10,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Neleus looked at the young woman shaking his head when she spoke of trouble with King Vasilios. "I will not allow there to be trouble between the King and you. It was one of his men that couldn't hold his tongue and speak respectfully that got him in to trouble," Neleus indicated shooting a warm smile to the Atlantian.

"Come let's get you away from the town centre," he gently took her arm and began to walk her away from where the guard still lay groaning in pain. As the two walked away the King watched ahead for any sign of Vasilios concerned for the new woman who had arrived. "It seems your friend and her have become close," he smiled warmly.

---

Stephanie nodded her head agreeing with the blonde haired Atlantian, she didn't want to be any where near the King. She was afraid of what he might do next, however she was certain that she wouldn't be seeing him for a while with his leg being injured. Or at least that was what she hoped. The three walked in silence Stephanie wasn't sure what to talk about with the events that had just occurred.

"Does anyone know where we will be staying?" Jacob spoke up breaking the silence. Stephanie as much as she wanted to know she also wanted to hit her friend for being rude, they would tell them in good time where they would all be staying. The brunette hoped they would all be staying together, she couldn't bare the thought of being alone somewhere else.

Drakon guided the two explorers away and glanced over at Jacob when he asked about staying somewhere, "Usually when children grow and want to leave home. Then we build houses on empty land, we don't have time to build although many people will have spare space. I have plenty of space and so does Chloe, but you may not all fit somewhere together." He explained to them knowing that the whole group wouldn't be able to stay together, two or maybe even three could stay together but that was the most that would fit in a locals house.

"We will have to wait and see what the Kings want to do," He told them as he wouldn't have any say in where the explorers would stay, hopefully King Neleus would be smart and do what he suggested because it made more sense. Although the group could stay in one of the Kings put them up in his castle, he didn't want to mention it considering the trouble Stephanie had just been in with Vasilios. "I can mention it to Chloe, she could speak with King Neleus about this." He offered them with a small smile on his face, he wouldn't mind having Stephanie stay with him though.

---

Chloe lightly nodded her head as she felt the King take her arm, she begun to walk with him while Drakon was talking with Jacob and Stephanie. "He has, though it makes me worry about him. I'm sure the explorer's all have family that they will return to, I hope he isn't hurt by that." She admitted as she didn't know how long the group of explorers would be staying there, she didn't want Drakon to get his heart broken but she couldn't say anything to him because he'd brush it off as nothing.

"Why are you this nice? Compared to King Vasilios, that is." She asked as she looked up at the King, she always knew that he was going to be a great King. But he was always nice to the locals and he seemed to really care about others, she didn't want him to change but she was interested in why he was so different to the other Kings.

"His Highness and myself have had two completely different up bringing. I had been taught courtesy and politeness whereas Vasilios had been taught to be sneaky, greedy, to take what he wants and not worry about the consequences. This is what has caused him to be the most loathed out of all the royals. I care for the people of Atlantis, he however does not. All he cares for is the next woman he may bed and the next burst of riches he will come with." Neleus spoke truthfully to the young woman as they walked through the town heading toward the outskirts where none of them will be bothered.

"As for your friend, I have a feeling he won't be heartbroken." Neleus didn't know much about love but he knew that there was something between the Atlantian and Wordling stronger then just friendship even if they couldn't see it yet.

---

"If Vasilios has his way we all know what he will want," Jacob growled at the image that popped before his eyes of the royal with his hands placed dangerously low on his friends back and the looks he gave her. "If he so much as lays a finger on her I will break his neck!" he stated hotly.

"Jacob!" Stephanie was flattered by her friends protectiveness but at the moment she was more worried about his safety, she was sure there were ears everywhere around her that would take news back to the King about what her friend had said. "I can also defend myself." she pointed out.

Drakon smiled as he listened to what Jacob was saying about the royal, he agreed completely and now he knew that he had someone who cared about Stephanie and could help him protect her. "You may be able to defend yourself, but you don't know what the King is capable of. I've seen him mutilate grown men," He didn't want to scare or worry Stephanie, but it was something that he felt like she should know now that Vasilios had taken such a strong liking to her.

"Besides why don't you want us helping you? Do you not like us, or are you just using us for our amazing good looks?" He grinned at the pretty explorer as he wanted to lighten the mood, he even sent Stephanie a quick wink when her friend wasn't looking.

---

Chloe nodded her head as she listened to the King, "I'm glad that you were raised this way. I'm not sure how our city would be if we had more Kings like Vasilios," She told him honestly as she looked up at him, she gave him a sweet smile before turning her attention back onto Drakon. She hoped that Neleus was right about him not getting his heart broken, she never wanted to see him sad or upset.

"Thank you my Highness, although I feel like I'm taking up your time. I wish not to and won't feel offended if there are duties that you need to see to," She told him as they walked through the town, everyone knew how busy the royals could be on a daily basis.

Neleus looked at the woman and shook his head. "My duties can wait, I would much rather prefer to know that both you and your guests are safe from Vasilios, Gods only know what he will do in his anger," Neleus nodded his head to a passing woman who held a child in her arms and wore a bright smile.

A few more meters and they were on the outskirts of the town, this was where Neleus had a quaint home that he would visit whenever life became to much for him and he simply wanted a break away from all the hustle and bustle as well as his royal life.

"It's just up here," he called back, "I am afraid it is not much but it is the best I can do." He stated earning nods from the people around him. It was mere moments before the building came into view. "here it is."

---

Stephanie felt herself blush at the blonde males wink, he was charming there was no doubt about it, playful and yet he had a more serious side, a side that it seemed was determined to protect her from whatever harm could come her way. Upon hearing Neleus' voice she looked up just in time to see a marvellous stone building come into view.

It was made of the whitest stone, but from the reflection of the water it looked as if it was made a swirling colours, it one large wooden door and several windows that were scattered around the building. Her breath caught in her throat at how beautiful it looked. She heard Jacob cheer beside her in amazement. Stephanie couldn't wait to get inside and see what the interior looked like, however she was sure that it would look just as amazing if not better then the exterior.

"This is stunning," she stated as they all came to a stop outside the front door, Neleus pushed the door open revealing an interior made completely of marble, a fountain of what she assumed was Poseidon stood in the middle of the the large room spurting water over his marble skin. There were even more windows outlooking a beautiful crystal blue ocean that seemed to span forever.

"I am glad you like it, Please enjoy your time here." Neleus smiled before clapping his hands and three young women dressed in the cleanest white togas with light blue and silvers stitching stood beside him.

"These are your servants, whenever you need anything simply clap your hands and they shall aid you.... however I must be off. Until I see you all again, enjoy." and with that the dark haired male turned and exited the building leaving the humans and Atlantians to look on in wonder.

Drakon looked around the house with his mouth hanging open, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. He had no idea that the King had this house here, he just assumed that all the Kings lived in their castles constantly. "I should have befriended Neleus sooner," He mumbled mostly to himself but he didn't care if Stephanie overheard him, once Neleus told them to enjoy themselves it was Drakon who stepped into the amazing house first. He was going to be enjoying himself here, in fact he could get very used to living in a house so nice.

His house was good as he was pretty handy so he liked fixing things, a lot of other people had a worse place to live so he shouldn't be complaining. But seeing what he was missing out on was like a slap to the face, he didn't really want to leave. Ever.

He carefully ran his finger tips over the cool marble walls as he admired how beautiful everything was, "Are your houses the same?" He asked Stephanie once she had stepped inside the house also, he glanced over to her as he had always been interested in building and just using his hands. His father was the same way and as a child, they worked on so many things together. He even fixed a doll that Chloe's mother made for her daughter, another boy had broken the arms off the doll which of course caused Chloe to cry. So he fixed the doll and stopped his friend from being upset, it was then that he grew to hate when Chloe cried over something.

---

Chloe looked at Neleus, "You think this isn't much? It's a small castle," She told him as she hadn't been expecting such a gorgeous house, but she should have known a King wouldn't live in a house like the rest of the locals. She didn't want him to leave but he still did have tasks to do, "Thank you again." She told Neleus before she watched him walk back towards the main part of the city, her eyes took in the outside of the house as everyone else stepped inside to explore the King's house. She suddenly begun to wonder how many people Neleus had brought here, she had no idea that this house was here.

Chloe shortly after did step through the front door, by that time the explorer's were being shown around by the servants. Drakon was talking to Stephanie off to the side of the first room, she smiled when she noticed Jacob was standing by a window that overlooked the stunning blue ocean. "I've always loved the ocean, I used to go down there with my mother. She taught me how to swim and we'd collect all types of rocks and shells," She told him quietly even though it was a sore subject for her.

Both her parents had been murdered, under King Vasilios' orders. It was when he first got his crown and many people didn't believe he was right to rule the city, most never spoke of how they felt but her parents had and Vasilios didn't like it. So he had his guards kill them, Vasilios even had the nerve to tell the Atlantian's that it had been an accident although Chloe knew the truth.

Jacob was startled when Chloe walked out beside her, he tried to play off his jumping in surprise off but his voice came out a little higher then usual.

"Truth be told, I actually don't know how to swim," he shrugged but quickly explained himself and why he had come on this expedition. "You are probably wondering why I came on this expedition if I can't swim, considering this is Atlantis, the Lost City. Well I came for Stephanie, I couldn't let her do this by herself. And I knew how much this all meant to her and I wanted to be a part of it, she has been a part of every good thing that has happened in my life so I wanted to be there for hers."

Jacob turned to look at the young woman beside her a smile spread across her face, "I have always wanted to learn how to swim, but been too ashamed to actually ask or go to lessons. Can you imagine a twenty four year old male being taught how to swim," a light laugh left his lips.

---

Stephanie turned to look at the blonde haired male that was inspecting the small castle, "No not at all. This is a magnificent building." the brunette stated as she continued to look around loving the way the reflection off the water caused the marble to dance with colour. "Unless people have a heap of money we have pretty basic houses, I mean I live in a one bedroom apartment in the city. It's nothing like this."

She walked around the rooms before heading out onto the open balcony, stepping out into the sunshine, she looked out at the horizon, before her eyes looked down at the crystal blue water the urge to jump in was strong but she had no spare clothes with her she she had to suppress the urge. Instead she simply allowed herself to look out at it.

All her life she had been fascinated with the legend of Atlantis but all her life she had been told it was nothing more then a fictitious place, yet her she was standing on the balcony of an Atlantian Kings country house looking down at the water and the creatures that swam around down there.

Drakon allowed his eyes to wonder over Stephanie's beautiful face while she spoke, frowning slightly he looked at her rather confused. "What's an apartment?" He asked having no idea what she lived in, all he knew where castles and smaller houses that the locals build for each other. He assumed that her place was nice though, he could imagine tall bookcases filled with all different types of books. He would like to visit Stephanie's home but he knew that would never happen, no one has ever left Atlantis before and he knew Vasilios wouldn't allowed any of the locals to ever leave the city. He wasn't even sure if he would allow the group of travelers to leave the Lost City, now that they had seen it and knew how to reach the city. It would be too risky to let them leave, it would be too easy for them to send more strangers to the city and things would get ugly every quickly.

He watched as the slight breeze moved Stephanie's dark locks around her shoulders, he didn't want Vasilios to trap her or her friends here. But at the same time he also didn't want her to leave any time soon, he wanted to get to know her more as he had never felt like this before. He felt warmth and comfort being close to the beautiful brunette traveler, he wasn't sure how to let her know that but he did know if he mentioned it then it would freak her out as it was way too soon. But she was just so gorgeous and it was obvious that Vasilios was also interested in her, Drakon was worried that she wouldn't want someone like him. He'd never be a King or powerful or rich, he was simple compared to any of the Kings.

---

Chloe smiled as she listened to Jacob before shaking her head, "There isn't anything wrong with that. You shouldn't feel embarrassed over not knowing how to swim," She looked at him smiling sweetly as she didn't find that to be something he should feel self conscious over, her face did light up when an idea popped into her mind. "Why don't I teach you how to swim? I know a few places where not many people go, so we can have privacy." She looked at him with blue eyes as she hoped he would agree to let her teach him how to swim, "At least let me teach you the basics. It'll be really fun, Jacob." She promised him, "But I'll understand if you don't feel comfortable with that. You can think about it, I'm not going to push you into doing anything." She assured him before she turned around and headed back into the castle, "Come on." She smiled as she moved up along the beautiful marble staircase, she couldn't believe she was actually standing inside a castle.

Of course it would have happened sooner than later, as she would have been married off to King Neleus and she would have moved into his main castle closer to the city center. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure that Jacob was following her which he was, she wanted to explore the castle with someone else instead she got lost. That way she wouldn't be lost alone and forgotten, she loved that he was there supporting his friend and hadn't let Stephanie come all this way on her own. As they made their way around the second level of the castle, she glanced over at him. "How long will you be staying here?" She asked him quietly.

@ sugarplum.
Jacob watched the Atlantian female as she walked back inside the castle. Jacob knew what his goal was. He was to get close to her, now knowing that she was betrothed to one of the Kings, he was to become her friend, perhaps even more if fate would have it that way, if he was to get what he was promised. He knew what he was going to do would break the friendship between Steph and himself but when he was offered so much in return how could he refuse. He stood on the balcony looking out at the glassy calm water. Taking a deep breath he turned and began to follow Chloe again as she continued to show him around the building.

"I am not sure to be honest, it is up to Rose. She is the Captain, but I am pretty sure that Steph would love to stay forever," he said, it was true his friend had always had a fascination with this place and now that it had been discovered he was certain that she wouldn't want to come back to the real world. Which in the light of it all he thought that would be best.

"So how long have you been engaged to King Neleus?"

---

"Oh right," Stephanie remembered that Drakon would have no idea what an apartment was. "Well it's a high building that has several rooms and each room is like a small home, normally for one person but sometimes there can be a whole family in one. I live alone so it's not too bad there is enough space in there for me." Stephanie turned and looked at the blonde haired male, she felt her cheeks blush when she saw how he was staring at her.

"What is it?" she asked trying to smooth her hair down knowing that it would look like a mess.

---

King Neleus was heading back to the town centre, he bypassed his people and headed straight to his castle, he would have to try and figure out how he was going to keep these explorers from trouble. He also had to remember that he still had a wedding that needed to be seen through. There was so much for him to think about. How he wished he could just disappear for a little while, go away and clear his mind and try and think things through but there was no way for him to do that.

The brown haired royal knew that it would only be a matter of time before another meeting was held this time with Vasilios ordering someones death after what happened today with his soldiers

(I hope this was okay)

Drakon still didn’t really understand what an apartment was, why would people want to live in a high building with other people they didn’t know? It was beyond him, it must have been normal for people who lived in Stephanie’s world. He chuckled softly to himself when her cheeks turned pink and she tried to smooth down her hair, he gently caught her wrist to stop her. “Don’t… I like it messy, makes the curls look nicer.” He admitted to the brunette explorer as his fingers moved from her wrist and across her palm, his touch was tender as he could never hurt someone… well someone who didn’t deserve it.

“You’re beautiful, Stephanie.” He told her not caring if they had only just met or that King Vasilios was clearly interested in her as well, he’d never let the King trap her like he had tried again. Drakon would do everything he could to keep that from happening, even if it ended in him being arrested and thrown into jail. “Is it safe for you to live on your own in this high building?” He asked as he didn’t like the idea of her being on her own, Atlantis may be beautiful but there was still crime in the city.

---

Chloe glanced over to Jacob when he asked his question, “Only a few months. At least that was when I had been told,” She wasn’t sure if this had always been the plan for her, she had no idea how the royal families worked when it came to marriage of a King. As she showed Jacob around, her eyes caught a glimpse of the King. “Do you mind if I find you later? I have something I need to do,” She looked to the male and once receiving a nod, she turned and hurried off in the direction of where King Neleus was going. Slowing down when she found him, she cleared her throat to gain his attention.

“I apologize if I am disturbing you, but are you alright?” She asked her future husband, her emerald eyes focusing on him and only him. “Are you worried about King Vasilios? I could speak with him, explain to him what happened with his solider.” She offered although she really didn’t want to go anywhere near Vasilios, he made her skin crawl and she was scared of him as he tended to snap without warning. But she also didn’t want Neleus getting into trouble because he was defending her, stepping closer to the King she reached out and touched his arm. His body was tense, Chloe could see that. “I know a quiet spot not far from here, the city won’t fall if you take a small break.” She told him as a small smile crept onto her lips.

@ sugarplum.
Jacob nodded his head as he looked at the female, only a few months... he hoped this was all he needed to get in among the kings. He would have to talk with Rose and discuss the situation, which would be easy, to get away from the group in this building would be easy as he could easily go unnoticed.

When Chloe asked to meet him again he simply nodded his head in understanding, "Of course it is fine," now he didn't really need an excuse to get out of the building. He looked around and saw that Stephanie's interest was with the Atlantian male so now was his chance, quickly he moved through the building and outside. He made his was back to the two centre knowing where to go from there in order to find Rose.

---

Stephanie looked at the male when he gripped her wrist telling her to stop, his tone was soft and full of affection, she felt his fingers move along her skin, tingling sensations travelling up her arms at how it felt. When his fingers touched her palm she looked down feeling her cheek heat even further and her heart beat began to soar. When Drakon told her she was beautiful she didn't know what to do.

"T-thank you," she stammered with her free hand tucking her hair behind her ear and swallowing. He was so gentle and respectful of her and all it took was a slight touch to get her heart racing and causing her thoughts to jumble together. A breathy laugh left her lips when he asked about the apartment.

"Yes, yes it is perfectly safe... I don't have an outside balcony so if I want to spend some time outside I normally have to go down several flights of stairs and then out the front door. So I am still safe on firm ground."

"What about you? Do you like living here?"

---

Neleus looked up when he heard someone clear their throat, standing in the doorway stood Chloe, she seemed hesitant to enter.

"Please come in," he extended his arm to a free cushion where she could sit. "I am fine, just several things going through my mind..." when the brunette suggested going to speak with Vasilios he was quick to answer. "No... no you mustn't... I will sort this out, somehow. Everything will be fine and I promise you and all your friends will be safe but I just need time to think up what I am going to do." when he felt her hand on him the tenseness in his body subsided slightly.

"That does sound lovely... I would love to come for a walk, perhaps it will help me with my decision. Help me to think up a plan and solution." he smiled at the female before extending his hand to hers to lead her out of his domain.

(Sorry, I wasn’t sure what else to write for Rose)

Rose had excused herself from the small group of Atlantic locals that had been asking her as many questions as they possibly could, they seemed to be just as interested in her as she was of them and their home. She had answered all they had asked her as she still wanted to give them all a good impression, no matter how badly she wanted to explore the city as that is the reason she was there. She wasn’t far from the town centre now, when her eyes landed on the curly haired explorer that was heading in her way. “Hi Jacob, how are you enjoying the city?” She looked at him as he moved closer to her.

---

Drakon couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his lips when he noticed the pink flush that was warming up Stephanie’s cheeks, he adored how the blush brought more colour to her face and how it made her eyes glows even more. He chuckled softly at how adorable she was when she stuttered out a thank you for the compliment that he had given her, his hand never let hers go as he listened to her speak.

He felt relieved when she assured him that she was safe where she lived, he would have hated to know that she wasn’t as a home should be the safest place a person could be.

He nodded his head at her question, “I do. I love being here, it’s all I’ve ever known.” He looked into her stunning dark eyes, “What do you think of my home so far? Not including all the drama that has already found you,” He sent her a cheeky grin as he did know what happened wasn’t any of her doing, but that wouldn’t stop him from teasing her about it.

---

Chloe looked at him, it feel nice having her hand rest on his arm. “You shouldn’t have to do anything, it wasn’t our fault that one of his soldiers felt the need to speak that way to a woman. If it hadn’t of been to me, he would have found someone else to treat in the way he had.” She didn’t understand why Neleus would have to deal with that, there was no doubt the soldier would have ran back to their king to complain about what happened. But maybe it was just something that needed to happen to make sure that Vasilios doesn’t try anything, or lose his temper.

“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” She smiled as her hand moved to his, a tingling sensation shot up from her fingers to her hand and along her arm. Moving beside him, she held his hand as they walked and left his castle.

Chloe led the way as she took him away from the city, she knew of a place on the outskirts of the town where she often would go whenever she wanted to be alone. “My father used to bring me here when I was younger,” She told Neleus as they grew closer to the small creek that she had learnt to swim in, they had to walk through the forest before reaching the clearing.

“Is there anything I can do to help you with Vasilios?” She turned to him as she did truly want to help him, “He won’t do anything to you, right? He won’t hurt you?” She asked him.