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series.Following :
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL I: THE NEW ORDER    
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL II: THE GREAT CAMPAIGN WITHIN THE DOMAIN

So it's highly suggested you read those in order before this one if you haven't already. As this is a direct sequel and knowing the events and/or characters introduced in the previous stories are important for understanding the plot of this story.     
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INTRO QUOTE
"The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.”
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The screams of the people rang out as they fleed from their attackers. The village was in utter chaos as the ever persistent army advanced. Taking or destroying everything in their path. Who could stop this madness the frightened villagers wondered. All seemed lost when suddenly the village's attackers heard a sound. While some had no idea what it could be. Other's in the group knew of the origin of the unique cry and begin to flee. But they were too late. Because as they ran a tall figure jumped in front of them, blocking their escape. The villains stopped dead in their tracks as they looked at the person standing there with their back to them. One of the villains gulped in fear as he began to slowly step backwards. The figure looked over their shoulder at the village attackers with an stare that sent chills down the evil doers spines. They knew all too well that this was not going to end the way they had planned. But one of the villains was unafraid of the figure. He knew of the figure but still thought he had a chance. He yelled as he held his weapon ready and charged the figure. But this proved to be the villains undoing. Because as he attempted to attack...

CLOVER
Yeah, yeah Xena kicked his ass and saved the village. The end.

Gabrielle stopped her story and looked at Clover who was sitting next to Skyla and a number of others who were listening to the bardic queen's tale. Clover felt Skyla nudge her for interrupting. Clover looked at her and shrugged.

CLOVER
What? We all know that's what happened.

Gabrielle smiled as she shook her head.

GABRIELLE
Okay so maybe some of my Xena stories are a little predictable. But it's not my fault that's how alot of our adventures end.

SKYLA
True. But that's only because you and Xena are just too awesome.

Everyone else around Gabrielle agreed as they raised their drinks to their queen and her warrior princess and cheered. Gabrielle smiled as she stepped off the platform in the village mess hall and walked over to the table where Xena sat. Xena smiled as she put down her drink and pulled Gabrielle onto her lap.

XENA
So am I gonna have to start getting more creative with how I take out the trouble we encounter now?

GABRIELLE
(Joking) Might help with making my stories more original.

XENA
(Joking) I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

Everyone in the hall went back to their own business as a number of Xena and Gabrielle's friends chatted with them. It had been a little over three months since the great Amazon war had ended. And things in the village seemed to be going well. Everyone was enjoying the calmness and security that the village provided. Especially after all the ugliness that war can bring out of people. But as queen, Gabrielle vowed to move the Amazon's forward. And hoped that they would return to a place of trust after Artemis' intervention. A lot of the villagers were still shocked by the direct involvement of God's in the matter. Especially Artemis, who was known to not really show herself to people. And as for Ares, Xena and Gabrielle had told their friends about the god's continuous obsession with Xena but decided that everyone else didn't really have to know about their multiple run ins with the god of war. The two were just glad that now thanks to Artemis, Ares wasn't gonna be just showing up and causing more trouble for them for a very long time. So all in all life was good. Which was Gabrielle's exact thought as she looked around at her amazon sisters. She smiled as she thought of how quickly this place had become home. It had been a bit more than a half a year since their arrival at the village. She couldn't believe how quickly things had happened after she and Xena decided to stay there. From the slavers discovery and attack on the village. To being called to the Amazonian summit and facing the council due to the slaver attack. And then the murder of a council member and the destruction of the sacred tree, which sparked the war.