Written for the Capture the Flag Competition.
Sally wrung her hands, glancing at Poseidon beside her.
"I know we're here already," she started. "But is it really okay for me to be here?"
Atlantis loomed in front of her. It was magnificent, regal, brilliant, and she didn't belong in such a place. Not one bit. Her place was on land, living out a mediocre life while trying to support her life style. Her gut twisted at the thought of some of looks she would be getting.
"I don't know if should be here."
Poseidon took her elbow gently, and smiled down at her. "Of course you belong here," he stated.
"But—!"
"I won't hear you talk down on yourself," he said. "Let's go."
With that, they entered the front gates of Atlantis.
The butterflies in her stomach beat up a flurry. Sally bit her lip, gaze darting from side to side. Although they were in the ocean, she felt enclosed, trapped in, and all she wanted to do was escape.
She couldn't say that aloud, though. Poseidon had been kind enough to bring her down here, and she should grateful for that. But it was hard to enjoy herself when she could spot curious merpeople peering at her from all parts of the city. Even the fish were gaping at her. Was she really such an interesting object?
Poseidon didn't seem to notice. He was tugging her along by the arm, pointing out beautiful works of architecture and the different delicacies that could be found in the stalls around the marketplace. Sally smiled, strained, and nodded along.
It wasn't until they were halfway through the city that he stopped. He cast a concerned look at her.
"Sally," he began. "Do you… not like coming here?"
"No! No, it's fine, really," she said hurriedly.
He led her to a bench, and for a moment, the two of them sat there in silence.
"Sally," he said again, gentler this time. "What's wrong? You can tell me. I won't judge you for it."
Sally swung her feet idly, eyes firmly on the ground.
"I just feel like everyone's eyes are on me…" she trailed off.
Poseidon hummed thoughtfully, then stood abruptly.
"If that's the case, then follow me!"
He turned left and started walking forwards. Sally, wide eyed, followed.
"Where are we going?" she asked, a step behind him.
He tilted his head back, smiling. "You'll see! It's a surprise."
Her brows scrunched in confusion, by she followed nonetheless. Speeding up slightly, she fell into step beside him. Poseidon's hand lightly touched hers, and in return, she twined her hand with his.
It took a while for her to notice that the area they were headed had significantly less people around. But the thought was soon wiped from her mind when he announced, "We're here."
Sally turned her head forward, and all the breath was knocked from her. Instantly, the last of the butterflies disappeared, not to return again.
"This is beautiful," she breathed, tightening her grip on his hands.
In front of them was a field of coral, all brightly coloured.
He grinned down at her.
"Shall we go explore the rest of the kingdom now?"
She laughed.
"Lead the way!"
