As she looked at the two, an idea popped into Gabrielle’s
head. Chilapa needed someone to help her unwind and Sophia needed
someone who wouldn’t be putty in her hands.

"You know what she needs Chilapa? Sophia needs someone to
dance with. Why don’t you go and dance with her?"

"Why me?"

"Because as Regent, she won’t turn you down. Besides,
this is a night of fun, so go have some. Don’t tell me you
planned on being up here all night?"

"And how about you?"

A smile broke across her face. "I’m saving all my
dances for someone."

Chilapa shook her head. Everyone in Amazonia knew about the deep
bond between Xena and Gabrielle, most long before the two of them
realized it. The couple was the talk and envy of many of the
Amazons.

"And where is Xena anyway?" A frown showed itself upon
the Regent’s face. Proper protocol had been broken once
again. "As your champion, she should be up here with
you."

"Trust me, Xena is never too far away." Gabrielle
didn’t have to look up, for she felt her warrior
princess’ eyes on her. "She is standing to the left,
near the pavilion, in the far corner."

Chilapa looked up to the area that the bard had described and
Xena was standing right there. Chilapa looked back at Gabrielle in
astonishment. "How did you do that?"

"Practice." Gabrielle looked at her warrior and
smiled; liking what she saw. The warrior princess had her usually
brass armor and dark brown leathers. But both had been thoroughly
cleaned and oiled. One had to be either dead or totally oblivious
(like Joxer) to not notice the charge in the air between the two.
They did not take their eyes off of each other as Xena made her way
towards the daises.

Chilapa was so enthralled with what was happening on her left,
that she didn’t noticed that someone had managed to sneaked
up on her right side.

"You know, if someone could bottle up the chemistry that
those two have, that person would be a very rich and happy
person." Sophia grinned as she realized that Chilapa was taken
completely off guard. Chilapa soon recovered.

"Of course, if true love could be bottled, it
wouldn’t be worth much, guardian."

"Ah-ah. Former guardian." They watch as Xena extended
a hand towards the Queen, and after she had taken it, led her to
the dance area. "I don’t know about that. True love,
even if it could be bottled up, it would still be very rare."
She looked at the Regent, giving a dazzling smile, "As rare as
someone with your beauty and your power."