Atlantis 3: Opening the Door

chapter 6

  "Diablo, I have something for you." Ranist said as he poked his head in through her bedroom door. "For me?" Diablo said excitedly. She jumped up from her chair and rushed over to open the door. He held up a beautiful white wedding dress that was encrusted with Atlantean blue gemstones. It was long with an even longer train. It looked light & shimmered in the light. "Oh daddy it's beautiful." Diablo said. "It was your mother's. She wore it the day I made her my wife. Call me sentimental but I hoped to see you wear it when you marry your Maximus tomorrow." Ranist said with a somewhat sorrowful smile. "What is it daddy? You look sad." Diablo asked. "Oh it's nothing my darling. I am just an old man who is having to let my most prized possession go." He replied. "Is someone trying to take your sword. I'll whip them in to shape real quick for ya." Diablo said getting all huffy. Ranist chuckled for a moment. "No my love. No one is trying to take my sword. I was talking about you silly girl. Tomorrow I will be giving you away to Maximus. You will become his wife instead of being my little girl." He said. His voice cracking a little as he spoke. Diablo hugged him tightly. "Daddy I will always be your little girl" she said in to his ear. "Yes my daughter you will. Tomorrow you shall become a wife as well and then very soon you shall become queen as I will be stepping down to your sovereign reign as Queen of all Atlantis." Ranist said proudly. "Why are you so eger to step down daddy. Don't you still love being king?" Diablo asked. "Oh yes I do. I'm just getting to old and my body tires easy. I no longer feel that I have what it takes to be the king the people need. They need a strong leader who can defend them against any danger. They need a queen as well who has what it takes to stand behind her king and defend his honor and lead them in

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his stead should the need arise. I believe you and Maximus are what the people need. I know you and he are strong and fearless." Ranist said proudly. "I worry for my ability to live up to your expectation of me. What if I fail. What if I am not the queen the people want or need." Diablo started babbling. Ranist caught her by the chin & made her look him in the eyes. Never doubt yourself. You are the daughter of kings. Your mother was one of the most powerful of all magic people. They didn't just call her The Stormbringer because of her last name. When she became my queen she let it be known that any who tried to create badness within our realm would have to deal with her storm. She was fearless and so shall you be my princess." He said and then kissed her forehead. She smiled and nodded her head.
  "Princess, you are never going to believe who is going to be at your wedding tomorrow!" Alexandria said as she came bursting into the room. "Oh my. Your Majesty. I apologize for the intrusion." She quickly said as she quickly courtesied before him. "It's quite alright Alexandria." Ranist said. "Ok out with it. Who has you so excited." Diablo I'm asked. "Well his name is Alexander and he is a very handsome young man who was looking at me quite interestedly at the market yesterday." She said with a giddy tone in her voice. "Really and what does this Alexander do? Is he a lord or a land owner of sorts?" Diablo asked. "No I think he is an artist. He has a place in the market with all kinds of paintings and tapestries hanging up." Alexandria replied. "An artist?" Diablo asked. "Yes. He is very good. Not to mention he is quite good looking too." Alexandria replied. "Well maybe we shall have to meet this Alexander you speak of." Diablo said skeptically. 

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"Oh Anna, These flower arrangements are absolutely gorgeous." Lorna said as she entered the great hall where Anna had been working like crazy to prepare for the royal wedding. "Huh, what, oh hello lady Lorna." Anna said a bit disheveled. Lorna smiled as she looked around at all the flowers. "No, no, no. That one goes over on that side." Anna scolded one of the servant girls who had been assigned to help her place the arrangements in to her designed plan for decor. "Apologies Miss Anna." The servant girl said with a heart felt tone. Anna immediately realized her tone had been harsh and it was obvious she became annoyed at herself for it. "It's fine. I probably wasn't clear enough about the pathway bouquets." Anna said dismissively. "Working hard?" Lorna asked simpathetically. "Does it show?" Anna replied. "Well the streak of dirt across your cheek and the sweat upon your brow say that you deserve a long hot bath once your satisfied with your work here." Lorna said with an understanding look on her face. "From your mouth to the gods ear it would take for me to be granted that kind of luxury Lady. I'm lucky to get in a good scrubbin when the rain comes most days." Anna said with a somewhat amused and sarcastic tone. Lorna looked at her and knew she was telling the truth behind her sarcastic tone. "Well when you've finished up here come find me and we shall see about that." Lorna said. "Oh lady, I've no time for such a thing. I got the wee ones to look after once my work is done here. But I thank you for the offer." Anna said as she continued to work. "Nonsense. I will inform the nursery that they will be minding your little one a while longer than usual tonight. By royal command of course." Lorna said with a smile. "I'll not take no for an answer. You deserve this luxury. You've more than earned it." Lorna said as she made her way to the

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door. She intended to be out of the room before Anna could protest. "But I..." Anna attempted to say but Lorna was already out the side door and out of sight. "Just saying Miss Anna. It is best not to argue with Lady Lorna. When her mind is made up upon doing a kindness for someone there is no talking her out of it. Besides she is right. You have earned the kindness she offers you." Said the servant girl. "Your very sweet." Anna said. "What is you name?" Anna asked. "It's Marilinda miss." The servant girl responded. "It's nice to meet you Mari-lin-da." Anna said struggling to say her name correctly. "Most just call me Maril miss. It's easier to pronounce." Marilinda said. "Maril it is then." Anna said with a smile. "My mother gave me a ridiculously long name as well. That's why I just go by Anna." Anna said somewhat jokingly. "I had heard that your formal name is Annastashia. I think that is a beautiful regal sounding name." Said Marilinda. "That's because your not stuck with it." Anna said. They both snickered a bit and continued on working.
  "There now. I believe my work is complete" Anna said to herself. She was looking around at all that she had done. All the arrangements of flowers that lined the seating rows were a mix of wild flowers, babies breath, dandelion, and mint leaves. The brides bouquet was a mix of Atlantean blue and red roses with babies breath and mint. The flower girls at the wedding would be dropping petals from Atlantean roses as well. One would drop the blue first then the second one would be dropping red, yellow, and pink rose petals. Anna planed it that way to respect the Atlantean blue and honor the princesses love of multiple colors. Anna clasped her hands together under her chin. "I've done it again." Anna said to herself. "Done what love?" Janta asked as he entered through the doorway behind her. "I've created yet another floral masterpiece my love." She responded looking back at him over her shoulder. Janta looked around in amazement. "I love, that ya definately have." He said looking at her with a proud and loving smile.
 
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     (End of Chapter 6)