Thanks to 1oooW0rds for her amazing feedback. I hope you guys will like it. This is my first fic so constructive criticism is needed.

Looking out of the window, Reyna's eyes were met with white, delicate snow. She felt warm within the walls of the castle. It had begun to snow in Athens. Of course, it did. It was already December. A year since she has married Malcolm, a year since she left Rome, a year since that night under the stars with Jason. Her thoughts drifted off to a winter years ago.

It had been days since she had her last meal.

Reyna wasn't even sure it was considered a meal since they were scraps of spoiled food. The coldness of the winter was draining away her energy, she tried to keep warm by stealing clothes from people who lived nearby but it was not working. Times were tough for everyone, the kingdom was yet again in another war. A lot of the kingdom's resources were sent off to the troops, leaving the people with nothing to get through the winter. No one had anything to spare so Reyna wasn't disappointed when no one offered her any help. They would give her an apologetic glance as they passed by but no one could afford to give her help in any form. Reyna did not like it when people pitied her, she did not blame them but the look in their eyes was robbing her away of her pride. Something from her old life that still belongs to her. Slowly, her body was getting heavier, she could barely sit up straight. Reyna doubted that she could make it pass this night. Her eyes are fixated on the lights of the houses nearby. It reminded her of her family. Julian Ramirez-Arellano and Hylla Ramirez-Arellano. Reyna prayed that she could reunite with her family on the other side. She remembers nothing about her mother, she died when she was a baby. Her father was a kind, loving man but he was taken away from her when he was forced to join the army. Months later, he came back in a casket. Before she knew it, she was separated from her sister and has been living in the streets all on her own. She thought about how she used to love winter, her sister would prepare snacks and they would gather by the fireplace. Her father would tell the greatest stories and she would fall asleep on her sister's lap. It was such a contradiction to her current situation. Winter used to be a time for families to gather but it has become something merciless, something that wasn't just killing her but also taking away everything that made her Reyna Ramirez-Arellano.

"Your grace, his royal majesty has returned. He is waiting for you in the throne room."

Percy's voice had startled her. Percy was someone Reyna knew back in Rome. Percy had connections in Athens and Rome. It was nice to know someone when she was far away from her home. Malcolm did his best to help Reyna adjust to life in Athens and adjust to life as a queen. Reyna was taken out of her element when she was clad in silk and satin instead of an armour. She ought to look presentable, to always be a figure of poise and elegance so that she could be recognised as the queen. Percy along with Annabeth guided her to the customs and traditions in Athens when Malcolm was away.

"It's been a year since you've become a member of the royal family. Annabeth and I are hosting a ball tonight in honour of that." Percy said.

"Why wasn't I notified about this?" Reyna asked with her eyebrows raised.

"My wife is the princess of Athens, she is as clever as she is beautiful. She could do anything right under our nose. Besides, Annabeth really wanted you to have some time to yourself, you've already done so much."

Reyna was glad that her sister-in-law was such an understanding person, Reyna had a lot on her plate right now. Things between Rome and Athens weren't at their best. There was a man named Octavian who started recruiting criminals to spread terror among the people at the borders between Rome and Athens. Although it wasn't Jason's doing, the nobles blame Rome for being incompetent in controlling Octavian's forces. Reyna has been doing anything in her power to take care of the people by the borders. She sought approval from Malcolm to open up the gates and provide a shelter for the people by the borders. She made sure that there were guards patrolling at the borders both day and night.

Reyna arrived at the throne room. It was different from the throne room in Rome. The wall of the throne room back in Jupiter was built from stone. The throne sat on a three-step platform, made from gold with blood red cushions. Behind the throne room was a stained glass with the portrait of the devil, Jupiter. He sent out orders for unnecessary wars, with innocent men paying for it including her father. There were tapestries of the kingdom's house seal, an Eagle spreading its wings. The throne room was dark and unapproachable, emphasising on the power of a king.

In comparison, the throne room in Athens was much more different than Rome's. Light shone through the large windows, giving it a warm atmosphere. There were flags of Athens' house seal, an owl resting on an olive branch instead of an eagle. The marble floor reflected your own image as you walked in as if you were seen along with the king himself. The throne sat in the middle of the room with two rows of seats by each side. The throne room felt down to earth but without losing any of its regal power. The last time she was in this room was at her wedding.

No one from Rome that she was familiar with came to Athens with her. She felt alone just like how she was when she almost died in the streets. What surprised her was how Malcolm held her hand throughout the whole ceremony, Reyna noticed there was a hint of pride in his eyes when they declared her queen. It warmed Reyna's heart to know that she wasn't completely alone.

"You look amazing," Malcolm said with a bright smile as he held his head up to greet her. His blonde hair was a bit wet due to the snow but nothing could hide the joy in his grey eyes. Reyna's heart lurched at that, she felt guilty that she was unable to reciprocate the amount of love and care he had for her. She tried her best to forget about the past, to forget about Jason but she's unable to. His electrifying blue eyes gave her hope that life could go on. Bad things happen but she could start over.

She heard the sound of a carriage coming to a halt, the galloping of the horses ceasing. A man donned in expensive garments stepping out of the carriage with several soldiers around him. He held out his hand, Reyna hesitated but she looked up and saw the sincerity in his eyes. How wrong she was.

She held his hand and let him carry her to the carriage. Before she closed her eyes, she saw a pair of electrifying blue eyes and a boyish voice saying, "All will be well."

That was a lie but a comforting one.