Chapter 2 - Part B

The week was long.  Atlantis barely stepped out of the high court, as in times of great need.  She was busy and had nearly forgotten about Kale’s presence at the palace.  She trusted the council.  Of course she hadn’t made her own plea, she believed that they knew her feelings, understood them, and at the same time didn’t deserve an explanation or need her begging at their feet.  Leaving the decision in their hands was nerve wracking, but Atlantis knew overall, it was only a recommendation, she would have the privilege of a final decision with their approval, and without she may need some help reassuring her people. 

“Atlantis, the council has submitted their recommendation.”

“Did they?”  Atlantis asked, staring up from the stack of paperwork on her desk. “That was fast.”

 “Do you want to hear it?” Marria asked.  Atlantis folded her hands over her paperwork and nodded. “The council has voted to forgive any further reparations by the Lorandon Accord, stating that trade should be re-opened and ruled by both sides.”

“Fair enough.” Atlantis answered, hoping that was it, but Marria continued.

“They heard King Farharad speak, and have granted him the permission he requests to pursue a relationship with you, as long as you are a willing party.  They do, however, send a note to you privately.  They encourage you to take the opportunity presented, as the people of the Empire have begun to become restless in their hopes that an heir will be produced to rule in your stead, when that time should present itself.” Marria finished.  She watched Atlantis, who had stood up and already begun to pace.

“So, they sided completely with him.” She threw her hands up.

“I wouldn’t say completely, they did give you the benefit of making your own choice.”

“With a strong recommendation toward what they want.”

“Well, if you think about it, that’s only fair.  You hired them to express their opinions.  You’ve always told them that if they disagree with you, they are to speak their mind.” Marria reminded her.

“Oh, I know.  I guess I just assumed it would never happen.” Atlantis grumbled.

“You know that they don’t all know the circumstances behind what happened between you and Kale.  They are just relieved that perhaps you might be happy with someone soon.”

 “I suppose.” Atlantis chewed on her lip a moment. “What am I supposed to do?”

“Well, Kale has asked you to dinner nearly every night this week.  Why not do something totally unexpected, and accept for a change?” Marria encouraged.

“I don’t want to have dinner with him.”

“But, wouldn’t it be a fair argument before the council if you give things a try? If you try, and it doesn’t work, then you can end your relationship with him, and he has to leave.  If you enjoy yourself, maybe you’ll find some happiness after all.  Don’t ignore that chance, Atlantis.” Marria concluded.

“I suppose I could...”Atlantis said half heartedly.

“I’ll tell the porter.”

“Alright, but Marria...”

“Yes?”

“This is only dinner.”

“I know.  Only dinner.” She repeated, unable to hide the look of approval that danced in her eyes.

As the dinner hour approached Atlantis changed her gown.  She pulled her hair out of her face, and had it pinned up and back, held in place by a diamond and pearl barrette.  The burgundy gown she chose was edged with silver, small cap sleeves and the floor length breezy skirt moved easily around her legs.  Slipping her feet into silver sandals she regarded her transformation in the mirror.  Normally an image of striking authority, she was uncomfortable when the face of a girl stared back at her. She fussed with her hair a moment longer, concerned that she would come across too stuffy.  Along with several accolades from excited servants, and a great deal of talking from Marria about topics that she should avoid, Atlantis was finally ready to go.  She walked slowly into the garden, toward the south side.  It was a small patio that looked out over the sea, and Atlantis knew why Kale picked it.  They would be able to watch the sun set.

She could see Kale in the distance, awash in the growing tide of memories.  A smug grin, indicative of his recent victory with the council was pasted onto his bronzed features.  He was wearing tight, black pants, tucked into large, shiny boots.  His crisp, white, oversized shirt clasped neatly at the cuffs was open nearly half way down his chest.  He reminded Atlantis of something from a romance tale, and she wondered if she appreciated the look or if it just made her uncomfortable.  Too many expectations for one dinner.  He rose to meet her as she approached.  She felt her stomach tighten anxiously.  She could never guess what he was thinking, an aspect that she’d once found exciting, now sent a sharp chill through her blood.  She studied him in the sinking sunlight of the evening, and it struck her that the certain boyish charm Kale effortlessly exuded at nineteen had been sharpened away by the weathering years of manhood and experience.  Atlantis extended her hand, and Kale bowed gallantly, scooping her palm into his own.  He pressed his lips to her hand, and lingered there too long.

“Good evening, my Lady.”

“My Lord.” Atlantis allowed herself to be ushered into a waiting chair.  A beautiful meal, reflecting the present summer season had been laid out with great care.

“May I offer you a drink?”

“Thank you, my Lord.”

“May I call you Atlantis?” The question was quick, as he held the glass out for her.  It was just beyond her reach, and he held her gaze.

“I suppose you may as well.” Atlantis agreed, accepting the drink.

“Ah, so you’re not going to make this easy for me.” Kale accepted the challenge with a grin.  “The council accepted my proposal.” He offered, as if it was supposed to encourage her.

“So I hear.  They are a politically minded group, I can see the advantages from their point of view.” Atlantis chimed.

            “Then this is only political?”

            “You know it is.”

            “I hoped you will come to see things differently.”

            “Perhaps you hope too much.” Atlantis replied evenly. 

            “I was nineteen years old, Atlantis.  A child, really.  You’re going to hold that against me?” Kale chided.

            “I don’t exactly trust you.” Atlantis stood; she turned from him to face the crashing surf.  The wind picked up, and blew tendrils of her hair loose. 

            “You and I were victims of unexpected circumstances, Atlantis, but it’s been eight years.  It’s time you grew up, my Dear.  Let this go, live up to your responsibilities as Empress.” Kale’s words weren’t sharp, but she could hear the tension in his tone.

            “I don’t think that you can expect much more, but for me to treat yours as I would an offer from any dignitary.  When I gave you that ring back, I let go of you forever.  You can’t really think that you were going to arrive here, and find me in the love sick state I was the last day I laid eyes on you.”

            “Then why accept an invitation to dinner?”

            “Wasn’t it you who plead to fears of the council, going on and on about the duty I was required to perform on behalf of my people?  So, here I am.  Why don’t we make an agreement? We’ll have a state wedding, a government sanctioned union complete with a wedding gift of treaties.” Atlantis, turned to stare at him over her shoulder.  She could tell she was hitting her mark.  Kale’s spine was rigid, as he was trying to maintain his temper. 

            “That isn’t what I’m after.” Kale protested. “I already had one paper marriage, I don’t want to do it again.”

            “How can I be sure?” Atlantis pushed.

            “It can’t be possible that you feel nothing for me.” Kale insisted. “I didn’t want what happened to happen either, and you can’t blame me forever.”

            “I don’t blame you, Kale.”

            “You’ve forgotten what we had.  I guarantee Atlantis, I’ll win you over.  It won’t be me begging to get married, but you.” With that he kissed her, hard, trapping her against the railing.  She slapped him and with a cry of pain he released her. Her emotions clashed in her.  She hated that she was still angry at him, that he still had that over her. What surprised her was the small pang she’d felt when he’d held her.  She walked quickly into the garden, trying to ignore the string of protests raining down from his lips.  Momentarily she wondered why things with him seemed so impassable, but she knew the truth of it.  Moving on with her life had taken a long time, and now that she was finally settled with herself, he was back just to disrupt things.  Angry, frustrated tears gathered in Atlantis’ eyes, as she stormed into the garden.  She would need to walk a long way before she felt like going back to her rooms, she needed to refocus, and cool down.  The garden was the only place for her; it wrapped her in its warm, unassuming arms, as she disappeared on the paths.

   

Nicolai felt ridiculous.  He could find his way around a sixteen planet empire blindfolded, but reading the directions to his new apartments tucked away in Malbrandor palace was an entirely different story.  He’d been walking forty-five minutes since he asked the last person he’d seen, and at least thirty before that.  He supposed that palaces were busy places, and why would they have time to escort you through their lavish corridors to your rooms being so busy with said important happenings, but Nicolai wondered how many guests were lost, still, continually wandering the gardens.  He figured he must be going in circles, as he was sure he’d passed the same fountain twice in the last twenty-eight minutes.  He was so sure of the time because he’d glanced at his watch the first time by, and now, dishearteningly, he was here again, at the fountain.  It was circular, and several paths jetted off in different directions.  Nicolai counted at least twelve.  One had to lead to his apartments, but also, knowing the rumored size of the Malbrandor gardens, he could easily be wandering the rest of the evening.  It was beginning to get dark, and that would make things even more confusing, not to mention the fact that he’d been hungry twenty-eight minutes ago, and now the prospect of finding something to eat was growing dimmer.  He would never want to leave his room once he finally found it.  He resisted the urge to place a call to Kuri, who would undoubtedly be slightly annoyed at the interruption on the first night of her shore leave, who would likely spread the story to the crew, and they would all have a good laugh about it for months afterward.  He paused at the fountain.  His only other option was to find a door into the palace, and so far that plan hadn’t worked either.  Not to mention, He wasn’t too crazy about the idea of stumbling into some Lady’s private chamber and being arrested.  He just wanted to spend the night in his assigned room, not jail.  He breathed out a long sigh, and stared at his pack.  He wondered if he thought to pack provisions.  Likely not, he was staying at Malbrandor palace, not the back woods of Elphiram.

Just as he decided he would again walk to the front gates, and speak to the snobbish short man behind the counter responsible for directing all foot traffic in and around the parts of the palace open to the public, and after again asking for directions and giving him a piece of his mind, a young woman entered the small circular court, in the middle of which stood the fountain.  She looked to be around his age, possibly younger, she was clutching her arms together, her face bent toward the ground, not bothering to wipe the tears that streaked her cheeks.  Now, Nicolai felt more than just ridiculous, it was an uncomfortable mixture of ridiculous and awkward.  He felt compelled to help, but wasn’t sure if she’d seen him.  She paced a few steps back and forth before throwing her hands up at the sky, and slapping them back down again. She threw herself onto the marble seat made from the wide edge of the fountain, and again began to cry.  Nicolai cleared his throat.  The girl froze, only momentarily before jumping to her feet.

“Who are you?” She demanded, tugging at her long burgundy skirt.

“I’m sorry, Miss.” Nicolai bumbled, standing to his feet.  He held his hands up in a gesture of surrender, in hopes she would calm down. “My name is Nicolai Ryder.”

“What business do you have sneaking around the gardens at this hour, Mr. Ryder?” The girl’s face was flushed and her wide green eyes sparked, her defenses were up.

“Forgive me, Miss.  I’m lost...” Nicolai tried to explain.  He wanted to stay calm to keep from alarming this girl and having a pile of guards fighting over who got to arrest him.  Not to mention, it wasn’t every day he got to speak face to face with a beautiful woman.  Confusion floated over her pretty features.

“Lost?” She repeated, unsure if she’d heard him.

“I’m supposed to be a guest of the Empress while my crew is here in Dalik Noir.” Nicolai admitted.  He saw something flash in her eyes, perhaps recognition, but he couldn’t be sure.  She didn’t speak as if she recalled anything about him. “I should apologize for intruding on your...moment.” Nicolai finished weakly. 

“No apology necessary.” The girl attempted a smiled at him. “Your crew, you say?”

“I’m Captain of the Nikao, a transport ship.  We’ve just brought in workers to finish the new embassy.” Nicolai explained.

“Oh, you are Captain Ryder.  Forgive me, Sir.  I thought I recognized your name, but I couldn’t place you.  Yes, I know that you are my guest, I mean, the guest of the Empress.  Allow me to show you to your rooms.” The girl offered graciously.  With a warm smile, she held out her arm, welcoming Nicolai to join her.  He turned with her, as she started down the one path Nicolai knew he would never have taken in a million years.  The girl was chatting. “The porter must be looking everywhere for you.  He’ll be embarrassed that he wasn’t able to help you today.” The girl said. “He takes his job very seriously.”

“That’s good to hear, I don’t expect that it would be good form to have guests wandering all over the palace.” Nicolai agreed.

“Not at all.” The girl wound her steps over an intricate pattern of pathways and past several different fountains.

“You were crying earlier.” He said after a long while.

“I apologize if I made you uncomfortable.” Atlantis blushed.

“No, but I was wondering if there was something I could do to help.  I’m not very good at drying girl’s tears, I’m usually the cause, but...”

“You’re usually the cause?” Atlantis repeated “Why do you say that?”

“Oh, I’ve made plenty of girls cry in my time.  I never start out with that intention, but, It usually turns out that way.” Nicolai admitted.

“I don’t believe you.” Atlantis said, a surprised laugh climbed her throat.

“Oh, it’s true.  Just ask Balera Oretin from Galasis.  She was seventeen, beautiful, young...she told her father that I wanted to marry her.  I of course objected, we’d only met one time, and though I was more than flattered, I was much too old for her.  She didn’t seem to appreciate that sentiment very much, and I made her cry.  But, in her vindication, she did manage to hit me with a very large vase as I was being chased from her Father’s house.  It was only a few stitches.” Nicolai told the story easily, and his generous smile made his guide laugh.

“You make me laugh, Captain.  The men in my life don’t make me laugh.”

“I’m sorry to hear of their loss.” Nicolai said, warmly. “You have a beautiful laugh.”

“Such flattery, Captain.”

“Well, I would rather see your smile then your tears.”

“Thank you.”

“I appreciate your help, Miss?” Nicolai asked, as she finally pointed him to a patio across a small wooden bridge.  The girl paused, before she answered.

“Laina.  Laina Bayl.” She said, decidedly.

“I’m very glad I met you, Lady Bayl.” Nicolai smiled, and waved as he walked up the stairs to what she insisted was his room. I hope to meet you again soon.

Taking the three short steps onto her own patio, Atlantis returned to her rooms through the glass door.  Opening it wide, to let the cool of the night air in, she removed her sandals and padded through her living area.  She could hear a clatter coming from her bedroom, and moved toward it.

“Marria?” She called.

“Oh, Atlantis.  You’re back.” Her friend’s voice echoed from the depths of Atlantis’ closet.  She emerged a few seconds later carrying a stack of old jewelry boxes. “How did it go?” She asked, her voice beaming from behind them.

“Well, if you mean with Kale, then, not well.” Atlantis reached for a few of the top boxes, and carried them into the living room.  Immediately Marria began searching through them.  Atlantis only watched, relaxing on a nearby couch.

“Not well?” Marria questioned.

“It seems that we’re both stuck in the past, only that we’re dwelling on different points in history.  He seemed to think that I would just fall into his arms again, or at least I would drop all pretences after the council gave their approval.  I made it very clear that I intended no such thing though I don’t think my attitude discouraged him in any way.  I tried to make my own feelings clear when I slapped him, but I don’t think he heard that either.” Atlantis moaned.

“You slapped him?” Marria asked, her eyebrows raised.

“Part of me wants to say he was asking for it.”

“And the other part?”

“Well, it felt good.” Atlantis admitted dryly. 

“I was afraid you were going to say that.” Marria returned, as she continued to search through the boxes. “Though, after all you two have been through together, a slap was the least of what he could expect.”

“It will take time.  I know I’m over what happened, I just have to get over it again, every time I see him.” Atlantis picked up a small diamond necklace from one of the open boxes.

“What are you doing?” She finally asked her friend.

“One of the silversmiths has asked for the BelArc.  He wishes to make a replica of the necklace for display at the museum.”

“The diamond collar that belonged to my Mother?”

“Yes, that one.” Marria nodded as Atlantis joined the search.  It was apparent that Marria had spent a lot of time unloading boxes from the large, walk in safe tucked at the back of Atlantis’ closet. 

“I found Nicolai Ryder wandering in the garden.”

“Who?”

“You know, Captain Ryder, captain of the Nikao?”Atlantis tried to jog Marria’s memory.

“Oh, I’ve heard of him.  He was in the garden?”

“He was lost.  He scared me half out of my wits.”

“I’ll mention it to the porter.”

“Would you? We really shouldn’t be letting people wander all around the gardens.”

Atlantis mused, opening another of several boxes. 

            “Was the Captain surprised to run into the Empress?” Marria asked with a smile, waiting for her friend to finish the joke.

            “No.”

            “No?”

            “I didn’t tell him it was me.”

            “Atlantis Talerian.” Marria shook her head disapprovingly.

           “He was already embarrassed enough.  I didn’t want to make it worse for him.” Atlantis shrugged.  “Besides, when I meet people out of the high court sometimes and they don’t know it’s me, they treat me like a person, not an Empress.  I like that.”

            “I suppose I can understand that.  Was he nice?”

            “He was very respectful even though he didn’t know who I was.  He listened to me, and he made me feel comfortable.” Atlantis replied, remembering the Captain’s words.

            “Will you meet him again?”

            “I don’t expect so.” Atlantis replied, and it saddened her just slightly.