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

pt.10

Xena pulled against her restrains but still had no luck getting free. She growled in frustration as she sat back against the tree. Kai smirked as she sat down on a rock a few feet in front of Xena.

KAI
You really don't know when to give up do you?

XENA
No.

Kai shrugged nonchalantly.

KAI
Fine with me. You can tire yourself out all you want.

The two sat there in an awkward silence for a few minutes. Finally Xena thought of something and decided to see if she could get some answers.

XENA
You know I don't get it.

KAI
Get what?

XENA
Not that I particularly care at this point, but just what is it that I've done to you to make you hate me so much that you're willing to take it out on Gabrielle just to get to me. Not that it's the first time it's happened, but since you've lived in this village your whole life and Gabrielle and myself only arrived here a few month ago, I'm curious to know just how I've wronged you so greatly that you're willing to do all this.

KAI
You wanna know why I hate you? Fine I'll tell you. Let's see, where to start?

Kai stood up as she continued to speak.

KAI
Well first of all you go around here showing off like you're better than everyone else.
(Mocking tone) Because you're the great Xena.

XENA
(Angry tone) That has to be one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. You're trying to kill Gabrielle because you're jealous and insecure. Are you insane?!

Kai walked up and slapped Xena across the face.

KAI
(Angry tone) Don't be ridiculous. Me jealous of someone like you. Ha!

Xena shook off the hit as she looked back up at the Amazon.

KAI
No. I have other reasons for doing this Xena.

XENA
Care to enlighten me?

KAU
Simple. You might have everyone else here fooled but not me.

XENA
What's that supposed to mean?

KAI
Well you see after the first day at the Amazonian summit and that whole fiasco. I decided to do a little digging to figure out just what those women were talking about when it came to you. And I learned some very interesting things about your past Xena. All the crimes and horrific acts you've committed against the Amazon people.
(Angry tone) My people.

Xena lowered her head in shame. Once more her past evil deeds had caused more pain and suffering. And yet again Gabrielle had been put in danger because of her. After a moment she looked back up at Kai.

XENA
I don't know what what to say. My actions then are inexcusable. Just know that I'm not the same woman I once was. That Xena is long dead. And I will spend the rest of my life attempting to right those wrongs. Which I know can never truly be undone.

Kai scowled.

KAI
(Angry tone) You think this pathetic act of remorse changes anything? I might not have known those women you murdered, but they were still my Amazon sisters.

XENA
If you care so deeply for your fellow Amazon's then why go after Gabrielle instead of me directly? She's your friend and queen.

KAI
I like Gabrielle, but she's just an unfortunate casualty in all this. But since I know hurting her in turn hurts you she just became the obvious target. Especially since I can't exactly take you in a straight up fight. This seemed like a much better way to give everyone what they wanted and deserved. Well I guess except for Gabrielle.

XENA
Everyone? So I was right there are other's involved.

Kai smiled an evil grin.

KAI
A handful yes. Honestly I'm not even the one who came up with the plan of killing Gabrielle.

XENA
Then who did? Who actually wants Gabrielle dead?

KAI
Well there's actually a good number of people in the village who don't think Gabrielle is a good ruler. Mainly after the war and the fact that this village was completely safe before the two of you came along.

XENA
People don't seriously blame Gabrielle for that?

KAI
Oh they do. Not all obviously, but enough to form the beginnings of a rebellion.

XENA
(Talking to herself) I was right about that tile then.

KAI
You mean this?

Kai pulled out a small wooden tile that had the same crown with a slash going through it just like the one Xena and Gabrielle had found.

KAI
Yeah our leader had us each start carrying these once our numbers started growing. Made it easier to keep track of who had joined the cause.

XENA
Your leader. So your not the one running the show?

KAI
Nope. I just joined in once I realized I had a chance to hunt you. But her on the other hand, it seems personal. I guess she's had a thing against Gabrielle for a long time now. Something about how Gabrielle never should've been queen and she stole the crown from her.

Xena's eyes widened at the realization of who was behind the whole plot to kill Gabrielle.

XENA
Valassca.

KAI
(Condicending tone) Oh look who finally figured it out. You know you and Gabrielle are really bad at picking your friends. I'd say you should get better at it but you'll both be dead soon anyway, so I guess it's too late for that isn't it?

Xena yelled in outrage as she pulled against her restrains again. Kat simply watched as Xena fought to get free. After a few moments Xena stopped struggling. She sneered at Kai as she tried to figure out how to get free.

KAI
(Condicending tone) Oh look who tired herself out?

Kai laughed as she slapped Xena in the face again. Xena growled in anger as she looked the Amazon dead in the eyes with an ice cold stare.

XENA
(Cold tone) I might not be the same vicious warlord I once was but if anything happens to Gabrielle, Kai I swear you, along with everyone else involved will get to see first hand just how ruthless I can still be.

TO BE CONTINUED...