Each, unwilling to be parted by even the distance of sleep, slept wrapped in each other’s arms, both tired from their recent trials and tribulations. Xerxes rose from their long nap, leaving his wife to her needed slumber. Jessica, not fully recuperated from her illness, the red scar peeking from beneath the now small bandage on her left leg attesting to the injury that almost cost her life. Xerxes stared at it briefly, hating Marcus even more for inflicting it on her perfect form. As High Lord, he could decree Marcus’ death without allowing him the benefit of a trial, and carry out the sentence with his own hand. That old law was still applicable in this case of treason, and murder so obvious. He would draw no penalty for it, and the temptation was great. However, Xerxes was a man of honor, and respect for what he believed was right. As much as he might want to kill Marcus with his bare hands, he would let the courts mete out justice. He drew the bed covers over Jessica’s naked body to keep her from a chill, and then kissed her lips as she stirred.
“Sleep, my love.â€� he told her, “I’ll be close by should you need me.â€� From their gathering room, he called his secretary and informed Geb to bring the many items needing his attention.
Pericles and Alena appeared, this had been difficult for them also, they had spent precious little time together since their own marriage, and Xerxes noted the flush on his sister’s face and smiled, knowing they had spent their time in a similar fashion as he and Jessica. “I wish to thank you both,â€� he told them, “Without you, I doubt this would have had the good conclusion it has had.â€�
“Brother,â€� Alena smiled, “I haven’t known Jessica as long as you and Pericles, but I do know you love her, and she seems to be the right woman for you. I do love you and you know it,â€� she smiled. “We are a family I could not do anything else.â€� Alena hugged her brother, and then kissed his cheek and he hugged her back.
Geb, his secretary, soon joined them to go over the business he and Alena had efficiently administrated and handled necessary to the smooth running of the rather large City-State of Atlantis. Geb knew his duties well and deserved an equal share of the credit.
Pericles normally was in charge of upper-world security but was now on leave until his honeymoon and the affair with Marcus was over. After a time Harold and Maureen joined them, but when they realized their daughter still napping, started to leave but Xerxes bid them remain. Geb sat with Maureen and they began to review what would be needed to begin planning Jessica and Xerxes’ upper-world wedding. Harold settled himself to watch a football game on Xerxes’ big screen television. Anthony and Bruce wandered in a bit later and joined him, the room hummed on a low cheerful note.
Jessica, robed in a skimpy wrap, sleepily walked in, not expecting to find so much company and stopped in astonishment, looked at everyone in the room and turned around and went to dress. No one said a word, they all just smiled, glad to see her up and around. A few minutes later, she joined them, dressed and with her make up on, her hair brushed and looking more like herself.
“Sorry,â€� she said, “It’s a little weird to see you all together.â€� She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down to watch the football game after kissing her husband.
“Xerxes, should I order lunch, or dinner?� she asked.
“Dinner,� he said, “but Geb has already ordered.�
“Thank you, Geb. What is on the menu? Let me guess, fish,� she teased.
Dinner arrived just as she finished her statement, but steak, potatoes and salads were more to the bill of fare. They all enjoyed their meals and the desert that had been ordered. Xerxes finished his business, and as was the Atlantian custom, they all took their evening walk around the community.
Xerxes introduced his wife’s family and friends to his citizens and they were most relieved to find their Sovereign and his wife home and safe. Atlantis’ citizens’ warmly welcomed Jessica’s family and friends to their World. Introduced as the new Councilor of Antiquities, Bruce drew respectful bows from the citizenry, which he returned. The other Councilors, advised of their new associate, were anxious to meet him and learn his views on Atlantis and his qualifications. This seemed to cause Bruce some concern.
“Lord Xerxes,â€� he questioned when they returned to their private quarters, “I hope your other Councilors don’t feel that I am too young for this post.â€�
“Bruce, call me Xerxes, only on formal occasions do you refer to me as ‘Lord’ and no, you are not too young. Most of my Councilors started as young as you are now. Your loyalty is far more important than your age. Besides, I know your qualifications and you come highly recommended by a most trusted source.â€� He smiled at Jessica. “My source tells me you are the best man for the job.â€�
“Thank you, I will always be loyal, that you can count on.â€� Bruce assured him with a wink at his best friend. “I will warn you now though, it will take some time to get the department into order. Marcus has left it in a terrible condition.”
“That I am aware of.” Xerxes assured him. “I think you will find your secretary most helpful.
“I agree, the lady is very knowledgeable.” Bruce had been impressed with the middle-aged archaeologist. “If it is acceptable to you I would prefer to consider her my aid instead of a secretary. She has far too much knowledge to just shuffle papers. One of the younger less-experienced students would be better suited for that job.”
“It is your department Bruce, make whatever changes you feel needed.” Xerxes told him.
With the evening drawing to a close, they all went to their separate apartments. Anthony was forlorn, missing his wife and Xerxes told him to call his wife any time he wished. With that in mind, he hurried back to his apartment and called her.
Chapter Thirty
At breakfast, the next morning, Xerxes presented his guests with an itinerary of the next few days’ events. Marcus’ trial will begin tomorrow.â€� he began, his voice solemn. “I know this has been a stressful event for all of us and I regret to further involve you but all of you will be asked to testify at his trial. I hope you can do this. I only ask that you tell the truth.”
“I’ve heard of a swift and speedy trial, but you people don’t play around,â€� Anthony commented.
“No, not with traitors and murderers such as Marcus; smaller criminals are booked on a less critical docket and believe me when I tell you we have few of those.â€� Xerxes told him. “Anthony, I know you want to get back to your wife and those arrangements will be addressed so you will not miss the birth of your child. If Cathy should go into labor, she knows how to contact you and I will personally see to it that you are taken to West Palm Beach and flown to Tallahassee in Kallias Enterprise’s Gulf Stream. Also those documents you were worried about have been recovered.â€� Xerxes handed him a sealed manila envelope.
“Thank you, Lord Xerxes,� Anthony thanked him formally. “I want you to know these are lies. I met Marcus last year and he put me in a situation I never imagined I would find myself in.�
“Anthony, no explanation is required, you stood with Jessica and kept that lunatic from harming her worse than he did. You did the best you could to protect Jessica. I am, if anything, in your debt and happy to help.â€� Xerxes considered the matter done and Anthony a friend. “Anthony, that envelope was recovered intact and has not been opened. Whatever its contents I would suggest you burn them.â€� Xerxes said with a smile. “Atlantis’ security is intact. Marcus was not able to do the damage he wanted to, luckily. After the trial is over, which should not take a great amount of time with all the evidence we have against him, you are welcomed to return to your to your upper-world homes or welcome to become citizens of Atlantis.
Anthony, this of course would include bringing your wife here to live. Atlantis administrative affairs can always use someone with your education and talent. You have been suppli
ed a secure way of discussing this with your wife by way of your phone, however this is a decision you may prefer to make face to face.â€� Xerxes looked at his wife’s face, her eyes were full of love for him and happy that he had found a way to give the people she loved a choice for their futures. “My love,â€� he addressed her, “I will leave you to discuss our wedding with your mother. I am assuming you will want a ceremony in the upper-world so your family’s friends may attend. Let me know the details so that I can arrange the security my protocols require.â€� he smiled at her and winked. “For now I have matters I must attend. Jessica, I will need to see you for a few moments.â€� Only one matter with her remained and he would be secure in her willingness to remain with him in Atlantis. Jessica rose and went with him out into the garden that lined the walk just outside their apartment.
“Xerxes, you amaze me.� Jessica said. “What changes have come over you that allow you to be more open with my parents and Anthony making such choices? I was under the impression such a choice was not possible. Once Atlantis was seen or visited by an upper-world person, such as myself, we were destined to stay here?�
“Do you regret coming here?� Xerxes voice held a note of pain, suddenly fearful she would change her mind and want to return to her life in the upper-world. “Do you wish we were not married?� Deep down the loss of his own family had left Xerxes a little insecure.
“Xerxes!� Jessica stammered, “I love you. I was so afraid that you would not want me back I thought my heart would break. No! I will never regret coming here. The memory of your eyes and face when you saved me from those horrid Aztecs will never leave me.� Jessica studied his face, drinking in his every feature. “I have already told you this, why would you question me?�
Xerxes pulled her to him and kissed her passionately. “I love you. I have watched you since the first time I saw you on the Mitzpah. I hid on the wreck while you dove with your parents and watched you. I surfaced only moments before your boat was hit. I have loved you since. I can recall with clarity the touch of your skin when I helped you out of your dive tanks that day. When you found the Pyramid in Lake Okeechobee, it was like a gift from heaven, an opportunity to lead you to me. Marcus was the one who made it difficult, he demanded your death.� Xerxes pain at saying such a horrible statement was tangible. “I refused. Instead, I vowed to make you my wife as it was the only other choice, and it has made me very happy. However, I fear it pushed him over the edge.�
“He was already over the edge.� Jessica said. “He wanted to hurt you through me.�
“You are sure then.� Xerxes said, “You do want to remain my wife?�
“Yes!â€� Jessica assured him. “I have been haunted by you since the Mitzpah. Why do you think I was a virgin on our wedding night? I’ve dated, and guys have tried to get closer to me. Poor Bruce, he has wanted more than friendship since we met, but the chemistry just isn’t there.â€� Jessica blushed, “Not for me. But no one has ever held the spark, or passion that could build the fire inside me that you do. I want no one else, ever. I believe we were fated to be together.”
“Then this is for you.� Xerxes handed her a blue satin box. Inside was a six caret square cut sapphire ring, the stone surrounded by perfectly matched white pearls. “This is your engagement ring.�
“Xerxes, it is the most beautiful ring I think I have every seen.� Jessica was amazed with the magnificent ring as he slipped it on her left ring finger to join her wedding ring.
“You do not mind that it isn’t a diamond as is the upper-world tradition?â€� Xerxes inquired.
“I am an Atlantian now and I love it.� She kissed him right as her parents came through the door.
“What is this?� Harold teased.
“Look at my engagement ring, Dad.� Jessica proudly held out her hand.
“Wow!â€� He exclaimed. “Some ring. Never did like a solitaire diamond,â€� he said and took Maureen’s left hand to show Xerxes her emerald ring.
“Nice.â€� Xerxes said admiring the stone. “Well, as I said, I must attend to Atlantis’ affairs.â€� Xerxes went to his business office.
Anthony and Harold walked off to explore Atlantis while Maureen and Jessica went to plan Jessica’s wedding.
Xerxes had seen to their needs including having a phone connection established as promised so that they could contact the businesses and their minister to setup the necessities of planning such an affair. Both women were very pleased that the date was set and plans finalized.
Bruce attended his first Councilor’s meeting, spent most of the day with his secretary - now his aid - and settled into his offices. Marcus’ affairs were in shambles, it would take him weeks just to understand what the man did, if anything. From what Bruce could tell, Atlantis’ antiquities department served as a cover for Marcus’ plan to subvert Xerxes. By dinner, Bruce gave an interested Xerxes and Jessica a detailed report on the problems that Marcus ignored in his quest to become ruler of Atlantis. Thankfully, they did not lose any of the valuable history that the former Antiquities Councilors had been in charge of due mainly to the vigilance of Marcus’ secretary, but the disorganization was great. Before Bruce could start forward progress, much had to be done.
Now was the time Bruce dreaded, he must tell Xerxes what he found and he waited until the other company left for the evening. Bruce explained he discovered Marcus’ diary, kept in his desk drawer and had spent much of the day reading it. He keynoted several passages that bolstered Xerxes and Atlantis’ case against Marcus - not only on the charges of treason but proof in the man’s own hand that he orchestrated the murders of Xerxes’ mother, then later his father and stepmother.
“Xerxes,â€� Bruce’s voice was uneasy and he drew a great breath. Jessica looked at him in a curious fashion. She had heard that tone before. “I have found what appears to be the personal diary of Marcus and it dates back a good many years. Actually there are two volumes, the first one,â€� Bruce handed to Xerxes, “has some entries I feel you should be made aware of. I suspect the second one will also but I haven’t yet read it. I will this evening.â€�
Xerxes accepted the worn volume and sat down to examine it, but did not open it at once as if he knew what it would contain. Bruce had carefully noted the pertinent pages with sticky tabs that would not damage the paper. Xerxes finally opened it and read only a few lines when he rose, excused himself and went into their bedroom, taking the book with him.
“Bruce, what is in that?� Jessica asked.
“That diary contains Marcus’ plan to kill Astraea, Xerxes’ mother and later his plans to kill both Andros, his father and his stepmother in an attempt to take over Atlantis. I am sure it will be difficult for Xerxes to read. Marcus is a deranged animal. He wrote in detail, the plan and the results after their deaths.â€� Bruce rubbed his eyes, thinking of his own dead parents, “I didn’t want to show it to him, but there was no other choice.â€�
“Oh Lord, Bruce!� Jessica rose. “Stay here, start on the other volume, but I need to be with him now.�
“No, I’ll go home. Call me if he or you need me. And yes Jessica, he is going to need you now.â€� Bruce left.
Jessica found Xerxes with his back to the room staring out the large windows of their bedroom that opened out into the under ocean paradise. She slid her arms around him and laid her head between his broad shoulders.
“Bruce told me what is in the diary,� she said in a soft sympathetic voice. Xerxes turned in her arms. She held him tight, as tight as he had held her when she was so ill. “I am so intensely sorry.�
“I already knew and have some proof but to read it and in that madmans; own words!� Xerxes drew a painful breath. Jessica drew him to the
bed where they both could sit and where they had known such joy. “I must go and turn that,â€� Xerxes pointed to the diary lying on the bedside table, “over to Sir Edwards the Prosecutor, it constitutes evidence,â€� Xerxes sighed. “You know, I feel sorry for the paper,” he smiled a bittersweet expression.
“Yes, I know, but sit a few minutes and regain yourself,â€� Xerxes stretched out on their massive bed placing his head in his wife’s lap. His eyes closed, thankful just to have her near. Jessica read the entries Bruce had marked. He was right Marcus was a sick animal. She could tell he had enjoyed committing those murders and now she trembled because she knew how much pleasure he had gained from her suffering. She laid the diary aside, her hands feeling soiled from having touched it. “Bruce asked me to tell you to call him when you were ready to go to Sir Edwards.â€� Xerxes rose with a heavy heart.
“I will go now. Call Bruce and ask him to meet me there and ask him to bring the other volume. This could delay the trial, I hope not.� Xerxes kissed his wife once again and said a private prayer of thanks for the continuance of her life. He had prayed enough when she had been ill, beseeching God for her life; this was not the first one of thanks he had offered up. “I will try not to be long, afterwards the rest of the evening will be ours.�
“I will be waiting.� Jessica smiled, “Xerxes, I could go with you.�
“No, I don’t want you near this any more than you have been already.â€� Xerxes kissed her briefly then left as she called Bruce.
Xerxes, accompanied by Bruce, turned the diary over to Atlantis’ chief prosecutor, Sir Edwards.
“Will this new evidence delay tomorrow’s proceedings?â€� Xerxes asked Sir Edwards.
“No. He has two counts of attempted murder against him for the two Vortex station guards already. He stands accused of High Treason and that of course carries the Death Penalty. I will present Councilor Marcus with this new evidence this evening, I’m sure he knows of its existence, I doubt he expected it to be found.â€� Atlantis’ Prosecutor explained. “Councilor Lance, can you finish reading the second volume this evening?â€�
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