Kapitel 51: The Princess’s Decision [51]

Diana's POV

My mother had asked to be alone with Clark to speak with him. Antiope and I waited outside the throne room. Every second felt like an eternity. I was tense, my heart racing as I wondered what might happen between my mother and that man who had invaded our island and, in some way, my mind over the past few hours.

What if he provoked her? What if something got out of control? These thoughts crossed my mind, making me want to go in and interrupt everything. But I knew my mother wouldn't approve.

As we waited, Antiope was by my side, her gaze serious and attentive, yet she said nothing. She knew it was not the time to speak, only to watch and be prepared to act if necessary.

Then I heard my mother's firm voice calling me. "Diana, come in."

I entered the throne room quickly. My mother was alone, seated on her throne, her expression as serious as ever. My eyes quickly scanned the room, looking for Clark, but he wasn't there.

A deep concern filled me. "Mother, what happened to Clark? Did you send him away?"

Hippolyta looked at me, her expression firm but with a hint of weariness. "Clark mentioned he had somewhere to go. He flew out through the window."

I felt a tightening in my chest, a mix of relief and worry. Without thinking much, I turned and ran out of the palace. I needed to find him. I needed to know where he was and what he was doing.

My mother still had something to say, but she chose to let me go. Perhaps she knew I wouldn't listen, not at that moment.

I ran through the palace and down Themyscira's stairways until I reached a cliff that offered a broad view of the sea surrounding the island. The wind whipped against my face as I looked toward the horizon.

That's when I saw him—Clark, flying above the enemy boats and planes approaching the island. He was destroying them one by one, without hesitation.

Boom!

The explosions echoed over the ocean, and the sky was tinged with smoke and flames. I stood there, watching, my heart tight as I tried to understand what was happening. Clark was defending the island, but the way he did it was brutal, relentless.

All I could think about was Ares and how he must be influencing men.

This kind of destruction and brutality didn't seem like something Clark would do out of simple necessity. I knew he was protecting us, but something about the scene made me uneasy.

After Clark finished destroying the planes and boats, he came toward me.

End of Diana's POV

....

Clark approached Diana, his expression still carrying traces of the tension he had shown moments before. He looked into her eyes and smiled slightly, trying to ease the heavy atmosphere between them.

"Hey, princess. I guess I just showed you a violent side of me," said Clark, his voice a bit softer than Diana expected after all that had happened.

Diana remained silent for a moment, observing Clark. She wasn't as concerned with the brutality he had shown; she knew it wasn't personal. She felt there was something greater behind it all, perhaps even the influence of Ares, the god of war. She took a step forward, trying not to seem hesitant.

"This is Ares's doing. He's influencing men, causing destruction and chaos," Diana said, her voice filled with conviction. "You're not responsible for this, Clark. The violence you showed was necessary to protect us."

"Even without Ares's influence, men and women can be violent," Clark replied, his voice calm. "But that doesn't matter now. There's a war going on, and I have to be part of it."

Diana noticed the determined look in Clark's eyes, as if he was about to leave. She felt a tightening in her chest, realizing he planned to leave her behind. But that wasn't right. She had trained her whole life to protect the innocent, and she couldn't simply stay while the world was at war. Diana knew this was her fight too.

She stepped forward, holding Clark's arm.

"Wait," she said, her voice firm and determined. "I'm going with you. I can't stay here while the world outside is at war. This is my responsibility too."

Clark looked at Diana, surprised. He saw the conviction in her eyes and knew she wouldn't change her mind. He nodded slowly but added a caution.

"Diana, do you understand what this means? We should speak to your mother and let her know, but as far as I know, if you come with me, you'll be banished. Are you ready for that?" Clark asked, his voice filled with concern.

Diana took a deep breath, thinking of the consequences. Being banished from Themyscira meant never being able to return home, never seeing her mother or sisters again. But the world needed her, and she couldn't hide while innocents suffered. This was the right decision, even if it was painful.

"I'm ready," Diana said, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "My place is now beside those who need me, beside you if necessary."

Clark nodded, respecting her decision. He knew how hard it was for Diana to make this choice, but he also knew there was no other way.

Clark looked at Diana with a slight smile and then lifted her into his arms. Diana didn't resist, letting herself be wrapped in Clark's strong arms. In an instant, he took off, carrying her toward the palace. The wind beat against them as Clark flew over the trees and the imposing structures of Themyscira, moving with precision and care.

When they reached the palace, Clark chose one of the open windows and, with gentleness, passed through it, landing with Diana in his arms. He set her down carefully, and Diana took a step forward, preparing to speak with her mother.

Hippolyta watched as Diana approached, with Clark standing behind, keeping a respectful distance.

"Mother, I need to speak with you," Diana began, her voice firm but filled with emotion. "I need to leave the island. The world of men is at war, and Ares is behind it. It's my duty to fight him and protect the innocent."

Hippolyta narrowed her eyes, shifting her gaze from Diana to Clark. She looked at him with clear distrust and disapproval. "So that's it… he's influenced you? This man who invaded our land and planted these ideas in your mind?"

Clark raised his hand in an apologetic gesture, trying to ease the tension. "With all due respect, Queen Hippolyta, I'm not here to divide. Diana made this decision on her own."

Hippolyta rose from her throne, her posture rigid and authoritative. "Diana, you know what it means to leave Themyscira. If you go, you cannot return. You'll be banished forever. I forbid you from following this path. Our duty is to protect this island, not get involved in men's wars."

Diana felt a tightness in her chest but refused to yield. "Mother, I've trained my whole life to protect the innocent. I can't ignore the suffering outside. I can't hide while the world needs me."

Hippolyta remained firm, her expression resolute. "I will not change my mind, Diana. Themyscira is your home, and your responsibility is to your people. There's no place for you in the world of men."

Diana looked at her mother, her eyes teary but unwavering. "I love you, Mother. And I love my home. But my duty now is greater than this island. I need to do what's right."

Hippolyta was silent for a moment, her expression as hard as stone. Then, she looked away, suppressing the pain on her face. "If that's your choice, then go. But know that you're leaving everything behind."

Hippolyta turned her attention to Clark, her gaze filled with determination. "And as for you, man? You're not welcome here. You'll be expelled from the island immediately."

Clark didn't seem surprised but only smiled slightly, almost amused. "I understand, Queen Hippolyta. I know my presence here is an affront to many of you. I'm ready to leave."

Hippolyta narrowed her eyes. "If necessary, we will use all the Amazons to ensure you leave. We're prepared to fight if needed."

Clark chuckled softly, shaking his head. "With all respect, I could defeat all of you, but that's not why I'm here. I don't want to fight you. I only want to do what's right." He looked at Diana, his smile softening. "And that means taking Diana with me, if she wants to come."

Diana approached Clark, holding his hand and looking at her mother one last time. "Goodbye, Mother. I promise I will use everything I've learned here to protect the innocent."

Hippolyta did not respond, only turning her face away, avoiding Diana's gaze. Clark then held her firmly, and in the blink of an eye, he lifted her, and the two left the palace, flying out through the window.

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