Chapter 1 Part C

“My Lady.” The voice broke into her memory.  Atlantis smiled as she turned.

            “Andoran Grey.  I wasn’t expecting to see you here for at least another week.” He was smiling at her, leaning casually against a pillar.  Older than her by eight years, Andoran Grey had served her Grandfather, and he was well loved in Atlantis’ inner circle.  Atlantis had adored him from the time she was a child.  He was handsome, his black hair cropped short, complimenting his tanned skin.  His green eyes glittered, and he laughed.

            “Apparently my communications aren’t being received.”

            “Apparently not.” Atlantis agreed, reaching him for an embrace.  “I missed you.”

            “Not enough to call me home sooner.” He joked.

            “And disrupt my finest negotiator, I think not.  Besides, I’ve had everything under control here, I barely needed your help at all.”  Her tone was light, teasing. 

            “That’s what I hear.  You look lovely this morning.”

            “Oh come now, I haven’t even changed.” Atlantis flirted with him openly. It was an understanding she’d had with him for a long time now. 

            “That hardly matters.” Andoran defended.  Atlantis rolled her eyes, and let her gaze wander over her balcony again, she longed for escape.

            “I suppose you’ve heard the news.” Atlantis stated dryly.  She went in to her dressing room, but could still hear Andoran’s reply.

            “I did just get in this morning, how well connected do you think I am?” He bantered.

            “I was counting on your ability to know all.” Atlantis called back as she selected a gown. 

            “Well, I suppose you get to tell me something for a change.”

            “Kale Farharad is on his way here, as we speak.” Atlantis said.  She wasn’t surprised at the silence that followed.

            “Ah.” Was all she heard, and the pause continued.  “Invited?” Andoran finally asked.

            “Of course not; he sneaked his way past the high council with a temporary request to have the Lorandon Accord dissolved.” Atlantis informed him, ignoring the flash of annoyance at Andoran’s insinuation.  She pressed her earrings into her ears and made another appearance.  Andoran offered his arm, and he led her toward the high court, through the garden. 

            “I’m surprised with all of the trouble he caused last time, the cover up, and his payments of a replacement dowry with a higher percentage of his crops, one would think that he’d stay as far away from here as possible.” Andoran said, analytically.  “You’d think it would be bad for business.”

            “I don’t really know why he’s coming here, I suppose I could just be jumping to conclusions...”Atlantis’ voice trailed off.

            “You think he wants a relationship again?”

            “I do.”

            “As part of the accord, he promised that you were not to be held to his claim, and that you were free to marry another.” Andoran reminded her.

            “Yes, I do remember.  Like I say, I could be jumping to conclusions.  His wife, did, only pass away a year or so ago. Wasn’t it?” Atlantis asked, jogging her memory.

            “Something like that.  From what I understand though, her death was not natural.”

            “I heard that too; a suicide.” Atlantis shook her head sadly.

            “And so, how would you feel about him making a new claim?” Andoran asked slowly, as if he was nervous to hear her answer.

            “That’s just it.  I don’t really feel anything, especially for him.  It’s been eight years, Andoran.  I moved on, I worked hard, the succession passed to me, I became the Empress and I put him to the back corner of my mind.  My feelings for him faded.  They don’t even hurt any more, they are just something that once was or at least I think they were.  They’re dead now.” Atlantis explained with a shrug.  “In a way it’s the best thing that happened to me.  I would never have gotten to know my Grandfather as well as I did, and if Kale’s status had remained the same, it would have been likely I would never have been named my Grandfather’s successor.” Andoran leaned in to her.

            “You don’t have to entertain him, Calhara.” He said gently, his voice resting just above a whisper.

            “I know.  But, if I truly feel the way I believe I feel, then why not?  Is he not like any other King on my doorstep?” Atlantis smiled, appreciating Andoran’s use of her pet name.  He’d called her that, since she was a child.  Andoran paused on the path.

            “It is different, Calhara.  Be careful of him.  I know you are feeling the pressure of the Empire to marry, and that may be well.  But, he has a key from your past, don’t be fooled by him.” He said, seriously.  Atlantis nodded in appreciation, Andoran was at least, always honest.

            “If I can recall, I don’t believe you ever liked Kale Farharad.”

            “No, I think you’re right.  I never liked him.” Andoran followed, as Atlantis climbed the steps to the high court, she was entering a back room, so that she could put a veil on her face before sitting on the throne. It was custom in Khal Manar that an unmarried ruler sit veiled on the throne; both for men and women. It was supposed to prevent prejudice by subjects seeking the young ruler’s judgment.  The custom was created so petitioners would feel confident approaching the ruler of the Empire, and not be distracted by the age or gender of the ruler.

            “And why was that, exactly?” She called back, over her shoulder.

            “As if you don’t know.” Andoran replied under his breath.  He knew she hadn’t heard, she was immediately swept up in the business of preparing for her court room duties.  Marria and Dawniria were already there, Marria fussing over Atlantis’ appearance, and Dawniria reading off a docket of chores to be completed before the noon meal.  Andoran busied himself with his own tasks but kept an eye on Atlantis.  She was perfect.  She was quick at solving problems, and intuitive when it came to treaties and land claims.  He adored her sharp wit, and her ability to laugh, especially at herself.  The high court was a different place with her in charge.  She wasn’t manipulative and though she could be demanding, she was well loved.  Especially, by him.