A Princess Tale: Poseidon Kingdom Read online

  Ajaniame’s chest heaved with irritation and with a long-held inhalation now allowed to escape, simply because it wasn’t possible to hold it for longer. She followed him out of the room under the watchful gaze of her parents.

  They stepped outside, and she moved away from him, placing as much distance as possible between them. Now, even his scent dared to assault her nose. The earthy tones disturbed her, and she shook her head to clear her mind.

  “The palace looks different from how I remember it. Would you mind giving me a tour of the grounds? Is the garden still open to the public?”

  “It’s still open, but the grounds haven’t changed all that much. You can find your way around!” Ajaniame flashed a false smile, so wide it hurt her cheeks.

  “I think I’ll be lost without a guide,” he said simply, the meaning too clear.

  “The royal guards are always willing to show visitors around.” Ajaniame tapped her feet impatiently.

  “Look, I want to be honest with you, Ajaniame. What your parents said is true. I desire you for my wife, but all the eligible men in the kingdom probably want the same. The decision rests with you. No one would try to force you—”

  “Good, because you definitely cannot force me to marry you!”

  There.

  The words had been spat out and were floating in the air between them.

  But even now, he did not take offense, and her mouth was downturned, the lips drawn together. She appeared petulant, like a child in a tantrum.

  What do I have to do to drive you away?

  Kasakir merely smiled, opening his arms wide as if to gesture, see, I am harmless.

  “Why do you not even argue against my points?” she asked, her face the picture of annoyance.

  “Should I? To what avail? As I said, you are the decision-maker. I should not like to take a wife who does not wish just as badly to take me as her husband. So, there is nothing to argue about. Whatever you want is what I also want. If that means you do not want me, and if it makes you happy—that is the right decision. So you see, it is simple.”

  Well, damn you, you—impossible man! her inner voice screamed. It was easier and more entertaining to fight with and to send away a man who was going to argue back, a very obnoxious one. Not this one.

  This one looked away, patient, as if he had all the time in the world. How frustrating. No doubt my parents chose you because they know you have the patience and fortitude to wear me down. We’ll see... They’ll have to wait a long time.

  She was game for a fight, a long, drawn-out battle of wills in which she would win. But still, the man was perplexing.

  Most men of Atlantis, whether in the Northern or Southern Kingdoms, would have been offended and considered her bad-mannered. Most of them would have walked away, deeming her a very unworthy woman to marry.

  “Look, why don’t we start again? Let’s put this behind us and just walk around for old times’ sake in honor of our old friendship. Remember how much fun we used to have?”

  His smile was infectious, and somehow, a wide smile also adorned Ajaniame’s face, though she tried to quash it.

  “Fine, but I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. This is in honor of our old friendship.”

  “I promise. For friendship.” He placed a hand over his heart as if making a vow.

  2. Prince Charming

  Ajaniame rolled her eyes and gestured for Kasakir to lead the way. The palace itself was carved inside Nipa mountain, in the heart of the capital city of Anuria. It was built on three levels, the first floor of which was open to the public, housing many magnificent rooms as well as a most glorious garden with just about every exotic plant that could be imported.

  The second and third floors were the private residence of the royal family, only accessible to invited guests and servants. Ajaniame’s chamber, alongside the family room and guest chambers, was up on the second floor. Her parents occupied the east wing of the third floor, and her brother, Husacar, lived with his own family and so had taken over the whole west wing.

  Ajaniame led Kasakir toward the palace hall, usually reserved for state banquets, celebration dinners and other formal occasions. It was large but empty, all the furniture arranged neatly toward the back of the room. Ajaniame marveled at the ingenuity of the builders who had carved the palace within the mountain, just as they had with the government buildings.

  Nipa mountain was the second-highest on the island of Poseidon, a large continent divided into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Atlantis. These two nations had once been a great empire under the rule of one king. Then had come the civil war, cleaving it into two warring nations.

  She showed her visitor the palace library where the history of these two nations came alive. Frequented by many students from the Inithlon—the higher institution of learning for those who wished to pursue specialist knowledge—it contained a unique collection of rare books, and it didn’t surprise Ajaniame that the students therefore favored it over the many other city libraries.

  Next, Ajaniame led Kasakir to the throne room, currently empty. Usually, her father, as the ruling Rai of the Northern Kingdom, would sit for up to two hours on specially selected days for any visitors who wished to pay their respects. It was a grand and opulent space, with thrones for both King and Queen as well as a seating area for the official recorders.

  “Surely you remember this? The throne room has changed little since we were children.”

  “You’re right; it’s changed very little and somehow, it’s not nearly as big as it used to be.”

  “Maybe because we were smaller!”

  “Maybe!” Ajaniame beamed a wide smile, reveling in remembering, and forgetting to put on a dour and unimpressed expression in front of the man who wished to marry her. “Do you remember that time when you got in trouble for sitting on the throne even though it’s forbidden?” Ajaniame chuckled.

  “Yes, only because you dared me to, Ajaniame. Even back then, I was always trying to impress you.” Kasakir winked at her.

  Ajaniame felt baffled by her reaction to him. She sought to lead him out of the throne room quickly, to somewhere in which they wouldn’t be alone.

  The museum had a few people mingling around the historical objects on display, including an ancient replica of the human form in ages past, and a bone display of the remains of someone who had lived during the golden period. Her father often spoke about the golden age, a time when the gods had walked among them as men, and all was at peace. The bones displayed a giant of a man with a full face, enormous jaws and a narrow head where the brain was supposed to be. He barely had any forehead, and his skull sloped back abruptly above the eyebrows.

  “Oh look, how delightful,” Kasakir said, pointing to the figure. “I’ve heard of this exhibition, and I hoped to see it one day.”

  “Yes, it’s lovely. Many people throughout the kingdom wish to visit the city of Anuria and this palace at some point. Our ancestors lived in bliss when the gods walked among them, and father has kept this exhibition as a reminder of the golden age,” Ajaniame explained.

  Ajaniame had visited the museum so many times that she could list every small feature of each exhibit, every curve, every outline, every tiny crack and chip. The history behind them all tripped easily off her tongue. Yet still, the place seemed mesmerizing with its replica statues and models of their ancestors’ way of life, including the tree home built within a forest community. They had lived side by side with the animals in peaceful cohabitation for thousands of years on Poseidon until the founding of the Atlantean Empire. Even then, they’d continued to live in peace until relatively recent times.

  Their progress around the museum was slow, Kasakir stopping to observe every display. Surely, he knew all this information, seeing as they taught it to every child but it appeared not; he was asking lots of questions. Suddenly, a thought came to her: what if he’s doing this just to spend more time together? If so, she was about to spoil his enjoyment and his plan.

  A
rmed with this knowledge, she now hurried him along until they found themselves in the corridor outside the museum. Somehow, they had drifted closer together. The corridor was narrow, so Ajaniame stepped back a pace, walking behind him. They carried on in silence for a while. They had no clear destination in mind but eventually found themselves outside the main gates of the palace.

  “Where are we going?” asked Ajaniame.

  “I’m just walking with you,” Kasakir responded with a shrug.

  “Why are you smiling?” He appeared pleased with himself as he broke into a wide grin. He had bright dazzling teeth as white as milk.

  “Nothing. It’s not a crime, is it? I just thought what an amazing view this is. I’ve missed this palace and the city,” said Kasakir.

  “Does Wejemos not live up to your standards?”

  “Something like that, although not exactly.”

  Ajaniame cast her eyes over the section of the city visible from the palace gates. It was a familiar view, one she often took for granted. A long flight of stairs separated them from the road below, cleverly shaped around the natural curve of the mountain. The other government buildings near the palace stood proud, symbols of the undefeated power of the kingdom.

  Ajaniame closed her eyes, stretching out her arms, taking a deep breath of the fresh mountain air.

  “It’s breathtaking. I suppose I don’t appreciate it as often as I should.”

  “Should we take a ride on one of the overhead cable carriages to explore the city?”

  Kasakir asked eagerly.

  Ajaniame hesitated. She should say no, but... she did not want to, and that came as a shock to determine she was enjoying his company and didn’t want their time to end so quickly.

  “Fine, let’s do that. Have you ever traveled on one of these before?” Ajaniame asked.

  “We’ve got a few cable lines in Wejemos, but they’re not as well connected like this.”

  “Really, you do? I thought these cable lines were only available in the capital.”

  “You think the districts surrounding the capital are nothing more than uncivilized wilderness? Like how our ancient ancestors lived?” He chuckled. “You really must get out more and go to see places. Your life in the palace is—well, it is not real.”

  Ajaniame glared at Kasakir in disbelief. Surely, he didn’t believe her ignorant.

  “Well, for your information, I certainly do not believe everywhere else is uncivilized. But few nations have the technology we do, and I know most of that is concentrated in this city. My father has told me so—that we are fortunate. Surely you agree with me there?”

  “You’re right, Ajaniame. Few nations in the world have our technology. We’re blessed,” he raised a thick eyebrow as if daring her to challenge him further.

  Ajaniame shrugged. “Do you still want to tour this city or not? We need to make our parents aware in case they’re awaiting our return.”

  “Good idea.” Kasakir took a naimis, a bronze-colored automatic messaging device, from his pocket. He tapped it so his parents appeared on the screen almost like a mirror.

  “Hello, Father.” Kasakir waved. “Please don’t wait for us. We’re heading into the city for a little exploration.”

  “No problem, Kasakir. I’ll inform Rai Uziyah and Queen Azubah,” said Mr. Wadiyar with an approving smile.

  Ajaniame liked the free and simple relationship between Kasakir and his parents. It seemed so much more preferable to the strict discipline she received from her mother.

  “Did she say yes?” Mrs. Wadiyar asked.

  “Not yet. I’ll let you know when she does.”

  “Good luck, son. I am sure she will accept; she would be a fool to turn you down.”

  “Bye, we’ll see you later, and I’ll tell you then and we can start to plan.” Kasakir closed the device, placing it back into his pocket.

  Ajaniame smiled. “I know what you’re doing, and it won’t work. Don’t get their hopes up, I might say no.”

  “But you might say yes?”

  She scowled. “You’re impossible.”

  “And you’re adorable.”

  Ajaniame grinned, leading him down the stairs to the station, where several visitors were getting off a cable carriage to head for the palace. It was promising to be a warm, lovely day, and there would be a long queue of people leaving the palace in the evening.

  “You’re quite determined to see this through.” Ajaniame looked Kasakir directly in the eye, trying to discern the secrets he was hiding. He appeared relaxed, as if there was nowhere else he would rather be. “Why me? I mean, why me of all the women here in Atlantis?”

  But she was really thinking something quite different.

  How can a person ask a stranger for their hand in marriage? That’s ridiculous...

  But then again, that was the reality for most couples throughout the kingdom. Marriages were arranged between families, and rarely was a love match sought or gained.

  “You’re an incredibly special woman, Ajaniame. Not just because of your legendary beauty, title or status as a princess but because of your heart’s kindness.” Kasakir placed a kiss at the back of her hand, causing butterflies to skitter across her stomach.

  Ajaniame frowned in confusion but didn’t have the chance to examine her feelings. An empty cable carriage parked in front of them, and she pulled it to a stop. It was shaped like a cube, with a slight curve at the front.

  “We’re lucky to have this one to ourselves. Thankfully, there’s no one leaving the palace at this time,” Ajaniame said.

  Ajaniame closed the door of the carriage, placing one teka coin inside a box on the steering lever for payment. There were two rows of chairs inside the carriage, which could only accommodate a maximum of four people at a time. She raised them higher in the air until they were suspended on the cable between mountains. She stole a glance at Kasakir seated on the first row of chairs. He took no interest in the views outside but was studying her intensely.

  “Are you enjoying the view?” Ajaniame asked him, raising her eyebrows.

  “I am indeed.”

  Ajaniame couldn’t help but smile as she soaked in the praise and attention. He was unshakably honest and could slip past her defenses if she wasn’t careful. She looked outside as they rode past some of the major landmarks which made Anuria so unique. In the middle of the city stood the pyramid temple of Poseidon, the major temple used by the affluent citizens for worship. The original temple stood in the Southern Kingdom, just a replica built by the priesthood after the kingdom was divided. There were several smaller temples for various gods dotted throughout the city, but the Poseidon temple was by far the most popular. Here, only sacrifices of fruits and vegetables were permitted, specifically to Incal, the God of the Sun.

  “Look over there. That’s the stadium for the Annueri Games,” said Ajaniame.

  “It’s amazing. Much bigger than I thought it would be,” said Kasakir, eyes widening in wonder. “It was still under construction when I was a young boy. I’ve always hoped to see the games but never had the chance.”

  “Oh, you should definitely see it. The entire city comes alive during that time. It’s magical.”

  Well, at least she had managed to divert him from fixating on her physical features. That was the problem; if there were no knowledge of a real person before making a marriage proposal, then it was bound to be based on shallow, meaningless features—such as whether she had shiny hair or luscious lips, or a soft-spoken voice. Even worse, her suitor had spoken of her heart’s kindness, but what did he really know about that? How did he deduce it even existed? It seemed he was worshiping her, and maybe it wasn’t even accurate or deserved..

  She continued to point out several landmarks, including the House of Justice and some of the key administrative buildings of the government as she operated the carriage with the steering lever. Although one could increase the speed, it was set in such a way they couldn’t collide with any of the other vehicles on the line or those r
unning in the opposite direction.

  “Can you show me how to operate this carriage, Jania?” Kasakir asked. He walked across to where she stood at the lever so he towered over her, overpowering her senses.

  Ajaniame had forgotten all about that childhood nickname. She smiled fondly. One time, they were playing hide and seek in the palace gardens when she hid so well that Kasakir couldn’t find her. He ran through the maze of exotic plants and bushes, calling out ‘Jania’ until she gave up, revealing her whereabouts.

  “Nobody has called me Jania in years.”

  “Because I was the only one who used that name.”

  Ajaniame adjusted the steering lever, showing him how to turn it until they faced south, away from the center of Anuria. They moved inside one of the tunnels on the outskirts of the city, which had been dug through the mountains. They were immediately plunged into darkness, the lights within the carriage automatically switching on.

  “That name suits you perfectly, although you hated it. I remember you cried a lot as a child.”

  “Most of those tears were your fault. You teased me mercilessly.”

  “I beg to differ. I seem to remember us teasing each other.”

  Ajaniame shrugged as she handed the steering lever over to Kasakir before taking a step back. He was overwhelming her and she could barely breathe in his presence.

  To cover her panic, she said, “How are things in Wejemos? What have you been doing all these years? How is your sister?”

  They came out as a panicked flurry of questions.

  “You remember my sister, Pavati? Well, she’s in the final year of the Inithlon. She’s brilliant and naturally takes her studies seriously. She’ll soon become a woman, just like you.”

  “That’s amazing. I bet Mr. and Mrs. Wadiyar are very proud of her.”

  “They are very proud. When I finished school, I couldn’t continue any further to the Inithlon. I wasn’t interested in politics or any of the traditional professions, so I joined the Royal Navy. I’ve sailed around the world, helping to fight against the evil influence of our southern neighbors in the colonies of Yucatan, Europe and Africa. You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve seen, strange tribes with even stranger cultures.”