Trident

Arrival

I called this chapter Arrival because this is where Amphititre receives the invitation and arrives at the court.

Amphititre
'Wake up, Ami! Wake up!'

I turned away towards the other side of the bed. Thetis kept shaking me.  I tried to open my eyes but immediately shut them again. There was too much light from the windows.

When I finally clambered out of bed after fifteen minutes, I found all of my family around the massive dinner table. They seemed much more excited than usual for just breakfast.

I sat at my chair, waiting for my food. I felt oddly hungry. My father was carrying a large pile of messages to the table, but this was expected as he was a minister at Poseidon's court.

The table was set up so that I sat next to my father and Thetis next to my mother, with all my other sisters in between around the table.

Usually, the pile would be for my parents and an odd one to one of us. But today it was different. There was one that was blue, an envelope that could only be sent as per orders of Poseidon himself. That was clearly why everyone was so cheerful today. Getting a letter from basically the God of the Sea was a true honour for the whole family.

My mother picked that particular letter up and read who it was for. A smug smile formed on her face, probably meaning that she had received the letter. She should my father, who seemed shocked before a grin formed. He just would not let me see it and the letter drifted around the table. I heard squeals of shock, probably because it was from Poseidon.

Finally it reached me. And that's when I think my eyes actually popped out.

'Amphititre,
Nereid Estate,
Atlantis.'

It had my name on it. My name. I carefully opened it and pulled the letter out.

'Miss Amphititre,
You have been noticed by certain people for your skill at handling animals in the water. You are offered the job of helping us in different situations. We would like you to come to the palace for a short stay if you do accept.

Please reply as soon as possible and arrangements will be made.

Best wishes,
Minister Glaucus.'

As soon as I finished reading and looked up, the letter was snatched from my hands and again circled the room. I got up and left to reply because I knew that this could be such a great opportunity.

Once I had sent the letter, I began packing my bags, wondering what the palace was like.

Poseidon
It came to my ears that the girl Amphititre was  coming. Everyone seemed so excited, probably because it had been such a long time since we had a new visitor.

I continued my day after I made sure a carriage was sent to her.

Amphititre had been very shocked about the service that she was getting. I expected this because she wasn't even the eldest daughter of the Nereid couple.  She never had the experience of court. I would also have to take care of that... .

The trip wasn't far as her father was a minister and needed immediate access to the palace. What struck me was her surprised face when they went right through the barriers on the perimeter of the estate.

As usual, there were two maids and a guard waiting to take her into her room. After that, we left her alone for the rest of the day with her maids. She had been told that she would meet me once she was good enough in my court with my ministers. I thought of what impression she would make on me if I randomly turned up and met her.

Soon, she had been settled and I went back to my general work.