DISCLAIMERS

1. This is a fan fiction based on characters owned by DC Comics. I DO NOT OWN THEM. This is just for fun.

2. I've probably got Tamaranean culture, and names, COMPLETELY wrong in this story. But I did read up on it, so if it is off the mark, blame Wikipedia and ComicVine...

PART 7

Kory looked at her husband, hunched over on the sofa. Once they had reached the ambassadorial suite, Dick had quickly sat down. To Kory, it seemed he was about to pass out. "Sweetheart... are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes... " came the deep reply. "Sorry, honey... it's just... "

Kory clenched her jaw. She knew what was wrong. It had been a long, long time since Dick last visited a world with a Tamaranean-like atmosphere. He must have felt awful. "I'm sorry, Dick... I should've thought about it before... "

Dick looked up at her. His eyes had bags under them, something she had never seen before: after all, Dick always worked at night. He rarely looked tired. So to see him now stung Kory's heart. "I think... you've had other things on your mind. Besides... I'll be fine in a... couple of days."

Kory sighed. If honest, she was not feeling too good herself. It did not last long, but a couple of times she had felt slightly dizzy, and once or twice her stomach churned. The feeling had quickly passed, however: clearly, recent events had taken their toll. Indeed, Kory's head was spinning from thinking about her upcoming role. Besides, there was an actual reason for Dick's state. He had held up admirably, but he had finally begun to feel the effects of the atmosphere.

It was to be expected, of course. When presented with stronger planetary conditions, species often had trouble adjusting. And Humans were, frankly, among the physically weakest races known. But Kory knew eventually, her husband would adapt. Tamaranean conditions were hardly poisonous to Humans. "Can I get you anything?" she asked him.

"I'm fine... " he sighed. "And listen... you've had enough to think about lately. Just... give me a couple of days, and I'll be right as rain." He smiled. "Maybe it'll be best if... I did stay in the background tomorrow. I don't... think it would be very royal if I threw up... during your big speech." He then groaned. "That... didn't come out the way I meant."

Despite her concern, Kory giggled. "I understand, darling. And obviously you need to do what you're comfortable with. But I don't want you feel that you have to. As I hopefully made very clear, we stand side-by-side - always. We are in this together."

Her husband began to stand, but paused halfway up. Kory immediately rushed to him and held him steady, as he finished the act. "I think you need rest," she said.

"Is... that an order, My Lady?"

"Don't you dare call me that!" Kory said, laughing. "X'Hal, I was so embarrassed!"

Dick smirked. "Better get used to it... Your Majesty." He suddenly took a deep breath. "Whoa. OK... no more jokes. I definitely need to lie down."

Nodding, Kory led him to the suite's bedroom. "I'm afraid I can't sleep. I have so much to think about."

"You mean... decide what to wear," Dick said as he lay on the bed. He was referring to the four dresses that had been left for Kory to choose from for her coronation.

Smiling lovingly, Kory stroked his forehead. "Rest, dear. I'll be with you as soon as I can be. We have... " She paused, smirking herself. "... a big day tomorrow."

As his eyes closed, Dick grinned. "Love you, my Queen... "

Raising her eyebrow, Kory kissed his forehead. "Don't push your luck, Mr. Grayson... "

TO BE CONTINUED