I loved the view of the city from my balcony; it was my personal retreat, especially from the mundane and demanding life of royal politics. I simply loved the way the gentle breeze from the sea felt, when I stepped out onto the balcony, the way it gently caressed my face rejuvenating me from within.

The city was as busy as always, with the shops open and traders and merchants going about their business, people loading cargo onto the boats, and fishing boats getting ready for another day at sea, Women out in the market, some shopping for groceries while others bought fine silks, ornaments and curios, children playing the streets and men getting ready for another day to make livelihood for their family.

I loved my city, Athens. The city was named after the great goddess of wisdom and battle strategy, Athena. Only a few people were aware of the fact that she also happened to be my mother who fell for Fredrick's, The Emperor of Athens, wit and wisdom.

My father always said that I was his Special child who had brought him good fortune and victory in every endeavour, I the Demigod Princess of Athens, Annabeth.

"Princess Annabeth! Princess, are you out there on the balcony?" asked Charis timidly from behind the veils. I had known Charis since I was a child and she had been my mentor, governess and safe keeper since before I could walk on my feet.

Charis was a middle aged woman with dark ash blonde hair that went down to her shoulders and her eyes were a rich dark brown in colour that matched perfectly with her light complexion. She was over the average height and carried herself with dignity and respect.

"You know I don't like it when you call me Princess. Many a times I have asked you to call me Annabeth" I said.

"Sorry Milady, Annabeth I mean." Charis said quickly amending her mistake. I simply smiled.

"There's no need to apologise." I smiled. "Any particular reason you were looking for me?" I asked quizzically.

"The Emperor has asked for you to see him, in the ante chamber adjoining the Throne Room" she said in one breath, each and every word clear and perfectly audible.

"Thank you Charis. I'll meet with him at the earliest. You may go now." I said and she departed my room with a quick bow.

The palace was made of white marble, with gigantic columns of stone and marble on which were inscribed the fables of old and intricate panelling. Stone pillars that lined the hallways on both sides arched into beautiful doorways at the entrance of every chamber and hall.

If one didn't know their way around the palace well they could easily get lost in the maze of corridors. AS I walked through the corridors I admired the various pieces of art that lined the never ending paths. I soon found my way to the throne room and walked in where my father was seated on a Throne made of marble and lined with gold and bronze, I sat next to him on a smaller throne made of silver and marble and I noticed that my father looked nervous.

"My dear Annabeth when a girl comes of age at sixteen, it becomes the responsibility of every father to look for a perfect and respectable groom for her." He said with a smile on his face.

I stared at him in shock. I knew regular girls usually got married when they turned sixteen but I did not know that it applied to me too. None the less I kept my face devoid of any expression.

"Father I can't get married I'm too young and..." I tried to cut in but he wouldn't have any of it

"Don't make excuses child, because you are getting married and I have already picked your fiancé." he said raising his voice but maintaining his calm demeanour.

I knew better than to talk back so I just looked down.

"Whatever you say father, but can I at least know who my fiancé is?"

"I have chosen the best of best for you Annabeth. Your husband to be is Perceus, Prince of Sparta." He said content with his decision and as an afterthought added, "I hope this marriage will also help destroy the rivalry between us, so be nice to him when he comes for a feast tomorrow. That is all." I knew then and there that I had been dismissed.

I was angry. I did not want to get married but I had to, for the sake of Athens. The last thing we needed was a war with the Spartans. I got up and as soon as I left the room I ran to my mother's temple. I loved the architecture of her temple.

Usually I would marvel at it but today I just ran in and I started to cry at the feet of my mother's statue. I heard footsteps behind me so I quickly wiped away my tears and looked behind; it was Chiron, my old teacher. He had been given the responsibility to educate each and every demigod and he was not only my mentor but also a father figure to me. Too most people he was a lame man who walked with the help of a cane but to us demigods he was a centaur. He walked over to me and smiled at me with sad eyes.

"Don't worry Annabeth everything will be fine. You must get going it is almost dark outside." He said, his calm voice bringing the storm within me too rest but for how long I didn't know.

I had to leave before it got dark, my father would be angry if he caught me outside my chamber after dark.

"Thank you Chiron" I said with a quick bow to him and left my mother's temple.

I walked across the garden to my chambers overlooking the ocean, Tomorrow will be a new day