Chapter Ten
Before any one of them knew it, the eve of the solstice was upon them, and there was much to be done. As such, Andrew was loath to leave his chamber, especially considering the picture of radiance that still slept beside him. Mina's skin glowed in the morning light and as he snuggled closer, he could smell the residual scent of apricot from her favorite lotion. She sighed as he neared, her lips curling when he caressed her under the sheets.
"We have to get up," she whispered.
"We have time," he murmured against her neck. He laid kisses across her collarbone, Mina rolling underneath him as he went further down. He made sweet love to his wife, the movements lazy but no less pleasurable. Afterward, he propped himself on his elbow, desire flooding him anew as his gaze swept over skin, flushed pink from exertion. When he met her eyes, his brows furrowed. She had a strange look on her face, almost uncomfortable, and he frowned.
"What is it?" he asked her. "I didn't hurt you-"
She shook her head. "No, no of course not. It was wonderful, but I don't know…I just feel a little off."
He kissed her shoulder as she rose, grabbing the robe from where she left it the night before. She felt his eyes on her and looked over her shoulder, making a face when she saw his concerned expression.
"I'm sure it's nothing," she told him. "We won't have fireworks every time, even if we are immortal. My sleeping pattern's been out of whack lately, so my body didn't react the same way."
Andrew's frown deepened. "Still…"
Mina sighed and crawled back onto the bed, straddling him as he lay against the headboard.
"If it'll make you feel any better, I'll see Stefan about it." She ran her fingers through his hair and leaned down for a long, sensual kiss. When she pulled back, she smiled.
"Don't worry, stud," she murmured. "You still got it."
He chuckled as she released him and slowly- very slowly- joined her as they prepared for the day.
With the inclusion of their guests, the dining room was fuller than usual this morning. Andrew considered the serving staff as family, and he made sure they were served before they began their duties for the day. Derek watched the generous act with admiration, his respect growing when he learned this was a daily occurrence. As the family filled their own plates, Darien reached into the bowl of apple slices, only to find them half gone. His eyebrows rose when he saw the majority of them adorning Mina's plate.
"Apples again?" he asked as he past her seat on the way to his own. "That's the second time this week."
Mina shrugged as he sat across from her. "We must've had a good harvest this year or something. I can't get enough of them."
"Hmm," Darien murmured. A thought crossed his mind, and as he glanced at the couple, he hid a smile. Mina was glowing, and it had little to do with apples.
"I noticed the two of you were the last to come down," he said around a bite of pancakes. "Anything you want to share with us?"
Mina and Andrew stole a simultaneous glance at each other before returning their gaze to their food.
"No," they said together.
Darien's grin widened, but the meal continued without further comment. The table buzzed about the ceremony that was to take place the next day. The Merking himself was to be surfacing to renew the alliance established by Mina's mother eons ago. Since Mina and Andrew had assumed the throne, it was imperative that they establish relations with the people of Atlantis. The summer solstice only came once every 105 years, and it made the occasion even more momentous. During a lull in the conversation, Andrew's personal manservant approached them and the king beckoned him forward.
"Good morning, Corwin," he said with a smile of welcome. "I trust the food was to your liking? Or perhaps not, judging by your physique."
The man-at-arms couldn't help but smile back. "As always, sire, without fail. I'm just far too skinny for my own good. I've come to tell you the envoy from King Okeanos has arrived, and the rest of the council should be here within the hour."
Andrew groaned inwardly, but nodded politely and dismissed him. Of all the responsibilities he acquired since becoming king, it was this he dreaded the most. He was never one for politics, and the constant games and backbiting grated on his nerves. As much as he hated it, there was no avoiding it. He gave a meaningful look to his wife, and she relayed a silent promise that she would tell him everything she found out, and vise-versa. He stood hastily, as did Darien, for Andrew had requested his presence. This was to be a council meeting that was sure to ruffle more than a few feathers, and the Elysian king's support could only help his cause. Dimitri rose as well, as he was the overseer for the lands in Arcadia and thus a member of the council. As the men filed out Derek followed, catching up to Andrew in the hallway.
"Let me come with you," he begged. "If I'm to be a prince, I should know how a kingdom is run."
Andrew drew his son aside, his stance firm. "That day will come, but not today. We're discussing important matters before the solstice tomorrow."
"But I should be there!" Derek protested. "I'm half-merman, right? If I talk to the envoy, I could find out if my mother's still alive, and maybe find a way to see her!"
"No," Andrew said firmly. "You're my son, but I haven't made the fact official yet. If you go in there and start grilling the ambassador for no reason, the council will turn on you, and I can't let that happen. Most of them are fair-minded, but others are ruthless and unpredictable. I don't know how things will go in there, and I want to spare you the tribulation."
Derek opened him mouth to argue, but Andrew put a hand to his shoulder, looking him dead in the eyes.
"Please," he said fervently. "Let me protect you."
The statement took him by surprise, and his passion cooled. Andrew was looking out for him, and didn't want to see him come to harm, by words or by action. His shoulders dropped and Andrew released him.
"You'll tell me everything?"
Andrew nodded. "Every word, I promise. Meet me at the stables at sunset and we'll take a ride."
Derek gave a half-smile. "Ok. I trust you."
"That's all I'm asking," Andrew replied, and after a brief embrace, the two men parted and Andrew headed down the hall towards the council chamber.
The chief healer pressed his fingers to Mina's wrist, feeling her pulse. It raced slightly under his fingertips, but he could find no other fault. He smiled gently as he drew his hand away.
" Don't be nervous," he told her, moving to a table laden with different herbs. He'd been working on a poultice for the captain of the guard when Mina walked in; the soldier had re-opened a wound during dawn exercises, and he began gathering plants from the collection on his desk, stealing a few glances at his new patient. The queen was not the most difficult to treat, but was prone to thinking the worst.
"I'm sorry," she said with a shaky laugh. "Even after all these years, I'm still leery of doctors, no matter who they are."
Stefan chuckled. "You have no reason to fear," he said. "I shall be as precise as a hawk, yet as gentle as a dove."
The laugh came easier this time, and her voice steadied.
"Aren't you always?"
He winked at her before returning to his task, placing the herbs in a wooden bowl and crushing them.
"So you mentioned the tonic I gave you had little success?"
"Well, yes and no," she admitted. "I slept fine last night, but I've been feeling a bit…uncomfortable. For instance this morning, after the king and I…"
She flushed and Stefan held up a hand. "No need to explain," he said. Finished with his work, he set the bowl aside and stepped to where Mina sat on a low stool.
"When did this…feeling start?"
Mina thought a moment. "About a few weeks ago, I think. I barely noticed it before, but when Andrew found out, I promised I'd come and see you. You know how he worries."
"Evidence of a devoted husband," he said with a smile. "May I?"
Mina nodded and straightened as he gently probed her abdomen.
"Any pain?"
She shrugged. "Some, but I figured it was just indigestion."
Stefan continued in his ministrations, rattling off different questions. Some sounded serious, and Mina fought the urge to wring her hands.
"Any nausea or dizzy spells?" he asked on one occasion.
"Anyone would feel faint in this heat," she joked, the nervous laugh returning.
Stefan gave a gentle smile and laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't be afraid," he told her. "I'm sure this is nothing to be worried about." He looked her over, and to Mina's surprise, he suddenly brightened.
"In fact, I think I know exactly what's wrong."
"You do?"
The chief healer nodded. "It's nothing serious, and treatable, to an extent. You should feel back to normal in about eight months or so…"
"Eight mon-," Mina stopped mid-sentence as a smile broke over her face. Stefan grinned as well.
"Congratulations, your highness. I'm sure Andrew will be thrilled to know you're with child again."
Mina couldn't contain her joy as she jumped from the stool and hugged him. This was the best news she'd heard yet, and could hardly wait to tell her husband of their good fortune. Andrew would be in council by now, so her surprise would have to remain a secret…at least for now. As she exited the healer's quarters, another presence watched from a distance. True to his word, Marek returned to the palace to check on Demara's son and to acquire any information that would be helpful in bringing him home. Unlike the previous visits, there was so much bustle that he could wander about without suspicion. Going the opposite direction, he found his way down a back stairwell and into the steaming kitchen. The coiling scents and mountains of steam nearly suffocated him and he sought the quickest route to the small garden. In his haste, he bumped into a kitchen maid, her arms laden with vegetables.
"Oh! Oh, I beg your pardon sir, I didn't see you there."
Marek waved a hand to clear away the fumes as much as to dismiss her apology. "No harm done," he told her. "Things seem pretty busy around here."
The girl gave a tired sigh. "You have no idea. On top of everything else the king's advisors are coming today to discuss the treaty, and we're to prepare a meal following the council meeting. I was just returning from the garden to chop these up." She held up the bundle in her arms.
"I see," Marek murmured distractedly. "Forgive me from keeping you from your work. I fear I'm a bit lost and was looking for a place I could get some air."
She gave an understanding smile and pointed in the direction she had just come. "The kitchen garden is just there, and if you take the far staircase, it'll lead you back to the main corridor."
He thanked the girl for her help and took the path she indicated, his thoughts racing. To have a council meeting so close to the solstice drew his curiosity, and when he emerged into the wide entrance hall, he resolved to listen in and draw what information he could from it. Rounding a corner, he saw a man standing outside a pair of double doors. When Marek caught sight of who it was, he cursed under his breath and backed up the way he'd come. That man was Okeanos's ambassador to the Venusians, and if he was involved in this meeting, something monumental was about to take place.
Lord Leon, the ambassador of the Merkingdom rose unsteadily upon hearing the trod of boots on the floor, wringing his hands behind his back. King Andrio was a generous ruler, but that made the ambassador no less nervous. Many of his kinsmen looked down on him for becoming the Merkings's personal envoy, vowing they would have nothing to do with the likes of Venusian butchers. Try as the king might to prevent it, Merpeople were hunted down like common game, sold for their colorful scales and even their tears. Despite the animosity between the two races, Leon believed in peace, and soon persuaded his liege lord to bear his name and join the Venusian king's council in light of the solstice. Still, upon seeing the king and his brother approach, he could not still the tremor that rippled through him. He bowed slightly.
"Your Majesties. It is an honor and a privilege to finally make your acquaintances."
Andrew hastened to raise him, smiling to put him at ease.
"The honor is ours," he replied. "Thank you for coming. I trust your master fares well?"
Leon gave a shaky nod as they began to walk down the hall. "Yes sire. He would have come himself, but as you well know, with the solstice approaching, there are pressing matters of state he must attend to."
"I understand," Andrew amended. "Likewise, my wife is occupied with details concerning the celebration, as is her gift, along with my sister-in-law."
A slight smile crossed the envoy's features. "Ah, the fair Serenity. We've heard stories upon stories of her." He flashed a coy look in Darien's direction. "Is it true that she is the fairest of all the women of the universe?"
Darien chuckled. "Well I certainly think so, but she'd be the first to say otherwise."
The trio shared a laugh, but as they approached the council chamber, the envoy's smile dimmed and he paused at the doors. At Andrew's sharp look he said, "I must beg you Majesty's forgiveness. I'm not sure if I'll be wholly welcomed into this council. Surely you've heard the rumors."
"We have," Andrew assured. "And we can promise you, no one would have the audacity to harm you with King Endymion here."
Leon looked to Darien for confirmation and he nodded. "You have my word."
The ambassador seemed to relax and squared his shoulders, preparing himself. Andrew leaned toward him as the herald came forward to announce them.
"Between you and I," he whispered. "I'm just as nervous as you."
"Their Majesties King Endymion and Andrio and His Excellency Lord Leon of Atlantis!"
With the herald's cry, the men gathered in the circular chamber and all stood as the trio of men entered. On either side of the table sat the members of the Inner Guard, having been summoned from their respective planets. As Mina was the leader of Serena's court, Andrew had taken charge of the men within that circle. Greg, Chad and Ken smiled at the brothers and nodded towards the ambassador, which he returned in kind. Andrew drew a tentative breath. This meeting would be tough enough, and he was glad to have his friends by his side. Dimitri was also present, was well as other lords of the provinces that covered the planet. Leon took the seat of honor at Andrew's right while Darien took the left. The envoy was dressed for the occasion, wearing a fine white tunic with a dark blue vest. It was embroidered with silver, bearing the design of his homeland. While most offered smiles of welcome, there were some that acknowledged him with contempt, if they acknowledged him at all. One of these was Ralon, duke of Tierm, a city just north of the capital. He was known for his swift temper and Andrew noted his scowl with growing tension. Implementing change was always an awkward task, and the uncertainty in the room would only make it more difficult. As the council took their seats, Andrew heaved another breath, and began his petition.
"Gentlemen, thank you all for coming. As you well know, we are to renew our alliance with Atlantis on the summer solstice. As the treaty stands, forged by my predecessors, there is little to no interaction with our two races and any such integration, carnal or otherwise is prohibited, and in some cases punishable by banishment or death."
There was a hum of agreement at the table. This was all common knowledge and had been for thousands of years. Unbeknownst to those seated, another member of Okeanos's court was present. Marek had slipped in through a side door and now hid himself in a small antechamber; just as he could not be seen by anyone, his own vision was blocked and he couldn't be sure whom it was that now spoke.
"With the establishment of the Neo-Silver Millennium, a new age has begun, and as King Endymion has implemented new laws and regulations on Earth, it is only natural that Venus should follow in the same manner. I am no judge of the Merking nor how he governs his dominion, but," He paused to acknowledge the ambassador. "If your Excellency will forgive me, this law is heinous and unnecessary. Queen Ann did what was best at the time of her reign, but with every chapter ended, a new one must begin. Members of the council, I move to abolish the segregation laws and write a new treaty, one that blends our two races together and unites us all into one universal kingdom."
This time, murmurs of astonishment hummed through the chamber, each man exchanging glances with the other. This was truly a bold move on Andrew's part, and he'd be shocked if there was no opposition. In the shadows, Marek's brow furrowed. He'd never heard the king's voice before, and couldn't confirm his suspicions for fear of being caught. It could very well be that he'd yielded the floor to one of his advisers. The proposal was everything Marek and Demara hoped for, but that made it no less improbable. Intrigued, he pressed his ear closer.
"What purpose will that serve?" one man asked, echoing Marek's thoughts. "They've wanted nothing to do with us, so what makes you think this will change things?"
"On the contrary," Leon stated. "Okeanos wants peace as much as your king does. Perhaps this will cool the bad blood that's been between our two races."
"Bah!" Ralon scoffed from across the table. "It's your kind that started it from the beginning. You lure unsuspecting people to their deaths for sport and yet you have the gall to sit there and talk of diplomacy!"
Andrew raised his voice above the rumble of discontent. "As I said, I don't wholly agree with the Merking's decisions, but my hope is that if we allow our people to intermingle, there will be no need for such laws. Our fear and hate of each other no doubt stems from ignorance, but I believe people can change."
"But what of the people who hunt us, who sell our tears and scales for profit?" the envoy asked. "Surely you know of the illegal dealings that occur within your borders."
Marek fumed silently in the adjoining room. His own mother was caught in a fisherman's net and slaughtered on the deck of the ship. He was but a boy when it happened, and her screams pierced him even now. Old wounds re-opened, he clenched his fists, barely hearing the conversation through the haze of anger.
"If you ask me, they got what they deserved," Ralon growled. His voice began to tremble. "My daughter was sixteen when she drowned, allured by a member of your accursed race. Don't you try to tell me her life was of equal worth to bunch of cold-blooded barbarians!"
Leon sat back, stung by the man's brutality. In an attempt to cool the rising tension, he addressed Ralon directly. "Sir, I am truly sorry for your loss, but I can assure you that my master-"
"To hell with your master!" he raged, half-rising from his chair. "The blood feud is bad enough, and this foolhardy proposal will only make things worse. We've lived without the likes of you for thousands of years, and I'd rather slit my own throat than make an alliance with someone who has as much value as a garnish from my seafood salad!"
The chamber rang with his outburst, and the resulting silence was deafening. From his hiding place, Marek's breath caught. It seemed that it was as he feared. The king of Venus, the man who would only dare be so vocal in the Venusian court, was clearly no friend of theirs. The peace-bringing Leon, and the nameless, faceless man who spoke for peace had been silence by tyrant. If Demara wanted her son back, they would have to take matters into their own hands. Having heard enough, he backed out of the chamber, more determined than ever to aid his partner, whatever the cost.
"That is enough," Darien interjected, his voice low. "The ambassador is an honored guest, and while under my brother's protection, is to be treated with respect. If you have any decency, you will sit down and keep a civil tongue in your head."
For a moment Ralon and Darien held each other's gaze, but in the end it was the noble who lowered his eyes first.
"Sire," he muttered, and reclaimed his seat. Across the table, Leon let out the breath he'd been holding, letting a small smile curve his lips. Darien was true to his promise, and he was relieved to know he had the king's protection. However, the blood still raged in Ralon's veins and when he saw the smile, his anger boiled over.
"You wipe that smirk off your face you devilish bastard!"
Before anyone could react he lunged across the table, and as Leon rose to meet him, Ralon landed a swift punch across the face. The force of the blow knocked him off balance, but he came back quickly, eyes blazing.
"You'll pay for that," he snarled.
"I'd like to see you try!"
With that, the chamber erupted into chaos. Other members of the council tried to hold Ralon back, but he was quick to turn on them and they had no choice but to defend themselves. Meanwhile Leon was fending off those who supported the noble, landing a few swift blows and taking a few more of his own. In the midst of the brawl Andrew was caught in the crossfire, taking a hit that nearly broke his nose. Snarling a curse, he drew the sword hanging from his waist. The scrape of metal seemed to halt the bloodletting, for the fighting stopped as he pointed the blade at his once trusted counselors.
"Last time I checked," he panted. "My court was a place of peace and diplomacy, not a tavern full of petty scoundrels!" His eyes flashed to Ralon, who was gripped on either side by Chad and Ken.
"My lord, I sympathize with your situation and understand your pain. When I was just a foot soldier, I myself was seduced by a siren's song, and it was only by my love for the queen that I survived."
"Son of a whore!" he spat. "You know nothing until you see your child's body laying limp in your arms and wishing you could kill the bastard with your bare hands!"
"You're right, I don't," he said. "But that gives no one the right to act as you have this day." He jerked his head toward his companions. "Get him out of here."
With a bit of scuffling, Chad and Ken escorted Ralon from the chamber, and there was no doubt he would never enter again.
"Now," he said once they had gone. "Seeing as I have a sword and you don't, I suggest you all take your seats and we can discuss this matter like civilized gentlemen."
The meeting ended swiftly after that. Bloody and sore, the members of the council listened as Andrew outlined the details of the new treaty, and a motion was passed to annul the old laws and begin anew. Without Ralon hurling insults (and punches), those who had previously opposed the treaty saw reason, and with an overwhelming majority, the 'Aye's' had it and the law was passed.
Stefan's eyebrows disappeared into his hair when half of the council poured into his chambers, including the king himself. Most injuries were minor, and he treated the men swiftly before sending them on their way. He tended to Andrew last, smiling as the king relayed the day's events.
"Another successful day in council my lord?" he asked.
"More or less," Andrew said, massaging the bridge of his nose. He murmured his thanks as Stefan handed him a slab of cold meat, sighing as he pressed it to his face.
"And what of the envoy?" Stefan asked. "Was he at all angry about what happened?"
Andrew shook his head with a slight chuckle. "Just the opposite. He got a black eye out of it, but when Darien offered to heal him, he refused. He said he was glad to pay the price for diplomacy, and that he doesn't blame me for Ralon's outburst. So yes, I'd call it a success."
"Well then," Stefan mused, sitting down beside him. "Let's hope his master is just as agreeable."
"And that it doesn't come to blows, or worse," Andrew added.
As the sun descended over the sea, Andrew found Derek in the stables and as promised, the two rode down the length of the beach. As they stopped to rest the horses, they sat in the sand, watching the waves break.
"I can't believe you did that," Derek said in wonder. "You would risk an uprising just to join our two races together."
"But I'm still glad I did it," Andrew stated. "With the new treaty, merpeople are free to come to the surface without fear, provided that they don't kill anyone."
Derek turned a hopeful gaze to his father. "Do you think, with this new law, my mother could come and find me?"
"I suppose so," Andrew replied. "But I doubt she knows you survived."
Derek lowered his head, his eyes drifting to where the bracelet used to be. "Yeah, I guess that's true." He was silent a moment, but looked back as a thought struck him. "If she were to come looking for me, would you allow me to see her?"
The question caught Andrew off guard, and he was quick to reassure him.
"Of course I would. Derek, just because you've chosen to live here, that doesn't mean I'd forbid you from seeing her. She is your mother, and from what you told me, it seemed she loved you very much."
Derek's eyes flickered back to his naked wrist, suddenly forlorn. "Yeah, she did…"
Andrew said nothing, but grasped his shoulder, giving Derek space to feel the feelings, but letting him know he was there for him. At length, the sadness ebbed away, and Andrew glanced at the darkening sky.
"We should head back," he said. "I'm getting hungry, and you've got a gorgeous girl back home waiting for you."
Derek chuckled as Andrew gave him a playful shove. Eased of spirit, he let Andrew pull him to his feet, and together the two men mounted their horses and headed back to the palace.
Upon her release from exile, Demara rejoined the court and was met with open stares and whispers once her back was turned. She ignored them all, concentrating only on how to get her son back. It was guaranteed that she'd be surfacing with the others the next day, and she was going to make the most of it. She was lounging in her quarters when Marek found her, posing primly in front of the vanity. Given their stinted relationship, she was surprised when she saw his reflection in the mirror, his features intense.
"I have been looking for you all over."
She twisted around to face him, her mouth curving sardonically.
"Why, so you could see me one last time?" she drawled. "You fulfilled your promise, so now you can slither back to my sister. I'm sure she's missed you."
He brushed her remark aside. "I'm coming with you tomorrow."
She blinked in surprise. "Why?"
He crossed the room quickly. "You were right all along. I understand now, Demara. Your son was taken from you unjustly, and Andrio has done nothing but keep you apart. I want to make sure you get your revenge."
"What're you talking about?" she asked him. "Last time we spoke, you wanted nothing to do with me."
He swam closer to her, gripping her hands with fervor. "Listen to me. When I went up to the palace, I overheard Andrio and his counselors discussing the treaty. Someone suggested they re-write it and allow our two races to unite, but the king shot it down!"
Demara's eyes narrowed at this. "Are you certain?"
"Yes," he said passionately. "The new law would've solved all of our problems, but Andrio would rather maintain the status quo and keep Antaeus for himself. He cares nothing about us, the fact we're hunted like animals, sentenced to death if we but look at them!"
Demara slid from the vanity and swam in agitated circles, her tail flicking angrily. "How dare he?" she hissed. "That he would steal my son from me, when I had no say in the matter, and then flaunting his victory for all the world to see!"
"So it would seem," Marek agreed.
"That's it," she decided. "I've let others choose my destiny for far too long. One way or another I will get my son back, and Andrio will curse the day he ever crossed paths with me!"
Even as Marek sided with her, he was wary. There was a true darkness in her eyes, a darkness that said she would make good on that threat…or die trying.