Chapter 2 Part A

The deep, salty smell of the ocean wafted in through the open windows.  Kale’s imminent arrival was finally upon them, and Atlantis was waiting for him in the high court.  It was a grand room, high arched ceilings, marble floors and dais, where a beautifully carved throne was elegantly centered in the room.   At the moment, she clutched at the throne breathing slowly, in and out, desperately trying to retain her composure and calm her blasted erratic nerves.  It frustrated her that his arrival bothered her so immensely.  On the one hand she was absolutely terrified that he would be asking for her hand, or for her permission to court her once again, and on the other hand, she was terrified that he wouldn’t be asking that, and all of this emotional upheaval was a result of a request for new treaty talks.  The Hall of Emperors was abuzz with activity, her eyes flitted from one group to another, coming and going, completing tasks and the business of the Empire.  She knew that Kale was just beyond the doors at the back of the hall organizing his own appearance.  She knew it was a production but she had decided on a formal meeting to be sure the Empire wasn’t given over to rumor and scandal.  She wouldn’t hide anything from her people.  They deserved that at least.  As the doors opened the hurried negotiations paused, Atlantis’ eyes rested on Kale.  He strode confidently into the hall, his childish good looks had crystallized into something sharp, yet as she studied him, she felt her breath catch in her throat.  Once in the center of the room, he arranged his servants around him like pawns, important pieces in a chess match, he was showing his power, in case she was unaware.  She saw him bend at the waist, bowing respectfully.  His very presence in the room was intimidating, hardly the broken boy she’d run from eight years before.  She gathered a shaky breath, and straightened her back.  She appeared elegant, powerful and serene.  She held her head high, and pulled her mouth into a non-committal frown.  Keeping her back straight, she crossed her ankles, imposing her own sense of power in the room. 

“Your Majesty, lady Empress.” Kale greeted her, bowing a second time.

“My Lord, King Farharad.  I believe it’s expected when I say, this is a surprise.” Atlantis said coolly. 

“I hope that it may be a pleasant one.”

“We shall see.” Atlantis replied quickly. “It isn’t often any throne room is graced by your presence unless it is at the conclusion of a hostile takeover.”  There was a short stint of muffled laughter that worked its way around the courtroom.  Kale grimaced as though he were in pain.

“Well deserved, Majesty, but I do make special exceptions.” Kale replied evenly.  “However, I have business of a particular nature that I would prefer to discuss in private with you.”  His words were stiff, like the air in the room. 

“You have the privacy of the high court.” Atlantis returned.

“In which case, it would be better for me to proclaim my intentions down at the Manarian docks, for all the privacy we have here. I’m afraid it won’t be adequate.” Kale asserted.  Stubbornly, Atlantis held her ground.

“I’m afraid, for now, it will have to do.”

“I wish to discuss absolving the Lorandon Accord.”  Kale crossed his arms over his chest, his stance was arrogant, something he’d acquired as a King.  So, it was true.  He wanted more than just simple treaty negotiations. 

“Now that, is a private matter.” Atlantis said slowly, as if she were surprised by his request.

“I’m glad you see it that way.” Kale looked as if he’d won a small victory.

“I will meet you in the Algornath Pavillion, in half an hour.  Does that suit you, Sir?”

“Thank you, my Lady.” Kale bowed again, and turned to leave.  Atlantis breathed a short sigh of relief.  Atlantis stood, signaling that the dealings of the high court had come to a conclusion for the day and made her way through a door, where Dawniria was waiting for her. 

“That went well.” She said with a smile, trailing after Atlantis as she began toward her chambers.

“Compared to what?” Atlantis asked, dryly. 

“Well, I thought there would be an all-out war.”

“Oh, I’m sure that will come, if he wants what I think he wants.” Atlantis grumbled.

“Come on, Lan.  It’s not that bad.” Dawniria advised, using Atlantis’ pet name. “So? A rich and handsome man wants you to have dinner with him.  Big deal, it happens all the time.”

“Correction, it happens to you all the time. It also happens, that rich and handsome man broke my heart eight years ago.” Atlantis returned.

“You ever heard of second chances?”

“Since when do you want me to give Kale Farharad a second chance?” Dawniria’s words made her pause.

“Since I saw him in there today.  I know in your mind he’s this monster, but it isn’t true.  For once in your life don’t be the judge, just listen to what he has to say.” Dawniria said her tone sharp.

“I didn’t know you felt so strongly.” Atlantis was defensive.

“It’s not just me, you know.  The Empire wants an heir.  They like the stability you’ve provided, and they want it to continue when you’re gone.  They deserve that, don’t they?” Dawniria demanded.

“I’ve been a little busy...” Atlantis tugged on her veil, tearing from her face, and tossing it to the waiting hands of a servant.

“A little? I would say, a lot.  You haven’t really made marriage a priority after Kale left.”

“It hasn’t really been a priority.”

“Maybe it should be, and maybe you have a good man there, willing to give it a shot.  Why not keep an open mind instead of rule him out immediately?  He took a big chance coming here, and he’s probably expecting you to shoot him down.  Why not surprise us all, and just listen.” Dawniria replied forcefully, her cheeks were flushed as she thrust her electronic board into Atlantis hands.

“You’re on his side.” Atlantis blurted.

“I’m not on anyone’s side, don’t be childish.  I just think that your life could change in a good way if you just listen to him.” Dawniria returned, exasperated. 

“You’re one of very few people who enjoy the privilege of speaking to me the way that you do, but you are not an expert on every avenue of my life, Dawniria.  You can be sure of that.” Atlantis’ voice rose, causing others milling around to pause.

“And when the day comes that you don’t want to hear the truth as I know it, from my lips, then my time with you is finished.” Dawniria turned on her heal and stamped away.  Sucking in a deep breath, Atlantis watched her go.  She was suddenly aware of the eyes of her servants nearby.  They were taking in every word.  Atlantis knew that not all of her servants tight-lipped about what happened behind closed doors. The city reporters were always hungry for news of dissention in the palace.  Atlantis paused, glancing around her.  She tried to ignore the persistent echo of Dawniria’s words in her mind.  They were, for the most part, true.  She fumed silently.  Dawniria could be the most passionate of her ladies, and didn’t stop herself to spare Atlantis from the truth.  They’d argued before, and comparatively this was only a minor disagreement.  She exited through a door on the far side of the hall of Emperors.  On one side the white marble wall stretched around them in a large half circle, meeting three short steps up to another level and then out through the arched portico to the gardens.  The other side was a long, pillared hallway leading into the depths of the palace.  Self-consciously she adjusted her gown and smoothed the invisible wrinkles.  She moved up the stairs and out into the sunlight.  Shading her eyes with her hand, she followed a path leading to the Algornath Pavilion.  It was a handsome structure crowned by the natural elegance of the gardens.  It was built on a small island surrounded on both sides by one of the twelve streams that ran through the gardens.  Like the water bubbling over the small pebbles, her thoughts raced through her mind.  She couldn’t ignore the painful tug at her heart every time Dawniria’s words invaded her thoughts. 

Kale arrived before her.  She could see him lounging on one of the chairs, comfortable, as if he’d never left.  He was holding a crystal glass of sparkling Tol, it was a Manarian delicacy, and his favourite of course.  Atlantis remembered that suddenly, and was surprised that the insignificant fact had left her.  She walked toward the pavilion slowly, and with every step she seemed to remember more about him, the walks, the laughter, affectionate camaraderie.  He’d been a child of nineteen the last time she saw him but he wasn’t a child any more.  Taller than she remembered, he’d cut his hair short, showing off his chiseled good looks.  He noticed her approaching and stood.  He bowed just slightly and reached for her hand. He pressed his lips to the palm of her hand, a sign of respect.

“There is no lack of pretty things here, but you, my Lady are the most beautiful flower in the gardens of Malbrandor.” Kale murmured against her palm.  Atlantis flushed crimson. 

“Thank you, Kale.  Your flattery is unnecessary.” She whispered.

“You’ve changed.”

“Have I?”

“You were a never a mind for getting right down to business.”

“Comes with the job, I guess.”

“So,” Kale paused. “This is business.”

“Yes, I wouldn’t know what other name to put to it.” Atlantis specified.

“I hoped you would feel differently.”

“What do you want, Kale? I can’t feel anything until I know what it is you want.”

Kale leaned back in his chair.  He folded his hands in his lap and looked at her intently. 

            “My wife is dead.” He said, his voice nearly void of emotion.

            “I heard that.  I am sorry.” Atlantis said, compassionately.

            “She loved my brother, she was pledged to be married to him.  Other than our wedding day, I can’t think of a day Donatella wore another color other than black.  As for me, I was too much like him, but I wasn’t him.  For months it pained her to even look at me, and eventually our rocky relationship simply fell silent, and I believe she died of a broken heart.” Kale’s voice was pained, and Atlantis reached for his hand almost naturally, as if there was nothing else to be done.

            “Kale...” The words died on her lips. 

           “It’s alright, Atlantis.” He shrugged.  “So, I suppose, the truth is, I never forgot you and I always loved you, so, here I am.” His eyes raised to match hers, and he held her gaze.  “I want to purpose a new claim to the council.  I want you to be my wife.”  His directness both surprised and impressed her.  She kept her face emotionless.  It was not what she wanted to hear. 

            “Then it is up to the council.” She submitted.

            “That’s it? I don’t remember you so dispassionate.” She saw the disappointment flash in his eyes.

            “I appreciate your words, Kale.  In some ways I’ve been waiting eight years to hear them, but there is much between us.   We’re all grown up now, and our positions are very different than they were all that time ago.” Atlantis stood, turning from him.

          “Wait.” He jumped up, catching her hand in his.  “I let you walk away from me once, I won’t let you again.” Atlantis shook her hand away as she turned, anger flushed her pretty cheeks.

            “What do you think this is, Kale? This is not a romance playing down at the theatre.  You can’t just jump back into my life and expect that everything will be the same.  You broke me, and it took me a good long time to recover, yet, here I am.  Yes, the council will hear you, and I will hear their recommendation, but, you are going to have to be very patient.” Atlantis maintained strongly.

            “If I’m not mistaken, this is your only offer since my first.  I’d say, you don’t have much to consider.” Kale observed harshly.  Atlantis gritted her teeth, yanking her hand back she turned, he lurched forward and caught her by her shoulders, pulling her close to him, he pressed his lips to the small curve of her neck.  Atlantis resisted the combined urge to give in to him and knock his teeth loose with a slap. 

            “Let go.” She instructed,  he complied. “Feel free to stay as long as you need to make your petition to the council.” She said before walking away.  

Captain Nicolai Ryder leaned back in his chair deftly watching the stars move by the windows of his cabin.  He forgot, in all his travels, to stop and stare out into space now and then.  His cabin was quiet, he rubbed his hand over his face, wondering how long it had been since he slept.  They’d run into a meteor shower unexpectedly, due to some faulty equipment and had hung on for dear life for nearly a day.  Nicolai Ryder liked his job and his crew, and nothing made him happier than a few quiet days moving through the Arderis Cluster, just taking in the raw magnificence of it all.  But, truth be told, he was looking forward to docking in Khal Manar’s safe harbors and taking in a month or so of leave.  His crew deserved it too, after eight or nine death defying missions, depositing a crew on Khal Manar to build a new embassy was right up his alley.  He, by nature wasn’t really an adventurer, adventures sort of just found him, latched on and wouldn’t let go until his crew had once again risked their lives.  The whole thing could be exhausting, if he stopped to think about it.  He figured that they would be dry docked in Dalik Noir within the next day or so.  It wasn’t his style to stay in port too long, but the Prince had offered good money, and so, Nicolai’s exploration merchant ship had been temporarily transformed into a transportation vessel, he supposed the Prince was doing him a favour.  After a few unpopular political moves on his part, both he and his crew were being called infamous by a few unhappy parties.  Nicolai just didn’t always feel that he shouldn’t be involved with the merchandise that he transported, and he tended to make rich vendors angry. Apparently they didn’t like to be threatened by the law. 

He wasn’t married, leaving his parents on a small planet on the outskirts of the empire.  In fact, the women thus far in his life had never lasted all together that long.  Once he’d been serious about a young medical officer, but on a random away mission she fell head over heels in love with some alien, leaving Nicolai cold.  It was tragic, he decided, closing his eyes again.  Someone should write a book about it.  The buzzer at his door rang.

            “Come in.” He called.

            “Captain.”

            “Commander.  So, we survived.” He said, greeting his first officer.  He’d recruited Kuri himself, the intelligent young woman had grown up on her Father’s vessel eventually taking command of one of her father’s ships.  She was a deck hand, an engineer, a navigator, a fighter and an officer all rolled in to one, with a driving need to be out in space, exploring the unknown places.  She appreciated Nicolai’s laid back nature, which disguised his own spirit for adventure, she spoke her own mind even when he preferred she didn’t, had a hot temper and that worked for Nicolai.  At one time he thought he might be attracted to her, but, she fell in love with the computer analyst on board, and the two were soon married.  Tragic, Nicolai thought again, briefly, with a shake of his head. 

            “Nothing like a good storm.”

            “How’s  the rest of the crew?”

            “I think they’ll survive, especially after I talked them out of the mutiny they were planning.” She relayed with a sweet smile. 

            “And once again, you have my gratitude.”

            “Here are the damage reports, Sir.  Nothing we can’t handle, but, it’s probably good she’ll be giving her wings a rest for a few days.” Kuri said, her tone informative. “Also, while you were on a break and the rest of us were working, we received a communication from the palace.  You’ve been invited to spend some time there as a guest.”

            “I know, the Prince asked me to.  I never wanted to be in politics.”

            “I’ve heard talk among the crew, Sir. It’s not like us to put into port for so long.  This old girl being retired?” Kuri asked.

            “Not without a fight, she’s not. Besides, you’d be the first to know.” Nicolai replied with a half-smile. “You can tell them they’ll get paid, I promise.”

            “After being chased by rebels, fighting off raiders, and surviving meteor storms, I would say a break is well deserved.  They say the Empress is in residence at Malbrandor this time of year, you never know.” Kuri winked at Nicolai as she turned on her heal to leave.

            “She wears a veil, Kuri.  There’s got to be a reason.” Nicolai called after her.  Yes, a few days in the palace would be good for him.