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 8
Orm was currently occupying the throne room awaiting Black Manta's arrival swimming around erratically to ward off his underlying stress levels. He and Black Manta were supposed to meet with his mother and sister there. Orm's life depended on the news Manta had to bring. Orm had sent the assassin out with soldiers to kill the half-breed before he had the chance to reach Atlantis and present himself to the Queen. Orm was well aware of the seriousness of the ramifications of what could happen if this mission proved a failure should Black Manta return unsuccessful. He'd be charged with treason and either imprisoned or executed for his supposed crimes. Queen Atlanna was naturally a pacifist ruler, but she would show mercy to him even though she was his flesh and blood.
When Orm heard the sound of the doors opening he spun around in the water to see Black Manta entering the chamber.
Orm swan to meet Black Manta in the middle. Eagerly, he asked, "Is it done?"
"No, your half-brother lives," said Black Manta, delivering grim tidings. "Even now he heads towards Atlantis under protection."
That was the last thing Orm wanted to hear.
Growling in frustration, clutching his head, Orm turned slightly away from Black Manta.
Under strained control, Orm said "The pact with the trenchers was your idea. They will return hungry for meat. This is all falling apart!"
Black Manta didn't get a chance to defend himself for the doors opened again revealing and announcing the arrival of Queen Atlanna, Princess Audrina, and two of the Queen's ladies in waiting that opened the doors. Afterward, Queen Atlanna's aides shut them and follow the royal pair in a quick succession.
Not mincing words, Queen Atlanna said "Manta, what of my meeting with the surface guardians?"
Bowing to her majesty as she, Audrina, and the two aides passed him and Orm, Black Manta said "They're on their way, My Liege."
A lie that Queen Atlanna would never know was untrue.
"Excellent," said Queen Atlanna.
Queen Atlanna and Audrina then swam up to the throne. Audrina took up her usual station beside her mother while the Queen took her seat. The two lady's in waiting departed with a gesture from Queen Atlanna well accustomed to giving the royal family their privacy during these interesting confrontations. They were never pleasant.
"It is a mistake," objected Orm, determined to have his final say eliciting an argument. "It flies in the face of everything my father ever wanted."
Closing her eyes praying for patience, Queen Atlanna said "What would you have me do, Orm? Sound the drums of war solely to honor your father's memory?"
"Don't bother. You didn't honor him when he was alive," disrespected Orm, spitefully.
"Orm, that is both cruel and untrue," chastised Audrina. "Mother loved our father with all her heart."
"You are the one in denial, Sister," spat Orm, aiming a disdainful glower at Queen Atlanna. "Audrina and I aren't the only ones with your royal blood in our veins."
Audrina's eyes widened slightly, but Queen Atlanna appeared unsurprised at this revelation from Orm.
Eyes narrow, calmly, Queen Atlanna said "Then you know?"
"Of your betrayal? Or of the illegitimate heir to the throne," challenged Orm.
Rising regally from the throne, Queen Atlanna said "I deny nothing, Orm. Your brother, Arthur, can bridge the peace between Atlantis and the surface. We can flourish together in peace."
"Your judgment is compromised. You refuse to attack the surface because you have a son there," said Orm, slowly approaching.
"Watch yourself, Orm," warned Audrina.
Queen Atlanna raised an arm to hold Audrina's hand but remained silent in the meanwhile. Her lack of response only got Orm angrier.
Getting directly into his mother's face, Orm shouted "A bastard elder son!"
Time for Queen Atlanna to play her trump card.
"You speak to me of betrayal? You, who spilled Atlantean blood, and blamed it on the surface world," proclaimed Queen Atlanna.
Orm retreated thoroughly stunned. He'd had no clue his mother had ever obtained any news of what he'd been up to.
"I have eyes everywhere, Orm, and you will pay for your treachery," said Queen Atlanna, her tone of voice promising punishment. "Audrina, attend!"
Queen Atlanna and Audrina went to take their leave to meet the surface guardians but found their path readily blocked by Black Manta.
Black Manta wrapped his hand around the Trident to prevent them from leaving, saying "I'm afraid after that revelation, My Queen, I can't allow you to leave."
Eyes glowing a bright blue Queen Atlanna activated the Trident's power in defense of her and her daughter. The Trident sent an ample shockwave through Black Manta's body and he was forced to withdraw.
"Get out of my way," said Queen Atlanna, sending him slamming to the floor with the Trident's magic. "This coup is over. I am Queen and war is not in my plans."
Audrina saw what was coming before Queen Atlanna did, but was too slow to react in time.
"Mother," screamed Audrina.
The sound of a sword swishing in the water was all Queen Atlanna heard before agony exploded inside her. While she'd been distracted by Black Manta, Orm had taken this opportunity to sneak up behind and literally stab her in the back with his own weapon. The blade protruding from her abdomen.
Audrina slapped her hands over her mouth tears dripping from her eyes mixing with the sea water.
Orm leaned in close to his mother, he said "But it is in mine." He yanked his sword out of the now-deceased Queen's body.
Blood poured out of Queen Atlanna's body in thick clouds and she flouted upwards with nothing holding her. The Trident slipped from her fingers and into Orm's waiting ones a satisfied grin on his face looking at Atlanna's corpse.
Audrina swam quickly to Queen Atlanna's corpse and, sobbing, wrapped her mother in her arms. She and Atlanna had never once considered the possibility that Orm would ever contemplate murdering her to get what he wanted. Now Audrina could see how far Orm had actually fallen. Oh how wrong they were. They didn't plan any contingencies for this.
What was to become of Atlantis now?
Or, more specifically, what is to become of Audrina now?
Authors Note:
So it finally happened. Queen Atlanna is dead. This does not bode well for our girl at all.