Chapter 3 - Part A

                Andoran Grey was deep in thought, as he stood in his second story apartment, looking out over the west side of the garden.  He could see the dock clearly, and the gardeners working at several flower beds over the long green lawn.  The dew was heavy on the grass, and it glittered in the morning sunshine.  The waves were playful on the beach, nothing serious, just the gentle massage back and forth declaring another perfect summer day.  If only he could focus on those things rather than the pounding drum in his mind, repeating over and over, that the council had invited Kale Farharad to stay in order to pursue the Empress.  He’d known Atlantis since they were young, and he’d seen the damage left in the wake of Kale Farharad the first time.  To be short, he wasn’t eager to watch it happen again, nor was he eager for a positive outcome that would take Atlantis from him, and place her in the arms of another.  Torn between the two sides of the spectrum, Kale crossed his arms and furrowed his brow.  Personally he would prefer the Empire to stay in Atlantis’ capable hands.  He didn’t like the interference of different cultures and influences, especially when they came in the form of a man eager to be an Emperor.  

                  Andoran couldn’t say exactly when he’d fallen in love with the pretty, young ruler.  It had happened naturally, over time, so slowly in fact that it was a very strong point with Andoran that Atlantis never need know, not from him at very least.  He always figured she knew in her own way, she didn’t need him to declare anything.  Before Kale, there had been a time when Atlantis had been in love with Andoran on her own.  He relished in those memories for a moment, easily recalling her love-struck smile and flirtatious giggle.  Of course, at that time, Andoran had only considered her a silly girl, not potential for marriage.  Her coronation had come too fast on the heels of Kale’s broken promises, or Andoran may have expressed himself to her then.  But, that was a history of long bemoaned, could haves or should haves.  He could see Kale’s entourage in the distance.  It looked as if they were preparing for a day of sailing.  He rolled his eyes.  Atlantis would only inherit a child if she married Kale.  Fortunately, Andoran was fairly sure that Atlantis’ feelings toward Kale were minimal, as Atlantis didn’t have the capacity to lie to him.  He would watch, keep a close eye on her, and only act if it became necessary.  For now it was preferable to love Atlantis unrequited, because that way she only belonged to him.  

       “Lord Grey.” His servant, Tryst bowed at the waist. “We’ve received word that the Kirlion Empire would like to forge a new trade and cultural alliance with the Talerian Empire.” He thrust the document toward Andoran, who scanned it briefly. 

      “Thank you.” Kale muttered, as he scanned through the pages.  Paragraph after paragraph alarmed him more and more.  The Kirlion’s were not peaceful, and this attempt at an alliance looked simply to him as a way to worm their way past Atlantis’ defenses.  They would only cause a problem.  “I’ll take it to the Empress.” He told Tryst, who bowed in retreat.  Shaking his head, he clutched the document in his fist.  Atlantis was reaching too far.  She had enough to do to care for her interests within the Empire.  He would speak with her again.  It was imperative that she listened.  An Empire stretched too thin would never stand in the face of any kind of attack.  That was exactly what these so-called allies wanted.  He would advise her to tell them she was not open at this time to talks.  She would listen.  She had too. 

      Reaching for his cloak, Andoran left his room.  He had a lot of work to do. 

Kale Farharad was getting bored.  He’d sent his people away on a sailing trip, longing for some peace.  It had been nearly a week since his face had stopped stinging from the slap Atlantis had given him, and except for only a few, brief and stinted meetings she had barely spoken to him.  Not that it was surprising, for someone who said over and over how she didn’t hold the past against him, she was a typical woman, with a very long and accurate memory.  It pained him, but he finally decided he wouldn’t beg.  Throwing himself before her and pleading for her affections would only make her despise him more.  He had to act.  He leaned back in the comfort of the shade of his veranda.  It was highly irritating that Atlantis had practically spurned him, but he smiled to himself.  The council had practically stepped over one another to welcome him and to encourage him to stick around.  He knew it could be dangerous, especially with the way politics were at home, but, his people would settle once again if they had a new queen.  With Atlantis’ reputation, she was the perfect choice.  They couldn’t dispute her, it seemed as though everything she touched turned to pure gold.  Her people were content, but for the small matter of an heir, and they were thriving.  He crossed his ankles which were sitting on the carved, marble railing. 

Leaving the dense foliage of the southern gardens, Lady Dawniria came into view.  Kale paused, a slow smile spreading over his features.  Remembering a time when he and Dawniria had shared a romantic evening, he crossed his long fingers over his chest.  In his opinion, she was the more striking, if he were to compare Dawniria to Atlantis.  Her raven hair was pulled back, out of the way, showing off the long sleek line of her neck, trailing down over a dainty collarbone.  She was either a great pretender, or Kale really couldn't win the women of Khal Manar over.  Glancing in his direction, she caught his stare.  Fumbling with her papers, she looked away, and tripping slightly over the trim of her gown, she walked away.  Kale laughed to himself.  Yes, she was a great pretender, loyal to the crown, perhaps to a fault, but she would likely make his stay in Khal Manar at least interesting.  He would likely not have to argue politics with her, but be welcomed into her arms.  Atlantis of course was the prize, but Dawniria would be an appropriate distraction.  Pushing away from the railing, he stood and turned into his apartment.  If the hunt was going to be successful, a good hunter needed a weapon and Kale, knew just the thing.

The warm sunshine spilled in, through the tall windows and paned glass, arched romantically at the top, over the marble floors.  Atlantis liked to walk around with her feet bare on days like this, when it was warm enough.  As in the day of rest for each week, she’d been to the services in the morning praising the one God, Ohar, and now, was both trying to rest and hiding from Kale at the same time.  She liked the quiet days, when the high court was closed, and the Empress was about other business.  Biting her lip, she surveyed the many leather bound books all tucked neatly into shelves, built into large alcoves.  Finding her favourite title, she slid it from its place, and tucked herself in to the corner of a sofa.  Books took her away, giving her access to a place where she wasn’t an Empress, but just someone else.  She could smell the fragrant bloom of the flowers, and she enjoyed it from where she sat.  It was almost too warm to be out in the sun, she surmised, and appreciated even more the tranquil trickle of water down a rock wall surrounding both sides of a large fireplace.  Dawniria had left for home for the week closing, and Marria was with her husband.  A new servant that had been hired for Atlantis, Anya, could be heard faintly humming and rustling boxes in the closet, but Atlantis knew the girl was mostly just filling time before she was allowed to return home for her own break, and so she left her to her humming and rustling, deciding that she could get anything she needed for herself.  It was about the third chapter when she heard light footsteps up the short set of stairs and onto the large half-moon balcony outside. 

            “Well, here you are.” Andoran’s voice floated to her.  Atlantis nodded, but enthralled in the words on the page failed to look up. “I expected to find you in the gardens or maybe by the pool.  I’ve been everywhere looking for you.” He half-accused, his tone playful.  Atlantis looked up and smiled.

            “You should have known you’d find me with a book.” She consoled.

            “I expect I should have.”

“I thought you were going with Eden to Bel Haran to see the new Opera.”Atlantis intoned, referring to one of the young women who worked as Andoran’s assistant. 

“It was one of those new half talking, half singing and dancing things.  Hardly opera.” Andoran rolled his eyes.

“I’m sure she was disappointed.  Pretty girl like that needs a handsome man on her arm.”Atlantis teased, it was curious to her that Andoran had never married.  There seemed to be enough interest in him and the girls were pretty enough, as she’d heard twittering around the palace concerning him on occasion. Except for a few short lived romances he hadn’t really settled on any one girl.  Atlantis always assumed that he just hadn’t found the right one yet; and who was she to judge? Kale’s words came back to her, about his being the only proposal to her since his first one, she gritted her teeth momentarily.  He had some nerve.

“Oh, I doubt she was disappointed, she just about ran away with the extra ticket to find a friend to share the experience with.” 

“And, what brings you here; business or pleasure?”Atlantis chimed.

“Well...”Andoran started slowly, organizing his thoughts in order to speak.

“Oh, not business, surely.” Atlantis pouted, trying to conceal the teasing tone of her voice.  “Ohar gives us one day of rest a week, business can wait for the other six.”

“But, some business is very serious, my Lady.”

Atlantis closed the book and laid it down. “Oh, all right.” She conceded, tucking her knees into her chest. “But, I’m not putting on a veil.”

“I’d rather look at you, anyway.”Andoran agreed.

“Out with it.  Don’t try to sway my conscience with pretty words.  It won’t work.” Atlantis kept her tone light, it was still her day to rest. 

“Well, what about a compromise then?”

“What would that be?”

“We talk business now, for only a short while, and then we find something fun for later.”

“I suppose I could be agreeable to that.”

“The Kirlion Empire is looking to forge a new alliance with you.” Andoran said bluntly.

“Yes, only recently.”

“How long has this been going on?”

“For the past couple of weeks I think.  Nothing too serious.  Just talks.”Atlantis shrugged.

“This is dangerous my Calhara.  They are not a peaceful people.”Andoran warned.

“They have a new ruler by the name of Oritious.  He seems peaceful enough.” Atlantis countered.

“Or young and foolish, rather.”

“He deserves the chance to be at least heard.”Atlantis insisted.

“What do you really want for this Empire, Atlantis? To be stretched so thin that your own people suffer?  The Kirilon Empire will latch onto our natural resources and bleed them dry, and they will have nothing of any great value to offer to us in return.  If you are considering marriage to Kale Farharad, then you will be pulled far too thin as it is.  I must insist, my Lady, that you refuse the Kirilon Empire outright.” Andoran said gravely.  Atlantis laid her book to the side and studied Andoran carefully.  She considered his words before she spoke.

“I don’t think we have anything to worry about just yet.” She concluded. “I haven’t accepted Kale’s offer, and I believe that the Kirilon should at the very least have the opportunity to express themselves.” She insisted. 

“But, why lead him on, and make him believe that you are willing to think about trade with his Empire, if you are not?” Andoran questioned.

“I may be willing to trade with him.”

“Calhara, this is a bad idea.  I must advise against it.” Andoran was adamant.  Atlantis set her book down, and leaned toward Andoran, she patted her cheek with his hand.

“You know I appreciate your concern, I depend on it.  You and I both know that we don’t agree in the matters of foreign politics.  I know you're an internalist, Andoran, and I appreciate that you aren’t afraid to give me your own truthful opinion.  But, I will not cease talks at this level.  I promise you though, as soon as he gives me a good reason to walk away, I will.” She insisted. 

“I don’t want you to get burned.”

“I’m a big girl.  These aren’t the first trade talks I’ve had.  Just try not to worry about it.”

“They bled the Partacians dry, and scavenged their carcasses, if I remember correctly.” Andoran reminded her.

“That was a long time ago.  Besides, the Empire needs to have the influences of other cultures.”

“Alien cultures?”Andoran was incredulous.

“They’re human, just like us. Not Alien.”Atlantis defended.

“But...”Andoran began to protest.

“No more, my friend.  Let’s say that though you and I may never agree on this, I will take what you have said seriously.  I will not proceed with undue consideration, alright?”

“Thank you, my Lady.” Andoran accepted that she’d closed the conversation, so he changed topics. “How have you been?” He asked.

“Just fine.”Atlantis replied, walking out to her patio.  Andoran followed.

“With Kale Farharad?” Andoran pushed, eager to know the truth.  Atlantis shrugged.

“To be honest we haven’t seen much of each other.  I will give him a chance, but if I need to, I’ll be looking for a way out.  I keep thinking that he and I are just too different.  Especially now.” She said, almost to herself. 

“Just send him home, Atlantis.  No one will think less of you.”

Atlantis shook her head. “I doubt that the council would be very pleased.”

“Perhaps not, but you have to remember that they will not be the ones sharing his bed.” Andoran pointed out.

“True.” Atlantis nodded, biting her lip.  They sat together in silence for a while, Andoran watched her closely, the way the wind blew through her hair, and how green her eyes were, even in the shadows.  He had just built up the nerve, to reach for her hand and speak and as if bidden by unwanted thoughts, Kale appeared.  Andoran stood out of habit, and gave a shallow bow.

“My Lord.” Andoran greeted him.

“Ah, Andoran isn’t it? I suppose I’m not surprised she kept you around.” Kale returned the greeting in a manner of speaking.

“That she did, my Lord.” Andoran tried to hide the cynicism in his stare, but Atlantis reprimanded him for it with a look. 

"Am I interrupting something?"Kale asked, his playful tone laced with suspicion.

"No, of course not." Atlantis stood, her eyes turned to Andoran. "Was there anything else?" She asked him, sounding awkward like she's been caught doing something wrong. Andoran took the hint.

 "I was just leaving." He said quickly bowing.

“Kale, how are you?” Atlantis asked, reaching for a shawl despite the warm weather.

“Well enough, considering that I haven’t been privy to your company in nearly a week.”

“I’ve been busy.” Atlantis excused herself defensively, her tone sharp.

“This may come as a surprise, but I don’t wish that every conversation I have with you end in an argument, but if they must, I insist that we be able to talk longer than a minute before we part ways in anger; or before you slap me.” Kale said, he was standing with one leg balanced on the bench near Atlantis, his eyes tracing the pattern in the marble at his feet.

Atlantis breathed out slowly. “I apologize, Kale.  You’re right.  I have been on the defensive.”

“Good, a fresh start then.” Kale smiled warmly. “You’ve been busy?”

“Just some work with treaties, and the usual business of the court.  I expect things should be slowing down in favour of holidays and parties though.” Atlantis conceded.

“Glad to know it.  Care for a stroll, the beach is looking inviting.” Kale offered his hand.  For a moment, Atlantis almost reached for it.

“Oh, I’d much rather stay here.  It’s so hot this time of day.” Atlantis declined, but at his look of disappointment, she patted her hand on the seat next to her.

“Fair enough.” Kale sat down beside her.  Atlantis studied him.  It was like a page out of history sitting before her as though she’d traveled back in time.  He was handsome, especially when he was relaxed, and he always exuded a certain charm that Atlantis found attractive, and it drew her to him.  Seeing her next to him pulled to her mind a million questions she wanted to ask him, they’d had a life together after all. 

“How is Eliantin and his family?” She asked.  Kale’s lips bent into a familiar grin as he began to relay stories of his favourite butler and family.  As one story blended into the next, Atlantis found herself remembering more and more, and she was able to ask questions quickly as they pushed themselves into her mind.  The response was similar for Kale, the more they talked about the past, the more things he remembered.  And, as if nothing had changed, stories of the more lighthearted times began to resurface, and the two began to laugh together.  Time passed, and Atlantis barely noticed the sun burning orange and hovering above the water before sinking beyond the horizon.  They ate a small supper together, and the talk continued.  This was the Kale that she remembered. A friend before lover.  

“You are as beautiful as you ever were.” Kale said after a moment of contented silence.  His voice was soft, and bathed in the lamp light of early evening, he reminded her of the Kale she’d knew so long ago. 

“I’m older.” Atlantis pointed out.

“Age hasn’t stolen your beauty, Atlantis.” Kale caught her gaze, Atlantis glanced away, embarrassed at the red flame touching her cheeks. “You aren’t much older.” 

“You are as I remember you, Kale.  Charming.”

“But, not handsome?” He teased, flashing her a full grin.  She smiled back at him. 

“Always handsome.”

“Why is it, Atlantis, that we are such a bad idea?  You and I?  We’ve had some good days together.  It could be that way again.” Kale was earnest. 

“We didn’t have the responsibilities we do now.  Really Kale, we wouldn’t just be joining each other, we’d be uniting two empires.”

“And what’s so wrong with that?”

“You should be asking why is that so difficult, more likely.” Atlantis replied.

“Is that’s what’s stopping you?  Atlantis...”Kale’s voice trailed off, he traced his fingers over her cheek. 

“Kale...”Atlantis breathed in protest.  She pressed her hand to his.  He inched closer to her. 

“Don’t you remember? This is what it was, Atlantis.  Despite the horrible ending, what we had when it was good, was good.” His voice was just above a whisper. “Start again, with me.”

“I don’t know.” Atlantis shook her head.  He reached for her, and this time pulled her into a kiss.  Atlantis resisted the urge to pull away, and let him kiss her.  She tried to let herself fall into the moment with him, but her world began to crumble around her.  She couldn’t feel anything, and it scared her.  He broke the kiss and looked into her eyes.

“Stop thinking so hard.  Just let yourself go.” Kale encouraged, brushing his fingers into her hair.

“Kale.” Atlantis pulled herself back. “I need time to think.”

“Alright.” Kale smiled congenially. “I can do that.  But don’t keep me waiting too long.  Goodnight, Atlantis.”

“Goodnight.” Atlantis echoed, she padded her way back into her chambers.  She didn’t need to watch him leave.  She felt nothing, absolutely nothing and it frightened her.  She expected she’d feel something, but peel away the anger and there was nothing.  Truth be told she wasn’t even sure if she was attracted to him, handsome as he was.  She stood in the growing  darkness, with a sense of dread expanding in her stomach.  It occurred to her, she would be married, and that was frightening in itself, failing to mention, she would marry a man that she felt nothing for and the empire would celebrate.  Tears filled her eyes, and she wiped at them furiously.  It was like her future was plotted out for her, and she couldn’t escape it. Who could she tell? Who would listen? The Empress of the Manarian empire was reduced to tears over the unfortunate state of her life.  No one would believe it.  Atlantis walked out into the garden.