Turbulent Waves, page 7
Oba stood and bowed. “I’ll be waiting in the temple, ma’am.”
Clarice stared at her until they were alone, wiggling her eyebrows when the doors closed. “Is she okay? I don’t think she expected Kai to come back with a ready-made family. That kid is efficient, if nothing else.”
“Oba is one of the most insightful priestesses we’ve ever had, and the orb seldom hides anything from her. I’m pretty sure she had an idea what was coming.” The chime from her comm unit signaled they had an hour. “Oba loved Kai in her own way and taught her what love should be.”
“The goddess bless her then. You lucked out with Hadley, and you made one that looks and acts just like her.”
“That’s true, and I’m sure Dete will be thrilled to know you think Hadley’s good-looking,” she said of Clarice’s wife.
“Hadley is good-looking, and Dete knows that. I also realize Kai’s rock-star status.” She hesitated slightly. “A human woman being the one to have won her heart won’t play well in certain circles.” Clarice glanced at the time and then to her.
“I realize that too, which is why I need you there tonight. We need to present a united front, and you need to celebrate that you’ll be a great-aunt.” She was pleased about the pregnancy. Holding Kai’s child seemed surreal in a way, but the goddess had truly blessed them.
“Don’t worry, you know how I feel about Kai. My girls are also wild about her and can’t wait to meet Vivien. All I know is that you need to find and punish all these people who helped Pontos, so your family and heir are safe.”
She shook her head and smiled. “You sound like Hadley, and neither of you need to worry. Some of our citizens planned and participated in the attempted murder of my child—my only child. There’ll never be forgiveness for that.” One of the servants stopped at the door and bowed her head. “Is everything all right?”
“Kai’s close, Highness. We have everything ready on the veranda.”
Clarice took her hand, and they walked to the space in the palace that overlooked the capital. The throne room would come soon enough, but from what Kai had told her, she thought Vivien would like to see what she’d been searching for all her life. Her experience had been that only certain humans were born with the imagination and drive to find the secrets of the depths. Vivien had spent a lot of her young life trying to find the origin of the markings on her shell, instinctively knowing it would be found in the depths. No one could’ve guessed what Vivien was really searching for was the love missing in her life.
She saw the Salacia headed for the docking station at the side of the palace. The sight of Ivan and Ram made her happy—Kai was home again and safe. Hadley joined her with both their parents, and they also appeared happy to see their grandchild again.
“Now you’ll see the best part of being a parent, my love,” her mother Sibyl said.
“When your child finds love?” She kissed Hadley’s parents, Brook and Yara, hello and took Hadley’s hand.
“No, when they find love and give you grandchildren. They, more than anything, will cement your legacy,” Mari, her other mother, said. “Being a grandmother has been the best part of my life.”
“Good to know Clarice and I are expendable, but you’re right. The addition of a daughter-in-law won’t be bad either.”
She took a deep breath and wanted to speed up time. A montage of memories from Kai’s birth and childhood went through her mind. When they’d placed Kai in her arms, the joy of the moment had given way to a bit of guilt. Children were always gifts, but in her case Kai was their future. Her life would be one of service and heavy responsibility, and she’d had no say in the matter. Fate had cast her die, and there was no changing it.
Her only fear was Vivien. Not that Kai had chosen incorrectly, but Vivien hadn’t been raised being trained in service to a nation she didn’t know even existed until recently. If their people didn’t truly accept her, Kai’s years on the throne would be much more difficult. Vivien would have to open herself up to what was required of her, and that meant giving up a huge part of who she was.
Love was easy, but would so much sacrifice break that bond between them? She doubted it, but there was no way to be sure. She knew Kai had explained it, and Vivien probably thought she understood, yet until she stood on the dais and looked out into the crowd, knowing some were happy to have her there and some weren’t, there was no way to know for sure.
Chapter Six
Kai had changed into her uniform, and Vivien had put on a dress Kai assured her would be fine for everything planned in their honor. The nerves over meeting her future in-laws had given way to the excitement of what she was seeing out the window. How a city as large as this could exist without anyone ever noticing it was unbelievable, but here it was, and it stretched as far as she could see.
“This is incredible,” Vivien said with her hands flat on her stomach.
There were lit streets lined with glass-top structures that reminded her of Bubble Wrap. There were other sections with larger structures, all under glass-like domes. A variety of vessels glided over the city, and it was still amazing to her that none of the people riding them had to wear any type of breathing apparatus. In the last month she’d met most of Kai’s security team and had watched them come and go, swimming from the ship they were staying on offshore. They popped up and spoke to Kai about different things while Vivien studied their process of transitioning from breathing underwater to air.
The gill system completely closed when they were on land, so no one who didn’t know would ever guess they weren’t human. Kai and the others also had better eyesight and hearing, and were stronger than the average human. It was like having her own version of Supergirl, but the Atlanteans also seemed more empathetic than anyone she’d ever met. She attributed that to their ability to hear the thoughts of humans. You never knew what struggles someone had until you saw what was in their head. Kai’s people could do that, and they seemed to act accordingly by providing support.
She looked to where Kai pointed—the large structure on the highest point was the palace. It appeared to be built into the side of a canyon, and she could see women swimming on the perimeter with tridents like Kai’s.
“Put into airlock three,” Kai told Edil.
Vivien smiled at Kai when she stood next to her and took her hand. “Don’t lose me, okay?” This statement was meant as a joke, but not entirely.
“If you think I’m letting you out of my sight, you’re crazy. Trust that we’re doing all this together, and you’ll be fine because everyone’s going to love you.” Kai kissed her as they came to a stop and straightened up when the hatch opened.
“Welcome home, Highness.” The tall blonde who’d greeted Kai bowed and stood aside.
“Vivien, I’d like to introduce you to Belm Gaff. She’s second-in-command of the royal guards.”
They stepped into a large room with the most beautiful mosaic tile floor Vivien had ever seen. It appeared to be a goddess of some kind with constellations surrounding her.
“Ms. Palmer, welcome to Atlantis.” Belm sounded nice but looked imposing in the navy uniform.
“Thank you.” She tightened her hold on Kai and was on overload as she tried to take everything in. This place was extraordinary, and she couldn’t wait to see what was under the domes. “Bow, right?” she murmured softly. She didn’t want to get anything wrong when she met Kai’s parents.
“I have to follow the same protocol, so follow my lead.” Kai greeted others who moved aside as they walked forward.
The space was a glass dome with a great view of the city and the ocean floor. “How is it we can see the stars?” The space above them was ablaze with stars and a full moon.
“There’re reflectors on the surface that mirror whatever is topside,” Edil said. “They’re completely invisible and have sensors to move out of the way of any passing ships. You’ve probably sailed by some if you’ve ever come this far out.”
Her attention landed on a group by the railing and the woman with her arms out. She was beautiful, and the proud-looking woman at her side gave her an idea of what Kai would look like when she was older. Kai let her hand go and hugged the first one.
“Welcome home, love,” the woman said after putting her arms around Kai.
Vivien enjoyed her laugh when Kai lifted her off the ground and swung her around.
“Mama, it’s good to be back,” Kai said, putting her mother down. “Let me introduce you.”
Vivien stepped forward and took Kai’s hand. The only royalty she was familiar with were the British family. Kai’s family so far seemed much more relaxed, and crazy about their kid.
“Your Highness,” Kai said. “I’d like to introduce my fiancée, Miss Vivien Palmer of New Orleans.”
“Kai, the formality will come later.” Her mother stepped forward. “Welcome to our home, Vivien. I’m Galen and this is my mate, Hadley. We’ve waited for you a long time, and we’re glad Kai found you.”
Vivien relaxed and smiled when Galen hugged her. “Thank you, Highness, and I’ve been waiting for her since the first time I saw her.”
“Our little rule breaker does have a tendency to follow her own mind, but this time I’m glad she did,” Hadley said. “Let me finish the introductions.”
They moved among the crowd, with Galen and Hadley introducing her to people while Kai lagged behind just a little, allowing Vivien to be the focus of attention. It was overwhelming, and she’d never remember all the names, but she felt welcomed. It had been less than an hour before Galen whispered something in Kai’s ear. Whatever it was made Kai smile and nod before she took her hand again. “Let me give you a tour, love.”
It was good that Kai seemed to understand her need to explore and see, so they walked slowly until they reached another space that overlooked a much more desolate area. There were a few lights but not as many as the rest of the city. She hoped once the sun was up again she could see the bottom. There was no way of knowing where they were, but Kai had said they were in one of the deepest parts of the Atlantic Ocean.
“See, I told you they’d love you,” Kai said as she put her arms around her. With a flip of a switch the area outside came into view. There were ruins spread before them. “Eight thousand years ago, we started searching for a new home, safe from the exploits of humans. This was the first palace built.”
“You left the ruins up?” It seemed strange to leave this and only expand in one direction. There seemed to be nothing but darkness on the other side of the ruins.
“This palace was built on the ruins of part of the old one. We left a section of the old as it was because we never want to forget the pioneers who led us forward.” Kai pointed to an area where a group of guards swam, their hair, though short, floating upward in the current. “The section that was lit before I turned on the floodlights is where the temple was located in that palace. It was the original resting place of Queen Nessa and her consort, Jyri. By vote, they were moved to the new temple, but that area out there is one of our most sacred.”
“It’s amazing you know where they are, considering how long ago they arrived.” This whole thing was like a movie, but this time, the fantasy wouldn’t end after a few hours. “I’m so glad you love me enough to share this.”
“I do love you, and when I was little, this was one of my favorite places to come and daydream. The old palace was my playground, and my friends and I would pretend to wage great battles.” Kai moved behind her and kissed her neck. “When I was older, I came here to think about my future and the peace that was my responsibility to carry on. I didn’t have a lot of choices about that, but I did want a woman who’d share my life.”
“I have a lot of learning to catch up on, but I’ll always be here.” She took Kai’s hand and kissed her palm. “You’re every dream I never thought to have.”
“And what do good Southern girls dream about?” Kai whispered in her ear as she held her tighter against her.
She laughed at that. “I doubt my parents ever considered me a good Southern girl, but I wanted someone to love me and share my life.”
Kai let her go, stepped in front of her, and knelt. “I want that and so much more. Vivien,” Kai said taking her hand. “I love you, and you’re also everything I never thought to wish for because I never thought someone like you existed. That proves to me I don’t have imagination enough. You have my promise, though, that I’ll always be at your side loving you.” Kai took a small pouch from her pocket and emptied it in her hand. “Will you marry me?”
She wanted to cry. She was in the deepest part of the Atlantic Ocean with a woman who’d been brought up there. A royal woman, who looked at her as though she was the only thing worth looking at. It was every dream and fantasy she’d ever had. “I thought you’d never ask.”
“Is that a yes?”
She laughed, giddy at how Kai made her feel. “It is a yes. I just meant—”
Kai cut her off with a kiss and slid the ring on her finger. “You are my match, love. Never think you aren’t enough.”
The stone in the ring was a blue that reminded her of the waters on a pristine beach, and it was beautiful. “Thank you, and I love this.”
“It’s a blue diamond. I thought you’d like something a little different, and it’s not that I didn’t want to ask.” Kai walked her to a bench that was close to the edge of the drop-off outside.
“Honey, I was kidding, but I’d be lying if seeing you on your knees wasn’t nice.” She hoped the guards weren’t spying on them as she kissed Kai.
“I plan to give you everything you want and more, but I waited until we were here with so much history for a reason. We’ll eventually be part of that history, as will our children, and I also wanted to talk to your parents first. I want your family to be a part of all this.”
“You asked my parents? Really?” The expression on her father’s face must’ve been priceless.
“Does that bother you?” Kai leaned back to see her face.
She considered the question as she stared into the depths. “No. Granted, had this happened a few months ago, it might’ve, but I’m glad you did. I want them to love you too, and you talking to them probably got you points.” Her relationship with her parents was so much stronger than it had been over the years, and she wanted to keep going in the right direction. “Are your parents okay with this? They didn’t have some other woman in mind, did they?”
“Tonight, we have the reception, but tomorrow my moms invited us to an early lunch. It’ll give you a chance to talk to them, and to get their blessing for our joining. If you don’t mind a bit of a rush, we could have our service before we go back.” Kai seemed as nervous as she was, and it didn’t make sense.
“You want that, right? You haven’t changed your mind?”
“Of course I haven’t. The audience with my mothers is the first step before we’re free to meet with the high priestess for a blessing from the goddess.” Kai’s voice seemed to fade away, but she didn’t look away from her.
“What? Are you not religious or something?” She loved making Kai laugh. “Or”—she tapped Kai’s head—“you and the priestess spent a lot of time praying?”
“I did love her…I still love her, but as a friend. The only woman I want to share my life with is you.”
“She knows that too, right?” Jealousy was a new experience, but she couldn’t help it. “You didn’t wait until now to tell me you can have a harem of wives, did you?”
Kai laughed that deep belly laugh Vivien loved and shook her head. “I only get one like everyone else, so it’s good I picked so well. As for Oba and me, we spent time together while I was healing, and she was the one who voted our stock.” After Pontos tried to overtake their business as an initial move to take over the oil industry as a whole, Kai’s family had voted with her father, giving them the majority. “We both understand we have a good friendship and nothing more.” Kai seemed to be bracing for a bad reaction, but Viv kissed her instead.
“Good, and I love you. I’ll be happy to join with you whenever you can arrange it.”
She stood when Isla told them it was time. As excited as she was to explore, she figured the night would mean a separation from Kai. They were flanked by guards, which didn’t feel normal, but Kai didn’t seem upset, so she simply took in her surroundings as they went. They stopped in front of a set of grand doors carved with different sea life, and she could hear what sounded like a crowd on the other side.
“I’m right here.” Kai’s voice comforted her as they were announced. The throne room was majestic in every sense of the word. Galen stood with Hadley on the dais at the end of the center aisle, and the applause for Kai was thunderous. Mixed into all that was the drumming of the soldiers beating their tridents on the floor. She placed her hand in the bend of Kai’s arm and tried to keep her features relaxed.
“Sisters,” Galen said, and Vivien noticed the event was projected on various screens around the room. “Today we welcome a new citizen to our home.” More applause followed, and Kai covered her hand with hers. “Come forward, Lady Vivien Palmer.”
She did as Galen asked, climbing the steps with Kai, and bowed her head. “Thank you, Highness.”
“I bestow upon you all the rights and privileges of a sister of Atlantis, and we welcome you to our family.” Galen touched her head and smiled. “Let us all welcome Lady Palmer.” There was more applause, so she turned and faced the court made up of women from all over the realm. From what Kai had explained, the capital was just one of many cities they had around the world.
“Thank you all.” She glanced up at Kai and laughed at her wink.
“The throne would also like to announce the engagement of Lady Palmer and Princess Kai Merlin,” Hadley said as the applause rose in volume.
She gazed at Kai and back out to the audience, noting only a few who didn’t seem thrilled with the news. They’d have to talk about that later, but after what’d happened when Kai almost died, it seemed important. The ceremony didn’t last much longer, and she was ready for some quiet once Galen called it to a close.
Clarice stared at her until they were alone, wiggling her eyebrows when the doors closed. “Is she okay? I don’t think she expected Kai to come back with a ready-made family. That kid is efficient, if nothing else.”
“Oba is one of the most insightful priestesses we’ve ever had, and the orb seldom hides anything from her. I’m pretty sure she had an idea what was coming.” The chime from her comm unit signaled they had an hour. “Oba loved Kai in her own way and taught her what love should be.”
“The goddess bless her then. You lucked out with Hadley, and you made one that looks and acts just like her.”
“That’s true, and I’m sure Dete will be thrilled to know you think Hadley’s good-looking,” she said of Clarice’s wife.
“Hadley is good-looking, and Dete knows that. I also realize Kai’s rock-star status.” She hesitated slightly. “A human woman being the one to have won her heart won’t play well in certain circles.” Clarice glanced at the time and then to her.
“I realize that too, which is why I need you there tonight. We need to present a united front, and you need to celebrate that you’ll be a great-aunt.” She was pleased about the pregnancy. Holding Kai’s child seemed surreal in a way, but the goddess had truly blessed them.
“Don’t worry, you know how I feel about Kai. My girls are also wild about her and can’t wait to meet Vivien. All I know is that you need to find and punish all these people who helped Pontos, so your family and heir are safe.”
She shook her head and smiled. “You sound like Hadley, and neither of you need to worry. Some of our citizens planned and participated in the attempted murder of my child—my only child. There’ll never be forgiveness for that.” One of the servants stopped at the door and bowed her head. “Is everything all right?”
“Kai’s close, Highness. We have everything ready on the veranda.”
Clarice took her hand, and they walked to the space in the palace that overlooked the capital. The throne room would come soon enough, but from what Kai had told her, she thought Vivien would like to see what she’d been searching for all her life. Her experience had been that only certain humans were born with the imagination and drive to find the secrets of the depths. Vivien had spent a lot of her young life trying to find the origin of the markings on her shell, instinctively knowing it would be found in the depths. No one could’ve guessed what Vivien was really searching for was the love missing in her life.
She saw the Salacia headed for the docking station at the side of the palace. The sight of Ivan and Ram made her happy—Kai was home again and safe. Hadley joined her with both their parents, and they also appeared happy to see their grandchild again.
“Now you’ll see the best part of being a parent, my love,” her mother Sibyl said.
“When your child finds love?” She kissed Hadley’s parents, Brook and Yara, hello and took Hadley’s hand.
“No, when they find love and give you grandchildren. They, more than anything, will cement your legacy,” Mari, her other mother, said. “Being a grandmother has been the best part of my life.”
“Good to know Clarice and I are expendable, but you’re right. The addition of a daughter-in-law won’t be bad either.”
She took a deep breath and wanted to speed up time. A montage of memories from Kai’s birth and childhood went through her mind. When they’d placed Kai in her arms, the joy of the moment had given way to a bit of guilt. Children were always gifts, but in her case Kai was their future. Her life would be one of service and heavy responsibility, and she’d had no say in the matter. Fate had cast her die, and there was no changing it.
Her only fear was Vivien. Not that Kai had chosen incorrectly, but Vivien hadn’t been raised being trained in service to a nation she didn’t know even existed until recently. If their people didn’t truly accept her, Kai’s years on the throne would be much more difficult. Vivien would have to open herself up to what was required of her, and that meant giving up a huge part of who she was.
Love was easy, but would so much sacrifice break that bond between them? She doubted it, but there was no way to be sure. She knew Kai had explained it, and Vivien probably thought she understood, yet until she stood on the dais and looked out into the crowd, knowing some were happy to have her there and some weren’t, there was no way to know for sure.
Chapter Six
Kai had changed into her uniform, and Vivien had put on a dress Kai assured her would be fine for everything planned in their honor. The nerves over meeting her future in-laws had given way to the excitement of what she was seeing out the window. How a city as large as this could exist without anyone ever noticing it was unbelievable, but here it was, and it stretched as far as she could see.
“This is incredible,” Vivien said with her hands flat on her stomach.
There were lit streets lined with glass-top structures that reminded her of Bubble Wrap. There were other sections with larger structures, all under glass-like domes. A variety of vessels glided over the city, and it was still amazing to her that none of the people riding them had to wear any type of breathing apparatus. In the last month she’d met most of Kai’s security team and had watched them come and go, swimming from the ship they were staying on offshore. They popped up and spoke to Kai about different things while Vivien studied their process of transitioning from breathing underwater to air.
The gill system completely closed when they were on land, so no one who didn’t know would ever guess they weren’t human. Kai and the others also had better eyesight and hearing, and were stronger than the average human. It was like having her own version of Supergirl, but the Atlanteans also seemed more empathetic than anyone she’d ever met. She attributed that to their ability to hear the thoughts of humans. You never knew what struggles someone had until you saw what was in their head. Kai’s people could do that, and they seemed to act accordingly by providing support.
She looked to where Kai pointed—the large structure on the highest point was the palace. It appeared to be built into the side of a canyon, and she could see women swimming on the perimeter with tridents like Kai’s.
“Put into airlock three,” Kai told Edil.
Vivien smiled at Kai when she stood next to her and took her hand. “Don’t lose me, okay?” This statement was meant as a joke, but not entirely.
“If you think I’m letting you out of my sight, you’re crazy. Trust that we’re doing all this together, and you’ll be fine because everyone’s going to love you.” Kai kissed her as they came to a stop and straightened up when the hatch opened.
“Welcome home, Highness.” The tall blonde who’d greeted Kai bowed and stood aside.
“Vivien, I’d like to introduce you to Belm Gaff. She’s second-in-command of the royal guards.”
They stepped into a large room with the most beautiful mosaic tile floor Vivien had ever seen. It appeared to be a goddess of some kind with constellations surrounding her.
“Ms. Palmer, welcome to Atlantis.” Belm sounded nice but looked imposing in the navy uniform.
“Thank you.” She tightened her hold on Kai and was on overload as she tried to take everything in. This place was extraordinary, and she couldn’t wait to see what was under the domes. “Bow, right?” she murmured softly. She didn’t want to get anything wrong when she met Kai’s parents.
“I have to follow the same protocol, so follow my lead.” Kai greeted others who moved aside as they walked forward.
The space was a glass dome with a great view of the city and the ocean floor. “How is it we can see the stars?” The space above them was ablaze with stars and a full moon.
“There’re reflectors on the surface that mirror whatever is topside,” Edil said. “They’re completely invisible and have sensors to move out of the way of any passing ships. You’ve probably sailed by some if you’ve ever come this far out.”
Her attention landed on a group by the railing and the woman with her arms out. She was beautiful, and the proud-looking woman at her side gave her an idea of what Kai would look like when she was older. Kai let her hand go and hugged the first one.
“Welcome home, love,” the woman said after putting her arms around Kai.
Vivien enjoyed her laugh when Kai lifted her off the ground and swung her around.
“Mama, it’s good to be back,” Kai said, putting her mother down. “Let me introduce you.”
Vivien stepped forward and took Kai’s hand. The only royalty she was familiar with were the British family. Kai’s family so far seemed much more relaxed, and crazy about their kid.
“Your Highness,” Kai said. “I’d like to introduce my fiancée, Miss Vivien Palmer of New Orleans.”
“Kai, the formality will come later.” Her mother stepped forward. “Welcome to our home, Vivien. I’m Galen and this is my mate, Hadley. We’ve waited for you a long time, and we’re glad Kai found you.”
Vivien relaxed and smiled when Galen hugged her. “Thank you, Highness, and I’ve been waiting for her since the first time I saw her.”
“Our little rule breaker does have a tendency to follow her own mind, but this time I’m glad she did,” Hadley said. “Let me finish the introductions.”
They moved among the crowd, with Galen and Hadley introducing her to people while Kai lagged behind just a little, allowing Vivien to be the focus of attention. It was overwhelming, and she’d never remember all the names, but she felt welcomed. It had been less than an hour before Galen whispered something in Kai’s ear. Whatever it was made Kai smile and nod before she took her hand again. “Let me give you a tour, love.”
It was good that Kai seemed to understand her need to explore and see, so they walked slowly until they reached another space that overlooked a much more desolate area. There were a few lights but not as many as the rest of the city. She hoped once the sun was up again she could see the bottom. There was no way of knowing where they were, but Kai had said they were in one of the deepest parts of the Atlantic Ocean.
“See, I told you they’d love you,” Kai said as she put her arms around her. With a flip of a switch the area outside came into view. There were ruins spread before them. “Eight thousand years ago, we started searching for a new home, safe from the exploits of humans. This was the first palace built.”
“You left the ruins up?” It seemed strange to leave this and only expand in one direction. There seemed to be nothing but darkness on the other side of the ruins.
“This palace was built on the ruins of part of the old one. We left a section of the old as it was because we never want to forget the pioneers who led us forward.” Kai pointed to an area where a group of guards swam, their hair, though short, floating upward in the current. “The section that was lit before I turned on the floodlights is where the temple was located in that palace. It was the original resting place of Queen Nessa and her consort, Jyri. By vote, they were moved to the new temple, but that area out there is one of our most sacred.”
“It’s amazing you know where they are, considering how long ago they arrived.” This whole thing was like a movie, but this time, the fantasy wouldn’t end after a few hours. “I’m so glad you love me enough to share this.”
“I do love you, and when I was little, this was one of my favorite places to come and daydream. The old palace was my playground, and my friends and I would pretend to wage great battles.” Kai moved behind her and kissed her neck. “When I was older, I came here to think about my future and the peace that was my responsibility to carry on. I didn’t have a lot of choices about that, but I did want a woman who’d share my life.”
“I have a lot of learning to catch up on, but I’ll always be here.” She took Kai’s hand and kissed her palm. “You’re every dream I never thought to have.”
“And what do good Southern girls dream about?” Kai whispered in her ear as she held her tighter against her.
She laughed at that. “I doubt my parents ever considered me a good Southern girl, but I wanted someone to love me and share my life.”
Kai let her go, stepped in front of her, and knelt. “I want that and so much more. Vivien,” Kai said taking her hand. “I love you, and you’re also everything I never thought to wish for because I never thought someone like you existed. That proves to me I don’t have imagination enough. You have my promise, though, that I’ll always be at your side loving you.” Kai took a small pouch from her pocket and emptied it in her hand. “Will you marry me?”
She wanted to cry. She was in the deepest part of the Atlantic Ocean with a woman who’d been brought up there. A royal woman, who looked at her as though she was the only thing worth looking at. It was every dream and fantasy she’d ever had. “I thought you’d never ask.”
“Is that a yes?”
She laughed, giddy at how Kai made her feel. “It is a yes. I just meant—”
Kai cut her off with a kiss and slid the ring on her finger. “You are my match, love. Never think you aren’t enough.”
The stone in the ring was a blue that reminded her of the waters on a pristine beach, and it was beautiful. “Thank you, and I love this.”
“It’s a blue diamond. I thought you’d like something a little different, and it’s not that I didn’t want to ask.” Kai walked her to a bench that was close to the edge of the drop-off outside.
“Honey, I was kidding, but I’d be lying if seeing you on your knees wasn’t nice.” She hoped the guards weren’t spying on them as she kissed Kai.
“I plan to give you everything you want and more, but I waited until we were here with so much history for a reason. We’ll eventually be part of that history, as will our children, and I also wanted to talk to your parents first. I want your family to be a part of all this.”
“You asked my parents? Really?” The expression on her father’s face must’ve been priceless.
“Does that bother you?” Kai leaned back to see her face.
She considered the question as she stared into the depths. “No. Granted, had this happened a few months ago, it might’ve, but I’m glad you did. I want them to love you too, and you talking to them probably got you points.” Her relationship with her parents was so much stronger than it had been over the years, and she wanted to keep going in the right direction. “Are your parents okay with this? They didn’t have some other woman in mind, did they?”
“Tonight, we have the reception, but tomorrow my moms invited us to an early lunch. It’ll give you a chance to talk to them, and to get their blessing for our joining. If you don’t mind a bit of a rush, we could have our service before we go back.” Kai seemed as nervous as she was, and it didn’t make sense.
“You want that, right? You haven’t changed your mind?”
“Of course I haven’t. The audience with my mothers is the first step before we’re free to meet with the high priestess for a blessing from the goddess.” Kai’s voice seemed to fade away, but she didn’t look away from her.
“What? Are you not religious or something?” She loved making Kai laugh. “Or”—she tapped Kai’s head—“you and the priestess spent a lot of time praying?”
“I did love her…I still love her, but as a friend. The only woman I want to share my life with is you.”
“She knows that too, right?” Jealousy was a new experience, but she couldn’t help it. “You didn’t wait until now to tell me you can have a harem of wives, did you?”
Kai laughed that deep belly laugh Vivien loved and shook her head. “I only get one like everyone else, so it’s good I picked so well. As for Oba and me, we spent time together while I was healing, and she was the one who voted our stock.” After Pontos tried to overtake their business as an initial move to take over the oil industry as a whole, Kai’s family had voted with her father, giving them the majority. “We both understand we have a good friendship and nothing more.” Kai seemed to be bracing for a bad reaction, but Viv kissed her instead.
“Good, and I love you. I’ll be happy to join with you whenever you can arrange it.”
She stood when Isla told them it was time. As excited as she was to explore, she figured the night would mean a separation from Kai. They were flanked by guards, which didn’t feel normal, but Kai didn’t seem upset, so she simply took in her surroundings as they went. They stopped in front of a set of grand doors carved with different sea life, and she could hear what sounded like a crowd on the other side.
“I’m right here.” Kai’s voice comforted her as they were announced. The throne room was majestic in every sense of the word. Galen stood with Hadley on the dais at the end of the center aisle, and the applause for Kai was thunderous. Mixed into all that was the drumming of the soldiers beating their tridents on the floor. She placed her hand in the bend of Kai’s arm and tried to keep her features relaxed.
“Sisters,” Galen said, and Vivien noticed the event was projected on various screens around the room. “Today we welcome a new citizen to our home.” More applause followed, and Kai covered her hand with hers. “Come forward, Lady Vivien Palmer.”
She did as Galen asked, climbing the steps with Kai, and bowed her head. “Thank you, Highness.”
“I bestow upon you all the rights and privileges of a sister of Atlantis, and we welcome you to our family.” Galen touched her head and smiled. “Let us all welcome Lady Palmer.” There was more applause, so she turned and faced the court made up of women from all over the realm. From what Kai had explained, the capital was just one of many cities they had around the world.
“Thank you all.” She glanced up at Kai and laughed at her wink.
“The throne would also like to announce the engagement of Lady Palmer and Princess Kai Merlin,” Hadley said as the applause rose in volume.
She gazed at Kai and back out to the audience, noting only a few who didn’t seem thrilled with the news. They’d have to talk about that later, but after what’d happened when Kai almost died, it seemed important. The ceremony didn’t last much longer, and she was ready for some quiet once Galen called it to a close.
