Those of you following my updates on Facebook already know the book will likely be published in September. Several people have told me they can't wait—trust me, I'm chomping at the bit, too!
One of my beta readers pointed out that none of the snippets I've posted show what life is like in Atlantis. It sounded like a good idea for a sneak peek to me. With this fall-like spell lingering over KC right now, y'all know it had to be a beach scene! This particular beach in Atlantis was inspired by Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, FL.
Look for more pictures that inspired this scene at my new Pintrest page!
The outer ring was in reality a circle of barrier islands, upon which stood the sentry lighthouses that protected Atlantis from her enemies. Waves crashed against their bases, yet they held their ground, unshaken by any fury the sea could conjure. People said their mighty beams of light could set ablaze any would-be invaders foolish enough to try to attack the city.
Families basked in the warm sunshine, enjoying picnics and ball games on the beaches. They fished, surfed, and played in the gentle water, unconcerned about the possibility of enemy raiders carrying them off.
The princess exchanged glances with her younger brother, Cahan. They had played together on the beaches near Ker-Ys as children. Norsemen kidnapping mermaids was their favorite game. At the time, they were heedless that such a thing was close to reality. Sadness that her people no longer had that privilege weighed on her heart.
“Take off your shoes,” Mayor Werta urged. “The sand is of quartz. It will never burn your feet, no matter how hot it gets.”
She snapped back to reality. Returning his smile, she dared to remove her slippers. Cool, powdery sand squished gloriously between her toes. To her surprise, her brothers did the same.
Even Tierney, her stern elder brother, permitted an expression of content to spread across his face. “I’d like to see the lighthouses now,” he requested.
Werta paused. “I’m sorry, my lord, the lighthouses are restricted to government and military personnel only. State security. You understand, of course.”
Tierney bowed in response, and directed the conversation toward hurricane detectors.
“Ah, yes,” said Werta. “That I can tell you all about.”
The princess knew Tierney didn’t like Werta’s answer. She felt a twinge of disappointment herself at not seeing the workings of such renowned marvels of engineering. But at least her brother switched to the more relaxed subject of the weather and didn’t embarrass her by expressing his displeasure.
Cool sea foam rolled over her feet, and a longing to swim in the azure surf washed over her. But that wasn’t seemly behavior for a lady of her station at a public beach. With a quiet sigh, she turned her attention to a nearby pavilion, where Werta had said they would have their midday meal.