10,000 Leagues Under the Sea

@ sugarplum.
Jacob smiled as his dark eyes scanned around his surroundings, it's beautiful, really. It's nothing like I had imagined. However truth be told I had just imagined it to be a city on the ocean floor that had turned into a fish playground to be honest. How wrong was I?" A question itched on the end of the males lips. He wanted to know if the legend was true.

From Stephanie and her knowledge he had been informed that when the city of Atlantis was swallowed under the waves of the ocean Poseidon had shown mercy and instead of allowing the civilisation to perish he had protected them encasing the city in what Stephanie had described as a dome a thousand leagues under the sea.

"You're doing well, considering your co-host up and left you to let of steam somewhere."

---

Stephanie nodded her head understanding where the blonde was coming from. She could only imagine how hard it would be living in a city that has been cut off from the rest of humanity. A certain number of women around his age. Then again perhaps traditions were different here, perhaps the men married women younger than them, or maybe they married older. Whatever it was she could still see how it could be a struggle for the Atlantian.

"Same really, that and, well, with what I do it does't really bring any good suitors knocking on my door. To be honest I never get any lovely men knocking on my door, just Jacob but there is nothing going on there." Stephanie had began to blab and she instantly stopped herself. "Sorry... blabbering idiot, I am." she winced at herself could she sound anymore pathetic?

When the blonde suggested she hold his blade she couldn't resist, a smile spread across her face as she nodded her head vigorously, slowly she reached out grabbing the hilt sword. For a weapon that was intricately designed with pearls and other styles it was incredibly comfortable to hold.

"Amazing, the weight of it is... perfect and it's easy to hold... considering it's covered in pearls and other beautiful designs." she admitted truthfully.

Drakon smiled slightly to himself as he listened to Stephanie blabbering about not having any nice men after her, which he honestly couldn't understand why she didn't. Surely her being an explorer wasn't that bad, although her world was most likely very different to what he has grown up with. "Don't apologize," He assured her softly as he actually really liked when she went off on a blabber, it showed him a real side of her.

Watching as she held his sword, he noticed a look of pure joy cross her face. "I know, I was surprised when I first held it. I was expecting it to be heavy, but it's amazing to swing and use." He told her although she wouldn't be using it, women weren't built to fight or defend the city of Atlantis.

"How long are you planning on staying here?" He asked her wanting to know how much time he had with her, usually he wasn't this open to people but he really liked the brunette beauty that was before him.

---

Chloe had no idea what humans thought about her city, but it was interesting to hear what Jacob thought. "You were wrong, but I'm glad that you came here and are able to see what everyone else is missing out on." She smiled at him, glad that he was proven wrong. The city of Atlantis was such a beautiful and peaceful place, Jacob seemed to be the type of person to appreciate that.

"He does that sometimes, I don't mind really. You and your friends don't seem threatening so I don't have anything to worry about," She felt comfortable with Jacob and even if something did happen, the group of explorer's wouldn't get far.

"Besides, it's better that Drakon calms down now than stay angry." She assured him as she knew her best friend and how he was, she wasn't worried about Drakon or Stephanie. In fact, Stephanie would be the safest with Drakon if anything were to happen.

Jacob nodded his head understanding what the young woman was saying. Drakon seemed like the one that if he bottled up his anger when he let go he really let go. The raven haired male still worried a little about Stephanie, she was in a new place and already she had taken off with a stranger. Sure she could defend herself but it didn't stop the male from being a little uncomfortable. Looking ahead he saw the rest of the crew wandering around looking at all the stalls they passed, they were all talking animatedly between one and other.

"What's your favourite thing to do around here?" he asked Chloe as the two walked along catching up to the group of explorers.

---

Stephanie began to get used of the weight of the weapon in her hand and she desperately wanted to swing it but resisted the urge not wanting to look like an idiot in front of the blonde haired Atlantian. She handed back the sword before looking up at him, her eyes locked with his and she got lost in the swirling colours of his irises.

"Uh..." she stammered, "I'm not sure yet, we haven't really decided..." and that was the truth but it seemed as if Rose was here for something, she was exploring sure but something seemed off about it all. Ever since the older woman got her on board their vessel she had changed. "But of course whenever you're sick of us you can just kick us out," she joked.

---

Neleus stood in the large throne room of Vasilios's domain. Him and the three other Kings were discussing what was to happen with the new comers. There was talk of locking them up, there was also talk about forcing them to leave however Neleus saw nothing wrong with them. They all seemed friendly. The brown haired royal turned his head to look at the host, he sat on his throne a slight smirk on his lips. Neleus had a bad feeling about what he would suggest, he had seen the way he had looked at the female explorer, she was in danger of falling into his trap. Even if she turned down his advances he would have one way or another.

[had to add a bit with the Kings... ]

(I actually thought the same thing )

Drakon smiled as he took his sword and placed it back into the holder on his belt, so it was out of the way and safe. "I hope that you take some time here to really explore the city," He softened his voice as his blue eyes gazed into her dark eyes, he couldn't help but grin when Stephanie stammered lightly as she spoke to him. "I doubt that I'd get sick of you, your friends maybe but not you" He told her as he already knew he wouldn't get sick of her, he found that if someone was to annoy him then it would happen quickly. If Stephanie was going to annoy him then it would have happened by now, and he would have walked away by now.

"I should continue to show you around the city," He told her not wanting her to miss out on anything, they weren't doing anything right now and she was here to explore. So he was going to let her explore all she wanted, "Come on" He turned and walked away with her.

---

Chloe saw how unsure Jacob was about letting his friend go off with Drakon, who was still a stranger to them all. "I let making things to sell at my stall, I also like to venture to the outskirts of Atlantis" She told him as she enjoyed sitting on a rock there and watching the outside world, it was a place that she went when she needed to think or be on her own. Although now Drakon knew that as he had followed her one time, not that she really cared because she knew Drakon wouldn't tell anyone about her little space.

"Maybe I could show you one day," She suggested to him, "Although I'll have to make sure that I like you enough. It's a special place to me and only Drakon knows where it is," She told him with a smile as she checked on the group of explorers who were checking out the different stalls.

---

Vasilios was sitting on his throne smirking as the other two Kings murmured among themselves, he already knew what he was going to do with these strangers. Well he couldn't care less about the group, he just wanted the brunette for himself and he'd be happy. "Let's just see what they do before we decide, give them a few days. Besides we've still got a wedding to watch first," He spoke to the Kings and glanced over at Neleus, "When will your wedding happen now?" He asked assuming that it would either be in the next few days.

Neleus had been caught off guard, it's not that he had forgotten about the wedding but with everything that has just happened, the visitors arriving the wedding was the last thing on his mind. Turning his head he spied the dark haired King with a smirk spread across his face. Neleus couldn't be certain if he was smirking at him for his marriage and the interruption that had occurred or if it was something else. The brown haired King had a strange feeling that it could have been about the young female explorer.

"Within the next full moon," Neleus stated his eyes locking with the royals. The conversation took a turn and before long the four Kings were exiting out of their meeting area and out into the city.

---

"I would like that," Jacob smiled at the young woman, the dark haired explorer was interested to know about her. The little things that made her tick and the places she felt most comfortable. The two continued to walk along that was until the people began to flock around the building the four kings had entered.

"What's going on?" the male asked turning and walking to the swelling the crowd. His dark eyes caught sight of the four Kings entering into the city, each wore a smile as they greeted the people. "What do you think is going to happen?" he asked in hushed tones to the young woman.

---

A gentle smile spread across the young womans face as she looked up at the blonde haired warrior nodding her head, "I would like that." she stated watching as he jumped over the short stone wall that encircled the practise ground.

As the two walked back toward the town centre Stephanie noticed the crowds of people, she was about to ask what was going on but that was when her eyes caught sight of them. The four Kings had emerged from their meeting and were out covering with the town folk. A feeling of sickness stirred in the young womans stomach when she saw King Vasilios looking at her, his eyes trailed down her body as a smirk spread across his face.

"Creep," she muttered before pulling her light eyes away.

Drakon frowned when he saw the crowd forming again once the Kings had stepped back outside, he haven't noticed that he had stepped closer to Stephanie. It was obvious to everyone who was paying attention, that King Vasilios had taken a large interest in her.

Drakon knew enough about the King to know that he wasn't interested in her because she was an explorer, no he'd want her all to himself. Something that happened often but no one spoke about it, he wasn't going to stand back and let Stephanie be used in that way. She deserved better and Drakon would make sure that she didn't get sucked into a life with the King.

"Ignore him, he does that to every female." He murmured into her ear as they stopped walking, they were even half way into the crowd but the King had already found the explorer. He didn't want her getting any closer, even if Vasilios waved her forward. If that happened than Drakon would step forward with her, sort of like he was protecting her.

---

Chloe stood with Jacob in the crowd, she watched as the four Kings stepped out. "I really don't know," She told him honestly as she looked at him with her blue eyes, she hoped that the Kings would let the group of explorers stay because Chloe wanted to spend more time with Jacob. She wanted to get to know him better, she may have just met Jacob but she liked him already and was comfortable with him around her.

She trusted him and although she trusted easily, this time felt different. She took a small step closer to him when one of the Kings greeted the crowd and the group of explorer's, she listened as he spoke about how each King had their own say before they finally came to an agreement about what would be happening.

---

Vasilios stepped forward before he started speaking, "We will give these explorer's a few weeks. In that time they will search and explore our lovely city, although if one steps out of bounds or harms this city or our people. Then they will die" He spoke loudly so the whole crowd would hear him, "I won't stand to see them hurt my people or destroy my city. This is the only warning that you will receive" He mentioned as he glanced back over at the beautiful brunette explorer, although he wouldn't kill her.

He hadn't even noticed how he spoke about the people and city being his, the other Kings already knew how he was and he knew none of them would say anything about it. Neleus could at times but he was able to lie his way out of any trouble, "The Kings and the explorer's shall have a feast tonight. We will speak and we will welcome them here" He hadn't brought that up with the Kings yet as he decided it on his own.

Neleus has been looking out at the crowd his dark eyes scanning the crowd for the brown haired Atlantian that was to be his wife. When he saw her standing next to the male explorer a slight tinge of jealousy stirred inside him but he quickly shook it away. There was no need to be jealous the two barely knew one and other. He had nothing to fear considering he was the one that was to be married to her. He allowed himself a smile as he looked out at his people. It slightly faulted when he heard Vasilios speak of a feast welcoming their guests.

He was about to speak but before he could the King had pulled away from the group walking into the crowd. Following his path he spied the female explorer.

Oh no, he thought to himself knowing that this could only lead to trouble.

---

Jacob listened to Vasilios as he spoke, one of his brows arched automatically at his threat. If any one of them stepped out of line it would end in death. That sounded a little extreme to the male. However once the King had stopped speaking Jacob watched as he walked into the crowd. His dark eyes followed him until he realised where he was heading.

"Oh shit!" the male cursed quietly, he went to walk toward his friend but he noticed the way the blonde became tense and stepped in front of her in a protective manner.

---

Stephanie nodded her head as she turned her attention away from the King instead scanning the crowd. When she saw Jacob was making his way toward him before slowing she instantly knew something wasn't right. Turning back she was startled to see the raven haired King standing in front of her. Stephanie didn't miss the way Drakon stepped in front of her slightly in a protective manner.

"Your highness," she greeted bowing gently. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked trying to keep as formal and polite as she could even though her heart was racing.

Vasilios had quickly made his way over to the brunette explorer, the crowd had parted so it made him reach her all that much quicker. "I would enjoy having your hand as I show you my castle," He spoke as he held his hand out, his palm was facing upwards as he waited for Stephanie to place her smaller hand into his. However he did notice a blonde boy that was standing closer to her than he liked, "I have been showing her the city" Drakon spoke to Vasilios when the King couldn't care less, "I see. But this is my city and I will have her explore it with me, come now Miss" He hardened his voice as he also lowered his voice.

In a second he had a smile on his face and the threat in his voice was completely gone, feeling Stephanie rest her hand in his. He wrapped his fingers around her delicate skin and lead her through the crowd and towards his castle, no one was going to stop him from spending some time alone with the explorer. He had waited since she was taken off and wasn't going to waste his chance with her.

---

Drakon felt anger swell in his body as the King quickly put him in his place, he had wanted to stop Stephanie from going with the King but there was nothing he could do. No one could stand up to a royal unless they had a death wish, he stood there watching as the King took her away and he had a bad gut feeling about what the King had in mind for Stephanie. He balled his fists and relaxed them in hopes that it would calm him down, it didn't work and he knew it wouldn't.

He had never been this angry before in his life, even when Chloe told him about the arranged marriage. He had been pissed off but not angry, he knew that King Neleus was a good person and wouldn't hurt her but Vasilios was different and everyone knew that.

---

Chloe watched as Stephanie was pulled away from Drakon as King Vasilios pretty much made her go with him, "She's a strong person. I'm sure he'll just show her the castle," She tried to assure Jacob though it was obvious she wouldn't be able to say anything to him right now, she lightly rested her hand on his arm so he'd know that she was there for him and felt the same about this situation.

"I will speak with King Neleus and see if you can join Stephanie," She looked up at Jacob as she wanted to do something for him, maybe Neleus could show either Jacob or Drakon the castle so they could be closer if Vasilios did try anything.

Jacob looked down at the Atlantian woman, her hand on his arm caused him to look down at it. It was a kind gesture, a gesture of reassurance. Looking up he watched as his best friend was pulled away from him. She was swallowed by the crowd following a King that caused a feeling of unease to stir in his stomach.

"That would be much appreciated," he allowed himself a steady tone when all he wanted to do was chase after Stephanie and get her as far away from the King as possible. He would rather she spend time with Drakon, even though he had known the king the same amount of time as the King he trusted him so much more.

---

Stephanie was positive that if she didn't intervene there was going to be a fight between the royal and the blonde. Biting her lip she gently pushed the blonde back smiling reassuringly to him. She was grateful for what he was doing for her but she would rather keep the peace then something breaking out.

"I would be honoured for you to show me your castle," she placed her hand in his palm allowing him to curl his fingers around her hand. She didn't miss the satisfied smirk that spread across his face as he looked at the blonde male before his light brown eyes trailed down to hers. He pulled her toward him with a little more force than necessary causing her to stumble slightly. Quickly regaining her balance she allowed him to lead her away from Drakon.

Drakon had such a sour look on his face that he didn't even realise it, yes he wanted Stephanie away from Vasilios because he was known for using women for his own pleasure. But it wasn't just that, no he liked Stephanie and knew how much coming to this city under the ocean meant to her. He didn't want anything to happen and cause her to have a bad taste in her mouth about this city, she had worked so hard to get here and find them that she deserved to have a great time there.

---

Vasilios lead the explorer through the crowd of people and over to his castle, his hand never once leaving her's as he walked. He knew no one could stop him from taking Stephanie off, all he had to do was say the word and he could have all her friends killed in front of her. No one has ever talked back to him or stood up to him, he had worked hard for people to treat him in that way and he wouldn't let anything falter that. He took her into the front room that was large and looked exactly what people would have expected from a King such as himself, there were two large staircases leading up to the second floor and the stairs were covered with a red carpet.

"What do you think?" He asked proudly and he wanted her to like what she was seeing, he was going to get her to stay and maybe even be the woman that he made a Queen. No one would like it because she was an outsider but not a word would be spoken in front of him, people knew how tough and vile he could be. He could snap at any moment and without any warning, especially if he didn't like what was being said or what people were doing.

---

Chloe nodded her head lightly as she removed her hand from his arm, she stepped away from him as she made her way through the crowd. She got closer to King Neleus and looked at him with her brown eyes, "Excuse me King Neleus" She bowed her head at him before her eyes locked onto his once again, "The explorer Jacob would prefer to be with his friend. Is there any chance that you could take him into the castle?" She asked him knowing that Neleus was the nicest of the Kings, if anyone could take Jacob into the castle than it was Neleus.

She gave him a sweet smile, "I trust the explorers. They aren't going to harm us or try anything, they just wanted to see how beautiful city. I'm afraid that King Vasilios may be trying to take advantage of Stephanie, that isn't right" She told him hoping that he'd agree with her.

Neleus turned and looked at the young woman that had spoken to him, a smile spread across his face as he saw that it was his future wife. The smile quickly faltered when he heard what she was asking. Neleus could see where her and this new explorers worry was coming from. It was a known fact that if the King took a maiden back to his castle he would try to woo her. The dark haired royal nodded his head slowly.

"I wil try... would you accompany us..." he asked. He was willing to take Jacob but he needed a cover story for if Vasilios caught them and began questioning why he had arrived at his castle and he knew that Chloe would be able to help with the story.

---

Jacob watched as the dark haired Atlantian talked to the royal considering his friend had disappeared with King Vasilios which caused him to became severely uneasy. When Chloe turned and walked toward him the King in tow he became a little worried. What if he said no. What if something happens to Stephanie.... the thoughts whizzed through his mind and he instantly became urgent and needed to find her.

---

Stephanie was lead inside the castle. When she saw the decadence she couldn't help the gasp that left her lips at how beautiful everything was. Vasilios had one of the most beautiful castles she had ever seen. Walls made of mother of pearl while shells and other trinkets from the sea bottom decorated the walls. the ceilings swirled with colours of the sea. Gold lined everything, the drapes were gold the cornices were gold and chandeliers made of pearls and abalone shell hung from the ceiling.

"This is beautiful your highness." she admitted as she looked around the room and saw the red carpet that lead up the stair cases leading to the upper story.

Vasilios looked not only proud of his castle but he looked smug, thinking that the brunette explorer would be charmed by how lavish his castle was. "Thank you, though I have found a beauty that this castle can't beat or come close to. I am looking at the beauty right now," He spoke smoothly as his eyes never once left Stephanie, he usually never let a maiden look around his castle as he simply took her into his room and had his way with her. She'd leave soon after and he'd never have anything to do with her, that was how he liked things.

But now Stephanie had walked into his life and he suddenly wanted her around him longer, he wanted her to stay at least until he grew sick of her. Which is always what happened, however she didn't know his reputation because if she had been told than she wouldn't have joined him so easily. "There is much more for you to see," He rested his hand on the small of her back and guided her into all the different rooms that were on the ground floor of his castle.

---

Chloe looked at Neleus and gave him a small nod, "I would be honored to accompany you" She spoke to him sweetly before she turned around and made her way back over to where Jacob was waiting, "King Neleus has agreed to take us to the castle" She told the explorer seeing the uneasy look on his face, she gave him a reassuring smile in hopes that it would make him feel better about his friend being with the King alone.

She looked at Neleus and also gave him a smile, "Thank you for this your highness. It means so much," She told him before the three of them made their way through the crowd that was slowly becoming smaller, she followed Neleus as he took them both into the castle. Her eyes widened slightly when she tried to take everything in, she knew the castles would be stunning but she had no idea until now.

Neleus followed his fiancé as she walked back to the male however he stayed a few steps behind her while she spoke to him. When she turned and spoke he simply bowed his head allowing a small smile to spread across his face. "It is no trouble, please come." with that he held out his arm for her to take.

When she took it he led them toward the castle where he knew Vasilios would be with Stephanie. The silence was a little uncomfortable so he chose to break it turning to Jacob and speaking.

"So you and this Stephanie? Are the two of you to be married?"

"No, no..." Jacob chuckled running his fingers through his curly hair. "She is just my best friend. Has been for ten or more years." he stated truthfully.

The dark haired explorer was relieved that the King was speaking to him, it was nice not to be ignored like he had been for most of the trip here. Most of the crew had ignored him except for Stephanie who tried to get him to help her out whenever she could.

---

Stephanie spun to look at the king her eyes widened at the comment. She didn't know whether to be flattered or frightened at the fact he had basically admitted he had feelings for her. A knot formed in her stomach as she forced a smile across her face when all she wanted to do was run. The explorer wanted to get as far away from the dark haired King as soon as possible. However there was no way she could do that considering one wrong move could have her and her friends killed.

"Oh..." she squeaked a little when the male rested his hand on her lower back and lead her through the castle and into all the different rooms. "It is a lovely castle," she admitted when all she wanted was his hand off of her. That was until she heard a male voice that she knew all to well. Stephanie instantly felt a little relief wash over her knowing that Jacob was in close proximity.

"Thank you," Vasilios gave the brunette explorer a smile as he showed her another room, however his smile instantly fell when he heard voices echo off the walls of his castle. No one else was suppose to follow them, this is why he only brought people inside over having people simply walk in on their own. Though his guards knew that, meaning one of the voices had to belong to a King.

"Excuse me, for just one moment. Please make yourself comfortable," He told her before turning and walking the way he had come, it wasn't long before his eyes landed on King Neleus, his future wife and another explorer. "What is this about Neleus?" He asked trying to stay calm but he was about to grit his teeth, he had seen Stephanie with the male explorer and it didn't take much for him to realise what was happening.

They were checking on him and Stephanie, Neleus had even brought his future wife with him and without his permission. Only he could bring non-royals into his castle, he couldn't stop the disgust that formed on his face. From both the male explorer and Neleus' pet.

---

Chloe still had her hand holding onto Neleus' arm, it felt really nice there. She looked over when she heard the voice of King Vasilios, she found herself taking a step backwards so she was more in between Neleus and Jacob. She felt uneasy whenever Vasilios was around, "I am sorry, my highness. I have always wanted to see such a beautiful and extravagant castle, I apologize for intruding like this." She spoke bowing her head lightly, she knew Vasilios would like someone complimenting his castle.

She watched as his face changed a little, it wasn't so disgusted which was a very good sign. Her dark eyes quickly glanced to the door that the King has came through, Stephanie was so close to them. But they had to play this right, if they didn't than Vasilios wasn't going to be happy and he could do and would do whatever he wanted.

[i'm gonna combine all the POV's here it's easier ]
Stephanie nodded her head and watched as the royal walked away from her but there was no way she was getting comfortable, she was going to try and get out of here. She watched the dark haired king as he walked out onto the paved courtyard. Counting to ten she took a deep breath and followed after him so Jacob could see her and she could try and get away from Vasilios. As she walked out into the light she saw that Chloe had her head bowed over while Neleus stood in front of her and Jacob behind her both men were glaring at the royal.

"Jacob?" she feigned confusion but a plea of help flashed though her light eyes, "What are you doing here?" she asked hoping he had a good excuse for crashing the tour otherwise she was certain Vailios was going to be pissed.

"Rose wants to see you," the lie tumbled so easily and believably from his lips. The brunette nodded her head in understanding.

"Of course... Forgive me my lord... perhaps you can finish showing me the castle another day." Stephanie apologised before walking toward her best friend who instantly wrapped his arm around her and the two turned walking off. However their paths were cut off when two guards suddenly emerged stopping them in their tracks. The brunettes heart began to race.

Turning back she saw the smile on the Kings face, it was had an evilness about it and she suddenly knew they were all in trouble. She clutched Jacobs shirt tightly as fear began to rack her body the guards were getting closer quickly. Suddenly a loud cry broke from ones lips as he fell to his knees an arrow protruding from his leg.

"Oh shit!" Jacob cursed but a glint of light caught the brunettes attention and looking up she saw a flash of blonde hair before it vanished over the side of the castle wall.

Drakon.

(I will too)

Vasilios had been trying to keep Stephanie inside his castle as he wasn't ready to part with her, or to let her leave. He smiled at her as her friend lied to him and tried to take the brunette from him, he was about to speak when a pained cry echoed off the walls. He fell to the ground as an arrow pierced his leg, his guards ran over to him instead of keeping the explorers where he wanted them. "Find who did this!" He yelled at his guards in pain, he hadn't seen the blonde hair vanish over the castle wall.

Chloe's eyes widened at how evil the King looked just because he wasn't getting his way, she knew that the explorers should just leave but now Vasilios would probably do everything he could to keep at least Stephanie there with him. She was watching everything unfold and hadn't realised that she had reached out and held onto Neleus' forearm, she was scared about what Vasilios could and would do.

She didn't have any time to do a single thing when the cry hit her ears, she gasped in horror when she saw the arrow and blood. She didn't have time to think before she held two arms encircle her, she was briskly moved away from the evil King and out of harms way.

However as she looked up she saw the familiar blonde hair, she knew Drakon had been close by but she never thought he'd do something like this. She wasn't watching where she was going, although Neleus was moving her. She felt them suddenly stop when a few guards ran right in front of them, nearing running right into her.

Drakon had made sure to get away from the castle as quickly as possible, he hid the bow on the way and made his way back into the market. He caught his breath while he pretended to be looking through the market stalls, the guards were a few minutes behind him as they started making their way through the city to find out who had shot the King with an arrow. He was pretty sure no one had seen him so he had nothing to worry about, he pretended to be shocked with the rest of the people.

Jacob saw that Stephanie was looking up at the castle roof but when he heard the king he grabbed the woman and began to run with her the two hurried out of the castle, Neleus and Chloe following close behind. They burst into the town centre where guards were already searching for the possible culprit that had shot an arrow through the kings leg. Slowly they steadied down to a walk as the guards hurried around.

Suddenly she spied the blonde he stood at his stall looking normal. Maybe it hadn't been him. Perhaps it was another blonde haired male. However Stephanie had a strange feeling that she knew it was him. Quickly she moved away from Jacob and up to the blonde.

"What did you do?" she asked her voice was a whisper as her eyes darted around at the guards. Stephanie didn't know whether to be mad, scared or flattered at his bravery. As she stood there with him she watched as the others approached.

Drakon looked at Stephanie when she rushed over to him, "I haven't done anything." He lied not very well to the explorer, he looked past her when he saw the others making their way over to him as well. "Please don't say anything, I'll explain it to you later." He whispered to her knowing that Chloe would start to worry about him and he didn't want Neleus or a guard to figure out what he had done. So he kept a neutral expression on his face, his blue eyes moved over onto the guards who were looking at people and searching a few.

He gave Stephanie a small smile just to reassure her that everything was going to be fine, he wouldn't have been allowed into the castle so what he did was the only thing he could do that would get Stephanie away from the evil King. However he hated that she and Chloe had to be so close when it happened, he was a wonderful shooter with his bow but so many things could have gone wrong. He was thankful that he had hit the King and not someone who he cared about.

---

Chloe wasn't positive that it had been Drakon, but if it had been than she wasn't going to say a word about it. She walked over to him before a few guards made their way over to the group, Chloe turned to face them so they could ask whatever questions that they needed to. She hadn't been expecting a guard to point at them and roughly say that because they were in the castle at the time, they were going to be watched from now on. Apparently King Vasilios wanted them to be watched.

"That is ridiculous, we haven't done anything wrong. King Vasilios was there with us, he knows that we haven't done anything wrong." Chloe stuck up for her new friends and Drakon at the same time, though the guard didn't like her answering back so he got in her face and told her that King Neleus wouldn't be able to protect her if Vasilios wanted her gone.

Neleus was outraged at the guard who spoke horribly to Chloe. Quickly he stepped up to him tapping him on the shoulder, when the man turned to look at him he drew his hand back curling it into a fist before letting it drive right into the males face, there was a loud crunch signalling that he had in fact broken the mans nose. The man fell to the ground with a heavy thud, his knees buckling under the suddenness.

"If you ever speak with such a tone to this woman again it will be more then my fist you should be worried about." he growled as he crouched down to be on the same level as the guard. "You are nothing but a guard, easily replaced, remember that next time you open your mouth."

"You can't..."

"Try again and you will see just what I can do," he pointed out hotly before getting to his feet and walking over to the young woman. "My lady are you alright?" he asked gently reaching out and taking her hands that were shaking. "You're shaking..." he began.

Jacob stood wide eyed at what had just happened, he was looking at the guard on the ground with steaks of blood falling onto the ground beneath him before his eyes trailed over to the royal that had taken Chloe's hands into his and the male couldn't get over how different he was to Vasilios. He was kind, protective and respectful. A proper gentleman.

Turning Jacob saw Stephanie over talking with Drakon and he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face and how he was going to tease her about this for weeks to come.

---

Stephanie sealed her lips as the guards hurried passed as she looked up at the male who shot her a smile that caused her heart to flutter. Automatically her hands went to her hair and she began to curl the strands around her fingers.

"Thank you," was all she said before turning and walking off. She was startled to see a bleeding guard on the ground and what looked like Neleus comforting Chloe while her best friend had a cheeky smile spread across his face.

"What are you smiling at?" she asked.

"Just you and lover boy over there..."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh no of course not," he stated sarcastically earning a hard hit on the shoulder from the brunette who's cheeks burned with a deep blush.

Drakon didn't need to be thanked by Stephanie, it wasn't her fault that the King had taken a liking to her. Although he did wish that he could make her leave, to get her back home where she was going to be safe. But sadly, he already knew that was never going to happen. She had worked so hard on finding the city under the sea, she wouldn't return to her home just because a King was interested in her.

He watched as she walked off once the guards had skipped past them, he saw the bleeding guard on the dirt ground and King Neleus holding Chloe's hands. He had obviously missed something but would ask his best friend about it later, the King seemed to be comforting her but he still wasn't happy with the King being that close to Chloe.

He than glanced over to Stephanie and noticed she was speaking with her own friend, Jason, he thinks was the man's name. He stepped over to them both, "We should keep moving. Don't want the King getting his hands on you again," He spoke quietly knowing that Chloe would be find on her own, she wouldn't be in anymore danger if she didn't follow him. So he ushered the two explorers away from Vasilios' castle, he wanted Stephanie to be as far away from the King as possible.

---

Chloe's eyes widened from shock when King Neleus defended her and punched the guard right in the face, she winced when she heard the bone breaking and the nose that shortly after stained the guard's skin. She watched as Neleus made sure to let the guard know that he was also a King, she was shaking lightly as she hadn't been threatened like that before and hopefully it would never happen again.

She looked into Neleus' eyes as he took her shaking hands into his larger ones, was she alright? She wasn't sure at the moment, "Thank you, my Lord." She managed to get out as she kept her eyes focused on the King standing in front of her, "I shall be alright. A little scared," She admitted to him as her heart was racing in her chest, she was positive it was from the guard but it could also be from Neleus holding her hands.

"I don't want you in trouble with King Vasilios," She spoke as the guard belonged to Vasilios, why the Kings couldn't all share guards was beyond her. In fact she was pretty certain that three of the Kings did tend to share the army, Vasilios was the only one who didn't and seemed to still get away with it.