The remaining days until the selection passed by surprisingly quickly, much to Percy's liking. And dislike at the same time as well. After talking with Annabeth he actually felt good for once. On the morning of the selection, his parents gave him some advice and wished him well before going to greet the guests.

What is this, the Hunger Games? Percy thought. It certainly felt like it. Girls fighting his love, and for only one to end sucessfully. He shuddered at the thought; sending tiny prickles down his spine.

On another news, carriages would arrive at the Palace. Annabeth would soon arrive too. That got his heart racing, for reasons he couldn't understand. It didn't matter much to him anyways, because she was simply there for service. Nothing more, nothing less.

Lately, his feelings about her had gone a bit haywire. Percy liked her, that was certain. But something more? Yes, again, that was a definite fact. However they were friends. It hadn't got to that stage. Yet. It was selfish of Percy, by being confused by his own thoughts only made Annabeth more confused. He didn't want to strong her along; or play with her feelings. He didn't want to cause trouble.

Thinking that hard made his head spun, so he just shook the idea out of his head. Besides, he had something else to do. Sally had insisted that he should go try on the suit she got for him, and being the loving son he is, Percy followed his mother's instructions obidiently.

The palace's tailors entered his room, making themselves at home by placing their materials all around. They consisted of fabrics, measuring tapes, sewing goods and more items he's never even heard of.

The tailors helped on his dark suit, which was tinted with dark royal blue. They brushed his unruly hair, but with no luck. His hair remained messy, which Percy liked. Actually, he's prefer it if Annabeth had done his hair. She had always run her hand through his hair when it was messy, making it look perfect.

When she did that, it was so calming. Hypnotizing. Percy really missed that, really.

When they were done, he looked himself in the mirror as the tailors gasped around him. Percy thought he looked like the same old him, but the others around him thought otherwise.

"You look stunning, Prince Perseus!" One said.

"Absolutely captivating!"

"T-thank you!" Percy said, amazed at their work. Just, wow... they sure are were great at what they do. For the finishing touches he adjusted his pin on his shirt, his favourite pin. He thanked all of them once more, before going to the throne room to meet the guests.

While walking, he could see that the some of the maids were whispering and looking his way. Some had a shocked look on their faces, some had hands over their mouths, and some were blushing lightly.

'I get that I don't wear suits often', Percy thought. 'But do they have to look that shocked?;

As soon as he got there, he was greeted with the aroma of a delicious scent. A sweet smell, mixed with all sorts of food. That reminded Percy. Food. His mouth watered at the thought, but he supressed his hunger and sat down on his throne. The plush interior felt soft on his skin; but the cool gold armrests felt ridgid by his touch.

All the food was in the other room- the large dining room. The royal advisors said to him that he would enter soon, about when they had started eating the feast the cooks prepared.

Sitting on the other thrones, were Estelle, Tyson, Paul and Sally. Well, Tyson was off in the forges somewhere but Percy figured he would be here soon. He waved to them sheepishly, as they smiled at him. Estelle smiled the most brightly, giggling as if Percy's presence made her happy.

His mom was wearing a flowing velvet gown that was the colour of gold and blue. Paul, his father, was wearing a matching suit. Little Estelle was wearing a puffy light gold gown, which looked funny on her because it was quite big.

Soon, the whinnying of the horses made it clear that the participants had arrived. Somehow Percy felt an air of calmness. He felt prepared. One by one, the participants entered. Percy couldn't see the other side, but he heard the shrill voice of a royal announcer call out all the names. He trensed up just the slightest bit. Sally have him a sideways look, but didn't inquire anything- Percy was thankful for that- so she simply went back to looking forward stoicly.

"Rachel Dare, Drew Tanaka, Wendy Marvel..." The announcer called out a few other names as Percy waited in anticipation. He could only wait for the name he'd silently been pinning.

"... and Annabeth Chase. Everyone, we welcome you here. We wish you all the best of luck- but before that, please enjoy the feast we have prepared!" The announcer finished the speech, and rolled up the scroll of paper.

And so the feast began, the loud loud chatter of everyone and instrumental music filled the room.