Women of Steel Series
Disclaimer: see chapter 1
Chapter Twelve
Four servants dragged the lifeless body of the demon inside the dark cave, carrying it by its clawed legs and arms. The creatures dropped the heavy beast with a grunt on the hard-cold rock that served as a makeshift altar for the breeding of new Specters, quickly binding its arms and legs to the hard ground.
Once the creature became secure, Erson made her way to the altar to watch it closer, guards shifting around her protectively. Her nose and mouth were covered with a thick cloth to help her breathe around the creature. Inside that dark and cold cave, the beast's stench was nauseating. How her servants were able to deal with it was a mystery to her. Curious, Erson touched the beast's arm with the tip of her finger and laugh quietly. The skin was cold and hard. Dead, the beast was nothing more than a piece of solid rock. No wonder her servants were having trouble carrying it inside. It was probably heavy as Hades.
Taking a small pot with fresh blood from one of her servants, Erson drew several runes on the beast's dark chest and forehead, making sure to draw the last rune over the mark on the demon's forehead, while softly mumbling her spell.
Another servant gave her a wet cloth when she was done, which she used to clean her hands.
"It will come back to life soon. Put it to sleep. I don't want it attracting unwanted attention," she ordered, turning to leave.
"Yes, Mistress."
##
Goran stared blankly at her Queen. If she was aware of what was happening, she showed no signs of it.
"Well?" Hippolyta demanded angrily. "You have nothing to say for yourself?"
"I'm as shocked as you are, my Queen. I can assure you I gave no such orders," Goran said, a deep frown on her forehead. "I will investigate this at once and whoever is responsible will be punished."
Hippolyta squared her shoulders, her jaw clenching. She knew she was being lied to. She didn't need the Lasso of Truth to see what was so painfully clear in the northerner's eyes, and Philippus' restless shifting behind her told her the General wasn't being fooled either.
"Are you willing to state that with the Lasso of Hestia?" For the last one hundred years, she had no way to prove that Goran had been blatantly lying and scheming. Somehow, she always got away with it, but now that Diana was finally able to come back to the island, she could finally end Goran's schemes.
Goran's expression changed from utter shock to anger so fast it would put Hermes to shame. "You doubt my word?"
Until now, she had played it safe. It was her duty as Queen to keep peace and harmony, but she was tired of it. Even Paradise Islands couldn't remain peaceful and idyllic forever, no matter how hard she tried.
"I do. Your warriors wouldn't do anything you wouldn't ask them too. I'm giving you a choice that's undeserving of you: come clean here and now or I will use the Lasso of Hestia on you, before the Senate."
"You're setting me up! I've always—"
The senator started protesting but was cut off by a sharp command, the always peaceful voice of the Queen of the Amazons roaring inside the work chamber.
"Choose!"
Goran snarled, her face red with fury and her hands curling into fists by her sides. "This is an outrage! You are not protecting the Amazons! You let men invade our island and slaughter our sisters, and then you dishonor the gods by letting that hideous creature escape with the box entrusted to us so long ago!" Goran stepped forward, her body shaking with barely contained fury. "You are not fit to be Queen anymore! You—"
"Bite your tongue when talking to your Queen, snake!" Philippus growled, the familiar hissing of a sword being drawn from a scabbard sounding from behind the Queen.
But before Philippus could make a move and unsheathe her sword, Hippolyta stopped her with a gesture, her eyes never leaving Goran's.
"It's interesting that you never once cared about the box before and all of a sudden, it's a dishonor to lose something you weren't even born when it was entrusted to us." Hippolyta raised a perfect eyebrow at the enraged woman. "Does it even matter to you that we had to combine all of our forces five thousand years ago to defeat the same god that came back here to steal it from us? Amazons, Atlanteans, Mankind, Olympian gods. Even a Green Lantern, but you don't even know what that is, do you?" Hippolyta stepped forward, tall and proud, and unafraid. "No, it doesn't. It never did. The box is a mere cover-up for not answering my questions, a diversion. I know you changed my orders, and I will get to the bottom of this. The Lasso will expose what foul deeds you have been conjuring."
"You can't do this! I am a Senator and Regent of the Northern territory. I—" the senator feebly protested but was once more cut off.
"Not anymore. I can do whatever I please, Goran. I am your Queen and if you don't like that, you can just leave." A cold smile shaped the Queen's graceful lips. "You won't be missed."
"I demand an audience with the Sena—" the senator tried one last time to worm her way out of the situation.
"You demand nothing!" Hippolyta's voice was raised with each word. She was tired of Goran attempting to worm her way out of this. Not anymore. "The Senate does not rule the Amazons. I do."
Purposely turning her back on the enraged warrior, Hippolyta walked back to stand behind her oak desk, stormy blue eyes finding solace in the General's dark chocolate eyes. "You are hereby relieved of your position as Regent of the Northern Territory and Tribes, and until I decide my judgment, you are to remain confined to your quarters, under armed guard." Without giving her a chance to reply, the Queen addressed her General, "General, send for the guard and have them escort Goran of Varys to her quarters."
"Gladly, my Queen." Philippus glared at the seething blonde as she walked past by her.
"If you think you won, you're sadly mistaken," Goran gritted out, keeping her voice so low, only the Queen could hear her.
But Hippolyta just smiled. "It's you who is mistaken, Goran. Whatever it is you're scheming ends today."
Goran sent the Queen a seething glare full of disdain, but she didn't put up a fight when the guards took her away.
Hippolyta slumped on her big, comfy chair, her head dropping heavily on her hands. A warm hand rested on her shoulder, gently squeezing.
"Look at me, Lyta," came the gentle voice of her oldest friend and lover, and she could hear the soft rustle of leather as the fierce General knelt by her side. "You did the right thing."
The hand on her shoulder now touched her hair, grounding her in ways she couldn't explain. "I know."
The hand in her hair faltered and she smiled into her hands, feeling a little better. It was a nice feeling knowing she could still surprise her oldest friend.
"You're full of surprises today, aren't you?"
Hippolyta chuckled, setting her chin on her hands. "I can't be dull and boring all the time, now can I?"
Philippus grinned. "You're never dull or boring, Lyta." Her chocolate eyes softened. "You're the most interesting woman I've ever met."
The Queen's heart fluttered. Leaning over on her hands, Hippolyta placed a light kiss on the woman's full lips. "You need to meet more women then."
"I know enough."
The Queen smiled, her face inches from her lover's. "We need to keep an eye on her guards."
Philippus nodded. "I have my spies on the lookout and I've reinforced the guard at her quarters."
"Good." Hippolyta leaned in again, brushing their lips together. "Where were we?"
She didn't want to think about the demon or Goran, or whatever schemes she was coming up with. It was all giving her a headache and she just wanted a moment of peace, even if it only lasted a kiss.
##
Once they were safely inside the city, the heavy gates closed behind them with a harsh thud. She couldn't remember ever seeing those gates closed except for drills. There was a quiet edginess around the city that hadn't been there before, Diana couldn't help noticing as they slowly made their way to the palace. The always busy and bustling streets were now almost deserted and the few women they passed by greeted them with tense and strained smiles. Surely Mala had sounded the alarm already and the Queen was taking precautions, making sure everyone would stay indoors.
"Ares balls!" The words escaped her mouth before she could stop them and her face set in a cold mask.
"What's wrong?" Kara asked softly, the Princess's unusual cussing catching her by surprise.
"Goran," Diana growled. Try as she might, she couldn't hide the contempt she felt for the woman. She never could.
Kara followed Diana's eyes. "The one in the middle?" Diana nodded. "Why is she being escorted by the Royal Guard?"
"Good question." Diana pulled on the reins of her horse, steering Chiron towards the approaching riders. "Stay here, I'll be right back."
"But—" Kara started to protest.
"Please don't argue, Kara. Diana tore her eyes from the riders and focused on the blonde. "I don't want her anywhere near you." Her instinct was yelling at her to hide Kara from view, but it was too late, they had already been spotted by the approaching party.
"You're not dealing with her alone!" Kara's voice rose into a fierce whisper.
Diana scratched her nose to hide a smile. Kara was just adorable. "I'm just going to see what's going on and you can keep an eye on me from here."
"She troubles you and I don't like that." Kara's voice softened.
"It troubles me that she's being escorted by my mother's guards." Diana kept her eyes trained on the Northern Regent. "I hope she didn't do anything stupid."
"You mean other than overriding your mother's orders without her consent?" Kara reached out, touching her hand.
Diana smiled, feeling instantly calmer when their fingers entwined. The Kryptonian's hand was always warm and soothing, and it always made her feel better when they touched. "That too. Why is she even here, Kara? It's too much of a coincidence that she chooses to come down when you're here."
"Or not. Besides, she can't hurt me, Diana, you know that. Unless she's as strong as you are." Kara paused in thought, frowning. "Or handles magic or has Kryptonite. That… That could be a problem."
Diana sighed. "It's not her strength I'm worried about, Kara."
"What is it then? Talk to me, please?" the blonde urged her companion.
Diana shook her head, sparing a glance over her shoulder. "I—It's hard to explain. I—" The princess closed her eyes for a moment. "I have a bad feeling, Kara, and I know she's up to something and whatever it is, you're in the middle of it."
Kara glared at the approaching women and sniffed. "I think I need to punch her…"
Diana frowned, giving her a sideways glance. "What? Why would you punch her, Kara?"
"Because she's making you upset. Maybe I need to show her what it means to be a Kryptonian under a yellow sun!" Kara smacked her fist on the palm of her hand.
Diana chuckled, relaxing in her saddle. "That would be… priceless. Please let me get some popcorn first." Oh, Kara, if you only knew how good you are to me.
Kara's eyes lit up and half turned on her saddle. "Popcorn? Could you really get some? Rao, I miss popcorn. And no, you may not have popcorn while I'm punching away because then you'll eat everything and there will be nothing left for me!"
"I'll get two bowls." Diana offered, smiling at the goofy Kryptonian.
"You better. I get cranky when my snacks get eaten." Kara squeezed her fingers with a gentle smile.
Diana's eyes softened, knowing Kara was being silly on purpose to make her feel better. That made her heart swell with inexplicable giddiness.
"Thank you for always making me feel better."
"You're welcome." Blue eyes twinkled.
Diana kissed her knuckles before letting go of her hand. "I won't take a moment."
Hearing the horses getting closer, Diana rode out to meet them, feeling Kara's sharp eyes on her, protecting her from afar. It was surprising how powerful that made her feel. Raising her hand, the Princess commanded them to a stop. The guards brought their fists to their hearts and bowed their heads.
"Well, well, if it isn't the prodigal daughter. Welcome home, Your Highness." Goran's voice dripped with sarcasm. Cold and stormy grey eyes shifted from Diana to where Kara was waiting. "And that must be the Little Sister I keep hearing so much about. You sure know how to pick them, Princess."
Diana tensed at the mention of Kara but purposely ignored the woman. "Altir, what's going on?"
Altir, who had been riding behind Goran, gave her Princess a little naughty smile that vanished in the blink of an eye. "The Queen ordered Goran of Varys demoted from Regent of the Northern Territory and escorted to her quarters. She is to remain under guarded confinement until further notice."
Diana raised a sharp eyebrow, finally giving the blonde surrounded by the Queen's royal guard her attention. "And what did you do, Goran of Varys?"
Goran sneered. "It seems it's an offense to disagree with the Queen." Grey eyes glinted with malice. "I'm not even granted a session with the Senate. Does that sound fair to you?"
Diana pulled her horse closer to the former Regent, her dark eyes cold. "The Queen does not rule by committee, Goran of Varys. It seems you have forgotten the Senate exists to help manage Amazonian society and advise the Queen, not to make joint decisions."
Goran snarled. "You are definitely your mother's daughter and to think we're stuck with you both for eternity!"
"If you're not happy, Goran, all you have to do is leave," Diana said softly, her voice devoid of her ever-present compassion and understanding. She felt none. "But you can't do that, can you? Because then you won't get the throne." The Princess leaned over to the smaller woman, lowering her voice to a near whisper. "You'll never have it. I promise you that."
For a moment, it looked like Goran was going to jump on her and she could hear Kara's heartbeat picking. It was surprisingly comforting.
Goran snorted, settling back on her saddle. "Enjoy it while you can, Princess."
"Take her away," Diana ordered. Steering her horse away from them, Diana instructed Altir as she rode past her. "Make sure you have enough guards around. She has Dolos' tongue!"
"Yes, Your Highness." Altir bowed her head. Nodding to Kara's way, the Royal Captain lifted her fist in salute, a tiny smile playing her lips. "Champion!"
The guards followed their Captain's lead and saluted the Kryptonian with a fist up in the air while shouting her impromptu title. Diana chuckled when Kara predictably blushed but saluted back.
"Let's move!" Altir raised her hand in the air.
Just as Diana neared Kara, Goran looked over her shoulder and gave the blonde a slow, leery smile, licking her lower lip.
"Rao, why do I feel like I need a bath?" Kara half-groaned.
Diana frowned at the disgust in Kara's face and she turned in her saddle in time to catch on Goran's lewd behavior.
"That disgusting harpy…" Diana growled. Her hands closed in a white-knuckle grip around the leather reins as she pulled on Chiron to ride back. She was going to wipe the smirk out of the harpy's face with her fists!
The warm, firm hand on her wrist stopped her, and when she glanced over her shoulder, pleading blue eyes stared back at her.
"It's not worth it."
"She was disrespectful to you," Diana growled, trying to control the rage boiling inside her. That was never good.
"She was, but she is also baiting you, Diana." Kara squeezed her wrist. "Please, you're doing exactly what she wants. Don't give her the satisfaction."
Diana's head turned over to the street, but the warriors were no longer in sight. Sighing, she rubbed her eyes forcibly. "You're right, I'm sorry. I—"
"Don't be, please." Kara let go of her wrist. Touching her chin gently, she waited for the Princess to make eye contact. "No one ever wanted to brawl for my honor before. It's sweet." Bright blue eyes softened. "You're sweet."
Diana touched the hand on her chin, a tiny smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Leaning on the Kryptonian's hand, she closed her eyes, savoring the wonderful feeling of belonging she always had whenever Kara touched her.
"Not even Alex?" Diana asked with a curious arched eyebrow, a wry smile creeping to her lips.
Kara sighed dramatically. "I see she told you the stories from when I first went to school in Midvale."
Diana chuckled. "I might have heard something about it."
Kara rolled her eyes. "I'm going to kill her… Yes, she did defend me in school but that was different. She's my big sister."
Diana's heart drummed unexpectedly. "What's so different about me defending your honor?"
Kara blinked and opened her mouth, but nothing came out. "I—Well, it's… You're… You're not my sister…" The words came out as a whisper and Kara swallowed, blushing.
Diana smiled, knowing she wouldn't hear what she craved, but she could wait. She would wait because she had to trust in what Kara's eyes told every day. "No, I'm not, my sweet Kara. I am definitely not your sister."
"No…" The blonde's voice faltered, her cheeks still rosy. "Definitely not."
Diana took pity on her. Kissing the palm of that strong hand, the Princess gave it one last squeeze before letting go of it. "Come on, Mother is probably wondering why it's taking us so long."
Kara nodded and they left. They were nearing the palace when Diana noticed the crinkle on Kara's forehead.
"What's wrong? I can see your crinkle," Diana asked and touched the worrisome crinkle with the tip of her finger.
Kara scratched the small scar on her forehead with the tip of her finger. "Hum… What's a Dolo's tongue?"
Diana laughed, shaking her head.
##
It didn't take them long to get to the palace and they quickly made their way inside, the Queen already waiting for them.
"You're limping!" Hippolyta rushed over to Kara's side when they made their way inside.
Kara smirked. "Close encounter with a demon."
The Queen wrapped her arms around the Kryptonian, pulling her into a warm hug. "So I heard. How bad is it?"
"I'm fine, Hippolyta. It was nothing serious," Kara replied, not daring to meet Diana's eyes, knowing she would be met with gentle reproach.
"It was serious enough to have you limping still and I know you heal fast, child." Hippolyta pulled away so she could give her a motherly stern glare. Once she seemed satisfied that there was nothing out of place, she moved to Diana's side, hugging her as well. "I was worried about you, daughter."
"I'm fine, mother," Diana smiled and hugged her mother back. "It's Little Sister here that had quite the eventful day."
"Should I send for Kayo to check on her?" Hippolyta looked over at Kara, her blue eyes still full of concern.
"There really is no need, Hippolyta. I—"
"Orin patched her up good, mother, but I would feel better if Kayo could check on her if she's around," Diana interrupted her smoothly and Kara rolled her eyes.
"I'm fine, really." Kara insisted, her voice sounding slightly exasperated.
"Kayo won't be here before nightfall, she's at Athena's temple today," Hippolyta said. "Let's go to the terrace and get you comfortable, child. Then you can tell me all about your adventures of yesterday."
"Yes, ma'am," Kara whispered when Hippolyta took her by the arm and led her to the terrace. She made a point of not looking back at her troublemaker Princess.
A large tray of food arrived sometime later, and Kara proceeded to decimate the goodies there in record time, as Diana recounted the events of the day before to her wide-eyed mother and general Philippus, who had joined them shortly after.
"Great Hera, Kara, are you sure you are not a lost Amazon?"
Kara smiled at the Queen, hastily chewing on her last apple. "Just a regular Kryptonian here. We had no Amazons in Krypton and now I see we were sorely lacking."
Diana smiled and patted her good leg. "She did amazing, mother. You should have seen her."
"A worthy Champion of my daughter then," Hippolyta said, smiling.
Kara blushed, feeling Diana's thumb gently stroking her linen-covered leg.
"We met Goran and Altir on our way up here, mother. What happened?" Diana asked, thankfully taking the focus off herself.
"Goran endangered every Amazon in this island by disregarding my orders," Hippolyta replied calmly, sitting a little straighter on her comfy couch. "I took exception."
"Not to mention she had the nerve of accusing your mother of being guilty of the breaking at the Mother Box Vault," Philippus said, giving her Queen a disapproving glare.
"Mother Box?" Kara asked, looking at Diana. "Isn't that the thing from your mission from almost a year ago?"
Diana nodded. "One of the boxes was hidden here, but Steppenwolf found it. He found all three." The Princess shook her head. "Goran is delusional. You couldn't have stopped Steppenwolf. We almost didn't."
"I know that and as much as the deaths of our Sisters still weigh heavy in my heart as does the shame of failure, I know we did our best." Hippolyta smiled at her only daughter. "Only Steppenwolf didn't count on you, my child."
Diana lowered her head, self-conscious. "I didn't defeat him alone, mother. In fact, we needed Kara's cousin to help level the odds."
"Regardless of what you have to say, an Amazon helped save the world."
"Again," Kara quipped in with a proud little smile.
Diana cleared her throat, a bright blush creepy up her neck. "So, you have her confined to her quarters, and now what? You know the Northerners are going to object. Imkeh especially won't let this go. We might have to deal with armed opposition, mother."
Philippus gave her Queen a pointed look. "Told you she would see it my way."
Hippolyta sighed. "I've sent word to Arya, Zin, and Orin. If things get too unstable, we might need to move all legions fast to secure the North and contain whatever is brewing up there."
"Don't forget, mother, that not all Northerners are blind followers of Goran. They should be warned too," Diana reminded her gently.
"Wise words, daughter, and it's being taken care of." Hippolyta smiled proudly at her daughter. "Now, enough of this sullen conversation. Take your Champion and make sure she gets some rest. Gods only know what's in store for us with that demon lose."
##
Imkeh stormed inside Goran's room.
"Hey! Wh—Oh, it's you." Goran's angry tirade died on her lips at the sight of Imkeh. Returning her attention to the parchment in front of her, Goran kept on drawing runes quickly.
The tall Amazon scowled, hands on her hips. "What's going on? Why were you arrested?"
But Goran held up her hand, her quill still sliding on the parchment. Imkeh paced. She knew Goran would not answer while she was writing on her magical parchment, the one that never left any trace of what she wrote. She also knew her pacing would drive her friend crazy.
"Will you please sit down?"
Imkeh huffed at her friend's calm voice and slumped down on a nearby chair, drumming her long fingers on the armchair.
"Patience was never a virtue of yours," Goran remarked, amusement coloring her voice, while calmly putting the quill down.
"And you always loved pushing it to the limit," Imkeh replied, trying not to sound annoyed. "Care to tell me what's happening?"
"Diana and her guest are back. I saw them this morning," Goran replied calmly, ignoring Imkeh's question.
"And?" The burly woman pulled herself up from the chair, trying not to wince at the sharp pain in her chest. It was still bruised and tender from Kara's knee, but she would show no weakness in front of Goran.
"We need to leave," Goran said simply.
Imkeh frowned, uncomprehending. "What do you mean, leave? You're under arrest. How are you suppose—"
"Will you keep your voice down?" Goran grumbled, exasperated. "I have a plan. I won't stay here another day longer. There's too much at stake and I'm tired of playing games. It's time we act." The freckled blonde rubbed her eyes tiredly, exhaling heavily. "No one was supposed to know of the creature, but of course the Princess had to be around to save the day, and now this very unexpected move from our cunning Queen."
"The demon story is true?" Imkeh stared at her friend, shocked.
Goran nodded, her eyes still closed. "It is and now we need to leave. Today." The former Regent opened her eyes. "But I have one very important mission for you, Imkeh, and I need to know I can count on you to see it through."
Gingerly, Imkeh knelt by the smaller woman's side. Funny how Goran was shorter by almost a head, yet it was she who always felt small beside the beautiful warrior. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her.
"Of course you can, Goran. Tell me what you need."
Goran smiled, touching her cheek gently. "A lot is riding on this, Imkeh. We can't fail."
"We won't," Imkeh promised, touching the hand on her face.
"You're the only one I trust with this." Goran shifted, pressing her forehead against Imkeh's. "I know you will not fail me."
Imkeh swallowed. When Goran got this close it always meant one thing. "What is it you need me to do?"
Goran smiled and kissed her softly.
##
Kara finished cleaning her blue leathers, reverently tracing the crest engraved there with the tip of her finger before setting it aside to dry in the sun. Taking the red leather set from her travel bag, she examined the puncture hole in the abdomen area with a critical eye. It was ruined. Her brand-new leathers were ruined and that made her feel angry again.
"Stupid demon…" She grumbled dejected, her finger poking from the hole in the leather.
"I can drop those at Matilda's, Kara. She can mend them."
Kara raised her head at the sound of the Princess's voice, her eyes shining with hope. "Really? It can be fixed?"
Diana nodded and knelt by her side. Taking the leathers from her hands, the warrior examined them closely. "Yes. She can add a battle patch here…" Diana smoothed the soft material with her hand. "And maybe reinforce this part here…"
"Battle patch? Like a Boy Scout's merit badge?" she asked with her eyes brightening.
"Kinda like that, yes. We do it whenever we slash our leathers in battle. We patch it with leather and an engraving. Something that refers to the battle or our foe."
"Oh! That is cool! And what will mine be?"
"You fought and killed a demon from the Underworld. You'll have a patch with the symbol of Hades," Diana replied softly, folding the leathers neatly on her lap.
"Diana, I didn't kill the demon," Kara protested, her crinkle forming.
"Yes, you did. We both did. We just didn't know it wouldn't stay dead." Diana gave her a resigned smile. "And we won't make that mistake again."
Kara scrunched up her nose, taking back her leathers. "Cutting its head off is rather gruesome…"
"But it's effective and it assures us that it stays dead," Diana said, touching her face tenderly. "I should check on your bandages."
"You checked them this morning," Kara reminded her gently, "and I feel fine. Just a twinge mostly."
Diana raised a dark eyebrow. "And the puncture?"
Kara scratched the bridge of her nose, knowing she'd been caught. "Still throbs a little, but it's getting better. I feel a lot better."
Diana sighed, dropping by her side. Settling against the comfortable cushions scattered around them, the Princess stared ahead while blindly catching Kara's hand and entwining their fingers. Kara smiled softly. After a year of talking frequently and almost two weeks of spending pretty much every second of the day together, Kara knew by now some of the warrior's tells, and right now if the booted foot tapping a nearby cushion was any indication, she could tell her Princess was antsy.
"We don't have to stay here all day, you know," she said, turning on her side so she was facing the dark-haired woman.
"You need rest," Diana stated stubbornly. "And I'm not leaving you alone."
Had this been Alex, Kara would've simply rolled her eyes and sent her on her way. She would then order takeaway and either watch Netflix all day or read, or paint, whatever struck her mood, but this was not Alex and she didn't want to send her away, but it was also plain to see that after her encounter with the unpleasant Goran, Diana had all this energy pent up and needed to release it.
"Why don't you go down to the range and practice with your sisters, hm? I know it's been a while since you've done it and you must be itching to go back to it. They miss it and so do you."
"Kara—"
"I can go to Io's shop while you practice. I want to talk to her about a new pair of Sais," Kara interrupted, her eyes gentling. "Then you don't have to worry about me being alone or straining myself. I'll be good, I promise."
Diana smiled a little, covering Kara's hand with her free one. "It's keeping Io from getting you in trouble that worries me."
Kara chuckled. "I'll try my best to keep her in line."
"You don't mind?"
Kara shook her head, the sweet smile never leaving her face. "I don't mind, really. You need this." Then her lips curled into a wicked little grin. "And I need to needle Io about the demon."
Diana laughed quietly. Moving closer, she rested her head on Kara's shoulder. "She's not going to be happy, that's for sure."
Kara kissed the dark head. "All the more reason to."
The warrior exhaled softly, warm lips grazing her neck and leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. Kara swallowed audibly.
"Come on, Champion, let me take you to Io's."
Diana helped Kara up, pulling her close and into her arms.
"I know how to get to Io's," Kara said, relishing in the warmth radiating off the Amazon's body. It was comforting.
"I know you do, but we can stop at Matilda's first to have those leathers patched," The taller woman replied, bringing her lips down for a tender kiss. "And I want to go there with you. Please?"
Kara smiled at her sweet Princess, realizing that there was no way Diana was going to leave her alone while she was still hurt, and Goran's goons were still out there. No one had ever cared for her quite like this before, not Alex, not Lena, not even Mon-El, and it made her heart clench with the urge to just hold onto the older woman and not let go. Ever.
##
They stopped first at Matilda's, to drop off Kara's damaged leather set. The spunky, short Amazon was more than glad to patch Little Sister's leathers, promising to have them delivered to the palace the following day, and according to Diana's specifications.
Kara was still blushing at the appraisal from Matilda when they made it to Io's shop.
"Get used to it, my sweet. My Sisters love you," Diana whispered in her ear once they left the tanner's place.
They found the weapon's master working outside her shop, quenching a piece of glowing bright red metal in oil.
"That is so cool…" Kara whispered, marveled.
Diana chuckled, waving at Io.
"You're back already." Io smiled at them but frowned almost immediately once she noticed Kara's faint limping. "What happened to you?"
Kara gave her a smug smile. "I fought a demon."
Io groaned. "It's true?" The short-haired woman set aside the now dark and oily blade to cool off and raised her hand, halting Kara's speech. "Nope! Save it! I don't want to know. This is so not fair…"
"Are you sure you don't want the details? I—"
"I saw the way you were looking at my forge, Little Sister," Io interrupted, a wicked glint in her brown eyes. "Keep your smug little smile and details of your story to yourself and I might teach you how to forge."
Kara's eyes widened, suddenly excited. "I'll be quiet as a mouse!"
"That means you too, Princess!"
Kara turned pleading eyes on the tall Amazon by her side, her hand grabbing the leather strip that went over her shoulder. "Please?"
Diana grinned and shook her head, clearly amused. "Not a word from me, I promise. Besides, she probably already knows all the details."
"Funny, Princess," The weapon's master grumbled, placing her hands on her hips. "Is there anything I can help you, ladies, with?"
Kara nodded, shuffling to the wooden table where the tempered blade was cooling. "I want to commission a new set of Sais, please."
Io frowned. "Why? What happened to the other set?"
Kara pursed her lips, dragging her eyes away from the blade as she turned around, ignoring Diana's amused smirk. "They hum… found a molten opponent?" Kara cringed a bit. "I'm not supposed to talk about it."
Io blinked, groaning as she caught the meaning of Kara's words. "You fought a demon with Sais? And won?"
Kara scratched her head, sending a helpless look at the amused Princess. "It's not like you made me a sword, Io."
Io covered her ears. "Nope! Nope! I don't want to hear it!"
"I think that's my cue to leave. You two can discuss how to properly fight a demon while I go pound on our Sisters at the range," Diana said, walking to Kara's side. Resting her hands on the blonde's waist, the warrior pulled her close. "I trust you will keep her out of trouble?"
"Sure…" came Io's distracted reply.
Diana and Kara grinned at each other. "I was talking to Kara."
Io huffed but said nothing and Kara flattened both hands on the warrior's chest.
"Why do I feel eyes on us," She whispered, never taking her eyes off the Princess.
Diana smiled. "That's because we're being avidly watched."
The sound of coins and whispered words 'they're finally kissing' reached their ears.
"They're betting on us kissing?" Kara's whispering voice was incredulous. She focused her hearing. "Io too! And a lot!"
"She is. Are we going to let her win?"
Kara narrowed her eyes, feeling Diana press closer against her. "I bet either Mala or Nesba told her something. They did see us kiss."
Diana brushed her fingers over her cheek and the whispering intensified around them. "Mala probably did and now Io is taking advantage of it."
Diana's eyes dropped to her lips and Kara swallowed, knowing what was about to happen, knowing Diana was about to kiss her in front of everyone there. "She's going to foot the bill for lunch lat—"
All sounds around them faded when the fingers touching her cheek stopped and cupped her chin, holding it up as the Amazon brought down her lips in a kiss; the groans and victorious shouts of the Amazons all sounded muffled and far away for a perfect, fleeting moment.
Kara forced her eyes open, slowly refocusing as Diana pulled away too soon, but those dark brown eyes were looking back at her so full of emotion and promise, Kara was helpless to resist. Ignoring the commotion around them, Kara wrapped her arms around the slightly taller woman's neck and pulled her head down for a searing kiss. She needed to taste those lips again; she needed to soothe the feeling that threatened to burst out of her chest. Why couldn't she get enough of it; of her? Rao, this was getting out of hand.
"About damn time!" Io's voice shouted louder than all others when they finally came up for air, their foreheads touching, and their breathing ragged.
"She's buying us lunch at Paete's," Diana whispered.
"T—that's a good idea…" Kara managed to get out, burying her face on Diana's shoulder as the older woman pulled her into a tender hug, protecting her from curious eyes. She didn't want to face the smiling faces of the Amazons around them just yet.
"Only the very best for you, my sweet Kryptonian." Diana pulled away and stroked her cheek with her thumb. Smiling happily, the Princess stole a kiss. "I'll let Paete know on my way to the range that we'll stop by after mid-day, and you can break the news to Io."
Kara sighed, feeling the heat on her face. "Sure, leave me now when everyone's staring at me."
Diana chuckled and whispered in her ear before kissing the tip of it, "She's looking all high and mighty because she just won a ton of drachmas at our expense."
Kara turned her head to where Io was grinning smugly, her arms folded over her chest and looking immensely proud of herself. Slowly, deliberately, Kara curled the corners of her lips into a wicked little grin, watching with satisfaction as the smug smile dropped from Io's face instantly.
"Have fun, my sweet." Diana kissed her again before leaving her to face Io and her Sisters.
"You too, Princess. Try not to cause too much damage, please."
Diana winked and left. Kara watched her walk away and sighed happily, catching on the adorable swagger. "Now," she mumbled to herself, her hands on her hips. "To deal with cheating Amazons who owe me lunch…"
##
Hidden in the safety of shadows, Imkeh snarled at the happy couple's kiss.
"Enjoy it while you can, Princess. Happiness is fleeting," Imkeh mumbled to no one. A chuckle escaped when she heard the happy shouts of the Amazons. "So very fleeting."
Slipping away to the shadows once more, Imkeh disappeared from view without a trace.
##
Diana chose her practice sword from the armory and strolled lazily to the wide-open space that was their training grounds. She was still miffed from her earlier encounter with Goran. The woman unsettled her. Always had and her presence in Themyscira was just another thing to add to her growing list of things to worry about.
"Ready, Princess?"
Diana rolled her eyes at the title they were now so fond of, forcing her mind to focus on her training instead of the unpleasant woman. She was sure Nesba would have no mercy for her, especially after Kara's prank with the fire and if she wasn't paying attention, it was going to hurt, and Kara was not going to be happy about that.
"Always," Diana replied blithely at the Amazon warriors carefully circling her.
It was her first time practicing with her sisters in a hundred years and she was looking forward to it. Most villains didn't present a good enough challenge for her and her Justice League mates were no match for her Amazon fighting skills. Maybe Bruce, but she was always wary of going full out and hurt him.
Feeling eyes on her, she forced herself not to look up. She knew her mother was watching her, she always knew. Antiope had taught her how to spot her even when she tried to stay out of sight. Determined to give her mother a show she would be proud of, Diana smiled at her Sisters, a little too sweetly. She was going to enjoy this and if the fierce grins on her Sister's face was of any indication, so would they.
##
Diana padded inside the armory with a satisfied little smile on her lips. Her Amazon sisters were as sharp and as strong as ever, but so was she and she had, as Arthur would so eloquently put it, kicked some serious ass. One hundred years of living in the World of Men had taught her quite a few things and she had taken her Sisters by surprise. Though she still considered Amazons the best hand to hand fighters in the world, this particular skill had certainly evolved in the outside world.
"Princess,"
Diana sighed, raising her head at the sound of her title. She had been away too long. A short dark-haired Amazon stopped by her side and greeted her Princess with the usual fist to the heart and bow of the head.
"Hello, Usha," Diana smiled at the short Amazon. "It's been a long time."
The dark-haired woman smiled. "Too long. We missed you. Climbing cliffs hasn't been the same since you left."
Diana chuckled. "I bet. We should arrange for a session. It's been a long time since I've done any serious work with ropes."
The woman's dark, almond-shaped eyes shined with excitement. "We would like that very much. We have practice tomorrow, after first light. Would you like to join us?"
"I'd like that, yes."
"Will the Champion join us too? We would be honored."
Diana smirked. She was sure Kara would love it, but there was no way she was going to let her practice ropes while her wound wasn't fully healed.
"I'll ask her if she wants to watch." She knew she would.
"Great! The girls are going to be excited." Pleased, Usha bowed her head once more and left the armory.
Diana watched her go with a soft smile on her lips. Having Kara around for three weeks was allowing her to reconnect with her sisters and with her roots, and she wondered if the sweet blonde was aware of that.
"I'm wondering how you'll stop Little Sister from practicing tomorrow with Usha."
Diana made sure everything was safely locked away. "I'll just ask her please." Turning around to face her mother, the Princess smiled. "It usually works."
"I'm sure that sweet girl will do anything you ask of her."
Diana couldn't stop the blush creeping up her neck at her mother's words. She didn't blush, dammit! "Woman, she's a woman, mother." She corrected her mother softly.
"And a fine one she is." Hippolyta sat on the long wooden bench by the sword's cabinet. Crossing her legs at her ankles and leaning back comfortably, the Queen smiled proudly at her daughter. "I like your new techniques. Once Nesba recovers from her shock, she'll be begging you for lessons."
Diana sat by her mother's side, noticing that the ever-present Royal Guard had increased in numbers. "What's going on?"
Hippolyta rolled her eyes, something she rarely did. "Philippus insisted."
"Of course she did." The Princess laughed gently at the look on her mother's face. "I learned a lot in the Patriarch's World, mother, and I think the Amazons should learn from them as well."
"You can teach us then." Hippolyta gave her daughter a fond smile. "Antiope would love that."
Diana's eyes softened at the mention of her aunt's name. The sadness came as it always did, and the guilt too but this time she decided she wouldn't let it ruin her mood. This time she was going to accept it and move on.
"She would. She told me one day I would be a great teacher of men."
The Queen smiled. "And she was right, you are. You will become a great Queen one day, daughter."
Diana cleared her throat, smirking. "But that won't happen for eons from now, mother. You know, the whole long life, magical island kinda thing."
Hippolyta laughed, but her voice softened. "I have been doing this for over five thousand years, daughter. I might wish to retire one day." The Queen patted her daughter's leg, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "And I want to enjoy being a grandmother."
Diana choked. "What? Mother!"
Hippolyta laughed heartily, drawing the attention of her guards and nearby Amazons.
"You love doing that, don't you?" The Princess grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest, still embarrassed. How was she supposed to give her mother grandchildren?
"Can you blame your old mother? It's been a hundred years."
Diana huffed but smiled. "Is there a reason why you're here besides mocking me?"
Hippolyta sighed, quieting down. Crossing her arms over her chest, she said, "I had a visit from Benaril."
##
Erson stepped inside a large chamber carved in stone. Different from the one she usually dwelled in, this one had been carved out on bare white stone by her servants, hundreds of years before. Despite its humble and simple appearance, it was always meant for greater things. Unlike her much smaller and somber ritual chamber, this one was carved on the mountainside. It was wide and spacious and had four perfect square openings on the side that served as windows. Here, the sun filled the darkroom with natural light most of the day, and on a full moon night, the silvery beams coming from the sky would lighten up the altar once the moon was at its peak.
The tall redhead walked lazily to the far end opening, where the sunlight didn't shine as brightly, surveying the view outside. From there, she could see the vast green valley below and the imposing mountain range dominating the horizon. It served as a natural barrier between the northern and eastern territories and that was fine with her.
Glancing down at the sharp white cliff, a small smile graced her full lips. There were only two ways to get inside her mountain hideout: either take the steep and narrow path that led up to the caves or fly up there, but the path was cleverly hidden from view and would never be found unless one knew where to look, and as for flying… The arrogant gods and their silly rules had seen to it. The cave system was a little, almost impregnable fortress and she knew she could get away with anything there.
Making her way back onto the center of the cavernous chamber, Erson surveyed her surroundings one last time. Everything had to be perfect, from the special manacles dangling from thick chains attached to the ceiling that could hold down a demon from Tartarus to the pristine white marble altar by the western opening, where the full moon would shine on at highest peak. In the middle of it, a crudely shaped clay form laid surrounded by dark and red crystals and a bronze burner on each side of the altar. In between the dangling manacles and the altar, her powerful ritual rug laid unrolled and ready for its mistress, dark candles, crystals, and a wooden bucket with chalk neatly stacked to the side.
Taking a deep breath, the witch fingered the dark crystal hanging from a silver chain on her neck, pleased. Everything was ready, now all they needed was their guest of honor.
##
"Benaril?" Diana frowned. "Let me guess, she wants Goran released? Maybe with an apology?"
Hippolyta snorted. "Something along those lines, yes."
"You're serious?" Diana stared in disbelief at her mother's nodding. "She always did have the nerve so I shouldn't be surprised."
"She thinks it's unwise to keep her confined."
"It's highly unwise to keep the Regent confined to her chambers with armed guards, my Queen," Senator Benaril had an overly exaggerated frown on her face, her voice full of worry. "It could lead to… unwanted events."
"Is that a threat, Benaril?" Hippolyta reclined back in her chair, an amused smile playing her lips. She was alone with the Senator and she knew Benaril wouldn't bite her tongue if it was just the two of them.
The brown-haired senator looked aghast, her hand touching her chest. "I make no threats, my Queen. I just wish to prevent this from getting out of hand." The woman adjusted her white tunic and smiled. "The North needs a Regent. Surely you can have this all sorted out without the need to demote Goran from her position. I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding."
Hippolyta nodded, almost as if deep in thought. "You're right, the North does need a Regent."
Benaril bowed her head slightly, satisfied. "Thank you, my Queen. If I may sugges—"
"And I have already chosen a replacement for Goran."
"Of course. I—what?" Benaril's smile dropped from her face in an instant. "B—but… Who?"
Hippolyta gave her a sweet smile, watching her reaction closely. "You. I have already sent word. The Northern Council will be expecting you. General Philippus will make sure you have all the necessary parchments before you leave."
All color drained from the woman's face. "Me?"
The Queen nodded, satisfied. This should make things more interesting. "You are a senior Senator of the North, it's only logical I appoint you."
"B—but…" The Senator cleared her throat nervously. "The Council has to vote, I—"
"I can appoint anyone I chose to, Benaril." Hippolyta slowly rose from her chair, her sharp blue eyes boring into the woman's livid eyes. "Choose your loyalties wisely, Senator. Neither of us will give you a second chance. You leave tomorrow."
Diana was unsure whether to be angry or amused. "Cunning, very cunning, mother."
Her mother smirked. "She's terrified of Goran. Most of them are, I believe."
"And Goran could perceive this as a betrayal."
Hippolyta agreed. "If she's smart, she'll turn to us, and then we'll know what Goran is up to."
"It could also be a trap," Diana warned. "I don't trust her."
"True, but with the Lasso back on the island, she won't risk it."
Diana sighed. "So, now what?"
"We wait." Hippolyta smiled at her only child. "How's Kara?"
"Better. Must be driving Io nuts by now." The Princess smiled, her eyes softening. "I'm ashamed to admit I feel a lot better knowing Goran is confined to her quarters. She's up to something bad, mother, and I have a feeling it involves Kara."
The blonde smiled gently, but it slowly faded. "Kayo had another vision, a more… detailed one."
Diana tensed. "Tell me."
Her heart clenched as her mother relayed on the details of Kayo's vision. Whatever was about to happen, Kara was in the middle of it. The urge to be close to the Kryptonian was suddenly overwhelming and the Princess almost jumped up from her seat.
"I strongly suggest Kara should start carrying a sword from now on, daughter. I've seen her practice with Io, and she knows enough to defend herself," Hippolyta said quietly, her ice-blue eyes trained on her daughter. "With a demon loose and Goran under guarded confinement, I think it's best to play it safe, don't you?"
Diana sighed inwardly. Her mother was right, and she hated it. Not that she had issues with Kara carrying a sword, not that. She knew that with the right training and given enough time, Kara would become one of their best swordswomen, she was sure of it. Hades, Io had nothing but high praise for their classes, but she hated that Kara was being forced into it. She was supposed to be here on vacation, not fighting demons, grumpy nymphs, and dissident warriors!
"You're right," Diana admitted in a small voice. "We can't take any chances." I can't take any chances. She looked over her shoulder impatiently, in the direction of Io's shop. "I should go."
Her mother touched her arm with a smile. "Go, make sure she's safe. And Diana, see to it that Io gets her a worthy sword."
Diana nodded. Kissing her mother's cheek, she sprinted out of the practice range, her sharp ears catching on her mother's whispered words 'love suits you, daughter'.
She almost tripped.
##
Diana found Kara with both hands on her hips, staring intently at a crude-looking blade resting on top of an anvil, and looking immensely pleased with herself. Io was standing by her side scratching the back of her head, clearly baffled.
"I can see you've been busy," Diana said softly, the smile easily heard in her voice. Being near Kara always had a calming effect on her. It was almost as if she didn't just have the aggravation of her mother's revelations. Stroking the Kryptonian's lower back with gentle fingers, Diana kissed her soot smudged cheek. "Is that a blade?"
Kara beamed and turned her head so she could kiss her lips. Diana smiled into the kiss, resting the palm of her hand on the blonde's abdomen, just above her healing wound.
"It is!" Kara leaned against the warrior, pointing proudly at the darkened piece of metal, crudely shaped to look like a blade. Almost. "It's trying to be anyway."
Diana chuckled and wrapped an arm around the blonde's waist, peering at her. "I'm guessing this is why you have soot all over your face and arms?"
Kara grinned and nodded, her eyes shining with excitement. "I hadn't realized how much I missed this, getting to build things, to experiment. Shaping this from a hot fiery billet was like watching a child being born!"
Diana frowned, confused. "What's stopping you?"
Kara's smile faded slightly, and she shrugged one shoulder. "Growing up as Kara Danvers, I was supposed to keep a low profile. Then I became a reporter and reporters don't go around building quantum nano engines out of a single atom that can have your pod traveling at the speed of light in outer space."
Diana blinked. "You can do that?"
Kara nodded, focusing on the crude piece of metal. "I could. I used to watch my father work on them, and he would tell me what to do." A flicker of sadness marred the always cheerful eyes, but then it was gone in an instant. "It's been fifteen years, so who knows, but I still remember the formulas and the layouts…" Then she gave her a soft, helpless little smile. "But after this piece of art, I'm not sure I could be trusted with that engine."
Diana chuckled. "I'm sure you'll do it brilliantly. I can introduce you to Bruce if you want."
"Bruce Wayne? Batman?" She sounded excited.
"His company develops state of the art technology. I'm sure he would love to hear your thoughts on it." Diana kissed the side of the blonde's head before stepping away, looking around. "I think he knows more about Kryptonian technology than Kal-El."
"I can see Kal-El is not technology friendly in any universe," Kara grumbled, her crinkle showing.
Diana grinned when Io stepped in front of her with a small bucket of freshwater, a clean cloth, and a smirk. "Thanks."
"Never seen anyone so happy with…" Io pointed helplessly at the piece of metal on the anvil, "whatever that is."
"Hey, it's not pretty, but it was my first try. Not like I was using my heat vision."
Io frowned, confused. "Heat vision?"
Diana grabbed a nearby stool and walked to where Kara was still standing. Putting the stool down, the warrior pointed for Kara to sit while dropping the cloth in the water. From the corner of her eye, she could see Kara carefully lowering herself down on the stool with only a slight flinch. Not ideal, but at least it was better than the day before.
Kara glanced up at her, her eyes begging. Diana laughed softly, knowing exactly what the blonde wanted to do. This devious side of Kara was delicious and endearing, and it made her heart want to burst with joy knowing that Kara felt comfortable enough with them to let it show. She knew the Kryptonian hid it well under wraps, only letting it out with her sister and a few close friends.
"Go ahead," Diana whispered and winked, wringing the cloth to remove the excess water.
Kara grinned and sent a small burst of heat to where Io was standing. The Weapon's Master jumped to the side with a startled yelp, her brown eyes wide, gaping at the twin burnt marks on the wooden floor.
"Great Hephaestus beard! What was that?"
Kara blinked innocently at the short-haired Amazon. "Great Hephaestus heat?"
"How did you do that? Are you a goddess? How hot is that thing?"
"I focus and it shoots out of my eyes. No, no goddess and it's hotter than lava. I did make the demon yelp, right?" Kara glanced up at Diana for confirmation. "Ops! Sorry, I'm not supposed to talk about it."
Io narrowed her eyes at the blonde and Diana laughed softly, feeling all her aggravations simply wash away, if only for a little bit.
"You're a little troublemaker disguised as a Hestian virgin, aren't you?" Io groused.
Kara batted her eyelashes innocently. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I hope you know what you're getting into," Io said to Diana, pointing to the blonde.
Diana smiled down adoringly at the beautiful Kryptonian. She hoped she knew too because Kara was a sweet little troublemaker, charming, compassionate, and brave. And because of all that and so much more, she found herself utterly and irrevocably in love with this woman, and now it was too late to stop it. She couldn't, not anymore, and even if they hadn't yet talked about it, she was fairly sure that Kara felt the same, but she would go back home soon, to another universe. What would she do then?
"I do."
Kara beamed.
"Did you enjoy your morning?" Diana asked, gently scrubbing Kara's cheeks with the wet cloth, forcing the forlorn thoughts about Kara's imminent departure away.
"I did! It was so cool! The forging and the shaping and then quenching! And the blade is hard! It's not pretty and I still need to sharpen it and polish it, and then I have to think of a cool handle for it. I mean, I would have to work with wood and I've never done that before, but it's going to be so cool! And Io said I could color the wood if I wanted to or even engrave it. I could engrave the blade too, but I should master forging first. I can't wait to do it again!" Kara gushed out excitedly.
"Gods almighty in Olympus…" Io mumbled, flabbergasted at the blonde's excited outburst, still examining the perfect twin holes on the ground. "You understood all that?"
Kara grinned happily. "She speaks 'Kara' fluently."
Diana laughed softly. "I can see you had fun."
"Yes, I did! And I can see you had fun too," Kara said, smiling.
Diana nodded. "How do you know?"
Kara touched the skin around her eyes with the tip of her finger. "The lines are smoother here than they were before you left, and your smile is brighter. You look lighter."
Diana smiled gently and started cleaning the Kryptonian's hand. She was feeling lighter than earlier, but that was not all because of her intensive workout with her Sisters. "Maybe it's you who makes me feel lighter," the whispered words tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop them. Keeping her attention on her task, Diana held her breath, not daring to look at the Kryptonian.
Kara's breath hitched softly. "Is it?"
Diana glanced down shyly. Unwilling to resist the want in those eager blue eyes, Diana kissed her. "Yes," she smiled, "but practice helped too." What are you going to do when she leaves, Princess, mm?
"I'm glad I make you feel like that," Kara whispered, the smile on her lips becoming shy and Diana found herself responding to it, forgetting for a moment that they were not alone.
"Love nymphs, it's time for food. Let's get moving before the great demon hunter gets hungrier and makes me spend all of my ill-gained betting drachmas."
Diana watched with fascination as Kara's steel-blue eyes seemed to slowly refocus, almost as if the Kryptonian was as lost in their smile as she was.
"Did she just call me a great demon hunter?" Kara asked, frowning.
"She did," Diana finished cleaning up her other hand. "That means you have bragging rights."
The sound of Kara's smug little chuckle reached her ears and the Amazon's heart clenched with unexpected emotion, the smile on her lips faltering. I don't want you to go…
##
Diana shook her head at the sight before her, amused. Kara was perched on the edge of her seat, munching on a large butter cookie as she watched her Sister's practice with the warhorses down below. Her injured leg was stretched over a low stool and every now and then, whenever one of her Sisters did a particularly difficult stunt, she would squirm in her seat, her free hand closing in an excited fist.
She was hoping that after a hearty lunch at Paete's, Kara would settle in the comfy benches from where they could see the horses practice and nap for a bit, and she almost had, but then the horse riders started with the battle formations and Kara was hooked. Distera, the horse master who had invited Kara at lunch to watch the horse practice, was aiming to impress their visitor. So much for getting her stubborn Kryptonian to rest for a bit.
"I think she might move to the island soon," Io commented offhandedly.
Diana's heart jumped in her chest at the thought of it. "Why do you say that?" she asked, willing her voice to sound casual.
Io spared her a knowing smirk. "She loves everything here. I wouldn't be surprised."
Diana dared a glance in Kara's direction, but the blonde was so engrossed in the show her Sisters were providing for her, that she wasn't paying attention to any of what they were saying.
"She has her life back home, Io. A job, her sister, her mother, and her friends. She wouldn't leave that to come here."
She could feel Io's brown eyes burning in the back of her head. She knew her friend wanted to say something, but thankfully, her always blunt friend chose to keep it to herself this time.
"I'm sure she'll visit often, then. Besides, if she's that excited about Distera's stunts, she's going to love the games."
"Games?" Kara quipped suddenly while rummaging inside the basket by her side, coming up with a honey cake. The blonde blinked at the sweet treat in her hand but put it back inside, rummaging again.
"And what's wrong with that cake?"
"Nothing's wrong with it, but it's the last one and it's your favorite," Kara said with a soft smile, snatching another butter cookie from inside the basket.
Silly thing, Kara was just being thoughtful, so why did it feel like her heart was melting inside?
"Either she moves here, or you move to wherever it is she lives at," Io grumbled under her breath.
Diana ignored her friend. "It's your favorite too. We can share."
Kara's eyes lit up. "Really? You don't mind?"
Diana shook her head with a smile and watched with amusement as Kara abandoned the butter cookie and took the honey cake from the basket, breaking it in two perfect halves.
"We can get more on our way to the palace."
"You're the best!" Kara grinned happily, biting into her half. "Can I watch the games?"
"You can't."
The words sounded loud and clear before Diana could even open her mouth to answer. Her head whipped around so fast, she didn't even register the crestfallen look on the blonde's face until later.
"What the Hades, Io?" Diana growled, her voice sounding harsh and threatening. What in the gods' name did she think she was doing?
Io raised both hands in defense, her brown eyes wide with innocence. "I didn't mean it like that. She can't watch the games if she's going to participate in them. She is your Champion."
Diana closed her eyes in annoyance, exasperated at her friend.
"Participate in the games?" Kara squeaked, nearly choking on her last bite of the honey cake. "B—but I know nothing about the games! I—"
"Then you have to come back more often to practice and learn the rules," Io said, leaning back on her bench, a smug little smile on her lips.
"Oh!" Kara looked relieved, hunting for her discarded cookie inside the basket. "That could work."
"You're welcome…" Io mouthed to Diana with a smug look on her face when the Princess glanced her way.
Diana rolled her eyes at her friend's antics.
"And when are the next games? How long do I have to prepare?"
Io's lips curled up in a wicked smile. "That would be Fall, in three moons from now."
Kara turned sharply so she could face the Princess, a look of panic in her blue eyes. "Three moons?"
"You can watch the Fall games, Kara, see how it works, and if you feel ready, you can join the solstice games for practice. They have fewer games then and your training can be more specific for those. Sounds good?"
Kara nodded, clearly relieved. "Sounds great. Can I bring Alex to watch the Fall games?"
Diana smiled lovingly at the once again excited Kryptonian. "Of course you can, Kara, you know that. Io here can't wait to meet her."
Kara leaned against the warrior and stretched her neck to steal a kiss. "Not sure that's wise. Maybe you can ship Io to the World of Man when Alex visits."
The dark-haired woman grinned and wrapped her long arms around the Kryptonian, her dark eyes crinkling with amusement.
"Hey! Your sister will love me!"
"That's what I'm worried about…" Kara grumbled, nibbling on her cookie. "It's going to be Hades, I just know it."
"Eh!" Io chortled, amused. "You're fun to have around."
Kara narrowed her eyes. "Are you sure about that?"
Io nodded, smirking. "Absolutely. Except when you make me pay for your lunch. That gets costly."
"Serves you right, Io, for cheating," Diana shifted so that Kara's upper body could fully rest on her chest. Wrapping her arms around the blonde's lean waist as Kara rested her head on the crook of her neck, the warrior kissed her temple and they both exhaled in contentment.
Io huffed. "It was worth the try. Didn't think you would figure it out."
"You'll get along just fine with my sister." Kara pointed her half-eaten cookie at the Weapon's Master.
"The Pinky Killer?" Io chuckled at the pained look on Kara's face. "And why is that?"
"You're always betting on me!"
"I like her already. Wonder if she'll share tips…"
Kara groaned dejectedly. "She will either kill me for being the Pinky Killer or join forces with her to torment me. I don't think I'll ever bring Alex here…"
Chuckling, Diana gave her an affectionate kiss on the head. "You will and you know it."
"Yeah…"
Patting her belly reassuringly, she asked, "Want to go check on Argo when they're done?"
Kara's eyes lit up. "Can we?"
Diana kissed Kara's forehead, slowly nodding. Focusing on the show her Sisters were providing for them, she dreamily wondered if the future would allow them more moments like this. Gods, I hope so. I want you in my life forever. Closing her eyes, Diana inhaled the fresh, minty scent of the blonde's hair, allowing herself to let go of her fears and doubts and just let her feelings for Kara run free, if only for an instant. She knew trouble lurked ahead, she could feel it in her gut, but right now, she just wanted to enjoy this soothing feeling of peace only Kara could give her.
##
Erson slowly circled the foul creature, glad it was still in deep slumber. The stench of sulfur and decay had gradually lessened, but even her fearless servants kept their distance from it. That made her smile. Her loyal servants didn't fear much, but no matter. The hideous creature was a servant, a weapon, just like them, and it was time to use it.
"Wake it up."
"As you command, Mistress."
##
Kara limped inside the empty building, a tiny smile playing her lips as she remembered holding onto Diana's arm, pressing against her for support while they made their way down to the stables to visit Argo and Chiron. The mare had been part of that day's practice and Kara wanted to reward and spoil her with lots of apples for doing such a good job on the field. That and to bribe the horse to take it easy on her once she started learning battle formations on horseback. Gosh, she had so much to learn from these fierce women.
Seeing Argo on her usual spot, Kara made a beeline for her, stopping at the stall next to Argo's to greet Chiron
"Hello, big boy!" Kara scratched the dark stallion's nose and kissed it. "I saw you today. You made your Princess proud!" The tall horse nickered and sniffed her hand, deciding then that her fingers were appropriate for nibbling. "Hey, I'm not lunch! Here." Kara reached inside a bucket and removed a carrot that she broke in half to feed it to the stallion. "Diana will be back soon, so no more carrots for you until she gets here."
Chiron shook his head, his dark mane flying everywhere.
Kara patted his head gently. "She won't take long, I promise. Distera wanted to have a word with her. They probably miss having your mommy around."
Argo whined and Chiron snorted.
"Great, they're talking about me…" Kara grumbled, shuffling closer to the golden mare. "Hey, girl!" the blonde kissed the mare's nose affectionately. "You did such a good job today! I was so proud of you! Are you going to teach me all that?"
Argo snorted and nudged her chest gently, almost as if being careful about her wounds.
"Yeah, yeah, I see you only like me because I feed you lots of apples when no one is watching," Kara complained, looking inside the bucket for fresh apples.
A long, warm, and sticky tongue wrapped around her wrist in a horsy kiss. Chuckling, the blonde took out an apple and fed it to the mare. "Well, maybe you like me a little more than that. Either that or you're tricking me to feed you more apples."
Argo munched on her treat happily.
"I feel you're tricking me with those pretty big eyes…" Kara gave her a suspicious glare. Then, something was pulling on her hair and she spun around, taking her hand to her hair protectively. "Chiron! Do you know how long it takes me to get my hair done in the morning?" The stallion looked unfazed and nickered again. "Like one minute! Do you know how long that is in Supergirl time?"
Chiron snorted and nudged her hand. Kara sighed dramatically.
"I'm being bullied into feeding you…"
It was the sudden tail swishing and teeth grinding from both horses that alerted her before the mocking voice made itself known.
"Horses are to be owned and commanded, Champion, not pampered."
"You…" Kara growled, turning around sharply to face Imkeh. "What are you doing here?"
Imkeh raised a blonde eyebrow, her dark blue eyes mocking. "Same as you, Champion, checking on our mounts after their workout." The northern warrior strolled lazily towards Argo's stall. "Unfortunately, that's all they do, workout. Like all of us. There's no real challenge in that."
Argo lifted her head and kept it high, all the while keeping her eye on Imkeh, her teeth still bearing and grinding. Chiron was just as skittish.
"You've got it wrong, Senator. Horses are magnificent creatures that should be loved and cherished." Kara stepped in front of Argo protectively, her hands balling into fists by her sides.
"So naïve…" Imkeh replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "And what happened to your leg? You're limping."
Kara narrowed her eyes, her fists closing and opening slowly. She really didn't like this person and if she kept pushing it, she was going to punch her. "None of your business." Hard.
Imkeh chuckled. "Ah, that's right, you fought this supposed demon. How could I forget? Fought it and lived to tell, and no one can find it now. Amazing." Imkeh stepped closer and Argo reared in the stall.
"Stay away from Argo. You're making her nervous."
"That's because it's not a properly trained horse, then." Imkeh kept on advancing towards the stall, but her cold eyes were set on Kara. "Give me a few candle marks with her and problem solved. No need to thank me."
"I said," Kara's eyes flashed bright red, "stay away from her!"
##
Diana came to a halt at the sound of her name and watched Kara for a moment, as the Kryptonian shuffled slightly towards the stables. Turning her head at the sound of jogging, she smiled at her friend of old.
"Kara loved it, but no, she's not yet fit to practice with you guys, so please don't ask her just yet or she's going to drag herself out there and I'm going to have to do something about it."
A tall strawberry blond with honey-colored eyes stopped by her side, grinning. "We won't, I promise. We're on duty tonight, at the southern wall and I was wondering if you and Kara would like to join us for dinner there, like in the old days."
The Princess smiled, relieved. Kara would love that, especially if they had tales to tell, which they always did. "Sure, we'll be there after sundown."
"Usha will be there too." Distera grinned.
Diana rolled her eyes. "If anyone challenges Kara to climb down that wall, I'm throwing them over!"
Distera chuckled, amused. "I'll talk to the girls."
"Good."
"By the way," Distera's smile dropped and she touched the Princess' arm to get her attention, her honey-colored eyes focused on the stables. "I just saw Imkeh sneak around the stables. You might wanna go check in there."
Diana was moving before Distera was able to finish.
##
Imkeh stopped immediately and took a step back at the sight of those fiery red eyes, her hand flying to the handle of her sword. "What are you?" She couldn't conceal the fear from showing in her voice.
"Your worst nightmare if you don't back off!" Kara growled. There was no way she was getting anywhere near Argo or Chiron. She was tired of this woman.
The sharp pain exploding from her abdomen wound came so unexpectedly, Kara dropped to her knees with a heavy thud. A loud gasp of pain escaped her lips and she held onto to her middle with both hands, her eyes closing tightly against the intense throbbing.
##
A piercing screech reverberated in the dark, cold chamber, maleficent fiery eyes opening wide.
TBC
Notes:
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