Chapter 56
The house had never seemed more daunting than it did now, and that was saying something. Despite her earlier insistence that this was something she could do alone, Annabeth was glad that Percy had convinced her that he should come with.
Percy had deliberately worn the most 'normal' clothing he owned, complete with a hat pulled as low over his head as it could be while still allowing him to see. Pretty much anything he could do to not draw attention to himself. Just in case someone did notice him though, Annabeth had firmly kept her hands at her side, rather than reaching over to take his like she wanted. Now that they were actually standing in front of the house though, she gave in, squeezing his hand for a moment to try and steady her nerves.
"It'll be alright," Percy assured, looking over to give her a small smile as he squeezed in return "There's no reason for him to turn us down."
"You don't know Luke the way I do-" Annabeth muttered in response, though she knew Percy had a point. He was willing to offer quite a lot, but she still wasn't sure. There was a reason Luke wanted to marry her, and it wasn't money. She wasn't convinced offering gold would be enough to sway him.
Taking a deep breath, Annabeth squeezed his hand one more time before letting it drop "Right, standing out here won't get it figured out. Come on, let's get this over with."
Percy nodded, letting his hand fall to his side as well, before finally starting towards the door, Annabeth following behind. She watched Percy hesitate for just a moment, before reaching up to knock. Once he had, he stepped back so he was standing next to Annabeth on the porch, glancing over to give her one more quick smile before looking back at the door.
It felt like far to long before the door was whisked open, and Annabeth couldn't help but wonder if it was on purpose. He knew that Percy was waiting on the other side, and she could imagine Luke enjoying the idea of keeping the crown prince waiting.
When the door finally opened, whether it was as long as Annabeth felt like it was or not, it was the maid rather than Luke himself. She seemed slightly surprised by Percy, obviously having been told who was coming, but probably not expecting him in such basic clothing. Still, after just a second of hesitation, she curtsied, bowing her head to him "M'lord, it is an honor to have you here. Master Luke is waiting for both of you in the sitting room if you will follow me."
The maid didn't really wait for a response, just holding the door open for Percy and Annabeth, before leading them towards the sitting room. Annabeth had noticed the way Percy tensed ever so slightly when the maid curtsied, and she couldn't help but smile a bit and bump his shoulder as they entered in response to it. He was going to have to get more used to people doing that, but it was cute that he wasn't.
Luke was sitting in the armchair that faced the fireplace, though he quickly pushed himself up and turned to face them when the door opened. The maid announced them, before quickly going to get tea from the kitchen. For a moment Luke just looked at them, before bowing slightly to Percy. Not the fully bow he should have given, but of course Percy didn't seem to mind "Your highness, it is my pleasure to welcome you to my home. Though I must say, I would appreciate more than a day's notice in the future."
"In the future you'll have it," Percy assured, nodding a bit and offering Luke his hand when the man rose, giving him his most 'charming' smile, "Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, but we felt this was important."
"Of course," Luke took the hand, smiling at Percy in return.
Annabeth watched, waiting for Luke to finally turn to her, and her eyes caught on his lips. A shiver ran down her spine, her eyes flicking between the two boys as realization clicked. The smile on Percy's face wasn't his normal lopsided grin, but the formal 'princely' one he was supposed to use in court. The one that had always left Annabeth feeling a little uneasy. And it was mirrored almost exactly on Luke's face.
"And Annabeth," Luke turned, nodding to her but not offering his hand this time, which Annabeth was actually grateful for "As always, it is a pleasure to see you."
"As always-" Annabeth replied, before she could really think about it, nodding as well, but not returning the smile, still a little distracted by the realization.
Luke raised an eyebrow as he glanced between them, before motioning towards the sitting area near the fire as the maid returned with a tray of tea supplies. Percy and Annabeth took the seats opposite each other, leaving Luke to take the seat between them, facing the fireplace.
Small talk lasted just as long as it took for tea to be prepared, though all of the cups remained on the low center table. As soon as the maid had closed the doors behind her, Luke glanced between the other two "Shall we cut to it than?"
Annabeth glanced at Percy for a moment, before looking back at Luke "That would likely be best. I'm guessing you have already started to put together why we are here?"
"I had an inkling, based on the fact that you wanted to meet me together and there seemed like only a few reasons that would happen," Luke shrugged, focusing completely on Annabeth "You want me to call off the arrangement between us so that you can be courted by Percy instead. The only thing I'm confused about is why you were so desperate to talk to me today and haven't brought it up before."
Percy hadn't given Luke permission to refer to him without titles, but if it bothered him Annabeth was happy to see that he didn't show it. "Because I only found out about the 'arrangement' you made with my father two nights ago."
That actually seemed to surprise Luke, who was still focused on Annabeth "Well, for that you have my apologies, I was under the impression it had been discussed with you."
"Apparently everyone was," Annabeth muttered, but if Luke heard her he didn't acknowledge what she had said and instead pushed forward.
"However, I am afraid I can't do what you're requesting," Luke looked between them before, again, focusing on Annabeth. She wasn't sure if she should be flattered or annoyed on Percy's behalf. "Like I said, I'm sorry you weren't informed, but our meetings have been going well, and I do believe we could make each other very happy."
"I'm prepared to more than make up for the inconvenience it will cause." Annabeth was glad that Percy had responded before she could snap at Luke. Percy also sounded annoyed but he managed to keep his words civil, something she was sure she wouldn't have managed. "Whatever Mr. Chase has promised you, I'm sure I can give you something more."
"I am sure you can," Luke replied, and Annabeth was still eyeing him. What was he playing at? "And yet, my answer is no."
"Why?" Percy asked simply, clearly surprised "Whatever you want, I can make it happen. I have money. Or when I become king I could give you titles, lands, whatever it is you want."
"If you become king," Luke corrected, and Annabeth could hear the start of a sneering creeping into his voice "You'll excuse me but I'm still not sure you will, either because the king comes to his senses and lets go of this crazy idea, or you end up backing out. Even if you do become king, that won't be for years. The king is still in good health as far as I'm aware, and it's not like we're in the middle of a war. I don't see him going anywhere anytime soon."
"What do you want Luke?" Annabeth asked, anger and annoyance breaking though now.
"That is my business, but believe me there is nothing that Percy can give me to make up for what I'd lose by calling it off." The sneer in his voice was clear now.
"You're talking about your prince," Annabeth replied, despite knowing Percy probably would have preferred she didn't say anything about it, anger getting the better of her.
"I'm talking to a bastard, who's only claim to the throne is a bloodline he didn't even know about. He doesn't know the first thing about court or running a kingdom. If the king wasn't so blinded by legacy and the idea that his family has a right to rule he would realize he was making a mistake," Luke's voice had risen, all pretentious of formality gone.
Annabeth's fists clenched on her lap, and she was about to push herself up, mouth already opening to reply.
"You're right," Percy's voice still held anger, but it was a lot calmer than Luke's was or Annabeth's would have been if she'd replied "And if you don't want to respect me, or use titles, or anything like that, fine. But how does that have anything to do with me being able to get you what you want?"
"Because I don't believe you are ever going to be king, so why should I take that chance instead of taking the for sure route?" Luke shook his head, pushing himself up from his seat "There is no use arguing it. If that is all then I will kindly ask you to leave so I can get back to the work I originally had planned for today."
Before Annabeth could say or do anything, Percy was on his feet, looking right at Luke "I challenge you to a duel."
That caught Annabeth by surprise, and based on Luke's reaction he was as well. For a moment he just looked at Percy "What?"
"I challenge you to a duel," Percy repeated, and despite the anger his words were careful. Clearly he had thought them out and knew what he was saying.
"Percy?" Annabeth questioned, pushing herself up as well "What are you-"
"Annabeth," Percy interrupted, looking over at her, and something about the look asked her to trust him. Slowly she nodded, and he gave her a quick hint of a smile before looking back at Luke, waiting.
"Why would I agree when I already have what I want?" Percy had Luke's full attention now, and Annabeth could tell he was trying to figure out what Percy was playing at. She was too.
"Honor," Percy replied without missing a beat, but he also added a moment later "And whatever it is you want should you win."
"Whatever?" Luke raised an eyebrow for a moment, and his head was clearly spinning before he finally spoke again "You abdicate. Give up the crown."
"Deal."
"Percy-" Annabeth repeated, growing agitated now. She trusted Percy, more then she trusted anyone else, but what the hell was he doing? Surely there was something that could be done instead, but Percy ignored her. Either because he couldn't let her know what he was thinking with Luke there, or because he didn't want her to talk him out of it. Or both.
"If you win I step down and renounce the throne," Percy repeated steadily "If I win you call off the arrangement between you and Annabeth."
Luke eyed him for just a moment, before nodding and holding out a hand, a smirk starting to play on his lips "Sounds like we have a deal."
Percy just nodded, face serious in response to Luke's smirk. Reaching forward he took the hand, leaving Annabeth with no choice but to watch and hope that Percy knew what he was doing.
