Chapter 6 - Part B

Atlantis took a deep breath, staring at her reflection in the mirror.  Anya had just finished her hair, it was a work of art, a mixture of curls and flowers that accented her face beautifully, completing a perfect picture but not drawing attention away from it.  She let her eyes run over the gown hanging on the wall not far away.  It was stunning, a masterpiece from one of the finest dress makers in all of Khal Manar.  It was cerulean, like the perfect day at the ocean, the full skirt was gathered in random places with small bunches of white flowers placed into each of the folds, resembling those in her hair.  The bodice was tight fitting, laced up the back with a double strand strap moving across the top of the gown and over one shoulder. Wearing it she looked every bit the Empress, and every bit the blushing bride.  The gown was embellished on the edges with small white crystals, shimmering in the light.  It would look perfect, all of it, from the grandly decorated ballroom, to the handsome prince on her arm.  It would look perfect and be tearing her apart.  Her mind wandered back to her conversation with Marria.  Of course she would have to tell Nicolai, and time was growing short.  She had meant to meet with him sometime during the day, but his trip had been delayed he wouldn't arrive until tomorrow at the earliest.  She breathed a sigh of relief.  One more night in love with the man of her dreams; and tomorrow the stark reality would set in.  She would be officially engaged to Kale Farharad, and Nicolai Ryder would go away forever.  It was the way she knew it had to be, and this moment was probably one of the most honest she'd had with herself in a good long while.  She put a smile on her face when her attendants arrived to help her into the gown.  She would prepare herself with smiles, and a heart that would accept Kale, and it would be the greatest sacrifice she would ever make for her people and no one would ever know. 

            Nicolai was glad to be back.  He wasn't crazy about the fact that after his long journey he'd arrived back at the palace, not only to a celebration gala, but to one that he was expected to attend, as said the invitation laid on his desk.  He was tired, and really the only thing he wanted to do was to find Laina, and kiss her, and spend the rest of the night sitting, and talking and laughing under the stars.  He pulled his best dress suit out of the closet where it hung.  It occurred to him that Laina might actually be at this party, and so an exhausting evening of dancing and feasting would be brightened by her presence.  She would be surprised too, he knew he wasn't expected back until morning with the rest of the crew, but he'd left early.  Nicolai strode confidently toward the ballroom, his gaze intent on finding Laina Bayl, and asking for the first dance.

            The ballroom was crowded when he arrived, a myriad of beautifully colored gowns, and striking tuxedos.  It reminded him of a garden, and the thought made him smile.  He scanned the crowd for any sign of Laina.  He hadn't seen her yet, but it could be that she was attending the Empress in the last moments before her grand entrance.  It would be the first time that Atlantis Talerian attended a ballroom gala completely without veil since she'd been crowned the Empress, and the buzz in the air was electric.  From this point forward, as a woman about to be married, her face would be seen all over the kingdom and at every possible opportunity.  Nicolai stifled a small laugh, and hoped that she was the legendary beauty that she was claimed to be.  There was a swell of the orchestra, and Nicolai turned his gaze to the top of the sweeping staircase at the far end of the room.  The crowd paused and turned, and twittered in anticipation of the arrival of the guests of honor.  King Kale Farharad stepped forward first, waiting at the bottom of the stairs, he looked eagerly toward the door.  Through a large mahogany door, a woman appeared at the top of the stairs, clad in blue.  In her white gloved hand, she held the stick of a masquerade masque, and as if she was teasing held it up over her eyes, obscuring the view of her face.  A ripple of laughter then applause scattered around those gathered in the ballroom, enjoying the young Empress' obvious sense of humor.  As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she paused for a long moment, staring at the crowd through the glinted open eyes of the masque. Slowly, she pulled the masque away, to the delight of her spectators, and Kale Farahard took her into his arms and kissed her, and led her in the first dance of the evening.  But, Nicolai missed that, he'd been frozen the second she pulled the masque away from her face.  He'd almost missed it, searching through the few attendants following, trying to find Laina, but suddenly there she was, standing in the Empress' gown, and being received by the Empress' fiance.  Nicolai's stomach plummeted into his shoes.  This was wrong, so very wrong.  His brain was only just slowly piecing together reality.  He didn't even move until someone bumped him.  The crowd, oblivious of his new realization, was joining in the dance.  He stumbled to the back of the room, his eyes never leaving her.  She was magnificent, stunning, everything he knew she was, and everything he didn't know she was.  He bumped into the dining tables laden with delicate foods and desserts.  He felt like he was suffocating, he needed air, and he weaved his way through the crowd to escape, to the garden, where he'd first met Laina Bayl who was Empress Atlantis Talerian, the love of his life, the answer to his dreams, who didn't exist. 

             The party was running perfectly.  So smoothly in fact that no one would ever expect that the condition of the Empress' heart was somewhat disjointed.  She played the part perfectly, everyone believed her, but most importantly Kale did.  It would be the social event of the year, the celebration of the decade and as the guests danced into the night, Atlantis decided that she needed a breath of fresh air.  The evening was cool, but Atlantis could hear the music and loud voices and laughter carrying over the water, she could see several bonfires burning in honor of the newly engaged Emperor and Empress.  The kingdom would celebrate tonight.  Atlantis had to give Marria credit.  The party had been so good, that Atlantis had almost forgotten about Nicolai all together.  She hoped, if only briefly that he would understand.  Perhaps he would choose to stay at the palace, he would want to be her friend. Maybe their late night meetings could continue, maybe their walks in the garden wouldn't have to stop altogether.  Maybe Kale would never have to know...

              "Atlantis."

              “Marria, you've outdone yourself, this is beautiful."

              "Have you talked to Nicolai?" Marria ignored the compliment.

              "What?"

              "Have you talked to him yet?" Marria said, more earnestly this time.

              "Uh, no...he'll be back tomorrow morning, Mar.  Don't worry, I promise that I will talk to him." Atlantis replied sadly, sincerely.

               "He already knows." Marria informed her gently, her tone grave.

              "You told him?"

              "No, you did."

              "Marria, I'm a little tired..."

              "I saw him in the ballroom, with the rest of the crowd just as you were coming in.  I didn't know he was invited, but it made sense that he would be, so I figured you'd already talked to him." Marria informed her. Atlantis' mouth went dry. 

              "Ohar help me."

              "He left right away."

              "I should find him."

              "Do you think that's a good idea? You can't just run off in the middle of a party." Marria grabbed her arm.

              "I can't just leave this Marria." Tears choked Atlantis' words.

              "I know, but you have to be patient.  Do it tomorrow."

             "Oh Marria, I feel sick."

              "Finish tonight, tomorrow you'll have plenty of opportunity..."Marria started.

              "Opportunity for what?" The question came from behind them.

              "Ah, Kale." Atlantis smiled in her attempt to cover up their conversation. 

              "It's our party, and I've barely seen you." He grinned widely at her.  She could smell alcohol on his breath.

               "Just catching a breath of fresh air." Atlantis excused the previous conversation.          "Thank you, Marria.  I will take care of that tomorrow." Atlantis nodded her appreciation at her friend who grimaced a smile at her, and slowly returned in the direction of the party.

              "It's a beautiful night." Kale moved his hand around her waist and drew her close to him. 

              "I didn't think it would be such a celebration." Atlantis said, nervously trying to calm herself, trying to focus on what he had to say.  She tried to push Nicolai out of her thoughts so she wouldn't dissolve in front of Kale, and give herself away. She motioned to the bright bonfires on the beach.

              "And why not celebrate love?" Kale turned her, wrapping his other arm around her and drawing her close.  He drew her hand up into his own, and began to dance with her, to the muffled strains of the orchestra. His movements were slow and close, and lacked the formality that would have taken her twirling around the balcony.  For once, he didn't speak.  He only rested his head against the side of hers, drawing her in.  It was nice, any girl in her right mind would admit that.  She liked the way he looked, the way he smelled, and the way he danced.  Like she was the only girl in his entire world.  At this moment, she appreciated the flickers of jealousy on the faces of the women of the court.  If only they knew, what she knew. They would probably be happily smug to know that it was actually the Empress who was jealous of them.  Kale was a taker, she could feel it even now as he held her, danced with her.

            “I think it’s time.” Atlantis pinched her eyes closed.  She knew immediately what he wanted.

            “Don’t do this Kale.  I was having a nice time.” She admonished.

            “I told you there would come a time for you to repay your debt.  Give me a good reason why you should not.”

            “Do you respect my beliefs at all?”

            “They are antiquated and unnecessary, but, for the most part I respect them because I hold you in such high regard.” Kale answered smoothly. 

            “Ohar demands purity of his people.”

            “That's what your refusal is all about?” It was as if Kale were conceding the point.  The thought surprised Atlantis.

            “We will be married soon, Kale.”

            “I would respect your religious convictions if they were based in truth.  But, I know the truth.  The truth is, your bed has been a little crowded lately.” She felt his grip on her tighten. 

            “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

            “Your words imply guilt.” Kale intoned.

            “Kale...”

            “He's a commoner, Atlantis. Don’t you think Ohar would look more kindly on you taking your future husband to your bed rather than some Captain?” Atlantis struggled against Kale, trying not to draw any attention to them.

            “You think that I have a lover?”

            “I know that you do.”

            “It’s not like that.”

            “So, you don’t deny it?”

            “Kale, let me go.”

            “You will not be denied any of your physical relationships, is that it?”

            “Stop it, Kale.”

            “I just want to know what my boundaries will be, Atlantis.  Will I be allowed to our bed on some occasions, or will I always keep separate quarters.”

            “Are you deaf? I just said that it isn’t like that.”

            “Good. Then come with me.” Kale wrapped his fingers around her arm and started toward the stairs on the side of the balcony.  They were halfway down before Atlantis protested.

            “What are you doing? Let me go.”

            “You’re coming with me.”

            “Where?”

            “To my chambers.”

            “Are you out of your mind? Don’t you hear what I’m saying to you? I’m not going to do this, Kale.” Atlantis cried through gritted teeth.  He grabbed her shoulders and pushed her up against the wall.  The plaster scratched at her skin through her dress.

            “You owe me, Atlantis Talerian.  I saved your neck, and I would appreciate a bit of gratitude.” Kale sneered.

            “And I wouldn’t mind a bit of human decency. Let me go.” There was no room to argue with her tone of voice, and Kale released her.  Atlantis pushed away from him and turned into the gardens.

            “Go on!” Kale shouted after her. “Go on and enjoy your final moments together, Atlantis, because by the end of the month you will be my wife and if he is finished.”

            Atlantis stumbled into the garden.  She just had to get away from the noise and the people and most of all from Kale.  Her stomach turned over and she felt sick.  She would be his wife and there was nothing that she could do to change that.  Her time with Nicolai truly was coming to a close, and tears welled up in her eyes.  She sucked in air desperate for a clean breath.  How had all of this happened? Not six months ago she’d been single and not even really unhappy about it.  She shook her head, trying to clear it.  She wondered briefly what the guests would say, the empress disappearing in the middle of the party.  She wanted to be in her chambers, alone and asleep. It was funny how ridiculous her gown felt now, walking home alone on the path.  She rounded a turn, and moved into an alcove with a fountain at the centre.  The wind was blowing the spray, but on the other side, she could see a figure sitting on the edge of the fountain.  She knew the form immediately, her breath caught in her throat and her steps slowed.  He turned, and recognizing her, stood. 

            “Nic,” His name slipped off her lips easily, desperately and her heart ached.  She wanted to run to him, but knew by the way he stood opposite her in the moonlight, she would not be welcomed.

            “My Lady Empress.” His voice was strained. “Isn’t that how you are addressed?”

            “Nicolai...” Atlantis tried again.

            “What is going on? You lied to me.”

            “I didn't.” She defended weakly.

            “No? So, dual personalities is a regular thing for you? Did you just forget when we were together that you are engaged to a prince or a king or whatever he is?”

            “I didn’t tell you when I was with you because I wanted to be her.” Atlantis admitted, she felt like she was swallowing sawdust.  “I  love you, Nicolai.” She couldn’t believe she’d said those precious words, just thrown them out into the night to be swallowed whole by his icy countenance.  There was silence, just before he laughed.

            “Listen to this! Are you listening to this? The Empress of Khal Manar is confessing her love, for me!” Nicolai threw his hands in the air as if to emphasize the sheer absurdity of it all.

            “Why does my name change what you feel for me?” Atlantis demanded, stung by his laughter.

            “What I feel for you? I don’t even know you. I know a serving girl named Laina Bayl, not the Empress of Khal Manar.”

            “Can you really be so blind? I am her, without all of this, I am her.”

            “That really can’t be, because the Empress of Khal Manar is engaged.  I just saw her, tonight, flirt her way into the arms of her handsome prince.  How can that be Laina?”

            “It’s complicated.”

            “I’ll say, it’s complicated.  From the way it looked tonight you were more than happy in his arms.”

            “I did that because I had to.”

            “But all of this, all of us, that was real.”

            “Yes.”

            “And when exactly were you going to tell me? You wanted me to read it in the papers? Oh, my mistake my Lady.  Didn’t recognize you.” His stare drilled her. 

            “I don’t love him.  He doesn’t know.”

            “You’re lying to both of us then?”

            Atlantis shook her head, “No, not like that.” The silence that filled the space between them was unbearable.  Atlantis knew she’d lost, and it was much more than she’d expected.  Nicolai walked toward her slowly, pausing just in front of her.

            “Then you’re marrying him?” It was more statement than question.

            “At the end of the month.”

            “If it makes any difference, I loved Laina.” He said quietly. Without another word he walked away.  Finishing it as quickly as it had started.  Atlantis stared after him, holding herself back.  And then it hit her, this was what Kale felt so many years ago. Tears burned her eyes, and she let them fall. 

            The party had been going for hours.  Though the young Empress and her Prince were no longer in attendance the guests didn’t seem to feel the need to creep back to their beds just yet.  The music was never-ending, and the food was always replenished, Dawniria figured that even if Atlantis didn’t show herself again for the rest of the night, the party would last until the wee hours.  It wasn’t every decade the Empress wed.  Her heart pounded in her chest, she had another mission.  She’d arrived late, willing to be unnoticed by those in attendance.  So far she’s been mostly successful, and only had to greet a handful of guests who recognized her, and only politely decline one invitation to dance by none other than Galen, the mail room attendee.  She’d almost danced with him, halted by the pleading look in his eyes, but the thought of twirling around the dance floor made her stomach flip around in circles, and Dawniria couldn’t bear the thought.   She’d bowed out gracefully enough, she hoped, but now she needed to find Kale.  She breathed a quick prayer, Atlantis couldn’t have allowed him to accompany her to her chambers.  It was unheard of, positively indecent. The cool of the evening washed over her, as she stepped outside.  She couldn’t keep her secret from Kale any longer, he had to know that he was going to be a father.  Once again, the very idea struck her as strange, and fear chased up over her heart.  She bit her lip.  He loved her, what else could he say? She imagined his look of surprise, and then in one motion sweeping her off of her feet, and leaving Khal Manar and Atlantis Talerian forever.  Dawniria would give him the heir to his throne.  She paused at the balcony railing, scanning the garden for him.  She spotted him, not too far off, sitting in a darkened alcove. 

            “Well, well...if it isn’t the traitor.” His words reached her before she was close to him, as she walked nearer, she could see the bottle of Tol he had in his hand.  He took another long drink from the bottle before acknowledging her. “My bed’s been cold recently, Dawniria.  A man doesn’t like to sleep alone.”

            “I’ve been ill.”

            “Hopefully it won’t last long.  I have a feeling you’ll be frequenting my bed even after Atlantis and I are man and wife.” Kale half-mumbled into his open bottle. 

            “Kale, I’m pregnant.” The words slipped out quickly, slowing the bottle to Kale’s lips.

            “Lady Dawniria, what you do in your spare time is hardly any business of mine.” Kale drank deeply again.

            “The baby is yours.”

            “Oh please.  Who is going to believe that?” Kale sneered.

            “Your servants have seen me plenty of times...” Tears choked Dawniria’s words.

            “And do you know what I saw? I saw a woman desperate to worm her way into the arms of the Prince in order to manipulate a place for herself in history.  Trust me, my servants saw nothing.”

            “Kale, you said you loved me.”

            “But I did love you Dawniria, I loved your body, and the fact that you would warm my bed at night.  I loved the company, the pleasure, the distraction, but you have to come to realize that you are nothing better than a whore, dressed up in the robes of a royal prime minister. Traitor to the house of Talerian.  I could never really love you.” Kale lifted the bottle again.  Nausea overwhelmed Dawniria, and she pressed a hand to her stomach.

            “You are evil...”She started.

            Kale laughed.  Getting up from the bench, he sauntered drunkenly to where she stood.  He gripped her chin with his hand. “Save your accusations.  Give it time, my Dear. Don’t say anything you’ll regret.  You’ll be in my bed again soon enough.  You can’t stay away.” With that he brushed past her, moving into the garden, into the night.  Dawniria willed herself not to cry, but how could she not? She had been so foolish.  She crumpled to the ground, and let the tears fall freely.  Kale was right.  She was a traitor.  She would be banished from the court forever.  

 She felt two strong arms around her, suddenly, out of nowhere.  They were comforting, and she cried harder.  A voice whispered in her ear, calming, quieting, making her believe that everything would be all right.  She blinked, trying to clear the tears, and when she looked up, she recognized Galen.  She gasped, pulling herself back, her hand over her mouth.  He only stared at her, calm, genuine.  He cared.  How had she not realized it before?

            “You heard that?” She finally asked, fearful of the answer.

            “Yes, I followed you.  I wanted to speak with you.” He admitted softly. “You need to speak with the Empress.”

            “I’m a traitor, Galen.”

            “You need to speak with her.  I’ll go with you, if you like.”

            Dawniria felt herself nod.

                                                             

            Atlantis was exhausted.  She wasn’t sure why she’d taken the long way around through the garden, but for the most part it had cleared her head and bound up the open wound on her heart.  She wanted to run back to Nicolai, to try and explain everything again, but she knew it was better to give him time, and even more than that, space. Besides, in her tired state, she knew it was better for her not to try and explain herself.  It would only make things worse.  What she needed now was quiet and her own bed.  As she mounted her  stairs to her chambers, she was first struck by the number of lights on, and then noticed Marria waiting in the doorway.

            “Marria? You’re still here?”Atlantis asked, softly.  She paused at the caution splayed out across her friend’s face. 

            “I suppose you met up with Nicolai?”

            “Yes.”

            “Do you want to talk about it?”

            “Not really.  I need some time.” Atlantis was honest.  She couldn’t even wrap her head around it at the moment.

            “I can give you that time. But, you’re going to need to brace yourself, Atlantis.  This is going to get worse before it gets better.” Marria’s voice was grave, and Atlantis froze.

            “What’s going on?” She tried to look over Marria’s shoulder, she could see two figures in her living room, one was definitely Dawniria and the other was familiar...she thought about it for a moment.  “Is that Galen?” She asked, confusion flooding her features.  Marria followed her glance quickly.

            “Galen, the mail clerk.  Yes. Long story.” Marria looked back at Atlantis. “You need to go in there, and hear her out.  I mean it, no fighting, no arguing just listen.  Don’t react in anger, and for the love of Ohar, don’t do anything rash.” Atlantis stared at her friend trying to read her.  Marria rarely if ever took the pre-emptive strike tone.  It put Atlantis on alert, but she passed by Marria into the living room without speaking.  She stopped in front of Galen and Dawniria, who’s eyes were bloodshot with crying.

            “Dawniria? What’s the matter?” Dawniria crumpled to the floor, she extended her hands, palms up as a signal of surrender.

            “My Lady, I’m a traitor to the crown, a traitor to the house of Talerian, but more importantly, a traitor to you, my friend.” Tears streaked Dawniria’s cheeks, and Atlantis’ heart burnt with compassion.  She knelt with her friend and grasped her hands.  She felt tears well up in her own eyes.

            “What is it? Tell me Dawn.”

            “I’m pregnant, Atlantis.” Dawniria’s confession brought on a bout of fresh tears.  Atlantis shifted her gaze to Galen, who shook his head in swift denial. “The baby is Kale’s.” She released the words finally, and they sunk in to Atlantis like cold water.

            “Oh, Dawniria...”

            “I saw you with another man, weeks ago in the garden.  I was angry with you, and Kale had been propositioning me for some time.  I went to him.  It’s my fault, Atlantis, I fell in love with him, I was certain he would be with me.  I wanted your place and your power, but  I am nothing to him.  I am weak to return to you and beg your forgiveness, but I have nowhere else to go.  I deserve to be executed, banished, and I beg you to carry out your will on me, but spare this child.” Dawniria sobbed.  Atlantis gathered her friend into her arms.  She rocked her, like a child herself, back and forth. 

            “You are guilty of nothing that I am not guilty of.  I wanted to be who I wasn’t, and I’ve hurt  people in my own selfishness.  You are a true friend, Dawniria and more importantly, you are forgiven.  Please forgive me, and my own indiscretions.” She whispered to her friend. 

            When Dawniria finally calmed down, Atlantis was able to leave her in the tender care of Galen with a glass of water, and instructions to rest.  The two sat together on the couch in her living room and Atlantis went to find Marria, who was still hovering in the doorway on the balcony.  They spoke in hushed tones.

            “You handled that well.” Marria observed.

            “Under the circumstances, I hope so.” Atlantis crossed her arms.  The night was quiet now, and she assumed that most of the evening’s guests had returned home. 

            “How far along is she?” Marria asked.

            “She believes a little more than eight weeks.”

            “It is Kale’s child?”

            “That’s what she says.”

            “There is no reason to doubt her word, but you will need to verify that for Kale’s sake.” 

            “I’ve already called for a doctor.  He can perform the test tonight.”

            “What will you do if it is positive?”

            “I know it will be positive.  Dawniria isn’t a liar.”

            “She has nothing to gain by removing Kale from the throne.” Marria agreed.

            “No, nothing.”

            “And your engagement to Kale Farharad?”

            “You know as well as I, that under Manarian law Dawniria will give birth to a legitimate heir.  Whether Kale recognizes the heir or not as far as the next ruler of his empire hardly matters, but if Kale and I are joined in marriage, Dawniria’s child will have first right to the throne and will be a contender with my own children by him.” Atlantis said, seriously.

            “Then the terms of the engagement are broken.”

            “As far as I am concerned, yes.  I will not have that kind of division in my home, Marria; Children vying for power.  Besides, you can practically guarantee that Dawniria won’t be the last.”

            “He’ll argue that it is convenient, considering your recent relationship with Nicolai Ryder.” Marria pointed out.

            “That relationship no longer exists.  He can say what he wants about that, but I don’t think Nicolai will be riding in here on a white horse any time soon.”

            “I’m sorry, Atlantis.”

            “We don’t have time to be sorry.  I have to fix this.”

            “We need to protect Dawniria.  Does it occur to you as well that when Kale hears that you’ve called off the engagement on account of Dawn’s pregnancy her life will be in danger?”

            “It does.” Atlantis agreed.

            “Begging your pardon, my Lady, Your Majesty.” Galen’s voice spoke from behind them. 

            “Galen.” Atlantis acknowledged him. “What can we do for you?”

            “I couldn’t help but overhear.  I know that Lady Dawniria is in trouble, and I understand the risks that she is facing.  Allow me to care for her.  I know a place that I can take her that will be safe with a bit of help from your security forces, I promise that she will be safe.” The young man spoke earnestly.  Atlantis smiled.

            “I believe you do.  Make whatever arrangements you need.  I can give you any finances required to keep Dawniria in the best of health and safety for when this baby arrives.” Atlantis promised.

            “Thank you, my Lady.”