Chapter Three
Perseus was restless that night. His thoughts were filled with the his conversation with the Emperor. He was dying. What made it worse was that it wasn't just the leader of Rome who was dying, but the man who had made him. Yes, Perseus Romulus Jackson, bastard son of Emperor Marcus Poseidon Aurelius.
But this wasn't what had kept him up at night so much as what his father had said right after.
Rome is to be a republic.
In the empty hall of the throne room the Emperor had revealed his wishes for Rome. How would the heir to the throne, Triton, react? Surely it wouldn't be well. Despite not living with the prince of the Empire, Perseus had heard of his temper. Perseus had seen the jealousy in Triton's eyes whenever Poseidon had smiled at one of his great victories in war. He actually pitied the prince, so desperate for his father's attention that he would stoop to jealousy.
He sat up. It was obvious he was not going to get to sleep that night. So he walked out of his tent and out of the fort, leading his horse, Blackjack, out with him. Mounting his horse, he rode the mile ride to the cliffs overlooking the ocean. He walked to the edge, gazing at the horizon. The ocean had always made him feel calm, as if this was his home. His father was named after the Greek god of the sea. Strange that he, the "son of Poseidon," would belong at the sea.
He knew the sun would rise soon, so he rode back to the fort before dawn, and walked to the mess hall. Before he got there forever he was stopped by a voice. "Perseus."
He turned to see a blonde girl who he recognized as the princess' friend. Annabeth wasn't it? He was surprised to see her eyes rimmed with red and tear stains on her cheeks. "I'm sorry, General Perseus?" she corrected herself.
Perseus smiled, "Please, my friends call me Percy."
Annabeth allowed a small smile. "I'm sorry to interrupt but I need to tell you something before the soldiers know. Please, follow me." She lead him by the hand behind a wall in between the barracks and the stables and stayed silent until two soldiers had passed. She blushed when she realized she was still holding his hand and quickly let go. "Something terrible happened last night."
Perseus furrowed his eyebrows. She couldn't have hated democracy that much to believe it was terrible to have Rome converted to a republic. Then again, as far as he knew, the Emperor hadn't told anyone else about his plans. What she said next made his heart stop.
"The Emperor is dead." Then she broke down, her eyes filling up with fresh tears. Perseus didn't know what made him do it but he held her in his arms. She buried her face in his chest, wetting his tunic. Perseus stared at the wall across from him. The Emperor was dead. His father was dead. Sure his bastard father but still, the man had cared for him. The question was, who killed him.
As if she had read his mind Annabeth said, "I think Triton did it." She sniffed and looked up at him.
Perseus' eyes widened. "Triton?"
She gulped and nodded. "The Emperor called me to his room and when I left I went to back to my room. Later in the night I had to, um…" she trailed off and blushed at what she was implying.
Perseus nodded in understanding and beckoned for her to continue. "I saw him leaving the Emperor's room and I hid."
Perseus clenched his fists at the thought. What son killed their own father?
Finally realizing their position, Annabeth backed up and sniffed. "I can't believe he's dead."
Perseus assumed a resolute expression. "Everything will be fine. I suggest you go back to your room."
Annabeth nodded and began to walk away but was stopped by Perseus' hand on her shoulder. She turned to him with a questioning glance. Perseus stepped closer. "Don't worry. Everything will be okay." He smiled and looked into her grey eyes.
They're beautiful, he thought.
Annabeth smiled back. "Thank you Percy," she said before she walked away.
Perseus stood there for a moment until he remembered he was supposed to go to the mess hall when his stomach began rumbling. He made his way to the mess hall, that is, until he felt the hilt of a sword hit his head and he dropped to the ground, unconscious.
Author's Note: Yep. The Emperor's Poseidon. Confused weren't ya? Father of Thalia? Is it Zeus or Poseidon? Why am I using so many question marks? Anyway, please review. Thanks for reading!
