Hey guys I don't have a lot of time and a lot of story to write so no comments on your comments! Luvs yas byzies!

Chapter 4 Gorgeous Things and Arrogant Princes

I finished my story, or at least everything I could remember about what had happened.

They were both staring at me like I had three noses or something! It wasn't that hard to believe was it? Ok, so if someone told me that they were, up until two days ago, a mermaid I might look at someone like that too. If I wasn't a mermaid of course!

"Hayden you are a tricky one aren't you?" I still didn't know his name.

"What are you talking about?" Hayden asked.

" You totally set me up!" he was sounding hysterical, " how much did he pay you? Huh?"

It was my turn to speak up, "You think I'm lying?"

"You have to be!" He was sounding desperate; " There is NO such thing as mermaids!"

I couldn't handle this! He thought I was a liar! I tried to stand so I could walk away, but fell hopelessly back on my butt. That's right, I don't know how to walk! This might be a problem…

" Do you need help?" Hayden came running to my aid.

"I'm ok," I said.

" Devin, stop being such a jerk!" Hayden was mad know, " She cant walk! God knows I can't lift her."

Devin… So that was Mr. Moody gorgeous eyes' name! He came over to me and looked at Hayden.

" If her story is true," He sounded doubtful, " then what are we going to do with her? She isn't a stray puppy Haddy."

Hayden cringed at the childhood nickname that was obviously only used when Devin was really annoyed or angry.

" Devin, you really don't have to carry me. I have to learn sometime." I stated.

He didn't know what to think. It had been so long someone besides his little brother had called him by his name and not his title that he was momentarily speechless.

" No comment then?" I questioned sarcastically.

"Uhhh… Oh, yeah, sure, I'll teach you how to walk." He stammered.

There was a shout coming from the castle that immediately sent Hayden into a frenzy.

" Oh no! The rug! Mom is going to kill me!" with that Hayden ran towards the other end of the beach.

With Hayden gone there was an uncomfortable silence between us until finally Devin spoke.

" So… Walking, where do I start?" he said.

" Well I'd imagine that I might have to stand up first, don't ya think?" I tried to be serious but it wasn't working very well.

With that he extended a hand towards me and I hesitantly grabbed it to hoist myself up off the sand. I wobbled unsteadily and Devin put his hand on my waist to keep me from falling again. Even though I had both of my feet now firmly planted on the ground his hand had not left my waist.

" You can let go of my waist now Devin," I said.

" Oh, yeah, right," he stammered obviously flustered.

Then regaining his composure, not to mention his granite like gaze. Which was most unnerving I might add. We set off. It was very unusual at first and I had an urge to hurl myself back into the ocean, but as soon as I saw the flower filled meadow I was sold.

I had never seen such a marvelous sight in my whole life! We rarely had flowers in my world and when we did have them they were always neon brights as most underwater flowers are. But this field was full of creamy pastel flowers of all shapes and sizes broken up by the bright yellow flowers that popped up randomly acrossed the field. It smelled heavenly too.

" They're beautiful!" I exclaimed.

" I have never in my life seen someone so excited by flowers," Devin spoke royally as if I was a mere peasant.

God I hated this man and his mood swings! One moment he is holding onto my waist and the next he is making fun of me! So instead of replying I gave him a look that could kill and tried to walk off… Well we can all guess how that went. Needless to say I would have fallen and broken my neck if Mr. Moody Mick Gorgeous Eyes hadn't saved me again.

"Would you stop doing that!" I shouted angrily.

" Excuse me for saving your life." His cool demeanor was really starting to piss me off. I started imagining throwing him off a cliff. That made me feel a little bit better.

We walked silently the rest of the way to the castle. Oh what a grand sight it was! It was made out of gray marble and had 4 floors, 5 relatively large (ok huge) towers that gleamed in the sunlight and each bedroom had a large balcony with French style doors. It (besides Atlantica) was probably the most stunningly beautiful thing I had ever seen!

"Wow," I said breathlessly.

" Yeah pretty overly extravagant don't ya think?" He said. What was his problem?

" I think its lovely!" I said dreamily.

He snorted. He even did that arrogantly! You wouldn't think it was possible but it was, believe me. He was slowly severing my last nerve… I must not snap, I MuSt NoT SnAp, I MUST NOT SNAP! Breathe Skylar, get a hold of yourself!

Just then Hayden came running.

"Hey Guys!" he exclaimed, "What's wrong Skylar? You look pained. Did you hurt yourself on the way up here or something?"

I put on a fake smile and said, " No I'm fine." He frowned.

" Devin? What's wrong with Skylar?" he was now very suspicious.

"Nothing's wrong." He said in an almost bored voice. " Well now that I've escorted you I think I will leave you two alone." With that he walked away.

" I'm sorry about him, I really am. He's been that way ever since dad died 4 months ago. He locks up his emotions and never really lets anyone in. All of a sudden he is going to be King and he has to choose a wife and…" he trailed off, then started up again, " it's too much pressure for him. He thinks he has to live up to this standard… but I'm afraid he's not even living anymore." And with that he started towards the castle. He turned his head and said, " You coming?"

I didn't hear him. I was lost in thought about what he had said. Hayden speaks with wisdom way beyond his years. Poor Devin. All of the evil thoughts about throwing him off a cliff were gone. But then I thought sympathy's probably the last thing he wants right now. So with that thought in my mind I started my gruelingly slow pace towards the grand castle.