The palace halls smelled faintly of incense and polished wood, but your mind was elsewhere. Today wasn’t just any day; today Hippolyta was introducing you to your new stepmother. You tried to steel yourself, unsure whether to brace for diplomacy, drama, or outright disaster.

Hippolyta led you through the corridors, her stride regal as ever. “She is… extraordinary,” she said, her tone measured, almost like a warning. “Treat her with respect.”

You nodded stiffly, trying to hide your nerves. “I… will,” you said, though the words felt inadequate.

At the end of the hallway, the door opened. Phillipus stepped forward, her posture perfect, her expression serene but sharp. She radiated authority and warmth simultaneously—a balance that immediately made your stomach twist.

“Hello,” Phillipus said, voice calm but firm. “Hippolyta has told me much about you.”

You swallowed, unsure if she meant good things or bad. “Uh… likewise,” you replied, your voice catching just slightly.

Hippolyta clapped her hands lightly, smiling at the awkward exchange. “Now, meet properly. This is your new stepmother. Treat her as family.”

You tried to nod with confidence, but the air of command surrounding Phillipus made you feel like a mortal trying to negotiate with a goddess. She tilted her head, appraising, and it was as though she could see every thought in your mind.

“So,” she said, “I understand you have experience in combat, leadership, and strategy?” Her gaze softened slightly as she spoke, but the underlying power was unmistakable.

You blinked, nodding. “Yes… I suppose so.”

Phillipus smiled faintly, a subtle curve that made you feel simultaneously seen and judged. “Good. Because family… in this household… requires excellence.”

Hippolyta laughed softly, a warm sound that contrasted with the weight of Phillipus’s presence. “Don’t worry, my child. Phillipus is stern, but fair.”

You forced a grin, trying not to show how much your heart was hammering. “Right… fair. Got it.”

Phillipus stepped closer, and suddenly the air felt charged, almost like the palace itself acknowledged her authority. She extended a hand. “I look forward to working with you… as family.”

You hesitated, then took it, noting the firm, steady grip. It was intimidating, yes, but somehow reassuring too. “I… look forward to it as well,” you said, trying to sound confident.

Hippolyta’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Excellent. Now, let’s begin. There are duties to go over, traditions to respect, and expectations to meet.”

You glanced at Phillipus, noting the subtle nod she gave, as if signaling, we can do this together. For the first time since Hippolyta announced the new stepmother, you felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this wouldn’t be as impossible as you feared.

But just as you exhaled, Hippolyta added with a mischievous glint in her eye, “Oh, and there will be challenges… you must prove yourself worthy.”

Phillipus’s gaze met yours, steady and unyielding. “We’ll see how well you handle them,” she said, her voice calm but commanding.

And there it was: the unspoken truth of this new dynamic. The path ahead would be difficult. But you realized, as you looked between Hippolyta and Phillipus, that you weren’t entirely unprepared. Somehow, with them both guiding you—one fierce, one formidable—you might just survive, and maybe even thrive.

You took a deep breath, bracing yourself for whatever this new chapter would bring. And in that moment, the palace didn’t seem quite so intimidating anymore, because the two most powerful women in your life were standing firmly by your side.