Sue goes to the colony!

Sue was a little taken aback. "I'm not sure that's possible!"

Arden smiled; he dove into the water and disappeared. Within minutes, he resurfaced holding a small jellyfish. "This animal excretes oxygen; all you must do is holding it in your mouth!"

"GROSS!" Sue called out not thinking. In her current predicament, she had ****. She grabbed the animal and squinted her face as she plopped the slimy being into her mouth. It had no taste, but the consistency was terrible. It made Sue wince. Arden smiled.

"Come”, he instructed. The merman held his hand out and Sue grabbed it tightly. She dove under the water with the blue-skinned man. She let the man guide her through the currents. He was amazingly adept and pulled her along gently. They followed a small current deeper into the inland ocean. Sue witnessed a myriad of unfamiliar fish and creatures. She wanted Reed here to count the new species. Hopefully, that would be possible soon.

The blonde beauty enthralled Arden. He tried not to stare at her ample form. So much more full in areas than merwoman. He pulled her along until they reached the outskirts of the mighty city. Sue gasped at the sight of emerald towers. The city was massive. She watched as creatures that looked like cars pulled other mermen through underwater street currents.

Arden spoke softly, "I will take you to our leader”, and he frowned, thinking of their new King. He was a stubborn leader. A warrior who had conquered his people in recent months. A being from the out-sea. Arden had to admit that under this barbarian's rule life was good.

Sue noticed that some buildings looked destroyed. She surmised there must have been a recent battle.

Arden took Susan to the Royal Palace. It was one of the most glorious sites she had ever seen. As they entered the golden doors. Arden handed Sue to the guards. She was somewhat scared, but they gently led her to a room where the water receded. Sue stood alone in the room. She watched Arden walk up to the throne.

Sue's throat dropped into her stomach. She recognized the face...Attuma the Barbarian. She had fought this beast many times in the past. She had sided with Namor in fact to stop Attuma from taking Atlantis.

His bellowing laugh reverberated even in Sue's tank. He had a crown upon his head. He held a staff similar to Namor's and walked to the glass that held Sue. "So YOU of all people should find your way here and request MY help!"

Sue spat at the glass. "What have you done to these people?"

Attuma gloated, "I have given them a King they deserved. I dare you to ask if they are not happy under my rule." Attuma looked Sue up and down, "You should be happy I no longer wish to attack you Namor!"

"He's not my Namor!" Sue gritted her teeth and balled her fists. "Whatever trick you've pulled, I'll put an end to it myself."

Arden stepped in, "He has been a great King madam! Helped our people in this time of great crisis!" Arden explained the piranha men were at war with the Mermen, seeking the entire inland sea. Attuma's forces held them at bay.

Attuma lingered over Sue's tattered clothes. "So you wish to return home?"

Sue nodded, "Yes Attuma!"

The guards instructed Sue to speak more proper, "Yes your majesty”, she said looking down in shame.

Attuma turned from Sue and clapped his hands. "Bring the wenches to dress her appropriately, and we shall discuss negotiations!"

"Negotiations" Sue did not like the sound of that.

She found herself being guided to a royal bedchamber. She was adorned with an elaborate seashell bra. A flowing blue skirt made of seaweed fabric was wrapped around her waist. Sue's feet were clad in strapped heels, which twisted around her legs. She was the sight of the entire city. However, her skin was pale.

Attuma bade her sit for dinner with him. She sat across a long table. The room was not filled with water, as Attuma could breathe air. The servants all had creatures with bulbs of water so they could breathe. Attuma walked behind Sue and put a brilliant gold necklace with a large pearl at the center around her neck.

He sat and crossed his arms. "I need your assistance with the piranha men! Then you may contact your team and leave!"

Sue swallowed hard. She had **** but to accept. She ate and drank with this beast. To her surprise, he was a gracious host who showed her most of his kingdom, before allowing her to retire to her own bedchamber. Sue needed a good sleep. She did not even think to take off the necklace.

Attuma smiled watching her sleep from another room. The gods had brought her by fate. She would be his warrior queen. Such beauty and fire. In addition, the necklace would change her forever.

Arden knew of Attuma's plans. It hurt him to know Susan's fate. Nevertheless, a King did need a Queen.