Chapter 4 - Part A

The high court was recessed, and Atlantis was relaxing.  Seasonal celebrations were just ramping up, and invitations for parties, balls, and operas were pouring in at a pleasantly alarming rate.  Atlantis was looking forward to the break, and couldn’t wait to begin the festivities.  On impulse she had asked Nicolai to meet her in the garden.  He occupied her thoughts, and she was fascinated by his easy going demeanor.   She wouldn’t allow herself to think about Kale, and all of his promises.  She could fully fit herself into the roll of a royal advisor, with no cares, no proposals from the lips of princes, and no demands from an empire.  She was simply, Atlantis Talerian, or Laina Bayl.  She wouldn’t be singled out, she was often seen at the readings in the garden.  She caught sight of him, leaning against the trunk of a large tree, just outside of the Algornath pavilion. 

            “Nic.” Atlantis greeted him with a smile. 

            “Laina.” Nicolai sounded relieved.  “Looks like a good turn out.” He said, nodding toward the small crowd that had gathered.  Atlantis agreed, as she scanned the crowd, she pulled back.  She hadn’t expected so many people. 

            “Let’s stay here.” She said quickly, spreading the blanket she was carrying over the grass.

            “Do you think we’ll be able to hear?”  Nicolai asked, sinking down onto the blanket.

            “Anvaran is a very good reader.” Atlantis insisted as she sat down next to him.  It was true.  Anvaran’s rich voice, like coffee, poured over the gardens which had grown quiet as if even the animals and plant life had stopped to listen.  Atlantis loved these stories, they were ancient, timeless, like small pieces of the puzzle of history set to beautiful music.  She could feel herself floating away, becoming a part of the story.  She laughed as the hero made blundering mistakes fighting to win the heart of his lady, and tears pricked the corners of her eyes when it seemed that all was lost and the battle would not be won.  Without thinking she relaxed so much, that by the time the story was finished, she was fully leaning against Nicolai supported by his arm.  Scolding herself, she pulled herself forward. 

            “He is a very good story teller.” Nicolai agreed, as Anvaran finished. 

            “He is wonderful.  When I was a little girl he would come to my chambers and read me a bedtime story every now and then.  I used to love it.” Atlantis admitted. 

            “Isn’t he the palace steward?”

            “He is.”

            “And he would come to read you a bedtime story?” Nicolai was obviously impressed, and then Atlantis realized why.  He was probably certain that the palace steward wouldn’t just come around and read all of the children bedtime stories.

            “Oh...”Atlantis voice faded momentarily as her thoughts raced. “He knew my father very well.” She said quickly. 

            Nicolai stood, and offered her his hand. “Would you like to go for a walk?” Atlantis accepted, and gripped his hand as she stood.  Shyly, Nicolai closed his fingers around hers, and led her to a nearby path. 

            “How are you enjoying your stay?” She asked, letting him hold her hand.

            “It’s been busy.  Not as much of a vacation as I expected, but overall, I’m enjoying myself.  I haven’t seen the empress yet, but that’s probably a good thing.  I’ve only had a few royal meetings in my line of work, and I’ve managed to mess up every single one, I’d say.” Nicolai’s tone was light, joking.  Atlantis laughed.

            “It’s not easy being introduced to royalty.  People get so worried about form that they forget that the regent is only a person.” She’d seen it plenty of times, and thought it her job to try and make people feel more comfortable.

            “I expect it’s nothing for you, you live around royalty.”

            “It’s just something you get used too; the form and proper respect.  It’s all just a game, really.”

            “I’ve met plenty who wouldn’t compare it to a game.” Nicolai shook his head.

            “That’s how I’ve remembered, I guess.  You play the game, and if you make it through the day without any mistakes, then you win.” Atlantis relayed.

            “And how often do you win?”

            “I’m getting better at it.” Atlantis affirmed with a nod. 

            “I’ve been seeing your empress in the news lately.” Nicolai changed the subject easily.

            “That’s fairly common.”

            “It’s so bent around her personal life, is that usual? I am used to hearing about her politics and policies, but her personal life has been quiet.  There seems to be shift, is it true that she’ll marry King Farharad?” Nicolai asked, conversationally.

            “I suppose that all depends.” Atlantis said, watching his face.  Maybe he knew after all.  Who did she really think she could fool? She wore the veil most of the time, but people who were around the palace had seen her without it. She studied him, waiting for another sign.

            “On?”

            “Well...” Atlantis paused, trying to think. “If she loves him, I guess.  Though, that would be a luxury.”

            “Then the marriage is arranged?” Nicolai furrowed his brow. “I thought we’d all but done away with that.”

            “For most people - I think it’s still an expectation today that the Empress marry into a family with a strong name.  Not everyone feels that way, of course.  It would be difficult, however, to convince everyone that the Empress should marry for love.” Atlantis said, relaying the sad reality. 

            “Is it that way with most of the royalty?” Nicolai asked, regarding her hopefully.

            “No, have you ever heard of Lady Marria Retoris-Baskerfield?” Atlantis asked, speaking fondly of her friend. “She married a merchant’s son, she is still employed by the Empress, and holds her full title.”

            “Her husband lives with her at the palace?”

            “Yes, when they are in residence with the empress.  They have their own home for when they are not.”

            “What does her husband do while he’s here?”

            “He is a carpenter, he likes to work with his hands.  He is so busy in his small shop out near the back at the stables, that he is building custom work for the palace nearly every day.” Atlantis said, thinking of the ever growing pile of projects Harris had on his plate.

            “And, what about you, Laina Bayl?  Are you spoken for?” Nicolai asked her directly.

            “No,” Atlantis stumbled over the half-lie, turning her eyes to the ground.  He’d paused on the path, and he was studying her. 

            “Then they are all fools.” Nicoali deduced gently, his voice dropping to a whisper.  “You fill up my mind, Laina Bayl.  I can’t stop thinking about you.  You are a mystery and it is my daytime occupation to learn about you. You are like no one I’ve ever met.”

            “Thank you.” Atlantis felt herself glowing at his compliments.  They were heartfelt and sincere, and she believed him when he spoke.  He gripped both of her hands with his own.

            “I’m terrified that you haven’t spared a thought for me over the past few days.” Nicolai confessed, as he stepped closer to her.

             “Nicolai Ryder, there’s something about you that just sticks with a person.” She said, letting him pull her closer.

            “I’m glad to hear that.” And he kissed her.

The argument and subsequent meeting with Kale still bothered her.  He’d been so forward, so obvious it disturbed her and in the same breath she was honored.  He still remembered her, after everything she was prominent in his thoughts.  Why couldn’t Atlantis see what she could so clearly? Kale was yearning to be loved, to feel like a man again, and Atlantis’ outright rejection just didn’t cut it.  He needed a woman like Dawniria.  She stopped herself mid thought.  He was intended for Atlantis, the last thing she needed was to be caught up in some stupid love triangle.  She gave her head a shake.  He’d been drinking when he approached her, that was all.  She picked up a stack of letters to be sent out and left her office.  She made her way winding around various people down the long corridor.  She greeted a few of them with a smile, but carried on.  She wasn’t interested in prolonged conversation, or short for that matter.  She needed to be alone for a while; she needed to get her thoughts sorted.  Walking into the mail room, she noticed Galen behind the desk.  He didn’t look up for a second, but bounced to his feet once he saw her.

               “Lady Dawniria, how may I help you?” He asked, flashing her a big smile.

               “I just want to post these, Galen.” As she handed him the stack, his hand brushed hers and the letters went fluttering to the ground.

               “I’m sorry my Lady.” Galen’s face turned red as he scooped down to gather them up.

               “Don’t worry.” Dawniria bent down to help.

               “And how are you today, my Lady?” Galen asked, his eyes glued to the floor as he reached for the final letters.

               “I’m well, thank you.”

               “I’m glad to hear it, my Lady.  And...” Galen paused as if he were trying to put together words to speak. “What...um...do you have any plans for the summer recess?” He asked.

               “Nothing really.  I’ll be following the empress’ summer court as usual.” Dawniria replied. “Take care, Galen.” She added quickly, as she headed toward the door.  She didn’t have the time or energy to muddle through another awkward conversation.  If she’d turned back, she would have seen the love sick despair on Galen’s face, accompanied by him burying his face in his hands.  She would have seen the elbow to the ribs by his desk partner, Aaron, and the lively conversation to follow that would include much teasing and the bemoaning of the precarious affections that Galen felt for her, but she missed it all as she let the door close behind her. 

               She was returning to her office, but decided to go by the library instead.  It was one of the grandest rooms in the entire palace.  It was quiet, and old, and she felt like she was standing in the midst of history and culture when she was there.  She adored the old librarian, Tiberius, who would be away now that it was the summer recess, but the library was still open to the palace.  Opening the large wooden door a crack, she slipped inside.  Though she’d been there dozens of times, she believed that she had never even covered a small fraction of the books that were available.  The library was quiet, so she slipped between the shelves, searching for one of her favorites.  Finding it, she pulled it off the shelf, and began flipping through the pages.  The words were best when spoken aloud, and so they began to tumble from her lips.

“The girl she is still hides away

On black of black

In color’s fray

She sings the dawn

Brings close the day

But sinks to back

Where eyes don’t stay

Call me here

My pretty one

Let us dance

Beneath the sun

And on the moon

In dust we run.”

And then another voice joined her.

“Believe the truth

That you are fair

So heart to heart

As one, a snare

I shall have you

My heart does dare

Call me here, my pretty one.” She recognized Kale, as he finished the poem perfectly from memory.

               “I didn’t know you appreciated the works of Everest Hale.” She said softly, her heart in her throat.  He must have followed her, she was sure the library was empty when she’d arrived.

               “I’ve always thought her words were so...romantic.” Kale stepped closer to her, causing Dawniria to stumble awkwardly against the bookshelf.  He caught her in an instant.  “Are you that girl? The pretty one?”

               “I...I don’t know.” Dawniria swallowed hard, her mind was spinning.  The intense gaze in his eyes burned in to her, as if she were the only woman in his world. 

               “I think it’s you.  Under appreciated, over worked, and unnoticed.  But, you shouldn’t think that way, because it’s not true.” Kale was very close now, his hands were on her arms, and in her hair, she bit her lip, but didn’t pull away. 

               “Kale, you shouldn’t...” She protested only halfheartedly.

               “I know different, Dawniria.  I know there is a fire in you, so out of control that you are fighting with all of your might to hold back.” He pressed himself closer to her.  He was right, she wanted him.  Everything he was, and it didn’t matter that Atlantis Talerian stood in the way; she didn’t love him, and she never would.  He deserved someone who would love him. 

               “I haven’t forgotten you, not even after all this time.” The first words of encouragement dangled from Dawniria’s lips. 

               “And in all the women I’ve known, none compare with you.”

               “Not even the Empress?” Dawniria breathed the challenge. 

               “Not even her.  She is ice cold where you are warm.” Kale pressed his hands to her neck, and Dawniria let him draw even closer.  The fact that she knew that this would be more than frowned upon raced around her mind, but it only excited her more.  The intrigue itself was nearly enough to push her over the edge.  She loved secrets.  Kale leaned in and kissed her hungrily, she melted to him letting him take her away.  It was why she didn’t hear the big door of the library creek open, and why she just barely noticed the echo of footsteps on the marble floors setting off slow alarms in her mind to pull away, and break the kiss.  She pushed against Kale, sending him backward, and regaining her balance she noticed Marria come around the corner.

               “Dawniria?” She looked suspiciously at the pair.

               “Ah, Lady Marria, perhaps you might know.  I’m interested in the works of Caligara.  Lady Dawniria was trying to help me.” Kale said smoothly.

               “I’m afraid, my Lord, that Caligara would be stored on the south side of the library.” Marria replied dryly.

               “Then I will look there.  Thank you, Lady Dawniria, for your help.” He said, before walking away.  Marria waited a long moment after he left before speaking.

               “Is everything alright?” She asked, bending to pick up the book that had fallen from Dawniria’s grasp.

               “Everything is fine.” Dawniria said quickly. 

               “He is a King, Dawniria.” Marria reminded her gently.  Dawniria’s gritted her teeth.

               “What are you insinuating?” She demanded.

               “I’m not insinuating anything.  I just thought that...”

               “Well, that seems to be everyone’s problem lately doesn’t it?” Dawniria snapped defensively. “No one bothers to get the facts.” She stormed toward the door, leaving Marria alone, and confused between the rows of leather bound books.  

Atlantis opened the door to her chambers.  It was quiet, peaceful, and in the cool of the evening she was thankful to be alone.  She threw her wrap from her shoulders, pausing in the mirror to smile at herself.  When the court was recessed she felt younger somehow, more free.  Nicolai floated into her thoughts again, and her smile broadened.  Perhaps she should go walking through the garden in search of him; that seemed to be the perfect way to find him.  He should be back by now, from his daily duties on the Nikao.  The night after he’d kissed her, she’d barely slept, hopes of him filling her thoughts.  He was handsome and charming, and... she paused, he didn’t know who she really was, and he would never be accepted as a suitable partner by the council or the people or anyone else.  Atlantis’ smile faded.  She would have to tell him the truth, sooner or later the whole thing would come out, but she didn’t want that now.  She wanted to be Laina Bayl, but fairy godmothers weren’t easy to find these days.  If she didn’t see him, she wouldn’t have to tell him.  Perhaps it was just a kiss, perhaps nothing was meant by it, like between a brother and a sister.  Maybe once he learned the truth, it wouldn’t matter.  Maybe the council would accept him.  He was good to her, and he made her feel as if she were just a girl, not an empress, and she liked that.  It was why she kept Marria and Dawniria so close by, they didn’t treat her as the empress most of the time, but as a friend.  Atlantis knew that everyone couldn’t be like that, but, every empress needed one or two good friends with their feet on the ground. 

                   “Good, you’re back.” The voice came from close behind her, a whisper that sent a shiver up her spine.

                   “Kale.” She said, the surprise evident in her voice. “What are you doing in here? How did you get in here?” She asked quickly.

                   “Well, first of all, I’m here because in case you haven’t read this morning’s briefing, I’ve been courting you for the last two weeks in hopes to lead to a solid marriage, and don’t blame the guards Atlantis, they think we’re in love.”

                   “That’s because that’s what you told them.” Atlantis corrected him.

                   “True.” Kale affirmed with a laugh.

                   “It’s not proper.  You shouldn’t be in here.” Atlantis chided him.

                   “Oh please, what’s not proper these days?” Kale reached for her hand, and led her to some couches near a bay window. 

                   “You being in here, for starters.”

                   “But you’re alone with that man-slave nearly every night, and no one questions that.” Kale interjected, reaching for a tall decanter of Tol.  Atlantis snatched it out of his hand.

                   “Andoran is not my slave, and he has a very solid reputation.” Atlantis exhorted, placing the bottle out of Kale’s reach. 
                   “I wouldn’t say it was that solid.” Kale corrected, reaching for a different bottle.  This time, the drink was poured before Atlantis could reach it.  She rolled her eyes, and sitting she faced him, her arms crossed over her chest. 

                   “More than some. What are you doing here, Kale?” She inquired.

                   “I came to see you, and that’s the honest truth.  How will we ever make our way to marriage if we don’t spend any time together at all?” Kale appealed, his smile crafty, as if he had just won a game of cards. 

                   “I hadn’t really thought of it.  What would you like to do?” Atlantis asked.  Kale smiled, and leaned toward her, and Atlantis just managed to avoid his kiss. “That is not what I had in mind.” She protested.

                 “Oh come on, Atlantis.  Maybe a trip to bed with a real man might be enough to loosen you up a bit.” Kale said brashly.

                   “Kale!” Atlantis cried.

                   “Do you mean to tell me, that would be a new experience for you?” Kale questioned, a prying smile on his lips.  “Come on, Atlantis, tell me about your lovers.”

                   “I am not talking to you, of all people.  I think it’s time for you to leave.” Atlantis stood up, and moved for the door, but Kale caught her arm.

                   “I’m sorry.” He said quickly. “I was just trying to have a little fun.”

                   “I don’t know who you think that I am, Kale Farharad, but I am not one of your girls who will do whatever you want.”

                   “I just want to be with you, Atlantis.  I can’t stop thinking about you, and it worries me.  Worries me that you won’t give us a second thought, because you’re afraid of what happened in the past.”  The change in Kale’s tone caught her attention, and she stopped herself from calling for the guards.

                   “I don’t feel anything anymore.” Atlantis said quietly.

                   “I know.  That’s why I’m being like this, being stupid.  I can’t fix what I did to you, and if I could make you forget I would; but I can’t.” He sounded genuinely sorry.  He pulled her back gently by her hand. “I want to get to know you Atlantis.”

                   “I know.”

                   “Listen, things aren’t like they used to be.  Let me stay with you.  Do you really think your staff would say anything?  We have to get to know each other again, and we can’t do it with all this form and propriety hanging over our heads all the time.  I had an arranged marriage before, and she would rather have been sick than be with me.  I won’t do that again.” Kale’s voice was strong, and his words passionate.  Atlantis couldn’t help, but for a moment, to take him seriously.  She knew her staff wouldn’t say anything.  Not all of them followed the same beliefs that she did, they didn’t all respect the old ways or take them into consideration.  In fact, some of them would believe it was good for her.  

                   “The council allowed you to return, because they want an heir to secure the Talerian throne.  They would never permit you to stay here, and neither would I.” She answered finally.

                   “You should be careful, Atlantis.  One day, you will need me, and it won’t be easy to get what you want.” Kale remarked coldly.  He turned on his heal toward the door.  Atlantis breathed  a long sigh of relief.  Perhaps he’d finally gotten the message. She pushed his threat to the side.  It was the last thing that she wanted to hear.  Now she felt claustrophobic, blocked in by the walls of her quarters.  It only made sense to escape, and she did.  She strode out onto the veranda, trying to understand what had upset her so much.  She never remembered Kale to be so forward or so suggestive, and it bothered her.  They’d grown up in completely different worlds, and she didn’t want to attach herself to his.  She noticed Andoran walking up the path toward her chambers, and greeted him.  He would take her mind off of Kale.  Even in the midst of her rainy thoughts she smiled.

                   “Good evening, Lord Grey,” She said softly, wrapping her arms close to her chest.

                   “Hello Calhara” He said, his voice smooth.  In the dusk his eyes reminded her of the gathering clouds in the distance.

                   “Kale just left.” Atlantis informed him, looking down at her feet. 

                   “Ahhh.” He replied, understanding without asking.

                   “It’s good to see you.”  Atlantis was sincere.

                   “You shouldn’t worry so much about him, Atlantis.” Andoran advised. “He’ll get tired of you after enough time and he’ll pack up his bags and leave you forever.  If of course, that’s what you want.”

                   “I don’t know, he’s trying so hard to have whatever it was we used to have, and I feel like no matter what I only push him away.  I’m conflicted between my head and my heart.  My head says I should give him another chance, that I’ve forgotten the past, but my heart seems to be torn in two.  I see the different people we are, and I don’t want to walk that road again.  But, it feels like I am out of options.” Atlantis sighed as if the whole of the world rested on her shoulders and she sank down onto one of the stone benches lining the balcony.  Each crafted piece was perfectly separated by a leafy plant.  The lanterns on the tall posts of the railing were glowing now, casting their warm light across the marble floor.  Atlantis traced her fingers over the grain of the bench.  She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear.  She was happy just to sit with Andoran, without the need to speak.  He was patient, and waited with her, for so long she wasn’t sure how much time passed until he spoke again.  This time the tone in his voice was different.  It caught her attention almost immediately, and she was intrigued.  She couldn’t think of a time before that he’d spoken to her in a similar way.

                   “You don’t have to be with him, Calhara.”

                   “The empire needs me to be with someone, Andoran.  I guess I’ve just pushed it out of the way.” It was like she’d just faced reality and had come to understand that she was older.

                   “Perhaps it would be best for the empire if you made the right choice instead of the popular one.” Andoran said warmly.

                   “Are you saying, it would be best if I didn’t marry a prince?” Atlantis asked, the warmth of the thought flooding her.  Her mind passed to Nicolai, and she felt a warm blush of happiness crawl over her cheeks.  “They would never accept a commoner...” She finished her happy daydream sadly, but curious as to what Andoran would think.  She knew he had the word of the people, maybe all they wanted was a happily married Empress.

                   “I believe they would if you convinced them that he was the right choice for the empire.  The people trust you, Atlantis.  You have a history of doing what you think is best and sticking to what you believe.  Even if they disagreed, or were skeptical, it would pass once they saw the two of you working efficiently together.” The thought once again brightened for Atlantis.  It just might work, she would have to tell Nicolai the truth, but he would see that she only lied to him because she loved him.  He would make a perfect emperor, he knew only a little of politics, and wasn’t entrenched in the goings on of palace life.  He would bring a fresh perspective and new ideas. 

                   “You’re right, Andoran.  A common person’s perspective would add so very much.” Biting her lip happily, she stood to her feet and began to pace as thoughts began to build themselves in her mind like a tiny structure, starting with the foundation and quickly growing into something beautiful.  If he was perfect for her, he would be perfect for the people.  Of course, she would have to tell him the truth, that might be shocking, and difficult, but she could convince him. 

                   She paused, noticing Andoran’s eyes on her, his gaze was different, intense.  So much so, that she raised her eyebrows in question.

                   “You are beautiful in this light, Calharen.” Andoran said, his voice husky, low. 

                   “Thank...thank you.” Atlantis stammered, nervous twinges burst along her chest, and she couldn’t understand why.  Thoughts of Nicolai were colliding chaotically with her nerves, leaving disaster in their wake.  There was something different about the way he was speaking, and his use of that word startled her.  He’d called her Calharen, it was a term of endearment used only between a man and his wife. 

                   “Do you know why I never married?” He asked, walking slowly toward her.

                   “Well, I assumed you hadn’t found the right girl yet, you like to get things right.” The words stumbled over each other, as Atlantis watched him she grew more and more nervous.  He reached for her hands, and cautiously she allowed him to take them.

                   “You grow more beautiful every day, Calharen.”

                   “Andoran, why are you calling me that?” She demanded, trying not to sound nervous. 

                   “Atlantis, I love you.  The truth is, I have for some time now.”

                   “You what?” Astonishment was as clear on her face as the very twinkle of stars in the sky. 

                   “You’re right, what this empire needs is someone with a common perspective.  I can bring that, and I love you.  You aren’t right for Kale, you never were, and think there was a time you were attracted to me, you could love me again.” He was very close now.  His face was just a breath away from hers, and for the first time in all the time that she’d known him, he reached up and brushed his fingers into her hair.  Her mind was reeling with the words that had just fallen from his lips, he was nearly eight years her senior, and Atlantis had always considered him in her affections more of a brother than a lover. 

                   “Andoran I...” The words failed her, and he pressed his thumb gently to her lips.

                   “You don’t have to say anything.  But, you need me, Atlantis.  I want you to think of a very different empire.  I’ve loved you since you were small, and that has changed now.  I’ve started to see you as a woman, and you are everything.  Marry me, forget about Kale, and let’s have this future together.”  Andoran pressed his forehead against hers, and moved his hands over her shoulders and down her arms.  “Will you marry me, Atlantis Talerian?” He asked.

                   “I don’t know what to say.” Atlantis managed.  She was stunned.  Andoran hadn’t been talking about some commoner taking the throne.  He was talking about himself.  She couldn’t believe what he’d admitted. 

                   “You don’t have to say anything, not yet.  Think it over.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small case.  It was velvet and shaped like a rectangle.  He pressed it into her hands.  “Open it.”  Timidly, Atlantis opened the hinged box.  Inside wasn’t a ring, but instead a hair comb with four flowers in a cluster, wound together with long vines, all encrusted in diamonds, and in each flower center a brilliant sapphire gleamed from its place. 

                   “It’s beautiful,” Atlantis admired the piece.  She’d never seen anything like it.

                   “Do you remember when you were young? The first time we met? I was young, a new member of the court and I was given charge of you.  You wanted me to brush your hair, and when I was finished you wanted me to put it into a comb, like this one.  You asked me over and over if I thought it was beautiful.”

                   “You told me I had the most beautiful comb you’d ever seen.” Atlantis finished the memory.  She could remember, he was a part of almost each and every significant memory that Atlantis held dear.  He was always with her, and it made sense. 

                   “You are more beautiful today than ever.  May I kiss you, Calharen?” He asked, his voice steady, gentle and enticing.  Atlantis only nodded, enraptured by the memory, and Andoran drew her close into his arms.  As he kissed her, Atlantis felt her stomach clench up, and instantly, she felt ill.  She drew away from him, trying not to be rude. 

                   “I will think about it.  I should go.  Goodnight, Andoran.” She said, backing away quickly.

                   “Goodnight, Atlantis.” He smiled as if in some small way she’d just given him the world, hers crashed and burned.

Marria once again found herself in the deep recesses of the empress’ closet.  As vast as a cavern and filled with drawers upon drawers and hangers upon hangers, upon each a treasured garment, was either a museum piece or a lesson in frustration.  By the time she found the section she was looking for, she often forgot what she was looking for and would have to find her list, which had likely been left in another part of the closet.  Reaching tentatively for a red silk scarf, she chewed on her lip wondering for the thousandth time if the scarf was really what she was in here for.  Clutching it in her hand, she made her way out of the smaller room containing scarves and hats, into the larger, plush dressing room outfitted with beautiful recessed lighting, covered in ivory and accented with mirrors.  Marria had to give the servant girls credit.  They kept the place immaculate, and Atlantis was always perfectly dressed and organized.  She heard, rather than saw the large, curved doors open and close again.  At this hour, it could only be Atlantis. 

            “Marria, don’t you ever take time off?” Atlantis asked, setting a velvet box down on one of the counters before rubbing her hands over her face.

            “Not when there’s important things to do.” Marria quipped, holding up the red scarf as some evidence of her significant wanderings.

            “Doesn’t your husband ever wonder where you are?” Atlantis asked, sinking down into the plush, navy recliner set up in the middle of the room. 

            “At the very least I tell him I’m going into your closet.  If I’m not out in three days, he says he’ll send a search party and reminds me to always carry extra provisions.” Marria said lightly.  When Atlantis didn’t reply, it gave Marria pause.  She studied her friend.  Atlantis seemed tired, and in the off season that was unusual.  Her hair was mussed, and her makeup smeared, and she just looked out of sorts.  “What’s going on?” Marria asked casually, as if she hadn’t noticed her friend’s appearance.

            “Pardon?” Atlantis asked, distracted by her thoughts.

            “What’s going on with you?” Marria repeated.

            “You’ll never guess what happened.” Atlantis said, sitting on the plush recliner in the center of the room.  She pressed her hand to her forehead like it hurt.

            “No?”

            “Andoran Grey proposed.” Atlantis blurted, and waited for a stunned reaction.  Marria was sorry to disappoint her, but the news wasn’t shocking.  She nodded knowingly and Hmmmed.

            “I’m surprised it took so long.” She commented with a shrug.

            “What?” Atlantis was astonished.

            “Oh Atlantis, how is it you rule an empire? He’s been in love with you for years.”

            “He has not!” Atlantis protested.

            “At times, my dear, you should listen to the rumor mill.  There are shreds truth in the stories they tell.” Marria replied gravely. “It surprised you?”

            “I never imagined it, Marria! Never!” Atlantis insisted.

            “What answer did you give him?”

            “I said I would think about it.” Atlantis said. “What else could I say?”

            “How do you feel about it?”

            “I haven’t had too much time to absorb it.  But, what I figure is that he wants to give me another option other than Kale, which I appreciate because I’m not sure what to make of things with him, but, can you imagine, Marria? Married to Andoran?” The shock of it all was clear in Atlantis’ voice.

            “You’ve been with him since you were a child.  You know what he’s like.”

            “I can see where he would make someone a good husband, but there are things that we so completely disagree on that make a friendship interesting but would make a marriage miserable.” Atlantis moaned. “I feel really ungrateful.”

            Marria regarded her friend with a solemn resolve.

            “You know, sometimes I think it would have been easier if...” Her voice faded.

            “If what?” Atlantis asked, rubbing her hands over her face.

            “If you’d just married that prince you were betrothed to.”

Atlantis scoffed momentarily. “If only it were that easy, but that guy ran away as a baby.  It was like he knew.” She ended, suddenly depressed.

          “Oh, I don’t think it was exactly like that.  They just disappeared, no one knows what happened to them.” Marria consoled.  She paused, watching Atlantis sink further into a depression. “You know, there’s no point in trying to swallow this one whole, especially tonight.  Have you even prayed about it? You haven’t had the time.  Take some time out, pray.  See what it is that Ohar has for you.  There’s no point rushing into anything.  Don’t let yourself get all upset, Atlantis.”
            “And what if I think this just isn’t it?”

            “What do you mean?”

            “I don’t know.” Atlantis muttered. “I will pray.  Thank you, Marria.”

            “Get some rest.” Marria instructed.  Atlantis nodded, moving to comply.