Diana felt physically nauseous as Audrey continued.
"I realize that it was a short time for a courtship, but we both felt an instant connection, and thanks to the General, the civil war in Kasnia has come to a halt. We have worked hard through negotiations, and are pleased with the outstanding progress that has been made."
A voice from somewhere in the back of the room questioned, "So there was no validity to the rumors that you were in a relationship with Wonder Woman?"
Audrey paused and drew in a deep breath. "None. Wonder Woman addressed this on multiple occasions with the press in the past. She told you that answer then, and it has not changed. Wonder Woman was a friend and nothing more."
"Was?" came another voice.
"Unfortunately our lives have taken us in different directions. My focus has been and will continue to be Kasnia. Wonder Woman serves with the Justice League which takes her to many different places. She is still considered a friend whether we see each other or not. Now might I suggest that we enjoy the festivities? Any member of the press who wishes a more private interview will be more than welcome to speak to myself or my husband tonight, or arrangements can be made to meet with you in our country. Thank you."
Diana fought the tears that threatened to fall. She knew she could hardly cause a scene in such a public place, but the water works were dangerously close to erupting. She stood up slowly and excused herself from the table. From another table, Shayera watched the whole event unfold. She leaned over to John and whispered, "Go find Lois, and tell her Diana just got up and walked out. She doesn't look good. I am going to try and talk to her." As she stood up, she noticed that a photographer was trailing slightly behind Diana. "Leeches…" she mumbled. Shayera followed the photographer, careful not to draw attention. When she finally reached the door he entered she saw Diana across the room sitting in a chair bawling. The photographer had stayed hidden in a corner and was taking pictures. Shayera felt her anger rise. Immediately she walked over to where he was and snatched his camera out of his hands. She opened up the side panel and removed the SD card. The photographer watched in horror as she snapped it in her hands.
"You know who I am?" Shayera sneered.
"I-I do."
"Good. Then you know I am the loose cannon of the group. I trust that I don't have to say much more than that?" She leaned into his personal space pushing her finger into his nose.
"No, you certainly don't."
"Glad to hear it. Because it will be very bad for you if I hear a peep about this situation." Shayera looked down at his press pass. "Bill Richards, New York Times. I can find you if need be."
"There will be no need. Please, I was just leaving."
"Good." Shayera watched the man half jog, half stumble out of the room panic stricken.
Shayera nodded her head in disgust and crossed the room to where Diana was sitting. The Amazon was slumped in her seat, crying into her hands. Hesitantly, Shayera reached out with her hand and placed it casually on her teammate's shoulder. "Diana," she whispered.
But Diana didn't answer. She continued to sob openly in front of the redhead.
"Diana, I don't know what to say to you. Are you okay? That was a stupid question, huh?"
Diana looked up at Shayera and smiled slightly. "Thanks."
"You're welcome. What can I do?"
"Nothing. I will pull myself together." Diana sniffled, and then began crying again.
Shayera stood there while the dark haired woman continued to expose her emotions. The Thanagarian had no idea how to comfort a woman who she had barely spoken five words to in months. They didn't really even like each other, but Shayera felt her heart ache for Diana. There were going to be other times to be rude to each other, but this was not one of them. Shayera knelt down in front of Diana and reached out slowly to hug the other woman. But just as she was about to lock Diana into an embrace, John entered the room with Lois. Shayera instantly stood as Lois rushed to her friend's side.
"Thanks Shayera. I will take it from here." Lois whispered.
Shayera nodded her head, and responded. "We will be just outside the door if she needs something." The redhead squeezed Diana's shoulder and walked silently away with John in tow.
"I feel so stupid." Diana mumbled. "These last few months I have been agonizing over our relationship, and clearly it meant very little to her."
"You don't know that."
Diana railed, "It was obvious tonight!"
"I'm sorry. I am not defending her. It was sudden, which makes me think that this was a political move. I don't think she loves him. But I do think he serves a higher purpose, which was to bring peace to Kasnia."
"I feel sick."
"I know." Lois drew Diana into an embrace. "See, I was right. At least you look good, even if you don't feel it."
Diana looked up at Lois who was smiling, trying desperately to lighten the mood.
"Thanks, that made me feel SO much better."
"I do what I can."
"Give me a few minutes to compose myself and then I will quietly leave this place."
"What about Alindra?"
"Gods, I forgot about her. She is probably insulting someone as we speak. I really need to tell my mother to keep her on the island."
Lois chuckled at Diana who was slowly straightening up.
Diana sighed, "These parties…"
"Suck."
"All that vocabulary available to you and that is what you come up with?"
"It suited the situation."
Diana nodded and leaned back into Lois' embrace.
Outside the door, Shayera stood with John, holding his hand.
"I feel bad for her. Clearly she is upset."
John looked at Shayera, "Feeling something other than disgust for Diana? Mark this day on the calendar."
"Seriously, John, I can't say I like her, but no one should have to feel that low."
"I agree, but she is not likely to open up to you or me."
Shayera sighed, "I know. How weird would that be anyways? Can you see Diana and me as friends?"
John lightly chuckled. "No. I can't. But that is because you are both pig-headed women."
"I prefer the term un-wavering."
John rolled his eyes. "Because that sounds so much better than what I said."
"Sshhh…" Shayera chided as someone walked past them in the hall. Once the person had passed, Shayera continued. "She never seemed remotely human to me until tonight. I always thought she was some freakish ice queen."
John smiled, "Should I be worried? You suddenly developing feelings for Diana?"
Shayera slugged John in his arm. "How ridiculous." But silently in her mind, Shayera knew she would never look at Diana the same way again.
A/N: The next chapter will bring us forward to the present, set immediately after the events of Shayera Hol, Queen of the Amazons. In the meantime, what did you think? Thank you to everyone who submits reviews. They are most appreciated! For he he, here was Diana's reaction...and Shayera's to a degree. Did you like it? For Cheshire...you think Audrey was cold? Hmmm...perhaps, but I think that she grew up a little here too. Diana rejected her first to the press on more than one occasion, and even the most level headed person would have issue with that. Love is tricky...if Audrey was totally vindicative she would have spilled the beans. I can't speak for other readers, but I personally feel bad for her. And finally for anonymous, Nope, Diana is not a cheater. (At least to this point.) *wink* And she may not be in the future, but she will be tested. All of them will. As for your assessment that Audrey still loves Diana, I think you are spot on...but I will reveal her reasoning to you with regards to her feelings very soon. Maybe you will agree, maybe not, but I hope you continue to let me know what you think. Once again, if you sign in I will respond personally. Happy reading...