Jake Carter felt a mix of awe and nervousness as he followed Aria to her palace. He saw that her palace was a magnificent building that looked like a giant crystal. It had a dome-shaped roof that sparkled under the sun. It had many windows and doors that opened to balconies and gardens. It had many rooms and halls that were decorated with paintings and sculptures.
He saw that her palace was located on the largest and highest island in the city. He saw that her island was connected to the other islands by bridges and cables. He saw that her island was guarded by soldiers and drones that patrolled the perimeter.
He saw that her palace was the center of power and authority in Atlantis. He saw that her palace was the home of the royal family and the government of Atlantis.
He felt honored and intimidated to be invited to her palace. He felt curious and anxious to meet her father, King Orion, who was dying from a mysterious illness. He felt confused and surprised to learn that he had been expecting him and that he had given him the task of restoring Atlantis to its former glory. He felt worried and scared to discover that he was in danger from his uncle, Lord Zane, who wanted to usurp the throne and conquer both dimensions.
He looked at Aria and saw that she was calm and confident. She walked with grace and elegance, holding his hand gently. She smiled with kindness and warmth, showing him the sights and sounds of her world. She talked with intelligence and wisdom, explaining him the history and culture of her people.
She looked like an angel or a goddess, but she also looked like a human or a friend.
She looked at him with interest and affection, as if she knew him for a long time, as if she liked him for who he was, as if she wanted him for what he could be.
She looked like Aria, the princess heir to the throne of Atlantis, who he had been looking for all his life.
He felt a connection to her instantly and instantly smiled back. He walked with curiosity and admiration, holding her hand firmly. He listened with attention and respect, learning from her words and insights. He talked with honesty and humor, sharing his thoughts and feelings.
He felt like an explorer or an adventurer, but he also felt like a guest or a friend.
He felt attracted to her immediately and immediately blushed slightly, as if he sensed her attraction for him, as if he liked her for who she was, as if he wanted her for what she could be.
He felt like Jake, son of James, explorer of Earth, who she had been waiting for all her life.
They reached the entrance of the palace and stopped in front of a large door that opened automatically. They entered the palace and walked through a long corridor that led to a grand hall. They saw many people in the hall, who wore different clothes and carried different devices. They saw some people who looked like humans, but they also saw some people who looked like aliens or hybrids.
They saw that these people were the citizens and officials of Atlantis, who had come to see their king and their princess. They saw that these people were curious and excited to see them, but they also saw that some people were hostile and suspicious of them.
They heard some people whispering and murmuring among themselves:
"Who are they?"
"Where did they come from?"
"What do they want?"
"Are they friends or foes?"
"Are they allies or enemies?"
They heard some people greeting and complimenting them:
"Welcome to Atlantis."
"Your majesty."
"Your highness."
"You look beautiful."
"You look brave."
They heard some people questioning and criticizing them:
"What are you doing here?"
"Why did you bring them here?"
"What are you planning to do with them?"
"You are making a mistake."
"You are betraying us."
They ignored them all and walked towards the end of the hall, where there was a large throne made of gold and crystal. They saw a man sitting on the throne, who looked like an older version of Aria. He had long blond hair and bright blue eyes, wearing a white robe and a golden crown, holding a silver staff and a crystal pendant.
He looked like a king or a god, but he also looked like a human or a father.
He looked like Orion, king of Atlantis, who was dying from a mysterious illness.
He looked at them with sadness and joy, as if he knew his time was running out, as if he was happy to see them before he died.
He looked like Orion, king of Atlantis, who had been expecting them all his life.
He smiled weakly and spoke softly:
"Aria, my daughter, you have returned."
Aria let go of Jake's hand and ran towards Orion's throne. She knelt before him and hugged him tenderly.
"Father, my father, I have missed you," Aria said.
Orion hugged her back and kissed her forehead.
"I have missed you too, my child," Orion said.
They looked at each other with love and sorrow, as if they wanted to say many things, as if they had no time to say anything.
They looked at Jake and saw that he was standing still and silent, watching them with respect and sympathy.
They gestured him to come closer and join them.
"Father, this is Jake, son of James, explorer of Earth," Aria introduced him.
"Jake, this is Orion, my father, king of Atlantis," Aria introduced him.
Jake walked towards them slowly and bowed respectfully.
"Your majesty, it is an honor to meet you," Jake said.
Orion nodded and smiled kindly.
"The honor is mine, young man. You are welcome to Atlantis," Orion said.
He extended his hand towards him gently and gently touched his hand softly. He felt a connection to him instantly and instantly smiled warmly. He said:
"I have been waiting for you."