Atlantis (A Waterfire Saga Fanfiction)

Chapter 20

The wind whipped Alma's hair as they sailed away from Minoa.

Thankfully, Deucalion had made no further advancements towards her and both she and her family were returning safely to Atlantis.

Alma grabbed her fiance's hand.

Ever since they arrived in that dreadful kingdom, Orfeo seemed on edge.

He flinched slightly as her fingers interlocked with his and sighed.

"Thank the gods that I gave my talisman to your father before we arrived in Minoa. I was awakened the other night by someone rummaging through my things in my bedchamber."

Alma was at a loss for words.

She spent only one night in that palace and did not dare close her eyes and let sleep come, since she had no idea what the King's true intentions were, internally cringing at his lack of manners.

"Surely, you don't believe that they were looking for Eveksion's emerald?"

"I do not know what to think. Deucalion was always curious regarding our magic and King Ozias's prophecy..."

Alma quickly let go of Orfeo's hand as Aeneas cleared his throat, handing the mage his talisman.

Orfeo thanked him with a nod.

The young girl was grateful that her father had forgiven them for their unexpected visit at the palace in Knossos, even though Aeneas had told them that they weren't to blame.

"Despite a few unheralded inconveniences during our journey, we are all alive and well," her father commented while taking a sharp breath, as if in pain.

Except for you, she thought.

"Are you certain that you are well, father?" Alma was unconvinced.

"As well as I can be," he grinned, although it was evident that his smile was forced.

"It seems as though the only good thing that came from this voyage was Alcina's courtship with Cletus," Alma quickly changed the subject, not wanting to think of her father's illness.

"And, of course, Idra's friendship with Gawain," she added, looking at her sister helping Gawain across from them on the boat.

Orfeo and Alma then stared at the sparkling blue water that surrounded the ship, listening to the waves in the distance.

It is so peaceful here on the sea, Alma reflected, the sash of her blue dress swaying in the breeze.

"Daughter..." Neith uttered from behind them, startling the couple.

They both turned around.

"When we return to Elysia, we will have to begin making preparations for your wedding day," Neith teased with a twinkle in her eyes.

Alma's face reddened at that realization.

"What is it?" Orfeo asked while giving her the sweetest smile that made her pulse race.

She playfully avoided his gaze.

"I...haven't even begun thinking about that specific date yet. Minoan politics have been on my mind as of late..." she said, glancing at her parents from the corner of her eye on the other side of the vessel.

"Quite frankly, I cannot stop thinking about that day..." the mage uttered.

He slowly leaned towards her, lowering his voice to a whisper.