Disclaimer:: I don't own Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus or its characters. They are the property of Rick Riorden, and are not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.
"Hey, Nikki, wake up. We're almost there."
Nico felt Percy shake him gently but resisted. He felt so safe and warm with those strong arms wrapped around him, and he was dreading this moment. When they returned home, back to reality.
"No. I don't want to go home." He mumbled against Percy's chest.
He felt the older boy sigh, "Come on now. You're Father's worried about you."
Nico reluctantly sat up and rubbed his eyes. He felt Percy slip to the ground from behind him.
"I should walk from here."
Nico nodded. He really didn't want to go home.
As they approached the gate he heard the call go up, The Prince had returned. Quickly they were surrounded by guards and the young prince was pulled from the horse. There was so much commotion and everything was happening so fast his head was spinning. He looked around frantically for Percy but all he could see was the uniforms of the guards. Before he knew what was happening he was being ushered through the gates, down the streets of the village and into the castle. Servants swarmed him in worry and so many people were talking at once; his head began to pound. And where was Percy?
"Enough!" Everyone froze as the King stepped in the room. He approached his son slowly. "Are you okay?" Nico nodded. "Good. Take him upstairs and get him cleaned up, then bring him to the hall."
With that his father gave a quick nod and turned on his heel before leaving his son to be taken care of by servants. Nico scowled, he shouldn't be surprised. What had he expected, a big heart filled reunion? From King Hades? Yea, right. But it would have been nice for him to show he was even a little bit relieved his son had been returned safely. The Captain of his guard nodded and took hold of Nico's arm, gently pulling him towards his room.
After a hot bath and the meal of fruit and cheese that had been left out for him Nico made his way to the hall to face his father.
Nico had always hated the Hall. It was a cold and bare room, with stone walls lit up by torches. Three thrones sat on a small raised platform in front of large stained glass windows. His Father and step-mother were sitting in two. When Nico stopped at the foot of the dais he gave a small bow to his Father and waited silently. The King sat slouched in his large throne, chin resting on his hand as he studied his son. Nico fought the urge to fidget. Finally his father leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees, hands clasped.
"So how long have you been sneaking out to see that common boy?" He asked in a steady but hard voice.
Nico's jaw dropped, "Really? That's what you want to talk about? Not, I don't know, maybe about how I was just kidnapped? By frickin pirates!" He didn't mean to yell, but he was so angry.
"Why would we talk about that? It's done and your home now." Hades waved his hand dismissively "This situation with the common boy however needs to be dealt with."
"Dealt with? What situation? He's my friend, he was helping me train."
"Why would you need to train with some little base court cur? Our Guard is made up of the best swordsman in the kingdom!"
"Your Guard is made up of cowards who are too scared of you to train seriously with the Crown Prince. And Percy is the best swordsman in the kingdom." Nico met his father's eyes, scowl for scowl.
"You are not to see that boy again! He's lucky I'm not throwing him in the dungeon!"
"The dungeon? He's the one who brought me home!"
The King roared, his harsh voice filling the barren room, "And that's the only reason he's free! It's his fault you we're taken in the first place! That bawdy, dim witted whelp! I mean it Nico, no more; I will not have my son embarrass this kingdom with such an affair! If I hear even a whisper you're still seeing that boy I'll lock him up! Without a second thought!" Nico glared at his Father, "Do you understand me boy? That is an order, as your Father and your King!"
"Yes, Sire." Nico spat out between clenched teeth, hands in fists at his sides.
"Good. Now get out of my face."
Nico turned on his heel and stormed out of the hall. He could feel his whole body shaking in anger. How dare his Father talk about Percy that way? The man didn't even ask about the kidnapping or the pirates. All he cared about was how it looked that the Prince was friends with a commoner. No, he didn't say friendship, he used the word affair. His Father didn't want anyone to think the boys we're having an affair. Nico kicked the suit of arms next to the door and watched as it fell with a clatter before stalking to the front door. He had to get out of the castle and away from his father. As he reached the doors he felt a firm hand on his shoulder. He turned and looked up at the Guard, his name was Will and he had always been very nice to the Prince.
"I'm sorry, my lord, I can't let you leave." His voice was soft and sad, he really did look sorry.
Nico nodded and turned back to the stairs to his room. His home was now his prison.