AN: Annabeth and Percy may at first seem to not get along, but it will follow the book a little with their relationship. At first, they may seem like enemies but they'll fall for each other without realizing it.
The plane landed at a small airport at the edge of what looked to be a big city. As they got their bags and piled into the car, Dr. Thorn drove them towards the large buildings. It was cold, colder than it had ever gotten in New York, and the car's heat didn't seem to do much for their shivering forms. They were halfway to the castle when Percy gasped, his eyes wide as he stared at his phone.
"What?" Nico asked, looking over at him. "What's wrong?"
Percy's face broke out into a grin. "Guess what."
"What...?"
"The legal drinking age here. It's sixteen." he shook Nico's arm. "Guess what we're doing later!"
Nico couldn't help but smile. "Why are you so obsessed with the law? I'm the prince, remember?"
Percy's eyes flashed with mischief. "You know what that means?"
"Tonight is going to be fun." Nico agreed. "We just have to get through...whatever we have to do first. Dr. Thorn, what are we doing?"
The man scowled. "My actual name is Henry Andrews, sir."
"Okay. Dr. Thorn, what are we doing?" Nico repeated. "Where are you taking us?"
The guard looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. "To the castle, Prince Itla. Your father would like to meet you and talk to you."
"Oh, great," Nico mumbled. "Just great."
"Hey, it won't be that bad." Percy reasoned. "He might be nice."
Nico stared at him as if he was insane. "Really? You really think he could be nice? Wake up, Percy."
"I was trying to help." Percy defended. "You looked worried."
"How aren't you worried?" Nico reasoned. "He's insane!"
"We haven't met him yet. He might be better than people say." Percy shrugged. "We'll just have to see."
"We'll just have to see..." Nico repeated sullenly.
The castle was large, with towers reaching towards the sky. Looking like something from the medieval ages, it towered over them as their car pulled to a stop in its circular driveway. Nico looked up at it for a minute before getting out, Percy following. The cold air stung their bones and watered their eyes, but they weren't ready to go in. Not yet.
Dr. Thorn stepped out of the car and opened the trunk, getting their bags out for them. "Prince Nico, shall we go inside?"
"Shall." Percy chuckled to himself as he followed Nico inside, his hands deep in his hoodie's pockets. Despite the cold weather, he wore shorts that he'd wear in the summer. "Let's get inside already."
They followed Dr. Thorn up the large thing of steps before following him through the large doorway, walking into a large parlor that was bigger than their apartment. Two staircases led to an upstairs landing, and various statues showed that the owners were wealthy. Dr. Thorn gave their bags to a couple teenagers than ran up, both dressed in black dress pants and button-down shirts.
Nico looked over at them, stared a little too long at the blond boy. "Where are you bringing those?"
The boy looked up at Nico, looked into his eyes before bowing. "Your rooms, your majesty. Would you like them somewhere else instead?"
"Um...no, that's okay. Our rooms are fine." Nico jabbed Percy in the ribs. "Stop staring like an idiot."
"I'm sorry that this room is bigger than our whole apartment." Percy rubbed when Nico had touched him. "What are your fingers made of?"
"Prince Nico, sorry to interrupt but please follow me." Dr. Thorn was to the far wall, standing in a large doorway. "I'll show you to the meeting room. Your father is waiting for you. Your friend can go to his bedroom."
"And where is that?" Percy gestured around him. "Have you seen the size of this place?"
"Follow the servants. They'll be putting the bags in there. Prince Nico, please follow me." Dr. Thorn started out of the room, leaving Nico no choice but to follow. He glanced back at Percy nervously before disappearing through the doorway, leaving Percy alone with the two blond servants that had been watching them as if they were a TV show.
"Uh...hi." Percy waved awkwardly. "My name's Percy."
"Will Solace." the boy introduced. "My sister is Annabeth."
The girl had the bags over her shoulder as if they didn't weigh a thing. She stared at Percy, her gray eyes calculating. "You're the prince's friend?"
"We grew up as brothers," Percy explained. "My mom adopted him. So...you'll show me where my room is? I know I'll get lost in here."
"If you get lost you're an idiot." Annabeth started to walk out. "This place is like any other castle." She was out the door before Percy could say another word, leaving him alone with Will.
"Sorry about her." Will huffed before rearranging the bags in his arms. "Want to get moving? I can give you a tour after I put these bags down if you want."
"Do you want help carrying them?" Percy asked. "Cause I can help. I'm not the oh so glorified prince."
Will tossed Percy one of the duffel bags. "Let's get going before Annabeth finds us sitting around."
Percy followed him out of the room, followed him through hallways he couldn't help but be in awe at. But even though he had so much to think about with all the beautiful places they passed, he couldn't get his mind off of Annabeth.
