Chains of Paradise

Chapter Two: The Queen's Favor

Kal's days blended into an exhausting routine of labor and training. Since his meeting with Queen Hippolyta, the expectations placed on him had only intensified. The Amazons were relentless, constantly testing his strength, stamina, and resilience. Each day left Kal's muscles aching from the physical demands, his body screaming for rest. Yet no matter how fatigued he was, Kal could not afford to show weakness. Any sign of vulnerability would invite suspicion and punishment, jeopardizing the secret he was so desperate to keep.

The labor Kal faced was relentless and grueling. Hours were spent hauling heavy stones, plowing the fields, and chopping wood, all under the scrutinizing eyes of the Amazons. His imposing physique made him the prime choice for the heaviest tasks, but Kal knew he had to control his true strength. Each task tested his endurance and his determination to remain unnoticed. He worked steadily, his hands blistered and raw, his back aching from the strain. The men working alongside him were also bound by chains, and though few in number, a sense of solidarity grew among them. There were brief moments of respite—exchanged glances, fleeting smiles, whispered words of encouragement—that made the hard labor slightly more bearable.

One afternoon, during a particularly demanding training session, Kal noticed an unfamiliar figure watching from the sidelines. She stood with an air of authority, her armor glinting in the sunlight, her raven-black hair cascading freely over her shoulders. Her eyes were sharp, observing every detail of the practice field. Unlike the others, her gaze lacked disdain. Instead, there was curiosity—perhaps even something softer. Kal recognized her immediately—Princess Diana, daughter of Queen Hippolyta.

Kal tried to focus on his training, but he could feel Diana's gaze fixed on him. Antiope, who oversaw Kal's training, shouted commands, her voice harsh and unyielding. Kal moved with precision, blocking and striking with the wooden staff, his movements controlled and deliberate. He had mastered the art of holding back, never displaying the full extent of his abilities, but today, Diana's presence weighed heavily on him. Her watchful eyes made him even more cautious.

After the training ended, Antiope dismissed him, and Kal trudged back to his quarters, sweat dripping from his body. He glanced over his shoulder, catching Diana's eyes for just a moment before quickly looking away. Rumors about Diana had spread among the men—that she was different, that she was kind. But Kal knew better than to believe in rumors. Here, in Themyscira, kindness was a dangerous illusion, one he could not afford to trust.

The next morning, Kal was summoned to assist in the fields. The Amazons had decided to expand the farmland, and Kal, along with several other men, was tasked with clearing the land. He swung the axe with measured force, each strike sending wood splintering. Despite the exhaustion weighing him down, his body moved rhythmically, determinedly. The sun beat down mercilessly, sweat soaking his clothes as he labored. The other men worked silently beside him, their faces etched with fatigue, sharing the burden wordlessly. They knew that stopping, even for a moment, was not an option.

As Kal paused to wipe the sweat from his forehead, he caught sight of Diana again. She was standing at a distance, speaking to another Amazon, but her gaze flickered toward Kal. For a moment, their eyes met. There was something in her expression—something that made Kal's chest tighten. He quickly looked away, focusing once more on his work. Drawing attention to himself, especially from her, was dangerous.

That night, as Kal lay on his mat, Diana's gaze lingered in his thoughts. It was different from the cold, assessing stares of the other Amazons. There had been something else—something that made him uneasy. He shook his head, forcing the thought away. It was irrelevant. She was a princess, and he was a slave. There was no room for hope in his life.

Days passed, each one blurring into the next, but Kal found small moments of solace in the camaraderie of the other men. Though they were few and their spirits worn, there was a resilience among them that Kal admired. They spoke in hushed voices, sharing fragments of their pasts, their dreams of freedom, and their fears. Kal listened, his heart heavy with the weight of their words. He knew he was different—stronger, more capable—but in the darkness of their quarters, they were all the same. Prisoners bound by chains they could not break.