Chains of Paradise

Chapter Five: Chains of Tradition

The days on Themyscira had always followed a predictable routine for Kal—labor, training, and doing his best to remain unnoticed. But the attention from Althea and her friends had shifted the dynamics around him. The flirtation that once seemed playful had begun to escalate, growing more intense, more competitive. It came to a head one afternoon when Althea and another Amazon, Maia, cornered him near the training grounds.

"Kal, you keep avoiding us," Althea said, her tone a mix of teasing and challenge. "Why don't you show us what you've got in a real sparring session? Or are you afraid?"

Kal hesitated, feeling the eyes of several nearby Amazons on him. He had always managed to keep his distance, to remain polite yet firm in his refusals. But today, it seemed they weren't taking no for an answer.

"I'm not really the best opponent for you," Kal said, trying to keep his tone light. "I'm just here to serve."

Maia stepped closer, her eyes glinting with excitement. "Oh, come on, Kal. Just one round. We've all seen you train—you're stronger than you let on. Let's see what you can do."

The Amazons around them began to gather, curious about the exchange. Kal felt his heart pounding. He knew he couldn't afford to show his true strength, but refusing outright might draw even more suspicion. Althea and Maia moved into the sparring circle, gesturing for him to follow. The crowd's expectant gazes left him with no choice.

Kal stepped into the circle, his muscles tense. Althea grinned, twirling her practice spear. "Don't hold back, Kal," she said, her voice carrying a hint of challenge.

He nodded, forcing a smile. They began to circle each other, and Kal moved cautiously, his mind racing. He needed to appear competent, but not extraordinary. Althea lunged first, her spear aimed at his side. Kal dodged, stepping back and letting the tip of the spear graze past him. He moved defensively, blocking her strikes but never countering with full force.

Maia joined in, her attacks coordinated with Althea's. Kal found himself dodging and blocking from both sides, his body moving with practiced ease. He could feel the strain in his muscles, the tension of holding back when he knew he could easily overpower them. The crowd of Amazons cheered and jeered, their excitement growing with each exchange.

Finally, Kal saw an opportunity. Althea overextended her strike, and Kal twisted to disarm her, using just enough strength to make it look believable without revealing his true power. Althea stumbled back, her spear falling to the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers, some laughing at Althea's surprised expression.

"Well done, Kal," Althea said, breathing heavily, a smile playing on her lips. "You're full of surprises."

Kal bowed his head slightly, stepping back and out of the circle. He had managed to get through the sparring without giving too much away, but the encounter left him uneasy. The attention was growing, and with it, the risk of exposure.

Later that day, Kal was summoned by Queen Hippolyta. He was led to her private chambers, a place he had never been before. The queen sat by an open window, the golden light of the setting sun casting her in a regal glow. She looked at him as he entered, her gaze piercing.

"Kal-El," she began, her tone less formal than usual. "I've been hearing a great deal about you lately."

Kal bowed his head. "I am only trying to serve, my queen."

Hippolyta's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of curiosity in her expression. "Tell me, Kal, what do you hope for here on Themyscira? Do you dream of freedom? Or is this life of servitude all that you know?"

Kal hesitated, unsure how to answer. He had never allowed himself to think too deeply about freedom—it had always seemed like an impossible dream. But something in Hippolyta's gaze made him feel as though she could see right through him.