A/N: I own nothing. Enjoy!

Slight warning for gory scenes, perhaps?

"You!"

Count Castellan screamed furiously. He had spotted Ethan Nakamura among the royal knights surrounding him.

Thalia's blue eyes glinted icily down at Count Castellan, now bound with chains. His sword had long been taken away. His own blue eyes, ones that enchanted many with his beauty, now glared madly at the crown princess and at Nakamura.

"I should have known. It was you, traitor, who spilled our plans, no?"

Nakamura didn't reply, although his gleeful expression confirmed it. Thalia patted Nakamura on the shoulder. He had contributed quite a bit to the success of the counterattack plan on the rebellion.

"You will regret this," spat Count Castellan.

"You should be more concerned about your own safety than mine, Count," Thalia returned easily. "After all it's your head that's kneeling beneath mine. The only reason why I'm not executing you right away is for decorum. You will be tried in court for treason. It'll be quite interesting to see what your defense is."

Count Castellan laughed, his handsome face contorting into lunacy. Thalia's face didn't change as she easily looked down upon the writhing man on the floor.

"You think capturing me will end this? Ha!" The derision in his voice was obvious. "The Cuoran royal family has been rotting for years with a limp sack of flesh for its leader. You people will never survive without our support."

Thalia raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

She stepped closer to Luke, bending her lips down to his ear to whisper. "Why don't we make a bet to see whether that comes true? It's just a shame that you won't live much longer."

"Hahahaha! Like you will? Your brother will usurp the throne after you've done all the difficult work. What you've done is just lay out the easy path for him!"

"Is that what you think our brother-sister relationship is like?" Thalia crossed her arms. "Sorry, but you'll be sorely disappointed in that case."

Luke cackled once again. Thalia frowned as the count seemed on his last vestiges of sanity.

"Hehe, by this time, the Cytheran princess will be dead. We've already known you were collaborating with the Inferis nation. When Prince Jason finds the Cytheran princess' body, he'll think you killed her so he can accept the Inferis princess as his consort. You don't think your brother will turn on you then?"

Thalia didn't change her expression, even though the count's words were concerning. Count Castellan had exposed that the aristocratic faction's spying had dug deep, though not deep enough that their rebellion plans were falling through.

"Keep him alive, but just barely." The crown princess sneered.

The count was right about one thing. The Couran royal family had been rotting down to its very root. Sending royal heirs to kill one another to survive the throne, taking in concubines and queens from other countries who wanted the Cuoran lands. It was time to end it all and begin a new era. The rebellion was just as much a part of the main plan to force King Zeus into retirement and to let the crown princess step onto the throne much earlier than intended.

Thalia walked away as her royal knights converged on the count. His screams were cut off as Thalia exited the throne room and headed back into the battle.

Annabeth drummed her fingers on the windowsill as she gazed through the windows from the ducal mansion. She pursed her lips and smiled sardonically.

Alone again on her wedding night. Luke can consummated the marriage in her past life, then left immediately for his own room.

Granted, this time it was different. Now she waited anxiously for news of her newly minted husband's safety.

Annabeth rubbed her wedding ring, slipped onto her fingers this morning. The plan was to hold a fake public wedding in the afternoon, advertising the place and time as much as possible to the nobility so the aristocracy faction would concentrate their attack on that time.

She knew that she would be in danger as soon as Percy left to fight in the rebellion. What had amazed her was that he had left about fifty of his knights in the Black Knight Order to guard her.

"Don't you need them to fight?" Annabeth had asked worriedly. "Surely you can't leave this many knights just to guard the mansion. They'll be needed at the castle or wherever you're fighting..."

Percy had gently kissed her forehead. "We have more than enough soldiers," he had reassured her. "Besides, it's harder to escape notice of prying eyes if we take too many troops.

Then he had kissed her on the lips and brushed a softer one on the back of her hand. She tied a handkerchief to his wrist for good fortune. As he rode off with the rest of the knights, he had looked back once at Annabeth, as if to carve the memory of her standing at the gate into his mind.

Annabeth drew a shuddering breath. It would be a cruel twist of fate if Percy did not come back unharmed. To lose her husband after finally experiencing what love was like was a pain just as unbearable as losing her child.

Her fist clenched and unclenched.

No. She could not stand idly by this time and watch her happiness and future slip out of her hands so easily.

"Travis, Connor."

"Yes, Madam."

"Are the knights all prepared for battle?"

"Yes, Madam."

Annabeth nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Make sure all the mansion employees are safe in their evacuation spots. Oh, and is there some armor that I could wear?"

"Yes-Madam?"

Travis and Connor looked at each other with worry in their eyes. "Madam...?"

"His Grace wanted us to keep you safe," Travis started.

"So if Percy gets mad, you can defer to me." Annabeth's eyes flashed. "We need to be prepared for anything and everything. Find me a sword and armor if you can, please."

The two brothers looked at each other before bowing to heed her orders. Annabeth turned back to the window where a small dot was becoming bigger and bigger. It was a small troop of soldiers. But the road they had chosen was not towards the castle but towards the ducal mansion.

Annabeth grimaced as she gingerly touched the knife she had hidden in her clothes. It was the same knife she had used that when she and Percy first met in this second life. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. If she died in this life, then at least she would fight hard for both her survival and happiness.

Piper paced in her room. After the morning wedding of Duke Perseus Jackson and the new Duchess, Prince Jason had tried to persuade Piper to stay at the Jackson mansion for safety, or to even go to a safehouse near the border of Cuora and Inferis in hiding. He had been fearful that she would be caught in the mess, especially after talks of spies hidden high in his own network of espionage. But something had stopped Piper from taking either of those options.

If the aristocratic faction had even the smallest inkling that something was up if the Cytheran princess was nowhere to be found in the royal castle, then their counter plans for the rebellion would be for naught. There was even a last luncheon after Lady Annabeth's wedding where all three princess candidates were required to attend before the official selection. Piper's instincts told her that the Cuoran aristocratic faction just wanted to confirm that all three princesses were together and vulnerable to attack, with the exception of the Colchis princess, of course.

Throughout the lunch, there had seemed to be a sort of tenseness in the air. Princess Medea had been cold but cordial at the very least, although Piper knew that Princess Medea had been furious ever since it had been revealed that she was infertile. Now and then, the Colchis princess had given small smiles throughout the meal. In Piper's view, those smiles were nothing less than smirks and sneers, as if Medea knew of the rebellion taking place. Every time Medea sliced through her meat, Piper envisioned that it was Medea slicing through the necks of her enemies.

But Piper didn't feel like running away. Even Annabeth, freshly married, did not secretly escape out of Cuora to avoid the rebellion, but had stayed behind to fight and protect the people under her care. Piper had intensely admired Annabeth for her tough decision. So, Piper, too, would fight.

She had spotted Medea unconsciously rub that strange onyx ring quite a few times during the luncheon. Piper had stayed vigilant, but Medea had not made any moves to use her fascination magic on anyone at the luncheon. Still, that suspicion had remained.

Piper closed her eyes and sighed. Her residence in the Cuoran royal castle was nestled far away from the main residence. Since Jason had failed to persuade Piper to leave the Cuoran castle, he had Piper move deeper within the castle and surrounded her with secret guards. Even though, he had been worried that it was not enough. But no matter how many knights Jason could spare to protect her, Piper knew that that with Medea's fascination magic, it was not a matter of numbers. All it took was just one knight under the influence of Medea's magic to assassinate Piper.

Now, Piper could hear the fighting in the castle getting nearer. Sir Leo, as Piper's personal guard, picked up his double bladed axe and motioned for Piper to hide in the bedroom instead of staying in the drawing room.

"This may get ugly," Sir Leo warned.

"Which is precisely why that I must stay out here. I could help," Piper insisted.

Even to this day, Piper had kept her fascination magic a secret as a hidden weapon. She may not be the best at physical fighting, but words were just as much weapons to break the mind.

Sir Leo opened his mouth to protest. Before he could say a word, the locked door to the drawing room had opened. It was one of the royal knights.

"My apologies, Your Highness, sir. We were sent by His Highness, Prince Jason, to retrieve Princess Piper to another safe location." The knight spoke.

Piper looked behind the knight. There were at least four other royal knights behind the first one. They all looked like the knights Jason had left behind to guard her, but her senses told her something about the situation was odd.

Sir Leo frowned. "The order from Prince Jason was to guard the door to death in case rival soldiers came, not unlock it as to lead the enemies right to us. Who sent you?"

"As I said, Prince Jason gave new orders. We're just following his words," the knight answered, a hint of impatience in his tone.

"Sir Leo," Piper said.

"Stay back, Your Highness."

Sir Leo and the other two knights in the drawing room stood in front of Piper, blocking the royal knights from taking her.

"There's something wrong about them." Piper said, urgently.

"Yes, indeed, there is." Leo narrowed his eyes.

"They've had fascination magic placed on them," Piper continued quickly. "I can undo it."

The royal knights who had walked in had slight glazed looks in their eyes, just like the royal physicians who were sent to examine Piper on the day that she was accused of having a lover and losing her purity. Piper cursed Medea in her head. The Colchis princess' reach extended further than anyone had thought.

"What?"

It was the first time Leo had heard Piper possessed such magic. But Piper had no time to explain as the royal knights approached. The closest one swung his sword, aiming for Piper. Sir Leo stepped forward, blocking the attack.

"Princess! Quickly, go hide!"

"No, cover me, Sir Leo! Buy me a little time."

Piper closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Every second counted, but she had to buy time to summon every bit of her power to counter Medea's magic. The more glassy the expression on the victim meant a deeper and stronger fascination magic had been placed. Reaching into the tiniest corner of her mind, Piper opened her eyes. Expelling the deep breath she had taken, she spoke.

"Drop your weapons."

The tone and quality of her voice seemed to grow richer, the sound waves permeating through every occupant in the room. The royal knights who had forced their way into the room immediately let go of their swords and shields. Even the knights send to guard her dropped their weapons. Sir Leo drew a blank look and started lowering his axe.

"Not you, Sir Leo."

Sir Leo blinked a few times before turning to Piper with a look of astonishment. "Your Highness, you..."

"I'm sorry, Sir Leo, but there's no time to explain. We have to find where the Colchis princess is now!"

With a few more commands, Princess Piper had the royal knights who were previously bewitched tied up with their weapons safely taken away. They were incapacitated with her own fascination magic overpowering Medea's, but it would take precious time to fully undo Medea's magic. Piper was far too concerned about the havoc Princess Medea could cause.

Taking the personal knights with Sir Leo at the lead, Piper headed out of the quarters. The fighting was louder and more obvious as Piper's heart thumped. It was as she feared. Medea's magic was more widespread than ever. Royal knights were fighting their own, no doubt confused as to why their brothers-in-arms were now fighting. But Piper bit down the fear that was beginning to rise in her throat. If the stability in her mind were to break, she could not fully counter Medea's magic.

As soon as Piper had come into view, the bewitched royal knights abandoned their fighting much to the confusion of their fellow knights who had been fighting them. Sir Leo shielded her from a lance, breaking the wooden staff portion with a swing of his axe.

Ignoring the assault, Piper channeled her power through her words once more. Within half a minute, the royal knights were soon kneeling in submission.

"You there, where is Princess Medea?" Piper demanded.

She had to cut Medea off at the source. Overpowering the royal knights were one thing. But if Princess Medea managed to cast her magic over Crown Princess Thalia or Prince Jason, the results would be disastrous.

They moved swiftly through the castle. Everywhere they went, Piper fought against Medea's magic, asking each knight where Medea was. The knights' answers soon led her to the royal hall where so many Cuoran balls and celebrations had taken place. Adrenaline pounded in Piper's body. All around her was fallen soldiers and blood, but she ignored them all.

"There!" Sir Leo pointed out.

In the middle of the hall were a mixture of White Knights and royal knights, all in a frenzy of flashing metal and battle cries. Prince Jason was easy to spot. His helmet must have been lost in the process, as his blond hair stood out among the sea of silver helmets. But the prince ignored the fact, slicing down an enemy before he easily parried another sword aiming at his abdomen.

But it was Princess Medea Piper was focused on. Guarded by a swarm of White Knights and her enchanted royal knights, the Colchis princess approached Prince Jason. She was too close to the Cuoran prince and too far away for Piper to cast her magic.

"No!" Piper screamed out.

As Marquis Ares charged forward, so did Percy on his horse. The two sides of knights and soldiers clashed together.

Percy swung his sword out in front of him, slicing a spear thrown at him in half. Unfazed, Percy pulled his horse and together they soared over an enemy soldier on foot. His target was Marquis Ares, and the marquis only. Behead the leader, and the subordinates would follow. It was now even more crucial for Percy to end Marquis Ares' side of the rebellion as Annabeth was threatened.

Galloping the last thirty meters and avoiding enemies and trees, Percy slammed his sword into Marquis Ares' blade. The clash of the blades knocked both back on their horses due to the whiplash. Percy quickly regained his balance on top of his horse before he could fall. It was just in time as Marquis Ares had aimed to stab Percy in the neck.

Though Percy was much younger in physique, Marquis Ares was also a superb fighter. Back in the marquis' prime, Ares had fought many a battle for King Zeus. His bloodthirstiness and wiliness had been unparalleled until an injury to the shoulder had forced him to return the army commander's title. It was this shoulder that Percy was targeting now. But Marquis Ares was well guarded of his old wound.

Their swords met and met again in a dance of fury. Every fiber of Percy's concentration was spent on engaging Marquis Ares in the fight. For Annabeth. For Cuora, Percy's mind thought. He had to persist in order to protect the people he loved. Now and then as he fought, the handkerchief Annabeth had tied so lovingly and anxiously on his wrist flashed into view as Percy fought. It was now or never.

Finally, Percy feinted an attack to the left. Marquis Ares took the bait as Percy hoped.

"Arghhh!"

Quick as a flash of lighting, Percy struck his sword upwards and made a slice across Marquis Ares' face. In Marquis Ares' pride, he had not worn a helmet, making it easy for Percy to carve a splash of red. Marquis Ares staggered in his horse's seat with a roar of pain and outrage. The marquis' right eye had been rendered useless.

Taking the opportunity, Percy slashed at the marquis' horse, though not aiming for the horse's vital points. Though unharmed but frightened witless, Marquis Ares' horse whinnied and reared up on its hind legs. With his eye injured and in pain, Marquis Ares was unable to stay on his horse, falling off onto the ground.

Before the Marquis Ares could get up on his feet, Percy had aimed his sword at the marquis' throat.

"Come on! Do it, you bastard! What, too coward not to kill?" Marquis Ares yelled. His one good eye stared up in hatred.

It took every bit of Percy's self-control not to slice of Marquis Ares' head. Unfortunately, Percy had orders to keep Marquis Ares alive as evidence of the aristocratic faction's betrayal. Marquis Ares would no doubt be executed later, but only after all information from the aristocratic faction were revealed.

"Unfortunately, your death has already been spoken for. Now shut up."

Marquis Ares tried to scramble up and reach for his sword. Percy was faster, kicking away the marquis' sword and stabbing at Ares' outstretched hand instead. Jason had just said to bring Ares alive. It wouldn't matter too much if the head of the aristocratic faction was missing a few fingers here and there.

With a whistle, Percy brought over a few of his Black Knights who tied up the marquis with chains. With the leader of the attack captured and unable to give orders, the last bit of the mercenaries and foreign soldiers were beginning to be rounded up before they could escape.

"Your Grace!"

Satisfied that Marquis Ares were secure with a wad of cloth stuffed in his mouth, Percy turned to see a scout come with news.

"Your Grace, the ducal mansion has been attacked. A troop of about eighty was seen marching towards that direction."

Percy cursed. He had left about fifty of his best knights to protect Annabeth. He trusted their abilities, even if the numbers were stacked against them. But it was his fear that Annabeth would be hurt in the process.

"Your Grace!"

Another scout came running.

"Prince Jason is requesting assistance. There's a situation back at the royal Cuoran castle."

Percy closed his eyes in frustration. This was what he had been afraid of, being torn between duty and love. But he had to quickly make a decision.

"To the castle. Leave the second battalion to pick up the stragglers and have the first and third battalion follow me to the castle."

Percy pressed his lips to the handkerchief Annabeth had given him. Unfortunately, it had been stained with blood during the fight. He only hoped that it was not a dark omen of what was to come.

A/N: Whew, writing all the different perspectives of the rebellion is certainly one large task. Sorry about the gore if it was a little too much :/ Hope you ate beforehand.

I thought a little bit about whether Percy would go save the person he loves or follow his duty in saving the people he's tasked to do so. But in The Lightning Thief, Percy could have chosen to save his mother down in the Underworld and sacrificed a new friend or himself, but chooses to leave his mother behind until he can go back for her. I think it's justified that Percy would believe Annabeth is capable of defending herself with all the best knights he had left behind and goes to defend the royal family instead?

Also, I apologize for not updating so frequently as before so I wrote a slightly longer chapter than usual. It's almost two chapters rolled into one! I got suckered into watching more Asian dramas with my friends and got into gaming a little lol. Trying to get this all out of my system before I have to head back into the rigorous studying regime in the fall. As always, see ya'll next chapter!