The group stood outside of the lodge. Dane was tugging persistently at Shayera's hand. "Please, angel, fly!"
Shayera scooped him up and he instantly relaxed in her arms. She smiled as she asked, "Ready for a quick trip little man?"
Dane bounced in her arms, and squealed. Shayera laughed, "I guess that is a yes." She turned her attention to the rest of the group. "We ready?"
The other women nodded, and Alindra, Diana, and Shayera took off into the air. Di walked over to Audrey and stood next to her. "I guess that leaves me to carry you. I'm going to pick you up now, okay?"
Audrey gazed at the Amazon's face. It was unreadable. She nodded her assent, and Di slowly leaned over and wrapped one arm around the Queen's waist, and the other gently lifted her legs into the cradle position. Audrey tentatively placed her arms around Di's neck. Slowly, Di floated into the air, and then picked up speed to keep close to the others that had already left. After a few moments in the air, Audrey leaned into Di's ear.
"You were going to kiss me."
Di kept her eyes forward. "You were going to let me."
"I was."
"Was there a question somewhere in there?"
"I don't know."
Di sighed, "Look, Diana was right. You have a lot going on right now. You don't need me to complicate things. I do have a lot of baggage."
"So do I. If you hadn't noticed, I have a husband in intensive care, a country at war, a country by the way, that is conservative in its' views being that the majority are Orthodox. I used to have a bit of a reputation as well as a flighty, self-absorbed, party girl. Scandal seems to find me. And let's not forget the madman trying to kill me."
"I am no stranger to scandal. I came from a world that the League ruled with an iron fist. I am still trying to reacclimatize to this one. As far as your would-be assassin, he will be dealt with shortly. You have some very determined allies your Majesty."
"Seeing as how we are going to be stuck with each other for a while, you should at least call me Audrey. I would like to be your friend."
"You called me a bully."
"I did. But I think I might be seeing another side of you now. Are you going to hold that against me?"
"No. Truth be told, it was an accurate description. The sooner I come to terms with my past, the sooner I can work to atone for it."
"Can I ask you something? And if it is none of my business, I will understand."
"What is it?"
"Did you mean what you said earlier about Shayera?"
Di laughed. "Yes. The Shayera I knew from my world was my teammate only. Frankly, she is annoying. And this one doesn't seem to be any different. I can assure you that there is definitely no attraction to her. Feel better?"
Audrey blushed, "I know I shouldn't say yes, but that is what my honest answer would be."
"It's my turn now. Why didn't you and Diana work out?"
Audrey closed her eyes. "She never wanted to go public with our relationship. There were several occasions that when she was asked about us, she denied the allegations that we were a couple. After a while, it caused a large strain. She said that she wanted to keep me safe from anyone that might have it out for her. Diana was worried that I would get caught in the crossfires. I saw things differently. I wanted more. She couldn't give it to me. So I told her to leave and never to come back to Kasnia."
"Yet, you leant aide to the Amazons."
"I did. Being an Amazon is important to Diana, and her sisters are her family. Given that Kasnian scientists were working on reproduction technology, I thought it was something that I could give to her. But, I didn't want it to be known, so I spoke to Hippolyta directly, with the request that she not tell Diana right away, if ever."
"But secretly, did you want Diana back again?"
"Yes, I can't lie. I did for a very long time. I hoped she would eventually come back to me. But, I know that will not happen. I know how happy Shayera makes her. Diana married her, and that type of commitment would not be lightly made by the Diana I knew. And then her mother took their relationship public. That was the death blow, but I knew somewhere deep down before that moment that Diana and I were never going to be together again. I would like to be her friend, and will need to work on gaining Shayera's trust. I am grateful that they both have come to aide Kasnia."
"You kissed Diana recently though."
"I did. I wish I could take it back. It was impulsive and stupid."
"Is that how you would describe almost kissing me?"
Audrey smiled, "Impulsive, yes. Stupid remains to be seen."
Di laughed once again. "It probably will be."
"Will be?"
"I am going to kiss you Audrey."
Audrey blushed again. "When?"
"When I am satisfied that you will know exactly who you would be kissing. I mean no disrespect by that, but I will not play second fiddle to anyone. Especially to a woman who is and isn't anything like me. I am not the diplomat that Diana is. It was never my role. My personality lends itself more to my fists, than to carefully constructing words."
"You seem to be doing fine to me. Are you saying that you are more of a caveman?"
"Man? No." Di chuckled.
Audrey playfully teased, "You know what I meant."
"I did. But I don't need you to be confused. There is plenty ahead of you without me adding to the mess."
"You're a beautiful mess though."
"And, you, Queen Audrey, are breath taking. We, if there ever is one, will not have the same issues that you and Diana did. I would not hesitate to tell anyone who asked that we were together. Nor would I hesitate to punish those who would threaten you either. I think that you have more important things to focus on though. We will have time to see what is between us. I am not going anywhere anytime soon."
"Good. And I know that you are correct. I need to see to the end of the NKFR, and I need to make things right for Dmitri and Illiana."
"How are you going to do that?"
"I haven't figured that out. But I do not want to be trapped in a loveless marriage. Dmitri is a good man, and has paid a high price for being my ally. He should be able to be with whomever he wants to openly. I will have to figure out how to do it without creating a scandal. It will be difficult. Divorce is not widely accepted in my country either."
"Well, when we get you back, we will need to start interrogating your advisors. Have you given any thought to what you will do to the traitors?"
"Several. All very graphic thoughts. Mercy is on short supply in my mind."
"Just don't get carried away. There are consequences to everything." The last part of the sentence was barely uttered.
"I promise to think everything through. That is the best I can give you."
"Then it will have to do."
"You know what I know?"
"What's that?"
"I'll give it a week before you are kissing me."
Di looked at the petite blonde she was holding in her arms. She winked, "You are forward. I like that. I can be too. Especially when it is something that I want."
"Did you just admit that you want me?"
Di opened her mouth to reply, but then laughed. She turned her attention forward again. Shayera was barrel rolling with Dane in the air. The small child had a permanent smile on his face. Flying had become his new favorite thing to do.
Once the group settled into the palace, Di and Audrey went down to the infirmary. They found Illiana sitting next to Dmitri's bedside, holding his hand. There were several IV lines in his arm, and the heart monitor was beeping with a strong, steady rhythm. The moment she heard someone enter the room, she stood, letting the hand go. Relief flooded her face when she saw the Queen. She instantly kneeled, and stated, "Your Majesty. We are all very grateful that you are alive and well. And Dane too. General Leonid sustained serious injuries, but the doctors think he will pull through."
The blonde intelligence officer backed away from the bed.
Audrey crossed the room and grabbed the other woman. She hugged her tightly, and whispered, "Illiana, thank you for staying with him. I know what he means to you. I swear that he will be avenged. All of our people will."
Illiana stood still for a moment, shocked at the affection she was being given. She tentatively returned the hug. "Your Majesty, I don't know what to say."
"Then don't say anything. Not now. It is not the time. I bear no ill will towards either of you. You have always served Kasnia loyally. But we need to speak about this and other matters. For now, I need you to listen. Diana and her generals believe that we have a traitor, maybe more than one, amidst us. I cannot further risk my family and their safety. I am going to ask that you submit to some questioning."
Illiana looked at Di, and stepped back from the Queen. "I understand. I will tell you whatever I can. I have been sitting here thinking the same thing. Where would you like me to report to?"
Di stepped forward. "We can do this here. Are you ready?"
Illiana nodded.
Di removed a lasso from her hip. "This belongs to Wonder Woman. Anyone tied in it is forced to tell the truth. I will ask you questions once we have placed it on you."
Illiana walked up to Di, rolled her sleeve up, and stuck her hand out. "Please, ask me anything. I am no traitor."
Di slipped the lasso around the woman's wrist, and began, "Do you have any knowledge of any traitor within the Queen's ranks?"
"No."
"Do you bear the Queen or her family any ill will?"
"No."
"Even though you love her husband?"
"No. I love Dmitri, but wish the Queen no harm."
"Is there any reason we should not trust you implicitly?"
"No. None."
Di looked at Audrey, "I think that covers it. Was there something you wanted to ask?"
Audrey nodded, "If Dmitri was not married to me, would you two be together openly?"
"Yes, only if you were alright with the idea."
"Explain."
"Dmitri and I love each other. At first, when he pursued me, I turned him down. I have a duty to both you and Kasnia. But he told me about your arrangement. It still was not enough to persuade me to start any type of relationship. Eventually, he won me over. But we promised each other that our affair would stay hidden, even if meant that we could never do more than steal moments to be together. I realize that my actions do not reflect it, but I would never willingly bring shame to you or your reign. My duty comes first. I hope that I could eventually have an open relationship, but it will not be without your blessing."
Audrey turned to Di. "Remove the lasso. I want to talk to her privately."
Di removed the lasso, but made no move to leave. "I am not leaving you here alone."
"Inspect the room if it will make you feel better, and stay by the door outside. Illiana is no threat to me. And no one could enter the room without going through you first. I am safe here with her."
Di thought about the situation for a moment, then nodded. She quickly swept the room, and then left, positioning herself directly next to the door.
Illiana bowed her head, "I am sorry your Majesty. I know I have no right to ask you for forgiveness, but I ask for it anyways."
Audrey drew in a deep breath. "I knew about you the moment Dmitri found himself attracted to you. You have been most discrete, and I appreciate that. It is my intention to leave him when all this is over. I have not figured out how to gracefully, without creating a commotion amongst the press and the people. But there is no one better than me to realize how painful it is to not be able to openly love who you want to. I am asking you for a little more time. I will see to it that you are able to hold hands in public if you want to. I know Dmitri loves you. You will make him very happy, more so than you already have."
Illiana stammered, "I-I don't know what to say."
"You will continue to do your duty to me and to this country. We have a mole to find, and I expect the head of my Intelligence Bureau to assist in that hunt. You are going to be responsible for seeing to Dmitri's safety while he recovers as well. Once this is over, we will talk about how to proceed with the other matters."
"Of course. I will begin immediately questioning people."
"No. I do not want to openly stir the pot. We will need to practice discretion. Coordinate your efforts with Di. She is now assigned to me as a personal protector. Between you two, and the other Amazons, we need to figure this out quickly. I will need to address the country soon, and would feel better if we knew more."
"I will do as you command."
Audrey nodded, and turned to Dmitri. She walked to his bedside and leaned over his head. She placed a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Wake up soon. I miss my friend."
She turned and walked out of the room, leaving Illiana feeling surprised, but relieved. Illiana returned to Dmitri's side. "We could be together soon. Openly. And maybe we could give Dane a brother or sister. But you have to get better. I promise I will come see you soon. I have things that need attending to now. I love you." The Intelligence Officer left the room to start making arrangements for mole hunting.
A/N:Time to find a traitor...amongst other things...sorry for the slight delay. I am trying to give you at least one chapter a week. Please say something encouraging, inspiring, threatening...I am in serious need of a swift kick in the (bleep).