Tidal Vortex-Book One

Chapter Twelve

Teal:

As the guards open the big double doors, I ready myself to meet my father's people. If my father and deceased mother have enemies here, then it stands to reason some here won't be happy to find out I've lived. A grand room opened before me. Connor walks a few feet behind me as I move forward leading the way into the throne room. Two gilded thrones sit at the very end of the long room. A red-carpet leads from the base of the thrones all the way to the door where we currently stand. Around the edges of the room there are tables where people sit drinking and conversing with each other, while others dance in the open space, moving their bodies to the music playing. I turn my head, looking for the source of music. I see a band in the far corner of the room where three musicians currently play their instruments. A siren royal wearing a fancy robe walked up to me and laid a hand on my arm. Instinct took over as I reacted without thought, kicking his feet out from under him and hissing at him angerly. "No one touches me without my consent!"

Connor steps forward glaring at the royal. "Keep your hands off the princess!"

The royal siren lay on the floor, eyes wild and confusion apparent on his face as he holds his hands up in front of him. "Sorry, my lady. I meant no offense."

The music stops abruptly, and everyone becomes silent, with many questioning glares. Many sirens turn to each other, whispering and speculating who I am. Ignoring them, I purposely lift my chin and hasten towards the thrones where my father sits dressed today in a sea blue robe. In the smaller throne next to him sits my new stepmother, who scowls slightly. Her observant eyes watch me like a hawk watches its prey. Little did she know I have hidden claws of my own. I will be no one's prey.

Many indrawn breaths and gasps sound in the room as Poseidon stands to meet me. From their reaction, I would guess that's not proper Atlantis protocol. When I get near him, he smiles warmly and opens his arms to me. I smile back and walk into his embrace as the surrounding room fills with snickers, whispers, and gasps. I caught a snippet of one whispered conversation somewhere to our left. Someone surmised that I must be a mistress. Poseidon must have heard it, too, as he leans down to whisper in my ear.

"I'm glad you made it here safely. Pay the gossips no mind. I am proud to call you my daughter, although I would be lying if I didn't say I have fears for your safety. Announcing you as my firstborn and next in line to rule will only put you in further danger. Are you one hundred percent sure you are ready for this?"

I nod at him as he pulls back, warmth sparkling in his sea-green eyes as he holds my shoulders while smiling fondly at me.

"Yes. But I should warn you, Father, I'm not very fond of some of these archaic rules I'm hearing about. I've never been good at conforming to other people's standards. So, if you're expecting a docile daughter who will do everything your way, you just might not want to announce that I'm yours."

I force myself to look him in the eye, all while fighting a silent war within myself. Breathing deeply, I force myself to show no weakness while internally I scream that I want to be loved by this man and not rejected. I've had enough rejection for a lifetime.

Teal, you have survived before without a father in your life you can do so again if you must; I remind myself internally, while still staring into my birth father's face.

A big grin splits across his face as he throws his head back and laughs. Finding myself caught off guard, I frown. Leaning down again, he whispers into my ear, "You're definitely my daughter. Never lose your spirit, Teal." He slips one arm around my shoulders, then turns to address the gossiping crowd. Raising his hands in the air, he signals for silence, then waits patiently for everyone to cease their chatter.