Disclaimer: You guys know the drill. I don't own anything except the plot.
Author's Note: Just read the chapter already!
--
Kara immediately pulled away, picked up the hem of her dress and ran. She ran fast and hard, paying no heed to the direction she was going in. She let her sobs flow freely, the hot tears burning her face. She just needed to get away.
"Wait!" Green Arrow called out to her. He mounted his horse and took off in her direction.
"Kara!" he called as he caught up to her. She kept on running until the Green Arrow cut her off.
"Please," she sobbed. "Let me go!" she cried. He got off the horse and put his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to make eye contact with him. She looked down, ashamed. The Green Arrow stripped the mask off of his eyes, revealing his face.
"Your Highness?" Kara asked shakily, racked between sobs.
"It's okay, Kara. Please stop crying," he hugged her.
"You're the Green Arrow?" Kara asked incredulously, still confused. Her weeping died down as he explained everything to her.
"I wanted to be able to take care of my people in a whole new way," he finished.
"I have to get home," Kara said. "Forgive me, Your Highness," she curtsied.
"Kara, I'm the Green Arrow right now, not the king," he smirked. "Do you need a ride home?" Before waiting for her reply, he picked her up, bridal style and put her on the horse. Oliver reapplied his mask and took off towards Sir Samuel's bungalow.
When they arrived, Martha was waiting for Kara at the fence. "I'm glad you're okay," Martha hugged her after she dismounted. Kara turned towards the Green Arrow.
"Hey, how did you know I lived-" Kara stopped abruptly as she realized that the Green Arrow had already taken off.
"Was that the Green Arrow?" Martha asked Kara, who was unusually happy. Kara nodded.
"I've got to get to work, Mother," Kara said as she noticed that the sun had already rose. Kara gave her mom a hug and walked into town. Samuel, Lois, Chloe and Clark walked outside.
"We were looking for you, Martha," Samuel told her. "I heard that all of you didn't get to bed until morning."
"There were important matters at hand," Martha smiled. She turned to Lois and Clark. "So, are you two going to wed?"
At this comment Lois and Clark turned away. Clark ran his hand through his hair and Lois chuckled nervously.
--
On her way to the castle, Kara stopped at the market to pick up some food and hear the daily news. By the time she started her apple, a page walked through, opened his scroll and started speaking.
"The daily news by royal decree of King Oliver the Kind," he blew his trumpet. "Star Kingdom is officially in the state of war with neighboring kingdom Metropolis. King Oliver the Kind declared war in the morning. King Bruce of Gotham is visiting our great kingdom, but at this point it is unknown if he has come to offer military aid,"
Kara's eyes widened with excitement as she hurried to the castle.
--
"Diana," Bruce started. The duo had just arrived at the city. When Bruce heard that Star City is at war, he left the caravan from Gotham in the outskirts of the kingdom, because he didn't want to attract attention to them. Bruce and Diana wore peasant clothing over their own, because they passed though the city market on the way to the castle. When they entered Queen Manor, they removed the peasant garments and requested the presence of King Oliver.
"It is time," Bruce led her through the corridor that opened into King Oliver's throne room.
"I am more than capable of leading myself, thank you," Diana walked in front of him and into the throne room.
"Well, well. If it isn't King Bruce and…" Oliver motioned towards Diana.
"Diana," she finished for him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," he kissed her hand and shook Bruce's. "To what do I owe the presence of your visit, Bruce?"
"Business," Bruce stated in his stoic way.
"Ah," Oliver nodded. "Do tell."
Bruce and Diana took turns explaining the alliance that they wanted Star Kingdom to join. Once they completed, Oliver shook his head.
"I'm disappointed that this wasn't a social call. But, this seems like a very good idea. I'd be happy to join. On one condition, of course,"
"Very well," Diana started. "State your terms."
"Both of you must stay in my castle for a week. We can catch up on old times, Bruce. And…new ones, Diana," Oliver laughed.
"That's hardly a condition, Ollie. We'd happy to stay," Bruce accepted.
"Wonderful! Take a seat, we can get started now!" Oliver said excitedly. "Tell me, how is Selina?"
"I wouldn't know," Bruce replied. "I've been avoiding her since we met."
"Who is Selina?" Diana asked curiously.
"Just his betrothed," Oliver pointed to Bruce. "So, is there is a change in plans?"
"Meaning?" Diana asked border-line angry.
"Aren't you two getting wed? If you're traveling together, then that's probably what everyone else is expecting," Oliver pointed out. Diana nearly leaped out of her chair to strangle Oliver, but Bruce stopped her.
"Diana isn't a maiden from my kingdom, Ollie. She's the-"
"I am more than capable of introducing myself," she said calmly. "I am Princess Diana of Themiscyra."
Oliver chuckled. "I always thought that it was myth-"
A very, very, old woman burst through the doors. Her thinning hair was gray, she had wrinkles upon her wrinkles and was leaning on a cane.
"Your Highness," she bowed with difficulty. Her raspy voice continued. "I know the heirs of Krypton."
Oliver laughed, Bruce looked hopeful while Diana looked confused. "Krypton?" she asked.
Bruce cleared his throat. "Krypton was the most powerful and prosperous kingdom in the land, twenty years ago. An epidemic called the Green Death and a civil war tore the kingdom apart, killing off the ruling family, the House of El. Many other Kryptonians died after that. The remaining citizens are ruled by corrupt nobles and the kingdom has fallen apart, beyond repair. The two heirs, a young boy named Kal-El, the child of King Jor-El and Queen Lara and a new-born girl, Kara Zor-El, daughter of the King's brother, Zor-El were thought to be saved from the peril that killed their parents. For twenty years, many have searched for the long lost rulers of kingdom, but none have succeeded. I took it upon myself to induct Krypton as the last kingdom in the alliance, but only after the rightful heirs sit upon the Kryptonian throne," he finished.
"I know the story of Krypton's downfall," she smirked. "But I thought it was a myth."
"Touché," Oliver replied.
"Let the Old Mother finish. What if she really knows about the heirs?" Diana commanded eagerly. Oliver and Bruce shrugged as the woman continued.
"I was the Queen's most trusted servant," she started.
Flashback
"Your Highness," the servant bowed. Queen Lara called upon her servant desperately. The castle was under attack, cannon balls were flying everywhere. It was no place for two young children.
"Eyla, I need you to leave the kingdom and never come back," Queen Lara commanded. The humble servant nodded. "Take Kal and Kara to the Kingdom of Metropolis, where they'll be safe."
She handed the newborn girl who was wrapped in a white blanket and her son, Kal who was clinging to a similar white blanket, to Eyla. "I need you to take them to a farming couple, by the name of Jonathan and Martha of Kent. Go, now!"
The Queen rushed off, in a daze to save more people. Eyla took the children outside and put Kara in a basket, which she attached to her horse. Then, she put Kal in front of her as she mounted the steed.
"Where are we going? Where is Mommy?" Kal cried. Eyla shushed him and rode off. When she arrived at Metropolis, Eyla immediately went to the market for food. After she fed herself, she found the abode of the Kents. Both of the children had fallen asleep by the time she got to the Kents' house. Eyla knocked the door.
"Yes?" Jonathan asked curtly as he answered the door.
"Take these children," Eyla hurried.
"Excuse me?"
"Wow! What beautiful kids," Martha gushed as she walked behind Jonathan.
"The children aren't safe! You have to care for them!"
"What are their names?" Martha asked.
"The girl is Kara and the boy is Cal..Kla..Clar-"
"Clark?"
"Maybe, but it doesn't matter!" Eyla stuffed the children into their hands and ran off. But not before rubbing her horse and mumbling softly.
"Forgive me, Lara," she left, leaving the kids and horse in the Kents' care.
End of Flashback
"Do you remember who you gave the children to?" Bruce asked.
"If I did, I would have told you!" she snapped.
"Old Mother," Diana calmed her down. "What do you remember?"
"The Queen gives me the children. Those spoiled kids wouldn't let go of their rags called blankets! I give them to a nice couple in Metropolis and I leave," Eyla finished.
"You're excused," Oliver dismissed her. After she left, he started again. "All we have to do is find two people from Metropolis who own those blankets."
"That's a foolproof plan. Except if the children moved or got rid of the blankets, that is if they're still alive," Diana said sarcastically.
"It's what we have, let's work on it!" Bruce stopped their bickering.
--
"Wed?" Samuel asked. "What a fine young boy, Lo! I couldn't have chosen better myself!"
"What?!" Lois exclaimed.
"I have to go fight for my Kingdom and I would love nothing more than to see my daughter engaged before I leave," Samuel smiled towards her.
"So it's settled? I can have Lois's hand in marriage?" Clark asked hopefully.
"WHAT?" Lois screamed. "You wanted to get married to me?"
"I thought you felt the same way," Clark replied sadly, somewhat hurt.
"I-I…I can't decide my life partner in a minute!" Lois cried.
"You sure are lucky, Lo," Chloe told her. Chloe left the group and headed towards her work. Lois sighed.
"Look, Clark- can you just give me some time?" Lois pleaded. Clark's face brightened.
"Take as long as you need," Clark turned towards the fields. "Some things are worth waiting for."
--
Kara was unsure about coming to work today. Sure, she just figured out that the two guys she was in love with were the same person, but she'd still have to face the music, or in this case, King Oliver.
Kara was sweeping the ballroom, at least it was better than mopping the vomit off of the floor.
"Kara," King Oliver walked up to her from behind and put his hands around her waist. "I have some guests tonight and we're going to have a feast," he whispered to her. Kara froze with shock. After she regained feeling, she gave a harsh whisper.
"Your Highness, are you insane? Someone could see you!" Kara shrieked softly.
"I'm working on being able to marry you," Oliver started to trail kisses along her neck. "Don't call me 'Your Highness', I have a name, you know."
Lady Dinah was walking along the halls, looking for her ladies in waiting. She stumbled into the ballroom and saw the King in an intimate position with the servant he liked. He was standing behind her, his arms were draped around her waist and his head resting on her shoulder.
This is the FINAL straw! I will get that bitch! Dinah thought angrily.
"King Oliver, please. Don't do this, you can't marry me!" Kara pushed him away. "Don't you have your friend, King Bruce and his betrothed to entertain?"
"Princess Diana isn't betrothed to him. I thought so too," Oliver told her.
"Your Highness," Dinah called from behind him. Kara paled. Oliver let go of her and turned toward Dinah.
"Yes?"
"You're late for Royal Court," Dinah said coldly.
--
"Why were we all called here?" Sir Bart asked. "I have better things to do than to sit around and talk about some old laws with some older people!"
"Dinah?" Oliver looked at her expectantly.
"We all know that I'm the King's betrothed-"
"Correction, if I don't find a wife before I turn 25, then you're my betrothed," Oliver corrected.
"Can we cut to the chase? I need some water," Sir Arthur said.
"The point is that your king is being seduced by some filthy servant!"
"Objection!" Oliver exclaimed. "I can be with who ever I want!"
"Sir Victor, care to check the rules?" Dinah said confidently. Victor looked for the clause that Dinah was referring to. He cleared his throat.
"Ahem- The King must wed a royal. If he chooses not to, then the majority of the Royal Court must approve of the woman the king so aches to have," Victor finished.
"Kara was the one who warned me about King Lex. She is incredibly beautiful, brave and would a fine Queen," Oliver said proudly.
Dinah smiled a crooked smile. "That servant is a criminal who was sentenced to death before she fled Metropolis. In order to spare her life, she is spying for King Lex!"
"Objection!" Oliver's voice was rising. "I am the king and I can do what I wish!"
The collection of nobles in the court disagreed. After discussing it long and hard, they came to a verdict.
Sir Roy, a young man King Oliver thought of as a son announced the Court's decision. "The Royal Court of Star Kingdom has come to the conclusion that King Oliver will be better off without the peasant Kara."
Oliver looked like he was about to cry. His sadness quickly turned to fury and he stomped out of the room. Fortunately, for the sake of the Court, he didn't see Lady Dinah's malicious smile.
--
In the evening, Oliver did not attend the ball. Instead, he had left the castle, clad in his Green Arrow garb. He needed time to think and the castle was in good hands- the hands of King Bruce and Princess Diana.
King Bruce had just entered the ballroom. He was looking forward to this evening. He had spent so long working, all he wanted was a break. He was staring intently at the gathering of women by the punch. They all turned towards the staircase and left, disgusted. Bruce was naturally curious on what they had seen, so he turned towards the direction the women had been looking in.
Diana was walking down the giant, marble, spiral staircase. She wore a red silk with gold highlights dress that flowed to her ankles. She had a golden tiara on her head and her ebony hair down. In one word- she looked gorgeous.
As she stepped down from the stairs, she got many hungry looks from all of the men in the room, including Bruce. Sir Bart walked over to her and asked her dance, she declined. After many other rejections from Diana, men stopped flooding her.
She came towards Bruce. "Punch?" he offered her something to drink.
"Thank You," Diana took it.
"Care to dance?" Bruce asked her.
"No, thank you," Diana turned away and left. Bruce was dumbfounded. No woman, ever, had turned down his charm.
--
"Come on, Lo," Chloe begged. "I'll be fun! And, you can take your mind off of Clark. Please?"
"Fine! If it gets you to stop bugging me! Kara are you coming?" Lois asked. Chloe smiled a toothy grin and dragged Lois upstairs to change.
"No thanks," Kara called from the first floor.
After Lois and Chloe finished getting ready, they left for Queen Manor. Kara finished making dinner and stepped out of the house, with her sword this time.
--
"So," Lois pointed in Bruce's direction. "That guy looks…" Lois stopped when she realized that Chloe had already walked up to him.
"Excuse me," she tapped Bruce on the shoulder. "I couldn't help but notice that you look like the King of Gotham. I'm Chloe, may I have a quick word for the Daily Star?"
Bruce looked like he was contemplating for a while. "I'll give you an interview if you enlighten me with a dance. I'm Bruce," he said suavely.
Chloe blushed and took his hand. Bruce smiled as he led Chloe into a waltz. Bruce turned and made eye contact with Diana. She smiled at him and gave him a thumbs-up. Bruce gave a weak smile back.
--
Kara took a walking path that initiated in the backyard. She stopped to smell a beautiful scent and started looking for it. When Kara turned around, she saw the Green Arrow leaning on a tree, with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
"These are for you," he gave them to her and kissed her sweetly. Kara rested her head on his expansive chest. She sighed.
"Oliver, lately I've felt that I'm in the wrong place. Like I belong somewhere else," Kara told him. Oliver's eyes widened.
"How old are you?" Oliver asked her.
"I'm turning twenty summers in a few weeks. Why?"
"It's nothing that can't wait," Oliver hugged her tight.
Another chappie- OVER! This is the turning point in Bruce's relationship. Let me know what you think- BM/WW or chruce. By the next chappie, it should be evident who he likes. Please tell me what pairing you'd prefer. There will be three more chapters until the story's end, so stay tuned! Thanks to everyone who reads my work, I glad you like it! Please leave a review, they make me feel warm and fuzzy inside!