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The Six of Crows author’s spin on Wonder Woman hits shelves August 29, 2017.
I mean, bless Steve Trevor, but that never really resonated with me.
Taking on Wonder Womans story was daunting.
With my blood is mingled war!
Quintus Smyrnaeus,The Fall of Troy
Chapter 1
You do not enter a race to lose.
When Hippolyta had seen Diana amid the runners clustered on the arena sands, shed displayed no surprise.
On Dianas right, Rani flashed her a radiant smile.
She was always kind, always gracious, and, of course, always victorious.
To Dianas left, Thyra snorted and shook her head.
Shes going to need it.
In a flat-out sprint, she didnt have a chance.
She still hadnt come into the fullness of her Amazon strength.
You will in time, her mother had promised.
But her mother promised a lot of things.
This race was different.
It required strategy, and Diana was ready.
Shed evenwell, she hadnt exactly spied…
Shed gathered intelligence on the other Amazons in the race.
I dont need luck, she told herself.
I have a plan.
She wanted that laurel crown.
It was better than any royal circlet or tiara.
It was something she could earn instead of just be given.
She found Maeves red hair and freckled face in the crowd and grinned, trying to project confidence.
Maeve returned the smile and gestured with both hands as if she were tamping down the air.
She mouthed the words, Steady on.
Diana rolled her eyes but nodded and tried to slow her breathing.
She had a bad habit of coming out too fast and wasting her speed too early.
Take it easy, Pyxis, Tek murmured to Diana as she passed.
Wouldnt want to see you crack.
Diana heard Thyra snort again, but she refused to flinch at the nickname.
You wont be smirking when Im on the victors podium, she promised.
None of that would matter when she won.
Tek addressed the athletes gathered on the arena sands.
In whose honor do you compete?
For the glory of the Amazons, they replied in unison.
For the glory of our queen.
Diana felt her heart beat harder.
Shed never said the words before, not as a competitor.
To whom do we give praise each day?
Hera, they chorused.
Athena, Demeter, Hestia, Aphrodite, Artemis.
The goddesses who had created Themyscira and gifted it to Hippolyta as a place of refuge.
Tek raised a blood-red flag identical to those that would be waiting for the runners in Bana-Mighdall.
May the island guide you to just victory, she shouted.
She dropped the red silk.
The runners surged toward the eastern arch.
Like that, the race had begun.
Then they were on the road, sprinting off across the island, each runner choosing her own course.
But Diana had plotted her way well.
An hour after she entered the woods, she burst from the trees onto the deserted coast road.
The wind lifted her hair, and salt spray lashed her face.
She breathed deep, checked the position of the sun.
She was going to winnot just place but win.
It was a good place to be alone.
The island seeks to yo, her mother had told her.
Her mother had not been issuing a general warning.
Dianas losses meant something different, and they both knew itand not just because she was a princess.
Diana could almost feel Teks knowing gaze on her, hear the mocking in her voice.
Take it easy, Pyxis.
That was the nickname Tek had given her.
A little clay pot made to store jewels or a tincture of carmine for pinking the lips.
The name was harmless, meant to tease, always said in loveor so Tek claimed.
All of them had earned their place on Themyscira.
Take it easy, Pyxis.
Wouldnt want to see you crack.
Diana steadied her breathing, kept her pace steady.
Not today, Tek.
This day the laurel belongs to me.
She spared the briefest glance at the horizon, letting the sea breeze cool the sweat on her brow.
Through the mists, she glimpsed the white shape of a ship.
It had come close enough to the boundary that Diana could make out its sails.
The craft was smalla schooner maybe?
She had trouble remembering nautical details.
Mainmast, mizzenmast, a thousand names for sails, and knots for rigging.
Do you ever miss storms?
She was new to the island by Amazon standards, and came from Cork, where storms were common.
No, Maeve had said in her lilting voice.
I miss a good cup of tea, dancing, boysdefinitely not rain.
We dance, Diana protested.
Maeve had just laughed.
You dance differently when you know you wont live forever.
Then shed stretched, freckles like dense clouds of pollen on her white skin.
Diana resisted the urge to speed forward.
But it was easy to feel strong when she was on her own.
A boom sounded over the waves, a hard metallic clap like a door slamming shut.
On the blue horizon, a billowing column of smoke rose, flames licking at its base.
Diana found herself slowing but forced her stride back on pace.
There was nothing she could do for the schooner.
Ships were wrecked upon the rocks.
That was the nature of the mortal world.
It was a place where disaster could happen and often did.
Human life was a tide of suffering, one that never reached the islands shores.
Diana focused her eyes on the path.
Far, far ahead she could see sunlight gleaming gold off the great dome at Bana-Mighdall.
First the red flag, then the laurel crown.
That was the plan.
From somewhere on the wind, she heard a cry.
A gull, she told herself.
A girl, some other voice within her insisted.
A human shout couldnt carry over such a great distance, could it?
There was nothing she could do.
And yet her eyes strayed back to the horizon.
I just want to get a better view, she told herself.
I have plenty of time.
The waters near the shore were calm, clear, vibrant turquoise.
The ocean beyond was something elsewild, deep-well blue, a sea gone almost black.
Even from a distance, she could tell the schooner was sinking.
That was the way of human life.
The salt water changed the wood, hardened it so it did not rot.
Mortals were not the same.
Diana checked the suns position again.
She could be at Bana-Mighdall in forty minutes, maybe less.
She told her legs to move.
Shed only lost a few minutes.
She could make up the time.
Instead, she looked over her shoulder.
There were stories in all the old books about women who made the mistake of looking back.
On the way out of burning cities.
On the way out of hell.
But Diana looked anyway at that ship sinking in the great waves, tilting like a birds broken wing.
She measured the length of the cliff top.
There were jagged rocks at the base.
If she didnt leap with enough momentum, the impact would be ugly.
Still, the fall wouldnt kill her.
Thats true of a real Amazon, she thought.
Is it true for you?
Well, she hoped the fall wouldnt kill her.
Of course, if the fall didnt, her mother would.
Stop stop stop, her mind clamored.
Even if there were survivors, she could do nothing for them.
She wasnt sure why she didnt obey.
Diana and Maeve liked to swim out from the southern beaches, daring themselves to go farther, farther.
Once theyd glimpsed a ship passing in the mist, sailors standing at the stern.
One of the men had lifted an arm, pointing in their direction.
Then theyd shut up quick.
Breaking the boundary was a minor infraction.
Being seen by mortals anywhere near the island was cause for serious disciplinary action.
And what Diana was doing now?
Not when that high human cry still rang in her ears.
Diana felt the cold of the water beyond the boundary engulf her fully.
The sea had her now, and it was not friendly.
You have to fight it, she realized, forcing her muscles to correct her course.
Shed never had to work against the ocean.
It was nearly impossible to see through the falling rain and the mists that shrouded the island.
What am I doing out here?
Ships come and go.
Human lives are lost.
She dove again, peered through the rushing gray waters, but saw no one.
Diana surfaced, her own stupidity carving a growing ache in her gut.
Shed sacrificed the race.
Instead, shed thrown away her lead, and for what?
There was nothing here but destruction.
Then it was gone.
Another wave rose, a great gray mountain.
A girlshe lifted her head, gasped for breath, dark eyes wild with fear.
A wave crashed over her in a spray of white water.
The chunk of hull surfaced.
The girl was gone.
Diana aimed for the place shed seen the girl go under.
A ghosts face loomed out at her from the cloudy watergolden hair, blue gaze wide and lifeless.
Shed never seen a corpse up close before.
Shed never seen a boy up close before.
If she drifted out much farther, she might not be able to find her way back.
Once more, she told herself.
She dove, the chill of the water fastening tight around her bones now, burrowing deeper.
Her eyes were closed.
Diana grabbed her around the waist and launched them toward the surface.
Therebeneath the jaw, thready, indistinct, but there.
Though the girl wasnt breathing, her heart still beat.
The rules were clear.
There were no exceptions.
No human could be brought to Themyscira, even if it meant saving a life.
Breaking that rule meant only one thing: exile.
The word was a stone, unwanted ballast, the weight unbearable.
The world seemed too large, the sea too deep.
It was that simple.
She would be light again, free of this burden.
She felt the ragged rhythm of the girls pulse, a distant drumalive, alive.
She swam for shore.
Warmth flooded her body.
The calm water felt oddly lifeless after the thrashing of the sea, but Diana wasnt about to complain.
She was eerily light, almost insubstantial.
It was like holding a sparrows body between her cupped hands.
Diana laid her gently on the sand and checked her pulse again.
It was also possible she hadnt paid close attention at the time.
How likely was it that an Amazon was going to drown, especially in the calm waters off Themyscira?
And now her daydreaming might cost this girl her life.
Do something, she told herself, trying to think past her panic.
She locked her hands together and pressed.
The girls bones bent beneath her palms.
Hurriedly, Diana drew back.
What was this girl made of, anyway?
Gently, she pressed down again, then again.
She shut the girls nose with her fingers, closed her mouth over cooling mortal lips, and breathed.
Suddenly, the girl was coughing, her body convulsing as she spat up salt water.
Diana sat back on her knees and released a short laugh.
The girl was alive.
The reality of what shed just dared struck her.
All the hounds of Hades: Shed done it.
The girl was alive.
And trying to sit up.
Here, Diana said, bracing the girls back with her arm.
Mortals were clearly too good at drowning.
The girl clutched her chest, taking huge, sputtering gulps of air.
The others, she gasped.
Her eyes were so wide Diana could see white ringing her irises all the way around.
She was trembling, but Diana wasnt sure if it was because she was cold or going into shock.
We have to help them
Diana shook her head.
If there had been any other signs of life in the wreck, she hadnt seen them.
Besides, time passed more quickly in the mortal world.
Theyre gone, said Diana, then wished shed chosen her words more carefully.
The girls mouth opened, closed.
Her body was shaking so hard Diana thought it might break apart.
That couldnt actually happen, could it?
Diana scanned the cliffs above the beach.
Someone might have seen her swim out.
I need to get you off the beach.
The girl nodded, but her teeth were chattering, and she made no move to stand.
Dianas eyes scoured the cliffs again.
Seriously, I need you to get up.
She didnt look like she was trying.
The girl shivering before her on the sand didnt seem to qualify for inclusion in the Dire Warnings category.
She was clearly too weak to hurt anyone but herself.
Even so, she could be plenty dangerous to Diana.
Better not to think about that.
Instead, she thought back to her classes with Teuta.
Battles are often lost because people dont know which war theyre fighting.
The girl couldnt walk any great distance in her condition.
Maybe that was a good thing, given that Diana had nowhere to take her.
She rested what she hoped was a comforting hand on the girls shoulder.
Listen, I know youre feeling weak, but we should take a stab at get off the beach.
Diana hesitated, then opted for an answer that was technically true if not wholly accurate.
It seemed to do the trick, because the girl nodded.
Diana stood and offered her a hand.
Im fine, the girl said, shoving to her knees and then pushing up to her feet.
Youre stubborn, Diana said with some measure of respect.
I need you to climb on my back.
A crease appeared between the girls brows.
Because I dont think it’s possible for you to make it up the cliffs.
Is there a path?
No, said Diana.
That was definitely a lie.
Instead of arguing, Diana turned her back.
A minute later, she felt a pair of arms around her neck.
The girl hopped on and Diana reached back to take hold of her thighs and hitch her into position.
The girls arms clamped around her windpipe.
She loosened her hold.
Diana took off at a jog.
I think Im going to vomit.
Diana scanned her knowledge of mortal bodily functions and immediately smoothed her gait.
Do not do that.
Just dont drop me.
You weigh about as much as a heavy pair of boots.
Diana picked her way through the big boulders wedged against the base of the cliff.
Youre taking me up the side of the cliff?
Are you out of your mind?
Just hold on and try not to strangle me.
This was familiar territory.
There were other caves, lower on the cliff face, but they filled when the tides came in.
Besides, they were too easy to crawl out of if someone got curious.
The girl groaned again.
Almost there, Diana said encouragingly.
Im not opening my eyes.
Probably for the best.
Puke all over you?
Yes, said Diana.
Blessedly, there were no illustrations.
At last, Diana hauled them up into the divot in the rock that marked the caves entrance.
The girl rolled off and heaved a long breath.
Its gleaming black rock sides were perpetually damp with sea spray.
It was just a cave, and remained a cave no matter how hard she wished.
Diana waited for her eyes to adjust, then shuffled farther inside.
She wrapped the blanket around the girls shoulders.
We arent going to the top?
Diana had to get back to the arena.
The girl shook her head.
We need to call the police, search and rescue.
I dont know what happened, the girl said, starting to shake again.
Jasmine and Ray were arguing with Dr. Ellis and then
There was some kind of explosion.
I saw it from shore.
Its my fault, the girl said as tears spilled over her cheeks.
Theyre dead and its my fault.
Dont, Diana said gently, feeling a surge of panic.
It was the storm.
She laid her hand on the girls shoulder.
Alia, the girl said, burying her head in her arms.
Alia, I need to go, but
No!
Dont leave me here.
need to get help.
c’mon, Alia said.
Maybe they can send a helicopter.
There could be survivors.
Ill be back as soon as I can, Diana promised.
She slid the tin box toward the girl.
There are dried peaches and pili seeds and a little fresh water inside.
Dont drink it all at once.
How long will you be gone?
Maybe a few hours.
Ill be back as fast as I can.
Just stay warm and rest.
And dont leave the cave.
Alia looked up at her.
Her eyes were deep brown and heavily lashed, her gaze fearful but steady.
What is this place?
Diana wasnt quite sure how to answer, so all she said was This is my home.
Chapter 2
Should I have tied her up?
But shed need to have answers ready when she returned.
She wouldnt be content to stay in the cave for long.
Diana lengthened her stride.
There was no point to going to Bana-Mighdall to retrieve the flag.
She would return to the arena and make some kind of excuse, but she couldnt think beyond that.
The farther she got from the cliffs, the more foolish her decision seemed.
A cold, prickling fear had coiled just beneath her ribs.
The island had its own rules, its own prohibitions, and there were reasons for all of them.
No weapons were carried except for training and exhibition.
She needed to get Alia back to the mortal world as soon as possible.
Days would pass among the humans while Alia waited in her cave.
Rescue ships might be sent for her lost boat.
The deep bellow of a horn sounded from the Epheseum, and Dianas heart gave a sick thud.
The race was over.
Someone had claimed the laurel crown shed been so sure she would wear today.
I saved a life, she reminded herself, but the thought was hardly comforting.
If anyone found out about Alia, Diana would be sent from her home forever.
Of all the islands rules, the prohibition against outsiders was the most sacred.
Only Amazons who had won the right to a life on Themyscira belonged here.
Athena, Chandraghanta, Pele, Banba.
Goddesses from all over the world, warriors of every nation.
Each Amazon had earned her place on the island.
All but Diana, of course.
That prickling coil tightened in her gut.
Maybe rescuing Alia hadnt been a misstep, but something fixed in Dianas fate.
If she had never really belonged on the island, maybe exile was inevitable.
How exactly was she going to face her mother after this?
Diana passed beneath the arch dedicated to Penthesilea.
She hadnt just lost.
She was the last to return.
The victors were on the podium, and the presentation of the laurels had already begun.
Naturally, Rani had placed first.
Shed been a distance runner in her life as a mortal and as an Amazon.
The worst part was how much Diana liked her.
She was relentlessly humble and kind and had even offered to help Diana train.
Diana wondered if it got tiring being splendid all the time.
Maybe heroes were just like that.
As she made her way toward the dais, she forced herself to smile.
Perhaps if she just acted like the race hadnt mattered, it wouldnt.
Diana stiffened and then hated herself for it because she knew Tek could tell.
Aw, little Pyxis, Tek crooned, you get bogged down in the mud?
A soft hiss rose from the people standing nearby.
They all understood the insult.
Diana had not been forged in battle; she had been sculpted from clay.
Miss me, Tek?
Theres got to be someone else around here for you to judge.
A few chuckles bubbled up from the crowd.
Keep walking, Diana told herself.
Keep your head held high.
The problem was that Tek was a born general.
She sensed weakness and knew exactly where to find the cracks.
Shes cautious around Hippolyta, but eventually youre the one whos going to sit that throne.
Not if Tek has her way, Diana thought.
Dont be cross, Pyxis, said Tek.
Theres always next time.
And the time after that.
As Diana moved through the spectators, she heard Teks allies chiming in.
Maybe theyll move the finish line for the next race, said Otrera.
There are different rules when youre royalty.
Amazing how some people never tire of the same song, isnt it?
she said as she strolled toward the steps that led to the royal loge.
You only learn one dance, I guess you have to keep doing it.
Some of the onlookers nodded approvingly.
After all, what real harm had Tek caused?
Sometimes Diana wished Tek would challenge her outright.
Shed lose, but shed rather take a beating than constantly pretend the taunts and jabs didnt bother her.
It was tiring knowing that every time she faltered, someone would be there to notice.
But that wasnt the worst of it.
At least Tek was honest about what she thought.
And they were right.
Diana was the only Amazon who had been born an Amazon.
Well, shes not going to find out, Diana promised herself.
There has to be a way to get Alia off the island.
Or she could tell the truth.
Face ridicule, a trial if she was lucky, instant exile if she wasnt.
Would Dianas mother speak on her behalf?
Offer some kind of excuse for her daughters failings?
Or just follow the punishment demanded by law?
Diana wasnt sure which would be worse.
She would get a boat somehow.
We must mark time, shed told Diana.
We must work to maintain our connection to the mortal world.
We are not gods.
We must always remember we were born mortal.
Not all of us, Diana had thought but hadnt said at the time.
Sometimes it was as if Hippolyta had forgotten Dianas origins.
Or maybe she just wanted to.
There are different rules when youre royalty.
She opened her arms and embraced Diana briefly.
It was the proper thing to do.
If her mother showed too much warmth, it would be perceived as foolish or inappropriate.
If she treated Diana too coldly, it might be seen as a rejection and could have far-reaching repercussions.
The embrace was as it should be and nothing more, balanced on the swords edge of politics.
So why did it still prick her heart?
Diana knew her role.
She told herself not to fidget, to stop checking the position of the sun in the sky.
She felt sure her mother could tell something was wrong.
Diana could only hope Hippolyta would blame her behavior on the shame of losing the race.
The games would continue through the afternoon, followed by a new play at the amphitheater in the evening.
It was usually her favorite, but her gut was too full of worry.
Besides, what exactly was she going to tell Maeve?
I definitely would have won but I was busy transgressing against divine law.
Proper meat, not this gamey stuff.
No animals were raised for slaughter on the island.
If meat was wanted, then it had to be hunted.
She valued all life.
Tek valued her stomach.
If you cant find meat worth eating, drink more wine.
Tek raised her glass and they clinked cups, then bent their heads together giggling like girls.
Diana had never seen anyone make Hippolyta laugh the way Tek did.
They were prota adelfis, the first of the Amazons on Themyscira, sisters in all but blood.
Tek didnt hate HippolytaDiana was fairly sure she couldnt hate heronly what shed done when shed created Diana.
Hippolyta had made a life from nothing.
Shed brought a girl into being on Themyscira.
Shed made an Amazon when only the gods could do such a thing.
Once, when Diana was just a child, shed woken in her palace bedroom to hear them arguing.
But the Iolanth Court held no mysteries.
But with Tek, Hippolyta ceased to be the dignified, benevolent queen.
Hippolyta was not laughing now.
She is a child, Tek.
There is nothing dangerous about her.
She is a danger to our very way of life, Tek said.
You know the law.
She isnt an outsider.
Shes a little girl.
She was made of this very islands earth, fashioned by my own hands.
Shes never even been outside.
There are rules, Hippolyta.
You had no right to make that decision for Diana.
She will be raised in a world without conflict.
Shell walk a land in which blood has never been spilled.
Then how will she know to value it?
The gods did not intend this.
They made their laws for a reason, and you have subverted them.
The gods blessed her!
She sat down beside Tek.
Do you think it was my power that gave her life?
You know none of us have magic like that.
Tek took Hippolytas hands in hers.
Hippolyta, Tek said gently, when do the gods give such a gift without exacting a price?
There is always a danger, always a cost, even if we havent seen it yet.
And what would you have me do?
Youve put us in an impossible position.
She belongs to us, Tek.
You made the choice.
Tell yourself what it’s crucial that you, Highness, but well all pay the price.
Instead, it had only gotten worse.
Dianas eyes flicked to the sundial at the center of the feasting grounds.
Alia had been alone in the cave for nearly three hours.
Diana didnt have time to fret over Tek.
She needed to figure out how she was going to get her hands on a boat.
Her eyes were slightly narrowed, her gaze speculative.
Tek saw too much.
It was probably what made her such a great leader.
I cant think of anywhere, Diana said pleasantly.
If I didnt know better, Id think you wanted me to leave.
Now, what would give you that idea?
And sure enough, the musicians began to play and the feast table filled with song and laughter.
She couldnt be the first to leave and risk looking like she was sulking after her loss.
At last, Rani rose from the table and stretched.
Who wants to run to the beach?
Diana took the chance to slip away to the alcove where Maeve was waiting.
Two things I love best about this placethe lack of rain, and the lack of propriety.
Sweet Mother of All Good Things, I thought that meal would never end.
I was seated across from Tek.
No more than usual.
I think she was on good behavior because of mother and Rani.
It is hard to be petty around Rani.
She always makes you feel your time would be better spent improving yourself.
Or emblazoning her profile on a coin.
They passed beneath a colonnade thick with curling grape vines.
Dont start that again.
It was just a question.
Even if by some chance they did, you know your mother would never let you go.
She cant keep me here forever.
Actually, she can.
Shes the queen, remember?
Diana scowled, but Maeve just continued.
Shes going to use any excuse to keep you here, and you gave her a good one today.
She didnt want to lie to Maeve.
She didnt want to lie to anyone.
There were rocks blocking the northern road, said Diana.
Some kind of landslide.
Do you think anyone followed you?
Youre not actually suggesting sabotage.
Tek wouldnt
Wouldnt she?
No, Diana thought but didnt say.
Tek doesnt think she has to sabotage me.
She thinks I can fail all on my own.
And Diana had proven her right.
Hey, Maeve said, giving Dianas shoulders a squeeze.
There will be other races, and
Maeve seized Dianas arm.
Her eyes rolled back and she swayed on her feet.
Maeve crumpled to her knees.
Diana curled an arm around her waist, supporting her.
Her friends skin felt wrong.
It was too hot to the touch.
I dont know, Maeve panted, then bent double, releasing a low howl of pain.
Diana felt it a second later, the echo of Maeves suffering.
All Amazons were connected by blood, even Diana through her mother.
When one felt pain, they all shared it.
Women were already running toward them, Tek at the lead.
Tek asked, helping Diana raise Maeve to her feet.
Nothing, said Diana, panic rising.
We were just talking and she
Hells hounds, swore Tek.
Shes burning up with fever.
Diana shook her head.
She has no wounds.
Could it be something she ate?
Maeve, were you foraging today?
Did you eat anything in the woods?
Maeve shook her head.
Her body convulsed on a thready sob.
Lets get her to her bed and have a go at cool her body down, said Tek.
Fetch water, ice from the kitchens.
Thyra, go get Yijun.
She has experience as a field medic.
Well take Maeve to the palace dormitory.
Maeve lives in the Caminus now, said Diana.
Diana had visited Maeves new lodgings just the other day.
If this is a contagion, I want it isolated.
The dormitory is empty and easy to quarantine.
said Otrera in horror.
Go, commanded Tek.
When she found Maeve and Tek in the dormitory, Maeve was huddled beneath a thin sheet, quivering.
Diana set the pitcher down and stared helplessly at her friend.
Its a fever, Tek said grimly.
This couldnt be happening.
Amazons dont get sick.
Well, she is, snapped Tek.
Thyra raced into the room, her golden hair flying.
The medic is coming, but two more alarms were raised in town.
Were they at the feast?
I dont know, but
Suddenly the whole room seemed to shift.
The walls shook and the floor heaved like a beast waking from a deep sleep.
The pitcher of ice tipped and shattered on the tiles.
Thyra slammed into the wall, and Diana had to grab the doorjamb to keep from falling.
The shaking stopped as quickly as it had started.
Teks expression was bleak.
I need to find the queen, said Tek.
Wait for the medic.
She strode from the room, boots crunching over shards of pitcher and ice.
Diana unfolded a blanket and tucked it around Maeve.
She brushed the red hair back from her friends face.
Maeves skin was too white beneath her freckles, and her eyes moved restlessly beneath her pale lids.
These words did not belong on Themyscira.
What if theyd come with Alia?
What if Diana had brought this language of affliction to her people?
No mortal was to set foot on Themyscira.
The law was clear.
In Amazon history, only two women had dared to violate it.
What can we say of her suffering, except that it was brief?
Diana had shuddered at the shrug in those words.
But now it was Evandres other words that she recalled with a terrible feeling of recognition.
The earth shook and the winds howled, so angered was the island, so angered were the gods.
Diana squeezed Maeves hand.
Ill be back, she whispered.
She hurried out the door and ran across the columned court that connected the dormitory to the palace.
she called, jogging to catch up with her.
As Tek turned, another tremor struck.
Diana careened into a column, her shoulder striking the stone painfully.
Tek barely checked her stride.
Tek, whats causing this?
Something is out of balance.
Tek strode into the upper rooms of the royal quarters without hesitation.
Hippolyta was at the long table, consulting with one of her runners, a fleet-footed girl named Sabaa.
Hippolyta looked up as they entered.
I know, Tek, she said.
I sent for a runner as soon as the first earthquake hit.
She folded the message shed penned, then sealed it with red wax, marking it with her ring.
Get to Bana-Mighdall as fast as you could, but be cautious.
Something is wrong on the island.
The runner vanished down the stairs.
There have been at least three reports of illness, said Tek.
Are you sure thats what it is?
I saw one of the victims myself.
Maeve, Diana added.
It may be striking the younger Amazons first, said Hippolyta.
Not all of them, muttered Tek, casting a sidelong look at Diana.
But Hippolytas gaze was focused on the eastern sea.
She sighed and said, Well have to consult the Oracle.
There would be no hiding then.
Tek nodded, a look of resignation on her face.
Visiting the Oracle was no small decision.
Ill light the signal fires to gather the Council, Tek said and was gone without another word.
It was all happening too quickly.
Diana followed Hippolyta into her chambers.
Mother
If they ride hard, the Council should be here within the hour, said Hippolyta.
The armor was purely ornamental, the throw in of thing worn for affairs of state.
Or emergency Council meetings.
Help me bind my hair?
Diana summoned her courage.
She needed to tell her mother about Alia.
She couldnt let her go into a Council meeting without that knowledge.
Maybe it isnt Alia.
It could be a disturbance in the World of Man.
But Diana did not really believe that.
When the Council consulted the Oracle, Alia would be discovered and Diana would be exiled.
Her mother would look weak, indulgent.
Mother, today, during the race
Hippolyta met Dianas eyes in the mirror and clasped her hand.
Well talk about it later.
But there is no shame in the loss.
That wasnt remotely true, but Diana said, Its not that.
Hippolyta set two more amethysts in her ears.
Diana, you cannot afford more losses like that.
I didnt think you would win
You didnt?
Diana hated the hurt that spread through her, the surprise she couldnt keep from her voice.
You are not yet as strong as the others or as experienced.
I hoped you might place or at least
Or at least not humiliate you?
Hippolyta lifted a brow.
It takes more than the loss of a little race to bring low a queen, Diana.
I was ready, Diana said stubbornly.
Hippolytas look was so gentle, so loving, and so full of pity that Diana wanted to scream.
The results speak for themselves.
Your time will come.
Not if she was never given the opportunity.
Not if even her mother didnt think she could win a damned footrace.
Mother, Diana tried again.
But Hippolyta was sweeping out of her chambers.
Lamplight sparked off the gold in her armor.
She squared her shoulders, set her jaw.
Diana might not be queen, but the Council members werent the only ones who could petition the Oracle.
I am a princess of Themyscira, she told the girl in the mirror.
Ill find my own answers.
