Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Audrina and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
Heart of Atlantis Chapter 3
In Atlantis news of the assault on the human's submarine quickly spread. The news reached the Queen. She was far from pleased with the hostile actions of her son. As a result, Prince Orm and Black Manta were summoned to the throne room of the palace at her behest.
That was the destination of their current course.
"Now that the plans have been set in motion, Manta, there is no turning back," stated Prince Orm.
"You were right to strike first and strike quickly, My Liege," assured Black Manta, his voice enhanced by the mechanisms inside the helmet on his suit.
Teeth gritted, Prince Orm scoffed "My mother will not see it as such."
"She has yet to grasp the dangers of the surfaces as you have, Prince Orm," explained Black Manta.
"Soon she'll have no choice," said Prince Orm.
To him, it was a pure fact not a piece of fantasy.
Soon enough the two reached the heavy doors leading into the throne room. Outside awaited Mera, a member of the Queen's personal guard.
Needless to say, Mera carried no shred of love or loyalty to the Prince.
Making no effort to conceal the dislike in her voice, impatient, Mera said "She's been waiting for you."
"Someday Mera, I will be on the throne and you will guard my body," smirked Prince Orm, lifting her chin at his fingertips so they were level with each other eye to eye,
"Let us hope that I fall in battle before that day arrives," said Mera, disdainfully.
There wasn't a doubt she meant every single word.
Unfazed, Prince Orm released her, saying "Perhaps you will. Tell me, where is my sister? She should've been here to meet me for the summons."
Mera neglected to answer Orm she merely stood there smug. Orm's eyes narrowed at her suspicious behavior leaving the implication she knew something of great importance they didn't.
Swimming around Mera, Orm pushed open the doors entering the throne room beyond.
Inside the massive chamber was Queen Atlanna sitting regally on the throne the Trident held secure in one hand. Normally this wouldn't be enough to startle the Prince or Black Manta, but what did was the unexpected appearance of the person already residing beside the Queen.
Audrina had notified the Queen of her discovery after interrogating those three soldiers. Since then she'd remained nearby. Audrina was a bit nervous anticipating how her twins would predictably react to this. In her mother's presence, nothing could be done to her. It's not like Orm would actually do anything deliberately to harm her in the first place, but it didn't hurt to be cautious.
Eyes hard filled with reproach Audrina glared heatedly at her brother almost mirroring the clear displeasure on her mother's face.
Black Manta ceased his approach at the bottom of the dais the throne was placed wisely staying in the center of the room while Orm continued up to Queen Atlanna.
Wrapping an arm around Queen Atlanna, and placing a hand on her shoulder, Orm kissed her cheek in greeting, saying "Mother." He then repeated the same thing to Audrina before backing away to a respectful distance in an audience with the Queen.
Done with the pleasantries she got straight down to business.
"Your transparent aggression towards the surface world has left Atlantis exposed, Orm," said Queen Atlanna in stern disapproval, gesturing to Audrina. "Audrina has informed me of the unprovoked attack you led on the surface dwellers submarine killing the crew and destroying the vessel itself. Not only have you disobeyed me, but, also, you've shown an enormous disregard for life. Do you deny it?"
Realizing Audrina was the one to report what he'd done Orm aimed a severely angry look at his sister. The flash lasted for only a couple of seconds, but it was there.
Audrina tried her best not to react in the slightest she was careful to keep her face as blank as possible avoiding the stares of both Orm and Black Manta. She was keen on remaining silent until given permission when she felt the need to step in.
"That ship would have discovered us," defended Orm stubbornly, arms crossed, justifying him.
"Nonsense! Our magic continues to protect us," said Queen Atlanna. "We are a myth. They doubt our very existence."
"So we hide? Mother, every day the surface dwellers grow stronger. They have guardians with powers that walk among them. Guardians directly responsible for the death of my father! Your king," exclaimed Orm, furiously pointing at the Queen, incredulous. During his rant with each word spoken Orm's rage increased.
Audrina felt so much pity for Orm. Like their mother, she understood the blame for the King's death didn't belong to the surface guardians. The creation of the volcano was beyond anyone's control especially if they were oblivious to the growth of one. Unfortunately, no matter what was said, he wouldn't let it rest he'd always search for an excuse.
Eyes closed, softening, Queen Atlanna reasoned "The volcano that killed your father was not the fault of the surfacers, but the one who attacked them."
This did nothing to calm Orm. In fact it made him further livid at the prospect.
"Death by collateral damage in a surface war does not comfort me," shouted Orm, frustrated, determined to persuade her otherwise. "They kill our race. They poison our oceans. They will destroy this planet and take Atlantis with it. We must protect our people and attack!"
Audrina was unable to keep quiet any longer. Her peaceful heart simply wasn't allowing it.
Softly, she said "Orm, if we do what you suggest we'd be evil and cruel. Using force and threat is no way to rule. We must protect the land with kindness, not all this violence. It's not the right example to be set for our subjects."
"You will be silent, Audrina," snapped Orm, losing his temper. "Don't think you'll get away with betraying my confidence, Sister. I'll deal with you in a moment!"
The force behind Orm's outburst caused Audrina to flinch involuntarily moving closer to her mother seeking protection. Queen Atlanna didn't take Orm's threat kindly.
"You will not," she said, firmly. "Audrina was doing her duty to keep the peace."
"The time for peace is long passed," asserted Orm, darkened. "We must attack immediately!"
"As long as I am Queen, you will preserve the peace, at all costs," declared Queen Atlanna, rising from the throne. Eyes shining a bright blue she activated the magic radiating behind the Trident coming off in waves. At such close proximity to her, Orm retreated to the floor. He knelt on the ground as did Black Manta, Mera, and Audrina showing submission. "Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Mother," said Orm reluctantly, bitter. He and Queen Atlanna locked eyes neither giving way to the other's will until Orm decided to break.
Orm and Black Manta took their leave after Queen Atlanna signaled them. Before they exited Orm looked at Audrina. She trembled inwardly. The expression there promised retribution one way or another. She was already aware it wasn't going to end in her favor despite what the Queen commanded.
Swimming out of the throne room, Orm said "Damn her." Once again she'd ignored his arguments for war even after the 'evidence' he'd shown her.
Placing a hand on Orm's shoulder, Black Manta advised "Patience, my Liege." They could afford to wait with the contingencies they had in mind.
"He has always been a problem child, coddled by his father, unsuitable for the throne," sighed Queen Atlanna, turning to Audrina when she took her mother's free hand. "There have been many occasions similar to this, My Daughter, where I'd wised you were born first instead of your brother. You have a better temperament for it."
Smiling, Audrina said "Sadly we live in an alternate reality to your desires, Mother."
"I'd hoped it wouldn't come to this that with age Orm would properly mature molding into the leader I dreamed he was meant to be…," mused Queen Atlanna. "I can see now it'll never happen no matter hold hard I try."
Audrina tilted her head confused about the direction this conversation was taking.
"Our only hope for peaceful existence with the surface dwellers is the one who is of both worlds," announced Queen Atlanna, serious.
Disbelief shot in Audrina's body when her mother mentioned this. There was basically one person fitting this description Queen Atlanna meant.
"You mean…," she whispered, trailing off the question hanging.
Nodding, Queen Atlanna said "Yes, Audrina, I speak of your half-brother. Arthur."
A number of years ago Audrina discovered she had another older brother. Out of love, respect, and secrecy, she never spoke on the subject to anyone. The only moments she did were when she and the Queen were specifically alone together where the risk of exposure was low. If the King ever found out it was never revealed, but if Orm was ever told there would surely have been uncontrollable chaos. Never ending attempts to kill their half-brother who didn't even have any idea he was royalty.
Audrina was proud of the confidence her mother had entrusted and she never wasted it.
"What of my other son," asked Queen Atlanna to Mera. "Have you seen Arthur?"
"Yes, my Queen," said Mera, bowing.
"And," implored Queen Atlanna, brow raised.
"My Queen, he is not yet ready for the weight of the crown," said Queen Mera, regretful.
"He will learn at my side, Mera," said Queen Atlanna, "Bring him to me at once."
Saluting the Queen Mera swam off to retrieve him immediately.
Squeezing her mother's hand, anxious. Audrina warned "Orm isn't going to stand for this. The very second you bring Arthur here there will be conflict. Next time around he won't back down so easily as he's done before."
"It's expected of him," said Queen Atlanna. "Since birth, your father and everyone else in the kingdom have told him he would rule Atlantis one day. To him, it's his birthright. I never thought he'd allow it to be passed on to another without conflict."
If it were up to me that would be one thing, but to a half-brother let alone someone residing on land," said Audrina, concerned. She laid her head on her mother's shoulder. "I'm worried of what might happen to you."
Touched Queen Atlanna lovingly kissed her precious daughter on the head grateful for the support. Gracious, she said "There's no need for you to worry, My Darling. Orm has his own ambitions, yes, but you and I both know he'd never do anything to hurt me. I'm his mother."
"I guess so," murmured Audrina, weary.
Gesturing with her head at the doors, Queen Atlanna said "Now I believe you have somewhere else to attend today. There are wedding preparations that require your attention."
Audrina groaned leaning against her mother. She said "Do I have to, Mother? Father was the one to arrange this match. Since he's gone couldn't you do something to end it?"
"Audrina, I dislike your father's choice of husband just as much as you do, but it was one of the last things he did before his death. Black Manta was extremely insistent on your hand in marriage. I can't dismiss the engagement."
Forlorn, Audrina sighed "I thought you'd say that. I don't love him. I carry disdain and hatred for him. I definitely know he's so desperate to marry me for status and position."
"I shall be monitoring him closely, but we all must make sacrifices, Audrina," said Queen Atlanna. "Remember, no matter the obstacle, you will be fine and always have me."
"I will do as you say even though this is the last thing I want," said Audrina, tentative.
"Who knows you may even grow to love Black Manta as I did your father," joked Queen Atlanna.
Rolling her eyes swimming away, Audrina retorted "Thanks, Mother, but I don't think I'll ever have a relationship relating to that clarity with him. I doubt highly it'll ever be meant for me."
For some reason, one she was unable to explain, the image of that strange unusual surface dweller she'd rescued came to mind.
Authors Note:
Do you guys think Audrina should be Queen of Atlantis by the end of the movie instead of Arthur being King?
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.