Ursula's Beginning

7. Mysterious fathoms below

"May I present Ursula the Healer, Your Majesty."

The High Priest Ephram looked proud as he ushered Ursula to King Nepp's side and made formal introductions. 

"It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty," Ursula said sincerely.

"For me as well," Nepp replied. He had the same brilliant blue eyes as his third son. Ursula liked him immediately. "I've heard so much about you over the course of the day, from Triton especially, that I just had to meet you. Isn't that right, my dear?" He turned to Queen Galataye, who forced a smile and an almost invisible nod of the head. He turned back to Ursula. "And I want to thank you."

"It's been my pleasure to be of service," she said warmly.

"Atlantica is blessed to have talented tentacled seafolk like yourself among its citizens. It's one of the things I'm proudest of as king, upholding a tradition so noble and mutually beneficial."

Ursula kissed the top of his hand and briefly pressed her forehead against it. They fell into an easy conversation that lasted for hours; Galataye gave up a third of the way through and bade them goodnight. Ephram had done the same, well before her. 

The king wanted to know all about the vitality spell: how she had found it and practiced it, who every single experimental volunteer was and how they were faring. Then he asked about her upbringing, about her Aunt Melisande and Uncle Dismas, and about all she had learned as a healer by watching them work. 

 She asked him about the history of Atlantica as a refuge for magical individuals and was surprised to learn that there had been periods in its history in which it had ceased to be a safe haven. "Short periods," Nepp said pointedly. "And the last time was a very long time ago."

She didn't have the courage to press for information on what had gone awry. The king was determined to speak positively about the alliance between their peoples. It was therefore too awkward to ask about Ganeon's separation of powers claim, as well. 

As the hour got later, she did muster the courage to ask about his family and his life as king. He surprised her by answering her countless questions with frankness and warmth. She could have chatted all night, but the king was overcome with yawns. He patted her arm and said he needed to sleep. 

"Which attendant will be on call tonight?" he asked. 

"Me. I slept most of the day, so I'll be up for a long time, beyond your curtain at the other end of this room. Don't hesitate to call for me."

Ursula settled into a pile of cushions that had been placed near the wall. She relished the stretch of time rolling out before her. She knew she would fill it with thoughts of Triton.

She replayed every encounter they'd had since meeting, delighting in what she now knew to be evidence of his interest in her and of her intense attraction to him from the start. Then she savored the events of the evening, from their first kiss to the forging of a friendship with his father. She turned over in her mind everything Nepp had told her about Triton.

This was a prelude to analyzing her and Triton's chances of being together in a meaningful way. Ursula imagined it playing out through lenses of optimism, realism, and pessimism. She pondered the laws of nature and the laws of society, explicit and otherwise, that would serve as supports and obstacles. Their coupling was unprecedented as far as she knew, but would that matter if the king gave his blessing? This king, just across the room, who seemed to like her very much and would credit her with saving his life? Surely that would count for something. 

On the other hand, what about physical compatibility? What about children? Ursula had no desire for them yet, and didn't know if she ever would, but what if Triton did? Yet surely he'd considered the issue before telling her that his search was over? On a track running parallel to her fretting and analysis, Ursula quietly marveled at how serious she already was about him. She badly wanted assurance they could be together. She'd never had romantic feelings for anyone before, and now that they had been awakened in her, they were deliciously maddening.

On and on this went until she had circled back to the beginning, to the ecstasy of recalling how perfect he was, how sensually he moved through the water, how blissful it was to kiss him. She passed half the night in this spiraling kaleidoscope of pleasure, longing, doubt, and wonder.

                                                                      *****************

Her reverie was interrupted by King Nepp's voice. She was at his side in an instant; he was sitting up in bed, eyes fixed on something at middle distance. It appeared a vivid dream had him moving and talking in his sleep.

"So that's what this is? I thought I'd have more time," he said.

"Your Majesty, I think you're dreaming," Ursula said quietly. She gently shook his shoulder.

He turned to look at her and his eyes came into focus when they reached her face. "No, I'm awake, Ursula. I'm being called to go." He looked across the room at nothing once again, and Ursula sheepishly followed the track of his eyes. No one was there. She felt foolish for checking; she knew they were alone in the hall.

 "But it's too soon!" Nepp protested. Then, a beat later: "Alphon."

"Do you want me to call for Alphon, King? Who shall I call for?" Ursula broke out in goosebumps and knew not why.

"No," he said, pushing her suggestion away with one hand. "There's no time for that."

"Who's there? Who are you talking to?" Ursula's voice rose as she started to panic. "Where are you going?!"

"I accept, I accept," muttered the king, ignoring her.

"King NEPP!" she shouted. "Look at me!"

Nepp turned his head and gazed straight into her eyes. He spoke quietly, evenly. "Ursula, my time as king is over. My time in this world is finished. But I do have one final order. Do not let Alphon become king. Promise me this."

Her gut clenched tight. "Your Majesty, let me help you," she pleaded. She fought the hysteria rising within her as she eased him back down onto his pillows.

He reached up, strong and sure, and clasped her under the chin with one steady hand. "Now  you look at me, dear. Listen to me. This is how you can help. Do not let Alphon become king,"  he repeated firmly.

"Yes, your Majesty," she whispered. "I promise."

Nepp nodded once to acknowledge her vow. Then he closed his crystalline blue eyes and departed.