38

Gregor road on Hippolyta through the large, dark tunnel. He wished they could twist and loop around, but his side still hurt too much for that. Not to mention, Howard would probably kill him if he ripped his stitches open. Instead, Gregor contented himself with being able to fly with Hipp.

He looked to his left and watched Luxa as she road Aurora. They had said their goodbyes already, and of course Gregor would have to make two more visits to check on his wounds, so there was not much sadness as they traveled to the hole leading up to the Overland. Luxa nodded to him, then Aurora twisted and looped over to Gregor's right side. Gregor gave them a dirty look for rubbing it in that he and Hipp could not do that, and he knew Hippolyta had said something to Aurora because the golden bat laughed. Luxa just gave a superior smile.

Though Gregor was handling the parting well, his cousin was not. She forced smiles, but Wynnora still looked sad. She leaned back on Howard as they road Nike, running her fingers through the flier's fur. Gregor had told her that she could come with him on his two visits, but he could tell she was only pretending that made her feel better.

The group took its time to get back to the exit. Normally they would have made the trip in one go, but this time they made sure to stop for a break. After all, it was safe now with the war over. Gregor was glad there was no talk of the war or peace negotiations. They all just sat around and talked as if they were on a picnic. They joked and recalled the fun memories they had together. Luxa invited Gregor's family, who had returned to the Overland a few days earlier, to come back to Regalia with him.

The trip felt relaxed and comforting, though a little strange. After years of getting mixed up in wars and conflicts, Luxa inviting Gregor's family over for a visit felt completely extraordinary. He felt like maybe he should ask her over for Christmas dinner. Though something like that was absolutely crazy, he really wished he could. He liked the idea of his Overland and Underland families mixing.

Still, he and Luxa agreed not to try, so there was no chance of mixing. At least, not now. They would live their lives separately, and not attempt to see each other. In fact they would see other people. Gregor knew he would try, but he really could not imagine a girl better than Luxa. She was a queen after all, and could kick some serious butt then turn right around and tease Gregor. Being away from her was not going to be easy (especially with the thought of her seeing other guys), but he knew the wait would be worth it in the end if they could both make an intelligent decision about what they wanted.

When they finally landed at the base of the exit, there was a brief moment of awkward silence. No one was sure how to say goodbye. Wynnora finally broke the silence by stepping forward and hugging Luxa.

"Sorry. I know you don't want a hug," she said. "But I'm not missing my chance to hug you." Luxa looked startled, and Gregor stifled a laugh. He saw Howard cover a laugh too. The queen quickly composed herself, and gave a small laugh before returning the hug. Wynnora stepped back. "Sorry again. That was weird."

"The gesture is appreciated," Luxa replied, looking amused. "I hope to see you again." Wynnora just nodded, then walked over to say goodbye to the fliers. She buried her face in Nike's fir, and the flier brought her wing around her. Gregor turned to Howard.

"I have already told you the rules for your wound to heal properly," Howard said. "Please follow them."

"Of course," Gregor replied with a smile, holding of the leather bag that held the supplies he would need. "I'm all about following the rules." The Underland chuckled, and they hugged. Howard went to pry Wynnora off Nike.

"I do hope you are not joking, Gregor," Luxa said. "If you do not heal properly, I will be displeased, and have you locked away upon your return."

"Don't tempt me," Gregor said with a grin. Luxa shook her head.

"We agreed to remain separate."

"You're the one talking about keeping me here." Luxa shrugged.

"I suppose I must get used to not being able to give you orders. What a pity." They turned and looked at their cousins. Wynnora threw her arms around Howard's neck, and he held her tight. Gregor shifted uncomfortably when they did not let go right away. "It's just a hug," he told himself.

"I have a feeling they will make our plan more difficult," Luxa whispered, her face set in something between disgust and amusement. It reminded him of when Maggie would make a face at couples kissing on TV.

"What do you mean?" Gregor whispered back. Luxa nodded toward their cousins as if that explained everything. Wynnora finally let go of Howard, but he kept a hold of her hands.

"You will be returning with Gregor?" he asked.

"Um." Wynnora looked down at her hands. "I guess. I don't know. If I can think of a good reason, I will." Howard smiled at that. He raised Wynnora's hands to his lips, and kissed them.

"I am sure you will think of something," he said, his eyes twinkled in amusement. Wynnora's eyes went wide, and even in the darkness, Gregor could see her face turn red so fast he thought she might faint. His jaw dropped slightly, and Luxa elbowed him hard in the side. He bit his lip as pain shot through his side, and Luxa just covered her laugh instead of apologizing for hurting him. When he looked back up, Luxa appeared to be thinking. She looked pleased by something, but he had no idea what.

"You should go now," Luxa said finally. She nodded toward Hippolyta, who was already waiting with Wynnora. Gregor nodded.

"I'll see you soon," he replied, smiling at Luxa. He said his final goodbyes to Aurora and Nike, then an awkward one to Howard. At least the Underlander also look slightly embarrassed. Gregor climbed onto Hippolyta, and the flier spread her wings to ride the air currents up to the Overland. When they got out of ear shot, he turned to his cousin.

"So, you want to tell me what that was back there?" he asked.

"Nothing," Wynnora replied quickly. "Or maybe not. Do you think it was something? What if it was?" she sounded excited and scared. "It wasn't though." Gregor thought it was best not to push the subject. Hippolyta landed in the cave, and Wynnora immediately turned to hug the flier.

"Bye, Hipp. Thanks for keeping my cousin alive. I can't wait to see you again," she said. Wynnora stood up, smiled at Gregor, and walked a few steps away to give them from privacy. Gregor really did not need it though. He had already said goodbye, and was going to see her soon.

"Goodbye, Gregor. I will return when it is time for you to go back to Regalia," Hippolyta said.

"Thanks. Stay safe," Gregor replied, putting his hand on her wing.

"The war in over. The Underland is safe."

"Yeah, but there always seems to be trouble and things trying to kill you."

"This is true," Hippolyta admitted. "But I do not think we shall see any real trouble for some time." Gregor wanted to ask what she meant by that, because she looked like she knew something he did not. The flier back away though, and dropped down the hole again.

Gregor turned to his cousin, and they walked out of the cave. It was late evening, and the sky was turning dark with a few just a few stars showing up.

"I can't believe we won't be going back down in just a couple months," Wynnora said.

"Pretty crazy." Gregor mumbled.

"Are you really going to stay away forever?" Gregor could not keep from smiling to himself, which his cousin obviously noticed. "I'll take that as a no."

"Don't worry," Gregor said. "I have a plan."