I rush in a haste to get dressed, my fingers fumbling slightly over the golden buckle of my best white tunic. I strap the cloth around my waste and comb my hand through my hand for a few seconds, hoping it would look acceptable.

I snatch up the wreath and dart out the door, where the amazon that called me is waiting. It is Risha, an amazon that has been kinder to me than most, but today, her brown eyes are angry, "Your mother is furious," she told him tightly, "You were supposed to show up half an hour ago."

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" I say, breaking into a sprint, Risha right beside me, "I took a nap… and I guess I lost track of time. I'm really sorry! I am!"

Risha nods reluctantly, "I believe you have a good heart Athene, and I can forgive you, but I am not sure if Queen Hippolyta will be so quick to forgive."

I gulp, imagine the fury in my mother's eyes as she reprimands me in front of all the amazons, and Diana. You're such a fool Athene! "I understand Risha," I say, tucking the wreath under my arm, "Has Diana been presented yet?"

"No," Risha replies, "They delayed it slightly, just for you, but I'm sure they've already begun. You'll be lucky if you get there in time to give Diana the wreath."

The courtyard comes into view, and it is much different from this afternoon. Flowers are everywhere, on the ground in vases, or hanging in bowls from the walls. An elegant white cloth is draped intricately over the archway entrance, and is dotted with various golden flowers.

I take a deep breath as I rush into the courtyard, Risha at my side.

Hippolyta is standing in the center of the courtyard, her eyes cold, "Athene," she says with quiet menace.

I gulp and kneel before her, "My queen," I say slowly, choosing words carefully.

"You are late," Hippolyta says softly, "For the one thing you cannot be late to."

"I understand mother," I say, glancing back at Risha for support. The amazon's eyes are steely, as she stands among her still comrades, "It was my responsibility. I failed you."

"At least you admit your wrongdoing," Hippolyta's voice softens a tiny fraction, "But mistakes come with punishment, you out of all should understand this Athene."

I do not reply and keep my eyes trained on the neat marble blocks that make up the floor.

"Present the wreath to my daughter," Hippolyta orders, and I rise to my feet. For the first time, I notice Diana. She is dressed like a queen, with a flowy white dress brimmed with gold at the ends. A bouquet of roses is tucked under her arm.

It's been so long since I've seen her, my heart aches. Diana's long black hair is pinned back with a golden comb, and her blue eyes are just as intense as before. Her eyes search mine, and I offer a small wink. Diana's mouth curls into the tiniest smile.

As I reach her, I bow grandly, then rise as Diana's hand brushes my shoulder, sending an electric tingle down my spine. Then I kiss her forehead and place the wreath over her black hair, and I step aside respectfully.

The amazons clap and cheer, but most of their faces are emotionless. As far as I can see, Risha is the only amazon with real excitement on her face. Risha, I smile. I might miss her when I leave.

Hippolyta waits for the clapping to die down before dismissing me with a wave of her hand. I slip away to watch in the shadow of a cherry blossom tree. Risha breaks through the crowd to reach me, a grin on her face, "That wasn't that bad," she whispers to me.

I stare at her grimly, "Not yet, she'll probably chew me out privately."

"My daughter, Princess Diana, has returned to Themyscira!" Queen Hippolyta raises her arms, and the amazons clap at the gesture, "Now it is a time to celebrate!"

The amazons cheer jubilantly, and some raise their spears into the air.

The celebration goes by in a blur. I sit beside Risha, as Diana must sit at the head of the table, and I am prohibited from that privilege. Risha passes me her steak, as she doesn't like eating cow. I chew the brisket in my mouth and wipe my greasy lips with a loincloth. I remember drinking lots of soup, chugging the seasoned liquid until my stomach is bulging and full.

Risha eats delicately, a few beans and potatoes, and a few slivers of bass. Now I know how she maintains her slim shape. When the main course is done, and the desserts have vanished, Hippolyta rises to her feet and raises her hands for silence.

As the mutters die down, Hippolyta speaks, "Tonight has been a wonderful occasion," she begins, "And tomorrow, Princess Diana must return to the mortal world. It is soon I know, but my daughter has many important duties to fulfill."

The amazons break out into a ripple of whispers.

"So soon?" Risha mutters to me.

I shrug and do not respond, I know I have to speak now, or forever hold my tongue.

I raise my arm respectfully, "My queen," I say, "I wish to speak."

Hippolyta's eyes harden as they meet mine, "Yes Athene?" she asks smoothly.

I clear my throat nervously, "Uh," I begin, then I raise my voice, "When Diana leaves Themyscira, I shall leave with her." The amazons immediately interrupt me, and I can't say I didn't expect uproar.

"Quiet!" Hippolyta yells, her gaze unreadable, "Let Athene continue."

"I am going to leave. Today I reached the age of sixteen, I am officially a man today. A boy staying with the amazons is much different than a man staying with the amazons," I say, and Risha tenses beside me, "Who has ever heard of a prince of the amazons?"

My words are greeted my silence, Hippolyta purses her lips, but she does not look somber, as when Diana left Themyscira.

"Very well Athene," Hippolyta says, "You can leave."

I blink. It's that easy? Then I feel a lump in my throat. It's because she doesn't care about me, if I was a girl… I swallow it down bitterly, and the murmurs resume.

Risha glares at me, "You're leaving?" she demands, looking angry, "You've been planning to do this for a while, haven't you?"

I shrug guiltily, "You know I don't belong here," I say simply.

Risha's eyes soften, "Oh Athene, you do belong here! You've lived here your whole life!"

"That doesn't mean anything," I scowl, "I was never accepted here and I will never be. Don't you understand Risha? Not every amazon is like you."

Risha nods reluctantly, "I'll miss you Athene."

"Me too."

"You'll visit right?" Risha asks.

"Maybe," I reply, but privately I know that I would not return.