Dome of Atlantis

Chapter 6

     I watched the algae float around near the broken ship part Felix was investigating. Each step I took groaned under my little weight. I wonder how long this ship has been beached, I thought. I heard a whistle in the distance and looked down off of the side of my ship wreck. I watched Felix wave his arms up to me and point that we needed to get back to our rooms before the sun would come up.

     My feet mushed under the squishy sand compared to the dangerous ship I was prowling on. I looked back to see the crash site slowly shrink in the distance. I looked forward and kept my pace up with Felix's long strides. He was able to investigate the captain's quarters. I wonder if he found anything interesting, I thought.

     "Felix did you find anything interesting on your side?" I asked.

     "Not really, I just saw a red handkerchief tied to the captain's quarters, but I couldn't get the door open, you?" he asked me.

     "I was able to open a drawer and get this notebook out, but I can't read it, even with the algae's light. I'll have to look at it in my room," I said.

     A light flickered a bit in front of us.

     Felix put his hand up to stop me from walking. He crouched and motioned for me to follow him to the tree line.

     I quietly followed him and kept my gaze on the light headed our way. We were now out of view and I could see the glow of a face behind a torch.

     Edric was walking toward the way Felix and I had just left. He gripped the torch in one hand and held something else in his other hand, but I couldn't quire see what he was holding. Felix and I held our breath until Edric got farther from view.

     I sighed in relief when I knew he wouldn't be able to see me and Felix anymore. I stood up from my crouch and Felix followed my example. We both headed back to the palace in a rush to make sure Edric was not going to follow us.

     I hope he doesn't suspect me and Felix of being near the ship if he sees that I broke open that drawer to get that notebook, I thought.

     The palace was dark once again and Felix followed me back to my room. I quietly shut the door and found a candle nearby. Felix pulled out a lighter he had in his pocket and lit a few of the candles.

     The notebook bended a little in my anxious hands. I walked over to the edge of my bed and sat down near the candles along with Felix to flip through the notebook for any clues proving Ben's words. I opened the notebook to the first page and read.

     Dear Diary,

     What is a girl to do? I love the both of them, but I have to choose one. The most logical would be to marry Rainier, but Maxwell is just so sweet too. They both say that they'll help me get off this island, it's just the dilemma of who I should go with.

Sincerely,

Mia

     I raised my eyebrow and flipped the page.

     Dear Diary,

     I've done it, I've decided to choose Rainier, the elven king. Hopefully he'll be able to get me off of this island. I shouldn't be flirting with two men and focus on getting off of this secluded island. He was the one who found me on the beach after all.

     Felix looked over at me as if he just finished reading what I had as well. "Do you think the elven king ate her heart?"

     I shrugged my shoulders and flipped the page.

     Nothing. There was nothing on the page.

     I flipped through all the pages, but that was all that was written on the notebook I found.

     Felix looked at me. "It has to be the elves Vivian. She chose the elven king and where is he at now? Edric said he's no longer with them and that he's in charge now? Something seems fishy."

     I shut the notebook and put it on the side of the bed. "I still think we need to get into the captain's quarters," I said determined. "Besides, it seems like I have to fall in love with either elf or merman first before they eat my heart right?"

     "Maybe you should pretend to be sick tomorrow and stay here while I go out with the search party to look for Ben."

     "I can't do nothing," I said.

     "You won't. If you get a chance, you can go search for Ben throughout the palace," he said and continued, "Don't get too close to the merman."

     I turned my head to look at him. "Maybe you can get away from the group and try again at the captain's quarters. You could probably even tell them you think Ben might try to find shelter in there."

     "Good idea," he said. "We better get some sleep."

     I nodded my head and watched Felix leave my room. One of them must know a way off the island, but who do I trust? Do I do the opposite of the girl in the diary or follow her footsteps? I thought to myself.

     I walked over to the lit candles and blew out the light to my room.

     I could hear the shuffle of feet outside of my door. When the knock came I pretended my best to feel sick. I took my time to open the door.

     Clare looked worriedly at my attempted sick face. "Oh my, are you feeling unwell?"

     "I'm so sorry Clare. I feel awful. I wanted to help search for Ben, but I don't think I'll be of any help with how I feel. Can you tell Edric and Felix I'll try and help search later. I think I need to lay back down."

     She purses her lips and nodded very seriously. "Of course, I'll let them know right away. Can I get you anything?"

     "Just a glass of water please. I think I just need more sleep," I told Clare.

She nodded and hurried off from my room to complete the task I gave her.

Just a little bit longer and I'll be able to search the palace by myself. If Clare stays behind and sees me walking around, I'll tell her I figured a little walk in the palace would help me get the air I need to feel better. I smiled at my thoughts and then rearranged my face to look pained before Clare or anyone else would come by to visit.

A knock sounded at my door and I opened it to see Felix.

"I told Edric you weren't feeling well and that you'd stay behind. Clare ran into me and told me the same thing. Be careful Vivian," Felix said.

"I will, you too," I said.

Clare ran up to the door. "Felix, I didn't think I'd see you so quick. I'm here to drop off Vivian's water. We better let her get some rest," she told Felix.

I smiled at Clare. "Thank you," I told her and grabbed the water as shakily as I could.

Clare smiled and ushered Felix away from the door. "Get some sleep, you need your strength to feel better," Clare said and shut the door behind her and Felix.

I quietly walked over to the door and listened for receding footsteps. I need to wait a little while before I leave, I thought to myself and sat on my bed.

Images of Edric and the merman stranger crossed my mind. They really were gorgeous, but I needed to stay focused. I can't help it if I think they're both gorgeous, but it doesn't mean I have to fall in love with either of them. I'm not going to end up like Mia, I thought.

I waited until silence deafened me. I sat up from my bed and walked over to the door. With a gentle turn of the knob and push of the frame I peaked out to see no one around. I'm coming Ben.