We returned to the relevant Marvel reality and took Peter to Avengers tower. There he was scanned over by the best physicians on Stark/Shield payroll. I looked over the real time medical data myself while ever staying at his side. As we'd agreed to marry (and not in the traditional yes/no way) Peter was already even now better insulated from brother's effects; and on a comprehensive magical/divine/spiritual level. If all of this Ares crazy stuff wasn't a good way to create incentive to tie the knot than what else was...? Our "engagement" would buy us time for now. And while I'm sure Peter would have no issue with whoever presided over the wedding so long as they were good I would only go with Athena. Short of father and Peter there was none I trusted more.
I'd fallen asleep while seated at Peter's bedside and holding his hand. Everything said that he would be okay but the scientist in me wanted proof. And I wouldn't leave until I had it! I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder; it was Strange. "Yeah?" "He's going to make a full recovery," he said. "I followed it all myself. Being that he's a god like you will only help in that regard. And while I don't claim to fully understand the Olympian magical interactions taking place here your betrothal action has no doubt helped on the godly level." I rubbed the sleep from my eyes nodded then stood and stretched. "You're right Stephen. It will buy us time; but the rest must still happen on the Olympian end as well." "Well, all things Greek are your expertise; not mine. But should you need help just ask." "Thanks again Stephen; for everything." "You bet."
He left. "Diana?" "Peter." I was quickly at his side; his hand in both of mine. I smiled broadly/warmly at him. He gave a weaker smile back. "Now that's a smile I could definitely wake up to every morning..." I kissed his hand. "How are you feeling spider man?" He sat up without assistance. "Better. I feel more tired than anything else. I know I went through hell, literally, while there." I nodded. "Yeah, you did. But your divinity helped a great deal; more than you'll ever know. And now that we're engaged it will help more yet." "I don't doubt you sweetheart." We then shared a long but gentle kiss. It had been the first exchange of love we'd had in a long time. And even though it was a small gesture it still meant more than words or thoughts alone could convey. Being gods we could experience love on a deeper level than mortals. With a shared essence being guaranteed by marriage our love would surpass almost any sense of the notion that mortals could ever understand.
"Not to sound impatient but what happens now?" "Well, we go to the 'wicked stepmother' and ask for her blessing." Peter sighed. "Why do I get the feeling fighting your brother will be easier?" "Maybe in some ways." I lifted his hand in mine. "But we will approach her together."
"That won't be necessary; daughter of Zeus." Time stopped around us.
It was Hera! "Oh shit," Peter said, struggling to rise as he was still a little weak. I'd show respect, but I would never bow to her. I'd never understood what father had seen in her; queen of the gods or not. She'd too often allied with brother to torment mortals and demigods alike. I understood her anger for father's habitual infidelity but taking it out on us had nothing to do with it. I wished he'd stayed with mother instead.
"We will never be close Diana; that much can be said; but even adversaries can show respect." Priam had told Achilles the same thing in Troy. "I will recognize Peter's godhood as instituted by my daughter Aphrodite. And as goddess of marriage...I will bless your union."
We were stunned. "Why now?" I said. "You are Zeus' chosen; nothing will change that. I hate it; I fully admit it; but Zeus is God; not I. I love my son Ares despite his evil; a mother can do no less." I wasn't going to get into that endless circular debate with her. This unusual queenly graciousness was enough for now. We couldn't help but think this was a trick; another trick of brother's. He'd played her against me before.
Still, I didn't believe brother was part of this. I bowed my head to her and sighed. "Thank you...my queen." She scoffed. "It took everything in you to say that. The throne will be yours soon enough in time. Then you can do whatever you want; even to your enemies." I looked up at her. "As Zeus Two continuing old hatreds will not be one of my priorities." "Really?" "When I ascend the throne you will see; everyone everywhere will." "Mm. Well, then; this 'wicked stepmother' shall leave you now. All the best..." She vanished.
Peter had paled at her saying the wicked stepmother reference. I smiled/put a reassuring hand on his arm. "Don't worry Pete. Things will be fine now." "I don't doubt you Di...but sometimes my mouth gets the better of me." "I love your mouth, and what comes out of it; it's partly what helped you to win my heart." "I like the way you think girl."
Nuptial matters now dominated our minds.