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Lilley and the retreat to Flore Gub. Finally, he stated his decision to rescue Jade and the Queen’s surprisingly easy accommodation.
    Randilin’s head tilted like a curious mutt. “Odd,” he muttered, half to himself, “it’s not consistent with her character. She holds the ruddy glory of Atlantis in higher regard than her own privileged life. For her to just send the city’s only hope on a suicide mission and risk surrendering The Code to the Golden King…it doesn’t feel right.”
    “Maybe she has faith in my ability…” Cody began but stopped, realizing the absurdity of that claim.
    Randilin shook his head. “ You don’t even have faith in your ability. Nor ruddy well should you. Hmm . It doesn’t make any sense, unless…”
    Cody pressed his head between the prison bars. “Unless what, Randilin?”
    “Unless…she’s not actually sending you to rescue Jade. The Queen’s dogmatic, but she’s no simpleton. If she’s sending you on this reckless quest, then she must have her reasons for doing so. And the longer I think about it, the more I conclude that none of those reasons have your best interest in mind.”

8
    A Veiled Romance
    CIA PEERED OUT HER WINDOW. Atlantis rested in its nightly hibernation, with only the flickering of torchlight to illuminate the thatched rooftops. The lighting glimmered off her ice blue gown. The Queen left the window and retreated into her chambers where a table was positioned and polished silverware precisely placed. A vase of brilliantly colored blooms served as an elegant centerpiece. The wait was excruciating. Why does he always make me wait?
    She slowed her breathing, allowing her thoughts to drift elsewhere. Would my father have made the same decision? Only time would tell; she had no other choice but to wait patiently. All I ever do is wait , she thought, glancing again to the door. On cue, the doorknob twisted and her heart jumped —he’s here.
    She smoothed her dress against her slender body, double-checking one more time that the table was properly arranged. The visitor’s familiar scent infiltrated the room.
    Cia turned to face the man. “I’ve been anticipating your arrival,” she greeted softly.
    “As have I,” the man replied. “Your presence is always a prize worth waiting for.” He removed his hat and gave a slight bow. “As always, you look lovely.” Cia’s face flushed; she fought to block the sensation.
    “And, as always, you are the perfect gentleman. Please, come in.”
    Complying with the invitation, the man entered. Reaching the Queen, he placed his hands gently on her curved hips. Leaning forward, he pressed a soft kiss against her forehead. “I look forward to our dinner together, my beautiful Queen.”
    Cia could no longer control the blush that overtook her powdered cheeks. She gazed into the man’s eyes.
    “As do I, my noble Dunstan.”

9
    Forming The Company
    SIXTEEN EYES PEERED IMPATIENTLY as Cody emerged into the immense room. He scurried across the Great Hall toward the assembly, the rows of majestic pillars flanking his path like a forest of redwoods.
    Queen Cia perched on the simple wooden throne, her powdered face taut with a frown. Joining her were Kantan, Levenworth, Dace, Tat, and Sli Silkian, who looked slimy and smug as ever. Cody’s eyes bulged; rounding out the group were the last two people he expected to see—Lamgorious Stalkton, who sat merrily in a wooden wheelbarrow swinging his stubbed legs like a child on a swing set and Xerx, who held the wheelbarrow with a spiteful glare as though daring Cody to make jest of the situation.
    “Let us begin,” Cia said calmly as Cody arrived. The beautiful Queen stood. “This quest balances on the furthermost edge of lunacy, with a myriad of dangers and opportunities to fail. Do you maintain your unwavering decision to proceed?”
    Cody nodded without hesitation. “I do.”
    Cia stroked her thin bottom lip. “Very well.” She motioned to Levenworth. The husky General