Chapter 3 - Part B

Andoran gritted his teeth.  After he’d left Atlantis alone, he hadn’t wandered far, he kept an eye on her.  Kale was in true form, and it made Andoran’s skin crawl.  He wanted to choke the pretender, but his good manners held him at bay.  It was just like Atlantis to allow Kale all rights and privileges.  He’d seen Kale kiss her, and Atlantis willingly melt into his embrace.  The whole thing made him sick.  She was impossible, double minded and irresponsible.  It was always more complicated, he supposed, but could never understand how.  If she had any pride at all, she would have slapped him.  But, it was like Kale, to worm his way in.  That was how he’d done it the first time. 

“Bah!” Andoran shouted as he reached his room, slamming through the door.

“Are you alright, Sir?” Tryst waited for his master’s response.  Andoran rolled his eyes.

“With one breath she tells me that she would be rid of him at any opportunity, and at the next, she’s entangled in his arms letting him kiss all the bad memories away.” Andoran threw himself down on a waiting leather chair.  Tryst, smartly dressed in a long black tunic trimmed in white approached his side.  He handed Andoran a tall, ice cold glass of Tol, a Manarian liquor, sweetened by the fruits of the Hendera trees.

“The Empress, Sir?”

“Who else?” Andoran muttered. 

“She is seeing Lord Kale?” Tryst asked, his face remaining an emotionless mask.

“Well, what choice does she have? He wormed his way in, just like last time.”

“Of course, Sir.”

“I told you about that, didn’t I?” Andoran only half asked.

“I believe you did, Sir.”

“All those years ago, when Kale showed up he had his intentions on her before he even saw her face.  I remember the way he walked into the high court of the emperor, and dazzled that greedy, old miser with a few rubies.  It was sickening to watch, and I knew that she’d been sold for a price.  Kale didn’t have to negotiate with the old man long, and he was ready to hand over the empire on a silver platter.”Andoran grumbled.

“Do you really think the empress is foolish enough to trust him?” Tryst questioned.

“Perhaps not, but, she always takes into consideration the path the council has set before her.  She won’t just disregard what they have planned.  For all we know, they could be putting a great deal of pressure on her to accept.” Andoran vented.

“You know as well as I that the council is only seizing an opportunity for the empress to marry and have children.  They’ve been after an heir since Kale left the first time.  It should really come as no surprise.  As for the empress, of course she is feeling pressure.  She only has one option available to her.  Perhaps she needs another.” Tryst’s voice was smooth as he spoke, as if he planned to deliver those very words to Andoran.  The air between them fell silent as Andoran studied the man’s weathered face.  He was more than just a servant, he was a confidant and friend. 

“Another option?”Andoran asked, pursing his lips and rubbing his hand against his chin. 

“Like you, perhaps.”

“You’re saying I should petition the council for the hand of the empress?” Andoran was incredulous.

“No, I’m saying you should petition the Empress herself.  There’s no law against that, you know.” Tryst encouraged.

“You’re talking about a proposal.”

“Why not? You love her.”

“That’s beside the point.  She can’t marry me, my family isn’t anything special.” Andoran proclaimed, brushing the tantalizing idea from his mind.

“You know those laws were changed.  They’re antiquated, and not popular any more, especially with young royalty.  They don’t like to be tied down to ancient tradition.  You remember, it all changed when Atlantis’ first betrothal fell apart.”

“I don’t recall anything significant when Atlantis ended her engagement to Kale.” Andoran pointed out. 

“I’m not talking about Kale.  Don’t you remember? Her betrothal to that Ryderron Prince, I believe it was just days after her birth, and the Prince was maybe two.” Tryst tugged at Andoran’s memory.

“Oh yes, if I remember correctly, Atlantis’ father wasn’t too happy about that.  It was all orchestrated by the old man.” Andoran agreed.

“Apparently the young prince’s parents weren’t happy about it either.  The last I heard about them they’d disappeared and took their boy with them.  Dead, apparently.  They’ve never been seen again.  Does the Empress know about it?”

“I’m not sure if she’s been told before.” Andoran shook his head. “If you think there’s a chance she might accept me, then I’ll risk it.  It will give her a way out, she won’t have to marry Kale, and the empire will be safe from persistent outside influences.”

“Exactly, my Lord.”

" I’m feeling much better, I think I’ll get some sleep.” Andoran actually smiled, draining the glass of Tol, he sauntered into his bedroom with a whistle on his lips.

“Wonderful, Sir.”

It was getting late.  Nicolai brushed a hand through his hair.  He’d been gone almost the entire day.  In fact, he hadn’t spent much time at the palace  the last week.  He was needed at the embassy site, and then back and forth with the Nikao undergoing repairs, this vacation was likely the busiest he’d ever taken.  Not that he minded.  He liked keeping his mind occupied, besides, it was a different kind of work, it reminded him of home, and that in itself made it worth his time.  He whistled, and tossed his jacket back over one shoulder as he now strode confidently through the garden.  He preferred the garden path as opposed to the palace.  There were too many people who regarded him with a frank curiosity which made him feel like he had something to hide.  There were less people in the garden, and the ones he did meet seemed less suspicious of him for a reason he couldn’t explain.  He smiled to himself, and wondered how many guests the palace was entertaining unbeknownst to the Empress.  Nicolai hadn’t even caught a glimpse of the woman, not that he would know her face, in every picture taken since she was seventeen her face had been hidden behind a veil.  He understood that it was part of the old tradition but wondered how necessary it really was.  He supposed if it kept the empire comfortable, it wasn’t worth the fuss to change everything around.  Night was just settling around the garden, the lamps were lit, and he could see the lights from Dalik Noir caught up and dancing in their reflection on the water.  He turned his feet toward the beach, interested in a better view.  Nicolai always marveled at the open beauty of space, but there was something about lights on the water that drew him into a comfortable bed of nostalgia.  Sloping down a path, Nicolai caught sight of a park bench illuminated in the lamp light.  Immediately he recognized the form of the woman sitting there.  His heart jerked with an unexpected excitement as Nicolai approached.

            The truth be told, he’d wandered the garden purposefully the last few nights in hopes that he might run across Laina Bayl one more time.  He wanted to look at her again, to see if she was just as beautiful as his mind told her she was, or if her beauty was just an apparition, a pleasant created memory for him to cling to a small hope at romance. 

“Good evening.” He spoke, Laina looked up as if she were unsure if he’d spoken to her.

“Hello.” There was a flicker of surprise followed by what Nicolai hoped was pleasure as she noticed his approach.

“I was hoping I would run in to you.”

“You were, Captain?” She asked, surprised.

“It’s nice to see a friendly face on such expansive palace grounds.” Nicolai couldn’t keep from grinning.  He felt like an idiot, but only momentarily.  He was happy to see her, he couldn’t suppress that, it would take too much work and he would miss what she was saying to him.

“I’m glad to hear that. You’re out for a walk?” Laina made point of the obvious, and Nicolai nodded.

“Would you like to join me?” He asked.

“You’re not lost again, are you?” Laina asked quickly, her eyes were teasing, and Nicolai laughed with her.

“No.  Just looking for some company.” He said, offering her his arm.

“That sounds lovely, Captain.” She agreed with a smile, and wrapped her arm around his.  He walked her toward the beach.

“Are you from around here?”Nicolai asked as they made their way onto the soft, cool sand.

“I grew up here.”

“In Dalik Noir?”

“In the palace.”

“Really?”

“My father was...”Laina paused, then smiled. “My father was an adviser to the Emperor.  I liked what he did for a living, and decided to stay in the family business.”

“I didn’t know that advisers lived at the palace.  This place is bigger than I thought.” Nicolai exclaimed.

“Oh well, only a few of us, who are close to the Empress do.” Laina bubbled. “Where did you grow up, Captain?”

“Please.  Nic.”

“Alright, Nic.”

“I grew up on Tirius, my father was an engineer and my mother a teacher.” 

“Do you have brothers or sisters?”

“Just one, a brother.  His name is Anthony, he’s a cliff diver off the coast of Surella Bay.  Too risky for my business, I’d rather be warding off alien’s and dodging wayward meteor showers and things like that.” Nicolai bragged.  He liked talking about his brother, and he was rarely asked.  He was proud of Anthony, proud to tell Laina about him. 

“And you?”

“No brothers or sisters, but some close friends.” Laina replied. “Tell me, I’ve never really done any space travelling.  Is it exciting?  Where have you been?”

“A little bit of everywhere, I suppose.”

“What was your favourite?” Laina pressed, she led him to a spot on the sand where they could watch the waves lapping at the beach.

“Oh, that’s hard to say, but probably Galinthor. They have the most stunning sunrises or Paridisio, where the people all live in caves, high above the oceans, and the caves run through the entire planet, but they aren’t just caves, they’re cities.  Or in Carispar, were the people are just buried under ice and snow, but they’ve carved out homes, and the weather doesn’t bother them at all.” Nicolai listed, as the places jumped into his thoughts.  He paused, Laina seemed disinterested, she was staring back toward the palace.

“I have to go.” She said, standing quickly.

“Oh...” Nicolai fumbled to his feet.  He hadn’t meant to chase her away, he rambled when he was nervous.

“I would love to see you again.  Tomorrow night there is a reading in the Algornath pavilion, it’s open to anyone.  Why don’t you meet me there?” She asked, as she began to walk back toward the palace.

“Alright.” Nicolai agreed, relieved.  He waved and watched her swift retreat.

Dawniria handed her bag to the waiting porter.

“Good to see you back so soon, my Lady.” He smiled politely and was off with her bag in the direction of her room.  She breathed in a long sigh.  She loved going home, but the trip was long.  She had originally planned to return the night before, but at the insistence of her mother, she’d stayed the extra night.  It was early.  Too early to be chipper.  The palace was waking up, but for Dawniria the hours she’d spent trying to fall asleep were irreplaceable.  Atlantis would be sitting in the high court today.  One of her last sessions before the summer break began.  Dawniria was expected to be in attendance.  The council had decided that Kale should be allowed to pursue Atlantis, and Dawniria felt proud of herself.  She was instrumental in convincing the council that it really was the best for the empire.  Of course, Kale had given a grand oration, but Dawniria knew better than to let his pretty words turn her so quickly.  But, there was something about him that she liked.  She couldn’t help herself.  He was charming, and smart, and he treated Atlantis well.  She couldn’t guess of course if he loved her or not, but it wasn’t really any of her business if he did or didn’t.  Dawniria knew that any heir from Atlantis would put the empire in a more secure position.  Dawniria steered her feet toward the high court.  Atlantis would be in the back rooms preparing herself.  There would be speeches of cessation today, and Atlantis would then dismiss the high court.  It was an almost festive time of year, and Dawniria’s favorite time apart from the winter celebrations.  She would have more free time to visit her family, but a great deal of parties and galas were held each year, and though it was not expected, she felt she should attend as many as possible.  It was good to show that Atlantis was well supported by her friends.  Besides, it was the time of year when everyone relaxed just a bit, and the Empress had fun again.  Reaching the apartments, she nodded to the guards and opened the door.  Marria was cinching up a tie on the back of Atlantis’ gown, and Atlantis was fussing with the veil.

            “Good, you’re back.” Atlantis smiled in greeting.

            “Barely making it without me I’d wager?” Dawniria quipped.

            “Barely.” Marria muttered from behind Atlantis.

            “How is your family?” Atlantis asked, as Marria jerked her back and forth trying to get the ancient garment to fall properly.

            “They are well, and they send their love.” Dawniria reached for her own robe.  She loved that the celebration brought out all of the regalia. 

            “How kind.” Atlantis mused.

            “Is Kale Farharad going to be in court today?”

            “Oh, I imagine.” Atlantis brushed off the question with a wave of her hand.

            “And, how are things going?” Dawniria asked, her voice light, half teasing.

            “I guess I wouldn’t really say they’re going anywhere...” Atlantis’ voice trailed off again as she was distracted by what Marria was doing. “Not like that, Mar.” She corrected.

            “Don’t start with me, Atlantis Talerian.” Marria grumbled back. “I’ve done this a thousand times.”  Atlantis turned her attention back to Dawniria.

            “But the council thought that you would appreciate the go-ahead with Kale.” Dawniria pointed out.

            “I would have appreciated it more if they didn’t expect a marriage.” Atlantis replied evenly.

            “But, it should be easy, you loved him so much.” Dawniria crossed her arms, and regarded Atlantis with confusion. 

            “I suppose it should be easy.”

            “It’s not?”

            “It hasn’t been.” Atlantis admitted.

            “Oh, don’t be so dramatic.  I can think of dozens of girls who would love to be in your shoes.” Dawniria said with a laugh.

            “You know dozens of girls who want to be pressured into marrying someone?” Atlantis asked, dryly.

            “Don’t be like that, Atlantis, you know what I meant.  You’re starting to sound ungrateful.” Dawniria snapped, as she rolled her eyes.

“You’re allowed to marry whomever you’d like.  Why can’t I be afforded the same privilege?” Dawniria hated it when Atlantis whined, and it grated on every nerve of her being.

“You haven't exactly been looking.”

“I didn’t know it was a requirement.”

“Of course you do, you know that the people expect for you to keep the empire secure.  What kind of an excuse is that?” Dawniria returned with equal fervour.  Atlantis furrowed her brow, she opened her mouth to fire back, but Marria stepped in.

“Please...please you two.  Don’t do this again.  There’s no point in holding up the court for an argument that will only end with the two of you not speaking for the rest of the week.” Marria interjected. “Just take a deep breath.  Let’s get through these ceremonies and cool down.” With that, she strong armed Atlantis toward the Hall of Emperors.  Dawniria watched them go, and drew in long deep breaths.  She never knew quite how they got into arguments, only that they did, and fairly frequently.  Atlantis could be so hard headed sometimes, it made her want to scream.  To tell the honest truth, Dawniria had never met anyone like Kale before.  She’d known him before Atlantis.  Something Dawniria had never brought up.  

 One night, when Atlantis had been away and Dawniria studying under her tutor she’d wandered into the garden.  She was trying to work out a problem, and was having trouble falling asleep.  She’d wandered into the garden and met him there.  It had been the most wonderful chance meeting of her entire life.  He had been sweet, flirtatious, and romantic.  He told her he would run away with her, they would sail away into the stars and be together, the king and queen of nowhere forever.  She’d been tempted, but knowing who he was stopped her.  She knew that he’d been in talks with Atlantis’ grandfather for the hand of the princess, and she wouldn’t jeopardize that.  He’d kissed her of course, for good measure.  Her first.  She hadn’t forgotten him, and at times as she watched him with Atlantis she had to fight the stab of jealousy in her heart.  Atlantis didn’t know how fortunate she was.  She could take things for granted, because she was the Empress. 

Dawniria hung back, watching the festivities, and only performing her duties with half-hearted enthusiasm.  She could see Kale and his attendants, but refused to look at him.  Her irritation at Atlantis, only wanted to shut him out all the more.  Once the high court was officially in recess, and the feasting began along with the singing and dancing, Dawniria finally allowed herself to pull away from the crowds.  The festival lasted all day long, and the sun was just beginning to sink beyond the far hills.  She escaped to a balcony covered with ivy and big white flowers.  There was a cool breeze, enough to take off the sting of the day.  She took a deep breath and tried to forget about Atlantis, and about Kale, and about everything.  Atlantis once told her, if she didn’t have Dawniria, she wouldn’t have the truth.  That was why they argued. 

“Though I hear talk, it seems that Atlantis Talerian is not the most beautiful flower in the gardens of Malbrandor.” Kale’s voice pierced her thoughts.

“My lord,” She bowed, trying to calm her pounding heart and steady her trembling hands.

“There’s no need for that, Lady Dawniria.” Kale spoke smoothly.  Dawniria let her eyes raise to meet his.  “It’s been a long time.”

“My Lord?” Dawniria asked, as though the memory had been long since forgotten instead of burned onto her heart. 

“Come now, Dawniria, have you really forgotten?” Kale pressed. 

“Yes.  Completely forgotten.” Dawniria squared her shoulders, she wouldn't give him the satisfaction. 

“Still towing the political line are we?” Kale laughed, Dawniria suspected that he’d had too much Tol, judging by the drink he cradled in his hand.   

“I’m not sure what you mean.” She measured her distance to the door, but he was in her way.  She started toward the door, but he caught her arm.

“I’ve been looking for some company.” He said, his voice soft, enticing.

“Your court is in there.” Dawniria gestured toward the hall of Emperors. 

“If I wanted to be around a group of power hungry uncultured ruffians, I would have stayed inside.” Kale ran his fingers over the skin of Dawniria’s arm.  She felt a tingle of excitement, but pulled back. "I'd rather be with a lady."

“I need to go.” Dawniria whispered, rushing toward the door.  Kale watched her go, a small smile playing over his lips.  

"But you don't want to." He intoned, leaning close to her ear. Dawniria was nervous and excited all at once. She  paused, trying to be noncommittal. "Ah, so you do remember."

"A mistake is not always easy to forget."

"A mistake because you did not let me follow you to your bed.  Something you would rectify if you had the chance?"  Kale breathed in her ear. Dawniria shook her arm out of his grip, and quickly returned to the party his words burning in her ears.