Page 8 of Taken By the Crab King of Atlantis

My outfit is jarringly casual by comparison to Nerissa’s outfit and styling. There are three stewardesses on board in similar outfits, all with the slim and tall figure I stopped aspiring to when I hit puberty and realized my ‘puppy fat’ wasn’t going anywhere. Another reason for the stomach fizzing. I hope Karkinos got his selection right.

The contract promised appropriate clothing would be provided during the journey. I interpreted this to mean ceremonial and formal clothing, but now I’m hoping the offer is broader. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but now I think I’m going to need it.

As if reading my mind, a second stewardess steps through the curtain and gives me an up and down look. Nerissa emerges with my glass of champagne and the other stewardess speaks to her curtly in another language, looking at me. Whatever she said about me, it wasn’t flattering.

“Um, I heard clothing would be provided?” I ask as Nerissa hands me the glass.

“We are delighted to offer an Atlantan makeover!” She beams. “Lunch will be served in a moment, and after that we’ll get started. The journey is only two hours, so by the time we’re done we’ll be arriving at dock.”

“I’m surprised Atlantis is so close to New York.”

“Oh, our normal submarines would take two days, but this is the royal sub. Lord Karkinos only uses it for special occasions.”

“Oh.” I have no idea what that means. I’m dizzy, but drink more champagne anyway. I don’t drink often, but it seems warranted.

The second stewardess steps from beyond the curtain, bringing out a tray of food with a lid that Nerissa and her arrange before me on the table. She’s not scowling, but she’s not warm either. Nerissa takes the lid off, revealing a full plate of seasoned fish on a bed of greens and a dessert mousse on the side.

It smells great, but my stomach is uneasy.

“Enjoy,” Nerissa says, and I’m left alone again.

1-2-3-4. My fingers tap on the armrest of the chair anxiously before I pick up the papers I’d put on the side table. The first is a brochure about Atlantis. On the cover is a stone statue of a shirtless, muscular man with long hair and antennae. He’s holding a trident, and his right shoulder is covered in armor.

The City of Atlantis was founded to bring the diverse people of the oceans together. It exists through the magic of the Cancerian God, Karkinos, who has graced us with his presence since the founding of the city 200 years ago.

Surely they mean magic as a metaphor? Regardless, it’s clear Karkinos is the leader of Atlantis. My stomach churns uneasily, and I skip past the introduction. The contents are mostly advertisements for the best places to eat and shop.

I close it and look at the other booklet. It’s professionally bound and printed, but addressed to me.

Welcome, Yen Ching,

We trust you will have a pleasant stay in Atlantis.

The next page holds an itinerary for my two-day trip, including this meal. There’s an introduction to Karkinos, a quick driven tour, a formal dinner, a walking tour of the city, and a ball. All this occurs before the actual sacrifice. Reading this, it’s hard to remember that ‘sacrifice’ means having sex for the first time with a stranger.

The formality is calming. My whole life is itineraries and schedules, and this one might be different, but it’s familiar.

I reach for a fork as I read the paperwork and absently put a piece of fish in my mouth.

Oh. My. God.

The taste makes me stop and stare at the rest of the dish. It’s definitely fish, but also like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. A light and tangy seasoning I can’t place, impossibly fresh. As someone who works in a restaurant, I know quality food when I taste it, and as someone who lives in New York City, I thought I’d tasted almost every cuisine available. But this is new.

I put the paperwork down and focus on every delicious bite of my meal, drinking the champagne more slowly, appreciating the pairing.

When I’m done, I pick up the brochures again.

Nerissa comes through the curtain a few moments later. “Did you enjoy your Atlantan cuisine? It’s one of Lord Karkinos’ favorites.”

“It was incredible.”

“Atlantis has many wonderful things to offer the world,” she says. The sentence dangles with things unsaid. My mother says very little, yet speaks volumes with her silence. I’m well-practiced at keeping quiet. Her antennae waggle uncertainly. “I hope you will love the city as much as we do.”

“I’m sure I will. Although I’m only staying for a few days.”

Her brow crinkles, and it looks like she wants to say more, but I’m distracted by a small head peeking out from behind the curtain. Nerissa sees it too and puts her hands on her hips.

“Marina Reef, come out here this second.”