4

The next day everything seemed to drag on. I continued my studies and expectations of what my duties would be as queen. A new crown would be created for me and I would get to design it, well pick from a few options that were presented to me. After Orm proposes before the majority of Atlantis at the celebration, then things truly become real. We discussed the wedding ceremony and how all of Atlantis and its allies would be invited to the royal wedding.

"While the celebration is commencing, your possessions will be brought into the palace and will be combined with the king's possessions. You will have all the access to everything he has access to. If he is unable to speak to the people, you will speak to them. You will be educated further on the surface dwellers history and the current situations they face as we must keep tabs as their decisions on land impact everything in the water." Vulko replied. Since it was just he and I in this room I felt I could be honest with him somewhat.

"Can I go to the surface when I want?" I asked. "To maybe visit a friend?" His face fell a little as he knew who I meant.

"The surface although not entirely dangerous, it would be frowned upon for another queen to venture up there. If the king is with you, it wouldn't cause such a disturbance. So I can only advise that you go up there before the celebration and say your good byes to your friend." he said. I felt sadness fill me as I looked away toward the window. Vulko approached with soft eyes. "Do not worry… as I still train Arthur, I will let him know how you are and let you know how he is." I looked up at him with a soft smile and nodded. It would have to do. He nodded and turned gliding across the room.

"Now we discuss consummation-"

"Consummation!" I blurted. He nodded facing me now.

"Yes. After your things are moved into the royal palace and the ceremony is over, it will be the final act of combining the two households as one. Within 6 months to a year you will be expected to be pregnant with the king's first born. Do you need further education on the subject?" he said. I winced at the thoughts and stood up now.

"I am done with learning. I don't need any further education on that subject!" I snapped. He looked almost impressed by my tone before nodding.

"Yes, my lady. We will continue your learning another day." he said and I swam from the room. Consummation! The thought alone made my stomach churn. To think of the prince on top of me, seeing me at my most vulnerable! I shook my head and just swam through the halls of the learning chambers. I had to get out of here and get out of my head. I continued my swim until I was away from the kingdom and swimming up to the surface. In seconds, cool air hit my face and I took even breaths as I looked around at the sleeping water. Everything was calm and normal and beautiful in a way. I looked over toward the land to see the still beach. How was this land so dangerous? If Queen Atlanna could come here and fall in love and have Arthur, then this land couldn't be all that bad. I looked around for the familiar boulders in the water and the light house. I spotted it in the distance before looking up at the sky. The clouds were dark and I could smell the rain coming. I had to be quick if I wanted to check in on Arthur.

Who knows when I would truly be seeing him again. The water eventually grew shallow and soon I could feel sand beneath the soles of my suit as I moved from the water and further onto land. As my body arose, I began to look around for my friend, but did not see him. I turned to the light house and saw a familiar dock leading to the water. Maybe he was inside. Moving up toward it, rain lightly sprinkled down on my head and as I closed in on the small home, the door flung up and out came the young boy who made me smile.

"Arthur." I replied as he quickly moved over to me and grabbed my arms.

"Tarya, what are you doing here?" he asked lowly quickly moving us to the side of the house and out of view. I looked at him confused.

"I came to see you." I replied and he smiled a bit before looking over my shoulder. I looked over his shoulder as well to see an older man moving down the docks. I knew it was Arthur's father, I had seen him before. But he has never saw me. He sighed and looked at me.

"He goes out onto the dock every day, every morning waiting for my mother's return." he said softly, sadly looking down at the ground. I looked at him gently wish I could tell him what I knew, but to even bring an ounce of pain to my friend just so he knows the truth, would hurt me even more, especially now that today may be our last together. I placed my hand on his shoulder which brought his eyes to me.

"Dear friend, I have something I have to tell you." I replied. He looked a bit more alert now.

Within minutes we were walking along the beach away from the light house. His eyes were down on the sand shaking his head lightly.

"Arranged? I knew you said you'd be expected to marry but so soon. Shit that sucks." he said. I nodded.

"Yes it does suck." I replied as we finally paused and faced each other.

"So who is it?" he asked. Your younger brother. But I couldn't say that. I didn't know how much Arthur knew about his brother from Vulko and so I felt I should remain silence.

"Another high born." I replied. "He's very important and comes from a very strong family. Even though we will not be married for a few years, my responsibilities will have changed." I replied. He looked down with a wince before slowly taking my hand.

"Why does it feel like you're saying good bye?" he asked gently and I sighed and looked up at him feeling a tear slide down my cheek.

"You have been my dearest friend since the dolphins brought me to you when we were kids. You are all my family has left that is a memory of Queen Atlanna and I have cherished getting learn about you and your world." I replied. I could see his eyes watering as he sniffled some, looking down and away as if to shake off the sadness that was coming over him. No man should ever hold back his sadness. I reached up and gently placed my hand against his cheek. He closed his eyes finally and let a few tears slide down his face.

"Will I ever see you again?" he asked looking at me. I sniffled some and wiped my face.

"I do not know." I replied honestly. He nodded and then reached down and took my hand and raised it.

"Then I want you to have this." he said pulling off one of his brown beaded bracelets. It slid onto my hand and was warm from still being on his wrist. I held it up to observe it. The colors were beautiful and the light brown that danced in them was unlike anything I had ever seen. I looked at Arthur who smiled. "Something to remember me by." I smiled warmly up at him and embraced him. His arms held me tight against him and the once light rain was already starting to pick up. The rumbling of the dark skies parted us.

"Arthur!" we could hear his father calling. He looked at me, locks of his hair pushed over his face by the wind. I placed my hands over his face.

"Be safe." I replied. He nodded.

"We will meet again." he replied, and I nodded and as lightning struck the side he turned and ran back to the sand as I turned and jumped into the water diving down fast. The once calm waves turned angry, crashing together violently. I passed many of the sea life as I returned home. Already my heart was filled with sadness.

4 days later

Servants of the home were preparing me for the celebration. It was only an hour away, and all of Atlantis seemed to be brought to life. The kingdom was loud as many people were moving about working to ensure everything was as it should.

"Is she ready yet!" My father yelled from outside my room.

"Tyrus, you cannot rush perfection." Mother shouted from inside my room as women had their hands all on me making sure my outfit was just right.

"I'm sure she'll look exquisite as you'll look divine, but we should have been at the table long ago!" he said. I stared at the mirror. My face was clean as usual, parts of my hair were braided back and the remainder was left down. I wore a silver dress that sparkled and shaped me perfectly. From my shoulders to my wrist the fabric was transparent as well as the areas around my stomach. My lips were painted a soft silver and silver paint was applied to the edges of my eyes in the shape of a horizontal diamond.

I don't think I had ever dressed this nice before. The dress wasn't mine, but it was designed for me nonetheless. Mother finally waved the servants away and placed her hands on my shoulders so that now she could turn me to face her. She was in a beautiful gold dress with her hair pinned up in a nice bun. Little pearls were peppered through out her hair. Her make up was a lighter than mine. She sighed gently.

"There, you're ready." she said. The softness and love in her eyes made me feel somewhat better. She looked to the door. "She is ready darling!" The door opened and my father entered in his usual armor. However it was polished and shining. His hair was pulled back into a long braid, his beard and eyebrows neat and trimmed. He looked at me and smiled.

"My little starfish, you look beautiful." he said gliding up to me and placing a hand on my cheek. I smiled up at him.

"Beautiful enough to not have to go?" I asked. Even though my joke made all three of us laugh, Father gave a gentle sigh.

"No matter what happens, you will always have the wisdom and protection of your mother and I." he said. Mother placed her hand over my other cheek as if to agree. I looked between them both and felt strength build up inside me. No matter what happened, I would have them at my side. Always. I nodded.

"Okay, let us go." I replied.