Diana never breathed a word to her mother of her suspicions concerning the reason Drusilla might have taken off. She felt that if Drusilla wanted to explain herself when this was all over, then she could. Maybe it would afford Dru the opportunity to open up about her feelings and share a little with their mother the things she has been dealing with lately. With all the other things going on right now, Diana definitely didn't want that burden as well.

As she was preparing to leave she mentally reminded herself to check in with Dale just as soon as she landed. She had not been gone quite as long as he was expecting, so she felt justified in taking a few more ‘personal days' to sort this business out.

Diana suddenly froze where she stood realizing how quickly her whole frame of mind had switched gears, so to speak. Just yesterday, she was dreading having to go before the Queen to plead her case and now... Suddenly things had happened that were beyond both her and her mother's control, leaving her with no choice than to return. And already she was concerning herself with checking in at the office and explaining things... She sighed, not sure whether to be happy and relieved this had happened or disappointed that she hadn't won the argument on her own merit.

Queen Hippolyte had been very quick to agree with Ona that it was probably best to send Diana to look for Drusilla. After all, who had better knowledge of the outside world than she did? But she understood the Queen was just anxious that her younger and less experienced daughter be found and this in no way changed her feelings about Diana returning to man's world for good.

What could Dru have been thinking? If this had been done for her sake, she would certainly be appreciative of the self-sacrificing gesture. But at the same time, she couldn't help feel a little angry with her sister for attempting something so dangerous. There were too many things that could happen... She didn't want to think about all the things that could happen.

More than likely, Dru would have gone to LA and hopefully would be able to locate Diana's house. Maybe she would be able to get in somehow like she had before and would have the good sense to stay put until Diana could get there. Diana recalled how desperately worried she had been when Dru had gone missing when General Blankenship had been kidnapped.

The world was a very different place now.

Of course, that was something she would also not mention to the Queen.

Diana looked around her and smiled, her eyes falling here and there over familiar objects and treasures. But the smile quickly faded when suddenly they didn't seem so familiar at all. It was almost as if she were looking at items that were never really hers, but belonged to someone else. Someone whom she had been watching for many years now as one would watch an actor in a movie. It was a strange feeling and Diana was overcome by a surge of emotion. She knew for a certainty that she could not go through again, what she had over this past week. And that could only mean one thing...

Princess Diana walked to the center of the room and gracefully extended her arms. She turned slightly counter-clockwise and then back again and the room became engulfed in a blinding explosion around her.

Wonder Woman checked her belt and tiara, took one last look around the room and went to say her goodbyes...

"I guess I knew that I couldn't very well keep you here against your wishes, daughter. You may even see your sister's foolishness as an act of providence. Nevertheless, my hand has been forced yet again and I have to face the fact that this might be the last time I lay eyes on you. But there are some things I would like you to know before you leave, things that have gone unsaid over this very..." she searched for the proper words.

"...strained week. Your sister intimated the details of your conversation a couple of days ago and she confessed to me how she felt. Not only about her own situation but also how she felt about yours. She genuinely feels that your place is in the United States and if that meant her having to accept the responsibilities intended for you, she would gladly do so. But I was very unyielding, I'm afraid and I think that might be the reason she has done what she has. Or maybe this is her one last act as a child before she accepts her womanhood completely. I do not know. But this I do know, Diana..."

Queen Hippolyte's voice quivered.

"I am very proud of you. And while I may not fully understand the attraction you have to that other world, I am willing to try to understand your motives. Most importantly I would never want you to feel that could not come home. I was very wrong to have issued such an ultimatum."

Diana's eyes moistened and she once again discovered the depth of her mother's love and compassion.