Hello Campers! Here is a brand spakin new update. Mary, hope this was worth the wait...

The Path of Least Resistance

Arizona was nervous. After their talk a couple of weeks ago, Arizona had become a little obsessed. She was constantly looking over her shoulder and with good reason.

It seemed like where ever Arizona turned, Diana seemed to be right there. It first started with small smiles and waves. Then it gradually moved on to slight touches when Diana passed by that made Arizona shiver. Soon, Arizona's nerves were completely fried - just the sound of Diana's voice would cause an overdrive in Arizona.

Today was no different. Arizona woke that morning and felt nervousness invade her space. She begun to cling to Epione, followed her were ever she went staying as close as she could. At first Epione found it cute but soon the feeling was wearing thin.

As Epione was readying a bed, she accidentally bumped into Arizona.

"Ari! Please you need to relax," Epione said as she gently guided Arizona to a near by chair.

"I am relaxed!" Arizona stood immediately. Out of habit she looked behind her. She heard a chuckle coming from the doctor and quickly turned around, her cheeks turning red.

"You're getting paranoid."

Arizona wanted to deny it but it was true. She was paranoid.

"Wouldn't you be?" Epione laughed at Arizona's expression.

"Why don't you get out of here? Get some fresh air. How about I get Artemis or Alindra to go with you?"

Arizona shook her head.

"Ok. How about I get Alindra to train with you? You've been doing really well with your therapy and your limp is almost unnoticeable," Epione suggested. Arizona thought for a moment then shook her head.

"I've already been whacked in the head enough already. I've been hit so hard I think I'm hearing things," Arizona said with a little embellishment thrown in. Epione laughed once more as she shook her head.

"Hello doctor," the voice from behind Arizona purred.

"See! I'm hearing her voice and I haven't even been hit by anything yet!" Arizona said not realizing just who was behind her. By the lack of response and goofy grin on Epione's face, Arizona knew. Sighing, she shook her head.

"She's behind me isn't she?" When Epione just nodded still smiling, Arizona groaned. "Balls…," Ari mumbled through clenched teeth. She turned around and quickly shuffled behind the doctor. Diana laughed softly as she watched the discomfort her presence was causing Arizona.

"Hello Arizona," Diana said huskily. She gave the other woman a smile that only meant one thing. Arizona peaked out from behind the doctor and quickly blushed when she saw the look on Diana's face. Clearly not liking being stuck right in the thick of it, Epione cleared her throat.

"Ummm…Diana, what can I do for you?" As she spoke, Epione tried to take a step forward but Arizona latched onto her sides and held her in place. Trying not to be so obvious, Epione tried, in vain, to pry the other woman's hands off of her. Arizona just held on tighter holding her in place.

Diana kept her eyes locked on Arizona's as she spoke.

"I just wanted to see if Ari would like to join me for a walk." Before Epione could say anything, Arizona was whispering in her ear like a mad woman.

"I already have plans!" Epione was doing her best at trying to turn around but once again, Arizona was keeping her in place.

"What?" Epione mumbled back. When she noticed Diana staring with an amused expression, Epione smiled awkwardly at her. "On second, Diana," Epione grounded out between clenched teeth. Mustering all of her Amazonian strength, Epione broke free of Arizona's grasp and dragged her patient out into the garden.

"What are you doing?" Epione whispered hysterically. She had just about enough. Arizona blushed profusely.

"Look, just tell her that I'm busy and-"

"What do I look like? Your answering machine?" Epione stated with a glare. Arizona started to sweat bullets.

"Ok, ok…I get it. I'm sorry. But please, please, please tell her that I'm not going? She's doing that thing again and I can't think for myself when she get's like that," Arizona begged her friend. "Please, Epione. Help me." Sighing Epione took pity on the woman.

"Alright. But you do realize that sooner or later, she's going to win. She always does." Arizona had no idea what to say to that. Epione just shook her head and walked back into the infirmary.

"Sorry Diana. I just realized that Alindra was going to take Arizona down to the stadium. I think Artemis is down there now. Maybe next time," Epione said with a smile. Diana knew what was happening and didn't feel the least bit disappointed.

Diana smiled knowingly as she nodded.

"Alright. Next time it is. Let her know I'll come back later," Diana said with a wink at the doctor. She turned and left them alone. Turning to her assistant, Epione asked her to go find Alindra, and then she turned around and dragged Arizona from her hiding spot.

"You're going," Epione said before Arizona had a chance to get her thoughts together. Arizona was wise not to say anything but she just nodded. The two waited silently for Alindra to arrive.

WWWWWWWWWW

"She makes me…twitchy," Arizona huffed. Alindra and Arizona were on their way to the training grounds to see Artemis when Alindra had asked why she was needed so badly.

Alindra laughed. Ari shot her a glare. "Hey, you wouldn't be laughing if it was your goddess doing that to you!" Quickly, Alindra stopped laughing. She gave a playful shove and Ari dramatically looked hurt.

"Fine. You're right. I'm sorry," Alindra replied. "But honestly Ari, why are you denying how you feel anyways? It's pretty obvious that you are very smitten with Diana."

"That's not it," Ari stuttered. Alindra stopped walking and turned to face her friend.

"You're still not upset with her about Io, are you?" Ari thought for a moment then slowly shook her head.

"I don't think so..."

"Then what is it?" Alindra asked gently. She was genuinely curious.

Shrugging, Arizona rubbed the back of her neck. "I don't know. Ok, maybe I'm still a little miffed by the fact that Diana never mentioned being with Io all that time. I just don't like being kept in the dark – I like honesty."

Alindra nodded in understanding. Then something else popped into her mind.

"But why? Why is it bothering you so much?" Alindra asked.

Sighing loudly, Arizona shoved a hand into her hair. She could feel her frustration hit the surface at break neck speeds.

"Because! Ok? Because it's impossible to feel like this when I don't even know her! Why should I care about who she's with anyways! But I freakin do! I don't know Diana, but it pisses me off that she's with Io and…and, and…she just can't come in here and be all flirty and everything and expect me to fall at her feet!" Arizona finally sputtered. She felt flushed as she kicked the dirt road in frustration.

Alindra just smirked as she watched.

"Feel better?" Alindra said in amusement.

Arizona just glared for a moment then sighed.

"You like Diaaaana. You want to kiiiiss her," Alindra sang teasingly. Arizona stuck her tongue out at Alindra.

"Your mean," Ari huffed. Alindra just grinned and motioned for Ari to follow.

"Not mean. Ok…maybe just a little." Alindra ducked as Ari took a playful swing at her.

"Come on. We're going to miss Artemis. She hates having an audience," Alindra said as she grinned mischievously. Arizona grinned. "Right after that we'll help you with your problem."

The two headed for the stadium. Alindra threw an arm around Ari's shoulders as the walked a long, both women talking and teasing each other. They both agreed it would be a whole lot of fun to heckle Artemis – from afar of course. They laughed at the thought of Artemis' reaction then quickly devised a getaway plan…just in case.

And for the moment, Arizona forgot about her troubles.

WWWWWWWWWW

Out of breath, hands on their knees and sweating profusely, all three women were all smiles.

"You're out of shape Artemis," Alindra said breathlessly. She was too tired to even stop Artemis from giving her a playful shove.

The arrangement that Alindra and Arizona had worked out didn't exactly go according to plan. After arriving at the stadium and finding a good spot, Alindra and Ari begun their juvenile game. Artemis had done her best to ignore the two for a few minutes but soon her patience had worn thin. Artemis had dropped her weapons, and then slowly turning around to face her tormentors, she gave them only a few seconds to run before she gave chase.

Alindra and Ari ran as fast as they could for as far as they could. Arizona struggled for a couple of moments just to keep up with Alindra but she found her footing eventually. But that would prove to be useless.

The big redhead was just a few feet behind them when she flew into the air and tackled both women at the same time. Both women heard Artemis laughing as she wrestled them both.

"Serves you right," the redhead huffed. She fell to the ground as the other two followed suit. Artemis wiped her brow as she sat up with a groan. "What are you two doing today? Aside from torturing me."

Alindra jerked her head towards Arizona.

"This one is paranoid."

Arizona gave a shove as she made a face. "I am not!"

Alindra just laughed.

"That's not what Epione said!"

Artemis threw her head back and laughed. Arizona felt her cheeks burn. She first tackled Alindra then quickly threw herself at Artemis. Both women fell to the ground as they grappled playfully.

After a moment Artemis let up and rolled off of Arizona. Alindra was still laughing.

"Come on. Let's get going," Artemis said as she got up and pulled Arizona up with her. "It's hot out. Let's go take a dip."

"I know the perfect place," Alindra said. She glanced at Artemis and grinned. The redhead just looked at her curiously.

"Lead the way," Arizona replied not noticing a thing.

WWWWWWWWWW

"Whoa…" Arizona said in amazement. Her eyes were wide as she took in the absolute beauty of her surroundings. She felt her mouth salivate at the site.

"Yeah…the water isn't that bad either," Artemis said playfully. Arizona nodded, her eyes never looking away. There were at least 5 very naked amazons in the natural spring, bathing.

"Oh my," Arizona said breathlessly. She could vaguely hear soft laughter from her companions but Ari didn't care. She was standing by a natural spring with a group of naked women. Arizona swallowed. This was totally Paradise.

Artemis cleared her throat, still laughing quietly. The women in the water turned at the sound. After realizing who was standing there, the women all smiled and waved. They immediately made their way out of the spring chatting happily with each other. The women were unashamed about their nudity as they stepped out and grabbed their towels from a near by rock. Nor did they even blink twice when they realized Arizona was standing there.

"Where are you off to General?" A petite woman asked. She eyed Arizona appreciatively as the other woman just seemed to be captivated by her. She smiled as she watched Arizona swallow anxiously and sway ever so slightly on her feet.

The Amazon was well aware of the effect she was having on Arizona. She gathered her hair to one side of her neck and smiled demurely as she patted dry her shoulder then moved the towel to her chest and lower. The Amazon never once broke eye contact as she repeated the action on her other shoulder.

Arizona could feel herself melting but it wasn't from the sun. Artemis and Alindra shared an uneasy glance before looking back. Alindra cleared her throat as she gave a little tug on Arizona's collar.

"Nowhere in particular Aello. Hope you had a nice…uh…dip," Artemis said awkwardly. She almost let out a sigh of relief when Aello finally covered up as she slid into her almost see through gown.

Artemis glanced back and noticed Alindra keeping a tight grip on Arizona's shoulder. For her part, Arizona winced slightly as Alindra gave a firm squeeze.

"Enjoy the rest of your day Aello," Artemis said as she smiled tightly and turned on her heel. Aello smiled knowingly as she giggled while she turned to leave. Arizona exhaled loudly as Artemis approached.

"What are we going to do with you?" Alindra said as she smirked. Artemis gave her an 'I'm disappointed in you' look.

Arizona shrugged awkwardly. "Sorry?" Arizona offered clumsily. The two generals laughed and Artemis ruffled Arizona's hair.

"Come on. We better go before you get into more trouble."

All three women turned and headed farther up the path. Arizona didn't take more than 3 steps before she heard water sloshing behind her. Artemis and Alindra were too far ahead to be called back. Arizona turned just as a towel fell to the ground.

Arizona quickly hunkered down to pick it up. The woman that had stepped out of the water stood before Arizona still dripping wet. Arizona's eyes followed the length of leg then up to her hips. Arizona swallowed as she past the woman's midriff but stopped at the most beautiful pert breasts. Arizona's eyes widened as she stared at them. She couldn't believe just how perfect they were.

Arizona heard the woman clear her throat discreetly. Arizona craned her head high enough just to see who it was. She chocked on her surprise.

"Oh Jesus!" Arizona stumbled backwards and tripped. She fell flat on her rear end still holding Diana's towel. Arizona scrambled to her knees, towel held up and eyes on the ground. She heard Diana laugh softly.

"Thank you Captain but your current position is highly unnecessary. Please stand," Diana said softly. She reached down and gently cupped Arizona's chin and pulled her back up on her feet. When Arizona was standing, she realized Diana was still thoroughly naked.

Arizona quickly took a step back and would have fallen if Diana hadn't reached out and pulled her back in. Arizona's hands were still gripping the towel but they were now trapped in between Diana's wonderfully feeling breasts.

"Um…your towel," Arizona squeaked out. She felt her heart beat faster as she felt Diana tighten her hold around her waist. Arizona was pretty sure she was blushing beyond recognition.

Diana smiled lovingly as she nodded, "yes," was all she said. They stayed that way for long moments until they heard someone sighing.

Arizona turned her head and swallowed nervously as she looked over at her two companions. Alindra was smiling playfully while Artemis had her hands on her hips and a smirk on her face.

Diana turned her gaze at the two women and smiled, her eyes twinkling.

"Hello generals. It's a beautiful day for a swim." Artemis and Alindra smiled wildly. Diana then turned her attention back to the woman in her arms and smiled softly.

"Join me. The water is wonderful," Diana whispered. Arizona couldn't breathe; Diana's eyes were so blue they were hypnotizing. Arizona felt Diana take a step back and that seemed to snap her out of the spell Diana put her in.

"No! I mean…I'm, I'm…," Arizona mumbled clumsily. She held the towel to Diana's chest and quickly moved. Diana placed her hand over Arizona's before the other woman moved away. Arizona almost tripped over her feet as she quickly stumbled over to Alindra's side.

Artemis had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing out loud.

"Maybe next time Diana. Thank you for the offer," Artemis replied with a bright smile. Diana nodded not pushing the issue further. She wrapped the towel around herself as she picked up her gown.

"Enjoy the rest of your day," Diana had spoken said it directly to Arizona who just swallowed her tongue. Alindra bite her lower lip to keep from laughing out loud as she patted Arizona on the back. Diana smiled as she made her way back to the palace, a giant smile on her face.

"Does trouble follow you everywhere?" Artemis said as she finally broke and laughed. Alindra laughed softly.

"Be nice Artemis," Alindra said diplomatically. Artemis just held her hands up in surrender.

Alindra noticed Arizona was quiet and placed a gentle hand on her back. Arizona shrugged and gave her a small smile.

"Come on, let's go. The quicker we get cleaned up, the longer we can stay in town."

Alindra and Artemis led Arizona to a private sauna.

"Whoa! All this natural?" Arizona was amazed. Alindra nodded proudly.

"The water is naturally heated. Diana was right though, the water is wonderful," Artemis replied. Artemis begun to undress right then and there.

"Whoa! What are you doing?" Arizona cried out. Artemis lifted her head and stared at the other woman curiously.

"What does it look like I'm doing?"

Arizona gestured to Artemis' naked form. "You're naked!"

"What do you think I was going to do? Get into the water fully clothed?" Artemis was genuinely dumbfounded by Arizona's reaction. Alindra raised a hand to halt any reply and stepped in.

"If you are uncomfortable, you don't have to get undressed. Diana has told us a little about man's world. Nudity seems to be an awkward subject for your world," Alindra supplied gently.

"Well…yeah. And plus, I really don't think I should be seeing Artemis naked," Arizona said trying to lighten the mood. Artemis feigned hurt while Alindra just smiled.

"Here on the island we are comfortable with our bodies. But if you ever feel uncomfortable with anything, please let us know," Alindra said gently. She smiled to reassure the other woman and she saw Arizona relax visibly.

Turning to Artemis, Alindra smiled playfully.

"Artemis, please put some clothes on. I really don't think Epione would appreciate you walking around in all of your nude glory out in the woods."

Artemis sighed dramatically. She stood proudly with her hands on her hips.

"But I am sweaty! I need a good cleaning," Artemis said with a smirk.

Alindra shook her head as she quickly glanced at Arizona. She turned her attention back to her friend.

"I'm sure you do. A shower would suffice for now," Alindra replied as she shook her head but was smiling.

Throwing her hands up Artemis sighed. "Fine!" The redhead threw a wink at the both of them as she redressed herself. The three of them made their way back to the arena and headed for the communal area where there were shower stalls.

They got into their showers and cleaned themselves up. Within the hour they were all dressed and ready to go. They walked along the road joking and talking about whatever popped into their heads.

Arizona smiled. It had been a long time since she felt so relaxed. She had the funniest thought and laughed out loud.

"What's so funny?" Artemis asked. Arizona stopped walking and glanced at these two women that had become fast friends and who were becoming more. She smiled at them.

"We're like the three musketeers," Arizona said happily. Artemis and Alindra looked at each other. "There these dudes who-"

"We know who they are. We have a library," Alindra supplied. Artemis just looked from one woman to the other.

"We have a library?" Artemis said with a look of confusion and innocence. Alindra and Arizona just looked at each other. "I was kidding," Artemis said when she saw the look on their faces.

They laughed.

"So, you think we're what, some swashbuckling hero. Keeping trouble at bay?" Artemis said while they resumed their walk. Arizona threw her arms around both women's shoulders.

"Nah, we are trouble," Arizona said with a grin.

"Speak for yourself!" Alindra tossed back.

The three of them laughed.

WWWWWWWWWW

Hippolyta leaned against the pillar as she held onto Philippus. The General pressed her body flush against her Queen's as they kissed for long endless minutes. This was the only moment they had to share alone during the day. As soon as they had crossed paths moments before, they had quickly made their way to the far ends of the parliament grounds, ducking behind a large marble pillar.

Neither woman wasted a second.

Breaking the kiss, they both smiled softly as they gasp for air. They rested their foreheads against each other's and held each other in silence. Philippus couldn't resist the urge to run her hands along Hippolyta's wonderful body.

"Mmmm…don't start something you can't finish, General," Hippolyta said teasingly. She was only half joking but the other half of her wanted Philippus to continue with those wayward hands. They had not yet consummated their relationship but there were many times that it could have happened.

Hippolyta heard the darker woman laugh softly. Philippus kissed Hippolyta so soundly, it had them both moaning for more.

"That is a tempting proposition your Majesty. I will make sure to…remedy that very soon," Philippus said her voice barely a whisper. Hippolyta smiled sensuously making Philippus weak in the knees.

"Yes, you do that General. Don't keep me waiting too long." Hippolyta slid her hand into Philippus' hair and pulled in the woman for one more soul bending kiss.

wwwwww

Meanwhile, inside the large parliament building, senators from each region of the island were discussing the Queen's behaviour.

"THIS CAN NOT BE ALLOWED!" Bellowed the large Amazon. She pounded her fist on the table. She stood tall and proud and was a woman never to be crossed. A few others in the room mumbled and nodded in agreement.

"Calm yourself Bremusa, please," Eurybe said holding a hand to stop the arguments that she was sure to follow. Bremusa was a Bana-Mighdall who was a passionate leader for her fellow Bana's.

"Why should I calm myself? I have watched our Queen slowly loose interest in her duties! In her people! All because of her growing fascination with her Royal Guard!" Bremusa stated. The other senator's tapped their desks in agreement. Eurybe was about to reply when she heard a voice on the opposing side.

"Madame Speaker, may I?" Acantha stood as she asked for permission to speak. The Themysciran Senator was a soft spoken woman who none the less commanded a room when she did speak.

Eurybe nodded. "Although I do agree that our Queen's…past behaviour has warranted some question, it is still, how should I put this kindly, none of our business whom she lays with! She makes no point in finding out whom you've been with!" Acantha's side of the room erupted as they stomped their feet, pounded their desks and cheered.

Bremusa and the rest of the room had begun to shout out at one another. Eurybe inhaled deeply and pinched the bridge of her nose. She was slowly getting a head ache.

"Where is our Queen now? She has no use for her throne! She is out gallivanting with her personal guard!" Bremusa yelled out. That got Eurybe's attention. Getting up from her seat she held her hands up.

"ENOUGH!" The room quieted. "I am appalled at your behaviour! All of you! We are amazons and we shall conduct our selves as such!" Turning to Senator Bremusa, Eurybe glared at the big woman.

"May I remind you that she is still your Queen and you shall speak with respect. That goes for all of you!"

Bremusa sneered. "Of course Madame Speaker. But don't you think this a conflict of interest?" Eurybe felt her defensive go up. " I mean you are, after all, a close friend of the Queens. Are you not? That is why she specifically appointed you to sit in that chair," Bremusa said, her words laced with a touch of contempt.

There was mumbling through out the room. Eurybe felt her blood rise. But before she could say a word Pallas, another Bana Senator spoke first.

"Hold your tongue Bremusa!" Then turning to Eurybe, Pallas bowed her head slightly in reverence. "I apologize Madame Speaker. My sister can sometimes speak before her brain has a chance to catch up. May I suggest that we all take a break to clear our heads?"

Eurybe nodded tiredly. "That would be a wise decision. We shall reconvene in one hour. And may our minds be clear and tempers harnessed by then." And with a bang of her gravel, the room slowly dispersed.

Eurybe needed to find Hippolyta. And fast…

wwwwww

Eurybe looked around the grounds for any sign. She didn't have much time. Just as she was about to give up, movement from the farthest end of wide area caught her eye. She quickly made her way over.

As she got closer she realized that Hippolyta wasn't alone. She slowed her pace and made sure she her presence was known. Stepping out of the shadows, Philippus and Hippolyta had silly grins on their faces.

"Senator! How good to see you!" Hippolyta cried out. She opened her arms wide as she embraced her friend. Eurybe returned the gesture as she smiled tiredly. Hippolyta pulled back and caught the restless expression on her friends face.

"What is it Eurybe?" The Queen asked worriedly.

"May I have word with you. Alone." Eurybe glanced at the General and Philippus caught the unspoken request. She nodded but looked a bit disappointed. She turned to Hippolyta and smiled lovingly.

"I will see you…uh…later," Philippus said as she bowed and left the two women alone.

"Your Majesty-"

Hippolyta waved a hand as she smiled. "Please Eurybe, no formalities between friends." The Queen gestured for the both of them to walk. Hippolyta wrapped an arm around Eurybe.

"What is it?" Hippolyta asked softly. Eurybe took a moment to gather her thoughts.

"Why did you choose me? Why, out of all the educated women on this island, you choose me. Why?"

Hippolyta stopped and looked at her dear friend.

"I have never had any interest in being a politician. And yet, you picked me to sit as head of the Senate. I don't understand."

Hippolyta stared at her friend and decided that honesty was what Eurybe needed.

"Eurybe, how familiar are you in Christianity?" The woman shook her head.

"I am aware of it Hippolyta. But what does that have to do with me?" Hippolyta smiled. She resumed their walk as she continued to speak.

"There is a story of a king who was the wisest king in all of Jerusalem-" Hippolyta smiled as she heard Eurybe snort at the thought. "His name was King Solomon. There was an incident where two women, mothers, had given birth at the same time. During the night, one of the mothers had rolled over, killing her baby. The next morning, that woman claimed that the other woman's baby was hers.

"The two women went to the King to settle the argument. The King told one of his guards to take the living baby and cut it in half giving each woman a piece of the baby."

Eurybe gasped. Hippolyta continued.

"The real mother fell to her knees and begged the King not to kill the child. She told him to give the baby to the other woman."

Eurybe shook her head confused.

"I don't understand, Lyta. Why are you telling me this?"

Smiling gently at her friend, Hippolyta stopped once more and took hold of Eurybe's hands.

"King Solomon knew the real mother would never allow her child to be killed. Like him, you have the gift of wisdom. The decisions that you make are made in the interest of the people. You would never be rushed into anything without fully understanding what is being asked of you. That's why I chose you, Eurybe."

The other woman wished Hippolyta hadn't said that. She felt tears tickle the back of her eyes. Hippolyta looked on, worried.

"Eurybe?"

"Your Majesty…Lyta…the Senate will reconvene in a few minutes…"

Hippolyta was lost. "And?"

"And we are to discuss your future as our Queen. There may be a vote of no confidence…I may have to decide you're fate…"

Eurybe wept as she spoke. She did not want to have to decide. Hippolyta was her friend and had stood by her Queen.

Hippolyta stood motionless.

"Why wasn't I made aware of this?" Hippolyta's voice was a mixture of pain and anger. Eurybe shook her head.

"I had no idea. Senator Bremusa had sprung this on the council. I was made unaware of her intentions until proceedings started."

"Bremusa…," Hippolyta growled. The brute of an Amazon had been the loudest to object Hippolyta's and the Senate's every decision. Everyone knew this. No one seemed to listen to the woman…until now.

"What are her objections now?" Hippolyta grounded out.

"Your recent behaviour. Lyta, they all know about you and Philippus. The sneaking around, the coy looks you give each other…they all know. They don't quite agree with how you've dismissed your duties in favor of…the General."

Hippolyta caught that slight dig at Philippus. She cocked an eyebrow and stared at her friend.

"Oh really? Are you sharing this as a courtesy to your Queen or as my friend Eurybe?" Her tone was hard. Eurybe knew she had crossed a line.

"Your Majesty, I mean you no disrespect. But Senator Bremusa and a small handful of other Senators make strong points in their argument."

Hippolyta was quiet. She couldn't quite wrap her head around the thought of losing her crown. All because of her love for a woman that she had long for, for thousands of years.

Inhaling deeply, Hippolyta nodded slowly.

"I understand," she said softly.

"Lyta, you must know, there are a larger group of us that don't subscribe to Bremusa's brand of thinking. There is only one Queen and that is you."

It was time for Eurybe to rejoin the council. Before she left, Eurybe turned back to her friend.

"Hippolyta, for what it's worth, I am truly happy for you. You and Philippus have waited long enough."

"Eurybe…please keep her out of this. As much as you can, please keep Philippus untouched by this," Hippolyta begged quietly. Eurybe embraced her Queen tightly.

"I will do what I can. May the Gods be with you and Philippus."

And with that Eurybe left Hippolyta standing there, alone.

The path of least resistance seemed to be the hardest to follow. Hippolyta swallowed the ball of fear that was lodged in her throat. Would she be able to live without her crown? Or would she be able to give up Philippus?

Hippolyta had a lot to think about. She walked back to the palace. She needed to think.