2

I swam behind my parents through the great white halls of the kingdom until we approached the king's meeting chambers which were guarded by two soldiers.

"Ah General Tyrus. Irys." A familiar voice spoke. The three of us looked to the hall to our left to see none other than, Nuidus Vulko, Chief Counselor, to the throne gliding over. My parents smiled.

"Ah Vulko, here to bare witness to the meeting's discussion." My father told of which the older Atlantean nodded.

"Yes. I will also be taking notes for the Archives of The Kings." he informed. The Archives of The Kings were texts written by past counselors detailing the many happenings of Atlantis, from the Great Fall to information about the other six kingdoms. Many scholars and teachers used this to teach our children of the world above. Vulko looked at me with a pleasant smile. "Lady Taryana, the journey you are about to embark on is one many have wished to be on. You must be proud."

I gave a weak smile in response.

"Vulko… It's quite a surprise to be in this position." I responded honestly. He nodded gently.

"I along with your parents will be with you every step of the way." he reassured. I was very grateful for that. The doors began to open and now everything was starting to become real as I followed the adults inside. The chambers was shaped like an oval. King Ovax sat on the small throne in front of the large window that showed the life behind it. On the side of him was a smaller throne where Prince Orm himself. Both sat straight up with power, their faces exuding authority. The king himself was older now, his once shining blonde hair was now paled white. His suit was a dark purple with a white cape and in his hand was his trident.

The young prince was the spitting image of his father, but much younger. His blonde hair seemed almost bright as his skin suit was a lighter purple with a matching cape wrapped around his shoulders. King Orvax smiled as we entered.

"Ah General Tyrus, Ladies Irys and Taryana and Vulko." he announced. The four of us bowed in unison to the King and Prince before Vulko separated from us moving off to the side. The king nodded in response pleased with our actions, and I followed my parents to sit on the side of the chambers. Usually there would be a table for counsel members to sit at but there was none in this room.

Normally my father would sit closes to the king, then my mother, and last me. This time, my father just placed his hand on my back and easily positioned me at the opposite end, where the prince had a clear view of me. I just looked down at my knees as I sat down. I could feel his eyes on me, looking me over. King Orvax nodded before looking at Vulko who nodded himself as he had a pad in his hand and pressed it. I assumed it would be recording everything that was said in this room.

"Now that we are all here, let us see to this matter. General Tyrus, you and your Atlantean Clan have been loyal to the throne for many years. You rose from the ranks and have personally seen to the kingdom's safety. You are like my trident, never experiencing failure." he said. My father bowed his head.

"It is always an honor to serve you, my king." he said. As I listened, I made a quick glance at Prince Orm with my eyes and saw him still looking me over. I immediately looked away. King Orvax nodded.

"Even with my kingdom on your shoulders you have also proven to be a great teacher to my son, training him in combat so that when he takes the throne, he will serve with an iron fist." he said. Now the prince looked at my father with a quick smile to show his appreciation. My father nodded.

"He is a quick learner. Soon he will no longer need my services." he said. The king gave a low chuckle and a nod in agreement.

"I have spoken with my many advisors and even though you are of high-born status, you are not royalty. But it would further add power and strength to the Marius name to join your clan's name into our own and become royalty." he said and now his head moved to look at me and I sat up straighter and made sure to give the king my full attention. "We will join our clans, by betrothing my son, Orm Marius to the first born Odonta daughter, Taryana Odonta." My body inflated as the decree was made and my parents both nodded. The king now looked at his son.

"Does my son accept this betrothal?" he asked and now I looked at the prince who looked at his father before looking at me and giving a firm nod.

"I accept father." he announced. Already his voice was deep like his father showing how much he has already grown. I believe he was a year older than me. The king nodded and then looked at me.

"Lady Taryana, do you accept this betrothal?" he asked. I could feel everyone's eyes on me and I glanced at my parents who were looking at me with firm looks, not too hard or threatening, but still firm. What choice did I have? I looked at the king once more and nodded.

"I do, my king." I replied.

King Orvax nodded once leaning back into his throne.

"Good. There will be a celebration in the feast hall in five days to celebrate and inform all of Atlantis of the arrangement. As is our way, Lady Taryana, will marry my son within six months to a year after he has taken the throne. In the meantime, Lady Taryana is to be educated in the ways of the royal life and will be assigned advisors to help her learn her future duties of being a future queen." he replied looking at Vulko who was nodding the entire time and looking at his pad. I just looked at my parents and then Prince Orm who was yet again looking me over. I wondered what his thoughts on all of this are.

"It will be done my king." Vulko replied and King Orvax nodded.

"Good. There will be numerous events and time scheduled for the two to get to know each other so this union can further grow and become strong. Does anyone wish to speak?" he concluded. My mother raised her hand and he nodded, and she stood.

"My king, I would like to offer my services to my daughter… even though I was an advisor to your late wife, I would like the chance to ensure my daughter is fully equipped for the position she is about to take on." she replied. I could see King's Orvax's eyes darken some at the mention of the queen and he looked away for a moment. Prince Orm's eyes did the same.

"You are wise, Irys, and have always given great advise and conversation when both I and my wife needed it. But I know you also feel responsible for her past actions of tainting herself with the retched humans from above and I know you wish to redeem yourself, but this time you will be too close to matters that will go on in the future. I deny your services but will allow you to offer choices for future advisors for the future queen." he explained. I could see the look of sadness on my mom's face, but she hid it quickly and bowed.

"Thank you, my king." she replied and sat back down. King Orvax nodded and looked around the room as if waiting for anyone else to speak. When no one said anything, he finally stood up and Prince Orm followed his lead. As they moved to the doors, the prince gave me one more look and I looked back at this time. Once the doors opened, and the two left, my parents and I stood up as well. Father looked down at me.

"You did well." he replied before moving across the room. My mother took his place and smiled at me before we both moved to follow him and Vulko.

I was actually happy to know that I didn't have to marry Prince Orm until he became king. Him taking the throne was still very far and would be the last stress of the long timeline I had of taking on more duties. I couldn't believe this was happening. As I passed many windows of the halls, my eyes now looked out them with dread as I thought about the surface world above. When would I be able to go back up there? When would I ever be able to see my friend Arthur again?

Author's Notes

To fandomenforcer: Hello!