Chapter 1

"Prologue"

Annabeth Pov

Athens, Greece 1250 B.C.E

My arms folded across on the balcony rail of the balcony, the ocean breeze felt smooth against my skin, I watched as noon sky, the time of the god, Apollo would whisk away the sun and Artemis would bring forth the moon. My ears were filled with the loud banter of men, the clash of metal cups or plates and the sound of women laughing.

Below my chambers, it had seemed the celebration had begun and my presence as the queen of Athens would be required. "Your highness, your presence is requested by the king." My eyes closed, I let out a sigh trying to relax before facing a room full of drunken men and a sinister king. Giving up my view of the ocean, I'd make my way down to the feast as Athens had just expanded its empire once more which ought to cause a celebration to be held. I walked down a spiral of stairs that the bottom step led me to walk down a dim-lit hallway the main source of light was the candlelight seeping out from the grand dining hall.

Inching closer, the cheerful banter and the sweet smell of grape wine filled my senses. Upon entering the dining hall, my eyes had to adjust to well-lit room as it was filled with candles, no darkness would dare creep into the room as it was full of light, but Athenians soldiers. The neighbouring nobles all drunk until their heart was content and others enjoyed priding themselves with women. I had no experience on the battlefield nor even witnessed a war, yet my heartfelt burdened as the innocent lives were taken or controlled only to make the greed of my husband content.

"Welcome, my Queen" the king to Athens announced to anyone that wasn't passed out on the floor. The room had fallen silent, everyone had halted their actions as well as their words and turned their attention towards me, dipping their heads even those who were too drunk to walk were able to bow their heads.

I gave a smile and nodded my head, walking down the side aisle I reached the slight steps that led upon what felt like his stage. Standing by his side, his arm snaked around my waist though thank the gods, the embrace did not last long.

"Soldiers of Athens, you`ve fought well, I`ve always respected you all, you`ve served your motherland and your queen well. Now soldiers, stand and drink with me as may the gods keep the wolves in the hills and the women in our beds!"

The room erupted into a loud roar of wooden seats being pushed back against the stone floor and countless of men cheering and smashing their cups together while half the wine spilt onto the floor and the rest down their throats.

I watched as he swallowed a whole cup of wine, stumbling back to his seat, he plumped down and rest his cup on arm of his chair. I followed behind and sat across, watching as the feast grew rowdier, I felt a warm hand snatch up mine, my eyes stared into the ones that raised my hand towards his intoxicating lips. "It seems you`ve been blessed by Aphrodite tonight" He softly spoke.

I smiled in return of his compliment, leaning across so my lips were close to his ear. "I`m blessed by Aphrodite every night clearly your eyes have spoiled by your greed," I remarked.

"Well, of course, my dear. How else is a king supposed to rule" I watched him stumble getting up from his seat, at the side was two servants ready to catch him if he fell personally I would of let me fall straight on his ass since he acts like one. Eventually, he regained his posture and faded into the crowded room full of drunk and satisfied Greeks.

I decided this moment was a perfect time to take my leave, knowing I was only sitting to satisfy the eyes of other intoxicated men. It seemed I was a woman who was seen by all but touched by none. I stood up, some men noticed from the crowd and bowed their heads once more others were unable to tell their left foot from their right foot. Descending the stairs, the servants followed me at my very heels. I walked the path once more, up the stairs and down the hall towards my personal chambers as I entered the chambers, my hands took off the golden wreath crown that signified my royalty I tossed it onto my bed. Usually, the servants would attend to me, but I didn't feel like keeping up with appearances. I fled to the balcony, the view of the ocean that instantly calmed my soul like the sound of the ocean waves washing up on the shore relaxed my tensed shoulders.

A knock upon my door interrupted my single moment of peace, I turned around and saw the door being open as the light from the hallway spilled onto the floor of my room. It was soon shut as a figure entered in and walked towards where I was standing. Coming into my view, it was the King of Athens and my husband, Luke.

"I've received news that the Trojans have finally recognised my power and want to have peace, we leave in three weeks and Annabeth for the gods, try and act like a good wife and queen. You may not act like it now, but Troy has been our biggest threat, I don't want to lose this golden opportunity"

I let out a frustrated breath, I walked past him making sure my shoulder nudge into his chest. "You forget, Athens is my country by birthright and bloodline. You should be the one being careful not to disrespect me." His footsteps grew closer, I felt his chest press against my back and his arms reached forward for my crown on top of my bed.

I felt his breath against my neck as he placed the crown gently on my head. "That was in the past, sweetheart. I saved your poor, pathetic city. I`ve made Athens an empire meanwhile you`ve just been every man's desire" his hands left my hand, the warm feeling of his chest against my back was replaced with the cold wind. He had left without another word, leaving me to stand in the dark and letting his words crumble my wall little by little.