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  “If you will follow us, we will escort you,” one of the women said, with a smile.

  We followed, getting a chance to walk through part of the kingdom as we made our way towards our rooms. There was a similar vibe of friendliness here that I felt back home. People were happy, waving and helping one another. It almost felt like the only difference was the surroundings and what the buildings looked like, but otherwise it was exactly the same.

  It almost made me start to wonder why we hadn’t done this earlier, establishing good will and a trade agreement with the Atlanteans. Maybe there was history I just didn’t know about or understand, but it seemed silly that these friendly people had been shut out for so long.

  After walking for ten minutes, we reached a villa fairly close to the castle. There were many of them, perched on the rocks, adorned with coral growing on the sides and walls.

  “I know you will love what we have prepared for you. These villas were crafted for foreign dignitaries, as well as esteemed visitors who come to the kingdom. They were built to fulfill every single desire you might have, and no expense was spared,” Lena said as we walked up to the door.

  The door was golden, with gemstones affixed around the trim and a small anchor-shaped handle. As they opened the door, my jaw dropped.

  Luxury oozed from the villa from floor to ceiling. The finest drapes, furniture, and handmade relics from Atlantis’s past were scattered about the large open space. A massive window showcased the town, with a view of the castle and shops as the people outside scurried about and the glow from the streetlights began to turn a light greenish blue from the setting sun.

  “We hope this will be up to your standards,” one of the girls said, with a smile.

  “This is fantastic. Please give my compliments for allowing us to stay in such a beautiful villa,” I said.

  “It’s much better than the last place we stayed,” Aidan said, as he walked to the window.

  “We will leave you to explore on your own and figure out your sleeping arrangements. We know you are on your feats, so things might be a little different,” one of them said, smiling, as if she somehow knew what was going on. “These buttons are scattered throughout the villa. Should you press one, somebody will be here quickly to get you whatever you desire, from food and drink, to other luxuries. We will collect you within the next hour for the festivities.”

  The girls left and I swung around, my mouth open, as I looked at the guys.

  “This is really nice,” I said, hopping towards them.

  “You’re really excited, aren’t you?” Adam asked, smiling.

  “This is going to be great! We’re going to a feast, the people are lovely, and they want this trade agreement. What could go wrong?” I asked, smiling, before walking over and sitting on the sofa as I looked out the massive window.

  I took a breath, taking it all in, as the sunshine faded over the kingdom and darkness took over. I was going to make my mother proud, I knew it.

  •••

  I felt the water trickle down my skin as I stood under the rain head shower in my room. Taking a shower felt amazing after getting so grimy during the feats. It was definitely a luxury I’d been missing.

  I cupped my hand, the water filling my palm like a well, before I opened my fingers and let it splash down to the floor. I wanted to move it, control it, and I felt increasingly nervous about my ability to do so in the future.

  What if my decision didn’t pan out? What if the thing I desired here in Atlantis didn’t come to pass? Giving up the ability to control water felt like a harsh reality that I might have to experience.

  “We need to go soon. They’ll be here within twenty minutes,” Tyvin called through the door as I dried my hair.

  “I’ll be ready shortly,” I said, glancing to the left at the dress they’d made for me, aquamarine with shimmery beading all over. I slipped it on, looking at myself in the mirror. It was a far cry from what I would normally wear, but not out of the ordinary for a special event like this.

  I dried my hair, parting it down the middle, as my locks turned gently wavy and flowed down my shoulders. I sat on a stool in front of the mirror, opening little boxes with makeup inside them, before applying some to my face.

  Rola did this for me a lot of the time, but I’d watched her and experienced it enough in my life to have a basic understanding of what to do. I preferred a bare face, since the skin of fae was soft and clear, but I was always open to new experiences.

  “There,” I said, to myself, as I stood up in front of the mirror.

  Walking into my room, I took my dagger and tied it around my calf, not willing to go anywhere completely unarmed. Slinging my sword around me might have been a little distracting, but this wouldn’t even be noticeable. I didn’t expect the Atlanteans, especially with how gracious they’d been, to try anything, but one could never be too sure.

  “Kira,” Aidan said, his mouth dropping as I walked into the main living area.

  “Shit,” Adam breathed.

  “You look stunning,” Tyvin said.

  I felt my cheeks turn a little warm as I walked out to meet the guys. They were all in clean clothes, wearing new suits that had been made for them. There was a knock at the door and Aira and Lena walked through, noticing the dress I was wearing.

  “I knew it would fit perfectly,” one of them said. I still hadn’t figured out who was who, but I was happy they liked it.

  “Are we ready?” Tyvin asked.

  “Follow us,” they said, with smiles on their faces.

  Music roared, accompanied by laughter, as we walked up the steps of the palace towards the front entrance. A thick golden rug cascaded down the marble steps. We reached the top, standing right in front of the door.

  “Ah, you’ve made it okay,” Kelvin said as he approached.

  “Thank you for the dress, it is most beautiful,” I said, nodding a little.

  “It was our pleasure to create it for you. We hope the color suits you,” he said, alluding to my water elemental line and heritage.

  “Of course,” I said.

  Kelvin motioned to the guards at the door, and they motioned to others inside the palace. “Ready to go in?” Kelvin asked.

  “Let’s,” I replied.

  Horns began to play as we walked inside the palace. I looked in amazement as hundreds of citizens, all draped in the finest linens, silks, and jewels, stood and watched with smiles on their faces. The same golden rug that ran up the steps led in one straight line to the throne, where I saw a man and woman sitting, obviously the King and Queen of Atlantis.

  “Hear ye, hear ye! We are proud to present, for the first time, from the Kingdom of Terrandale, Princess Kira Frost, water elemental and heir to the throne, and her escorts!” a man yelled, reading from a scroll.

  The trumpets and horns grew louder as Kelvin walked us down the aisle, the people clapping and cheering, as if we were deserving of a hero’s welcome.

  I couldn’t help smiling, looking at the guys. They all were completely different in demeanor. Tyvin was thrilled, bowing and waving with a huge smile on his face. Aidan looked a little skittish, but still polite, with a soft smile on his face as if out of instinct. Adam was between them, waving some, but also keeping his wits about him, his eyes darting over the spectators crowding the palace. They definitely weren’t used to anything like this.

  “Welcome, Princess Kira. I am King Janius, ruler and heir to the Kingdom of Atlantis. My people and I welcome you with open arms and a desire that our two kingdoms can broker peace and prosperity from now until the end of our days,” King Janius said, his deep voice resonating.

  He was a tall man, King Janius, slightly taller than Tyvin. His beard was white and flowing, his hair the same color and parted on the side. His skin was tan, his chest bulging, and his arms were even larger than Adam’s. Next to his throne a golden trident shimmered under the lights from above.

  “Thank you, King Janius, for allowing us the privilege of enterin
g your great kingdom and for showing us such warm hospitality. Both my mother and the people of Terrandale are very excited for the peace and prosperity that will accompany this agreement. May the peoples of both Atlantis and Terrandale prosper!” I said cheerfully, as the crowd erupted in celebration.

  “You may approach,” Kelvin said, softer, as he extended his hand.

  I walked up the steps with the guys behind me as the Queen stood up next to her husband, smiling, and embraced me. “We are so happy to have you here,” she said.

  “This is my wife, Queen Helena,” King Janius said, his deep voice sending chills up and down my spine.

  “I give my thanks for this beautiful dress, and the villa you have put us four in. It is so beautiful and far exceeded any expectations we could have had,” I said.

  “Ah yes, you are taking part in your birthright feats, are you not?” King Janius asked, looking at the guys.

  “I am indeed. Coming here is my last feat. We have succeeded in the others so far,” I said.

  “Have they been trying?” he asked.

  “Well, we defeated golems, climbed a mountain, defeated a manticore, and slayed a dragon. You tell me,” I joked.

  “My, that is quite the list of accomplishments! Tell me, who are your escorts?” King Janius asked, as Queen Helena watched.

  “My name is Tyvin, your highness. I am of air and a scholar and spiritual guide,” Tyvin said, bowing slightly.

  “My name is Adam, your highness. I am of earth, and an expert weapons smith and builder,” Adam said, bowing as well.

  “My name is Aidan, your highness. I am of fire, and an expert swordsman and tactician,” Aidan said, with a bow.

  “Three handsome men who all seem very gifted and strong. I’m quite glad I’m not in your shoes,” Queen Helena said.

  “Things are a bit different here in that regard, but some things do stay the same when it comes to picking a life partner. When do you have to make your decision?” King Janius asked.

  “Soon after my visit to your beautiful kingdom is over,” I said, a bit of nerves tingling in the pit of my stomach.

  “Well, best of luck to you, gentlemen. It looks like our feast is being brought in,” King Janius said, as the four of us turned around.

  Just as soon as the tables were set down, dishes of food sprawled over them as the feast began to take shape and the smells penetrated my senses. We walked down the steps of the throne, sitting beside the King and Queen, as place settings and china were set in front of us and my mouth began to water.

  There was so much to choose from: scores of seafood, whole fish cooked and stuffed, perfectly browned roast chickens and turkeys. I rarely ever ate like this and being on what felt like rations on this trip definitely made me want to tear into everything set in front of me.

  “Thank you all for joining us in the palace tonight for this feast to honor our special guests from Terrandale. This feast is more than just a meal. It signifies the breaking of bread between our two kingdoms and the immense bounty that will be bestowed upon us both. Without too much more being said, enjoy yourselves, and long live Atlantis!” King Janius declared. The crowd erupted, cheering long live Atlantis.

  “I must say, I am surprised to see animals from up on the ground on the table here this evening,” I said.

  “Many visitors would be surprised. We have farms here that ensure we do not miss out on the luxuries and delicacies found up above,” King Janius said.

  “One day you will definitely have to visit Terrandale so we may show you a wonderful time,” I said.

  “Certainly so. I would love that,” King Janius said.

  I cracked open a crab leg, sucking the juices out before dipping it in butter. It melted against my tongue, the butter like velvet seeping into every crevice and opening before gliding down and coating my throat. “This is really good,” Aidan said, his hands covered in food.

  “We aren’t accustomed to seafood like this,” Tyvin said, sitting across from me with Adam.

  “We are fortunate to have the bounty of the open sea to fill our bellies,” Queen Helena said.

  “And my, what a bountiful sea it is,” King Janius added.

  “Your highness, if you don’t mind me asking, I would love to know how your trident works. As a man of knowledge and academia, the magic that must accompany it just fascinates me,” Tyvin said.

  “It also looks like a very well-made weapon,” Adam said, scoping it up and down.

  “The Trident of Atlantis has been passed down from king to king throughout the history of our kingdom. Its powers are said to command the sea, including the creatures within it, and its magic sustains our life here, such as the barrier you see protecting the kingdom,” King Janius said.

  “Can all people of Atlantis control water?” I asked nervously.

  “I can sense why you are so interested, young princess, being a water elemental yourself, at least soon. All people of Atlantis have a basic mastery over the element of water,” King Janius said.

  “Is that because of the trident?” Tyvin asked.

  “No, actually, the trident itself does not give our people the ability. Just like with your traditions, mastery of water is the birthright of all Atlanteans, but the powers are bestowed by something much more special,” King Janius said.

  “I might be of service there, my king,” a man in robes interjected, sitting next to the Queen.

  “Yes, Aris, please do. Aris is our most senior monk and the caretaker of our royal antiquities,” King Janius said.

  “While the Trident of Atlantis is a very powerful magical artifact, passed down through the generations from ruler to ruler, the trident itself does not bestow the ability to bless our citizens with the mastery of water. That honor goes to Neptune’s Gem, a beautiful aquamarine stone upon which our entire civilization was founded,” Aris explained.

  “Fascinating,” Tyvin said, his eyes wide open.

  “When Neptune’s Gem was found many thousands of years ago, the bearers quickly knew that it was special. It gave them mastery over water, including the ability to breathe underwater and to change its state from liquid to both gas and solid. They worshipped the gem, treating it like a god, until others began to learn of its abilities. They decided to take their newfound treasure and powers and create a kingdom, one that would be based within the art of water mastery and allegiance. Other kingdoms learned about the gem, both mortal and magical, and fought to take it from our ancestors. In an attempt to keep it safe, they decided to go where only they could, and where no other warrior could find them: into the depths of the ocean. They sank the entire city, before finding the trident planted deep in the depths, near the bottom of the ocean. With that their bounties multiplied, and the kingdom grew, but even with everything they created, they decided not to go back to the ground for fear of what would happen should those old kingdoms find out what these artifacts could do. Our people have lived and thrived down here ever since, only making trips to the surface when we needed to, and never revealing we were Atlanteans,” Aris said, as all of us, even the king, listened on the edges of our seats.

  “Great show, Aris. It is always a treat to hear you tell that story, the story of our people,” King Janius said.

  I looked down at my plate, silent. It was exactly what I needed, the gem. If it bestowed water powers on me, I would technically be a water elemental, and I would also be able to keep my mates. There would be no choosing, no lifetime of misery. The only problem was convincing them to let me do it, or getting the opportunity to get close enough to the stone so that I could get the powers on my own. Whatever the case, I was determined.

  We sat eating and talking for another two hours as we were told about the city, more of its history, and the warriors even put on a demonstration for us, likely to impress us.

  The night soon ended, and I couldn’t get the gem out of my head. I knew there was something here, something to help me. And now that I had full confirmation, I wanted to find it.


  16

  “I feel like there’s something I have to admit to you guys. I’ve alluded to it before, but after the dinner tonight it has to be said,” I declared, standing in front of the guys in our villa later that night as they all sat on the couch.

  “What?” Aidan asked, with slight apprehension in his voice.

  “Is everything okay?” Tyvin asked.

  “It’s about the gem. The one that gives the Atlanteans water powers,” I said.

  “Oh, that’s it?” Adam asked, sighing. “I thought something was the matter.”

  “I want to use it. Well, I want it to grant me water elemental powers,” I said, as my hands became increasingly clammy.

  “Why would you want that?” Tyvin asked, an expression of pure confusion on his face.

  “You’ll have water elemental powers soon enough. I’m confused,” Aidan said.

  “Well, I might not get them,” I said, laughing a little at the end, to soften the blow.

  “What’s going on with you?” Adam asked.

  “I can’t pick one of you,” I said, finally blurting it out.

  The three of them looked at one another confusedly, and I felt my stomach twist into knots. This was it, the moment I told them my intentions. That one of them wasn’t good enough. That years of tradition were going to have to yield to my love and my desire.

  “I have to say I’m a bit confused. You seemed rather certain when I spoke to you before we went to slay the dragon,” Aidan said.

  “Well, she’s made it obvious to me that she wants me,” Tyvin said.

  “I get that both you guys are into Kira, but I thought she’d pick me,” Adam cut in.

  “Guys! That’s the thing! I want all of you!” I yelled, breaking through their voices, and the three of them looked at me stunned.

  “Kira, it doesn’t work like that,” Aidan said.