"No."

The King ponders for a moment, having not anticipated to be given so many important choices so early in the morning.

"No," he simply states after his rumination. "I do not think my son would take it kindly to be surrounded by competing heirs. And, I do not need the drama of having two lineages, especially if one of them could lead to a half-breed king."

Stella makes sure to stand behind him as she rolls her eyes. She knows plenty of half-breeds with ten times the moral fiber of the king and his entitled son.

Forgetting to finish his breakfast, the ruler rushes out of the room to prepare the next day's feast and some potential courting activities. Before returning to her tower, Stella sneaks to the nobles' quarters. There, she finds Trudy, a noblewoman with dark skin and dark hair, who owes the witch a life's debt.

"Mistress Brightstar," the lady whispers when she realizes that Stella is standing in her room. There is a mix of lust and apprehension in her eyes. "Are you... are you here for..."

"No, not right now darling. I actually need some of your skills."

"My skills?"

"Court customs and etiquette. You'll have to show an orc how to be a proper lady."

"An orc?"

"Yes, she has a date with the king."

Trudy's mouth opens wide. Her lips stay apart when the witch pulls her along to the arcane labs, and then teleports her back to her tower. The noblewoman's mouth only closes when she arrives face to face with the massive green warrior. Xena has been half-fitted into a red and gold dress by the witch's animated puppet, but the wooden constructs are still struggling to tie up the back of the orc's corset.

"Woah, you weren't lying," Trudy whispers, hoping that the orc doesn't hear her.

"I'd never lie to you," the witch lies. After squeezing the lady's behind, she glides forward towards Xena.

"I didn't think I would like this style of dress, but I actually kinda dig it," the orc says when she sees Stella approaching.

"I've talked with the king and he is not seeking a wife to bear him new heirs. If you wish, I can leave your... crotch area as is."

"You think the King is a bottom?" Xena asks in a playful tone, bringing a chuckle out of the witch.

"You seem much more chipper than when you first got here." While she talks, Stella gestures with a hand over her shoulder, silently ordering Trudy to join her at the orc's side.

"Well, when I woke up in chains in your dungeon, I wasn't expecting to be made into a queen. It's not that bad of a situation, now that I think about it. Who's that?"

Trudy, who is now right by the enchantress' side, freezes up when the tall woman locks eyes with her.

"This is Gertrude Desrosiers. Her father is a second-cousin of your future husband; She lives in the Castle and works for me. You can rely on her now and forever. Trudy, you shall obey Xena's commands as if they came from me."

Trudy stares back wide eyed, alternating her gaze between the other two women. After a short moment, she seems to calm down, and then looks up at Xena with determination. "You can count on me, Mistress Xena. I will make a good Queen out of you."

"Good!" Stella chirps. "Show her as much court etiquette as you can today and tonight, she's meeting the King tomorrow."

"Tomorrow!?" Both girls scream at the same time.

"Yes, but don't worry. Xena is a fast learner. And the King has been made to be quite partial towards big buff green-skinned ladies, so you should be fine with only the basic stuff."