4 months later…

"Are you sure that you can manage this tonight?" Lois asked Diana, eyeing the brunette with a small amount of suspicion.

"I don't have a choice," Diana sighed. "This conference is important to my mother, and since she is unable to attend, it falls to me to represent Themiscyra."

"You know I am talking about Audrey. As Princess of Kasnia, she will be in attendance. The European Union is something she wants her country to be a part of. She will be making the rounds trying to drum up support for her cause. Are you prepared to see her so soon?"

"Lois, I will be fine. I am able to do this tonight. More than likely she will avoid me anyways. She really does not need the support of our island to reach her goals. Besides, I think I will have other issues to worry about."

Lois cocked her eyebrow, "Like what?"

"The fact that I am going to have to stomach Shayera and John being there too. They will be the League representatives tonight."

"You and Shayera still not getting along?"

"No, we never really have. I think we have just come to the understanding that we are team mates and must tolerate each other's existences because of it." Diana laughed, "God, how many people will I have to avoid tonight, or greet with mock civility?"

Lois smiled, "I think you will figure it out. Are there other Amazons that will be in attendance with you?"

Diana nodded, "One. My mother requested that I take Alindra with me. She is the equivalent of a military advisor to Hippolyta. She feels it would be beneficial for her to gain a little more worldly experience, which is tricky considering that the Amazon nation stays sheltered on our island. I think she wants to bring the Amazon nation out more, but she still clings to the old traditions. I am not sure what the point is really."

"Maybe your mother knows that you might need support tonight."

Diana nodded, "Maybe, but I am not sure how Alindra fits that bill at all. Besides, you will be there. And I don't know how I would have gotten through the last few months without you."

Lois hugged the Amazon, and the affection was readily returned. "Don't think about it. Really, you are my rock just as much as I have been yours. I trust you to keep Clark safe, well, as safe as possible. Besides, if you think about it, you and I well suited to be friends. And that is how I think of you Diana."

"What you are saying is that there is no one else stubborn enough to be friends with us."

"Pretty much. To hell with those people though."

Diana chuckled. "True, making friends is not necessarily our strong suit."

Lois rolled her eyes, "Which is clearly their issue, as I am sure it has nothing to do with any deficiency on our part." Diana and Lois were two peas in a pod. Neither woman would budge on much, although in Lois' case, she had learned to give some where Clark was concerned. But for the most part, she was uncompromising when it came to what she believed in. And then there was the fact that she wasn't always able to contain her mouth in private circumstances…just like Diana. It was a trait that she valued in her friend. She was going to get the truth, and it would almost never be sugar coated. It wasn't that they were insensitive, they just were blunt. It was not something many felt would be an endearing quality. But it was one of the things that she valued about Diana, and vice versa. Their friendship had developed over Diana's heartbreak, something that Clark had been ill-prepared to deal with. But Lois recognized immediately that Diana needed a friend, and had offered her ear in place of her boyfriend's. They quickly bonded, and now they were as close as two people could be in such a short time.

"Well, make sure you wear something stunning. After all if the night ends in disaster, you will at least look good while it goes to hell."

Diana laughed, "How incredibly shallow."

Lois smirked, "Not really. At the very least you will know that you felt good about some part of the evening."

"I'll keep that in mind. See you later?"

"Yes you will. The Daily Planet is sending Clark and me to cover the event. Keep in mind that your friends are never far."

"I will. Thanks Lois."

Later that evening, Diana was sitting at the table that had been assigned to her. She had settled on a simple black dress to wear to the event. It was subtle, and tasteful, and nothing like what Alindra had chosen to don. The blonde Amazon had gone with something far more traditional to wear and thus was garnering smiles and stares from many of the men in attendance. She was wrapped in a white and gold dress that accentuated her chest and flowed lightly to her ankles.

"Why do they keep staring at me?" she asked Diana.

"You stick out. Don't worry about it. Most of them have never seen another Amazon other than me. They are just curious, that's all."

"Hmmph…" came the response.

"Easy Alindra. No more reactions like you had earlier."

"What was inappropriate about that?"

"He merely asked you to dance. A simple no would have been sufficient."

"I said no."

Diana chuckled, "True, but only after you insulted his intelligence for even thinking to ask."

"I merely pointed out that I would rather dance with a Minotaur than be lead around by…a…"

"Man. I get it. But life out here is very different. Besides you should have at least tried it. It isn't some horrible experience."

Alindra looked at Diana like she was an alien. She shook her head and scowled. Just as Diana was about to speak further on the matter, she saw Audrey walk up to the podium at the front of the room. She had managed successfully to avoid her former lover, but there was no getting away at this moment. Diana's heart betrayed her mind, as it began to race with excitement at the thought of just hearing the woman speak.

"Ladies, and gentlemen of the European Union, I am grateful to have been allowed to speak to you on behalf of Kasnia. As you are all aware, it is my sincerest wish that my country be allowed into this prestigious group. Changes are coming in Kasnia at a rapid pace, and we are ready to begin to step out into the forefront of world issues in a more positive way. We have begun to revamp our government with the full support of the people. As many of you are aware, the civil war that once ravaged our nation has ended. We are concentrating on bringing the two sides together and have demonstrated that peace is the ultimate goal of both sides. In fact, those who were once considered enemies are now working together to ensure a prosperous future for our nation. Our goal is to rebuild, but it is also to nurture those qualities that have separated us in other areas. While Kasnia is already known as a leader in technology, we have not always been forthcoming with our developments. That will change. We are ready to share with our friends of not only the European community, but with other citizens of the world. I am happy to announce that our borders have been opened to those who were denied before. And while I understand that we have not shown great stability in the past, we certainly aim to rectify that from here on out. I understand that there are members of the press here, and we are going to answer any questions you may have about what we are currently doing. There will be no more secrets where we are concerned anymore."

Diana inwardly cringed at the last statement. And although Audrey had not looked in her direction, she knew it had been for her.

"I am willing to take some questions now, but would ask that we keep the session brief so that other members may simply enjoy the party. Kasnia will entertain all interview requests afterwards. We really wish to demonstrate that we are ready to join the European Union."

Slowly, a few people of the press stood to ask questions.

"Lois Lane, Daily Planet. Tell me Princess Audrey, why do you think a recently war torn nation is ready so fast to join the Union?"

"A good question," came the beginning of the response. "We are asking that you not simply believe what we say, but to come and see for yourself. The people's needs are paramount above all else. And both sides of the conflict are working together to make sure that happens. Rebuilding has been a strong focus, but so has the development of our industries. We have created new jobs; offered assistance where needed, and have spent many hours to make sure that everyone has a voice as we proceed forward."

"So if the people wanted a democracy?" came another question from somewhere else in the room.

"Then we will open-heartedly explore that option. I am hopeful that they will be content with the way the current structure is functioning, but if not, we must be ready to accept what the people want."

Another voice crept out of the crowd. "No one can deny that you have emerged as an effective leader, putting an end to the civil strife, but there are still questions about your ability to lead. Given the rumors that swirl about you and your personal life, some may ask how such a young woman can effectively rule a country that was so recently on the precipice of ruination."

Audrey smiled. "I am glad that you are not pulling any punches. Let me first address the rumors about my propensity to have fun versus concentrating on ruling my nation. I realize that I am young, but being in the middle of many situations has opened my eyes of what being a ruler means. I assure you that my sole focus is to make sure Kasnia emerges out of its' recent past into the forefront of the world. And while my private life is open to speculation, I recognize that is part of the responsibility I have to shoulder to lead. That being said, there is someone I would like to introduce to you."

She gestured to her left, and a tall, dark haired man emerged from the side of the podium.

"As many of you know, this is General Leonid. He is a former leader of the rival faction within Kasnia. He and I have spent these past few months working towards negotiating peace. In that time, we have built a relationship based on mutual respect and affection. A few days ago, we were married."

Gasps emerged from the crowded room. Lois looked in Diana's direction. The Amazon sat back in her seat, shock registered on her face.

A/N: Shayera is around the corner, for those who want to know...But what do you think about Audrey's news? Thanks to all that review...cheshire and anonymous, I cannot respond to you directly since you don't sign in, but know that I appreciate the time you to take to review. And thanks to ltlconf who edits, suggests, compromises, and makes me laugh!