Percy was a complicated prince. That was anyone's guess.

There were about two unlikeable qualities of Percy that was known by everyone in the kingdom.

About two hundred more Annabeth definitely knew.

Impulse, as you can clearly see, was one of them. What were the other two known by everyone? His obliviousness, and of course his tendencies to bring trouble where ever he went. That didn't stop his fangirls from kissing the very ground he walked on. His fans made Annabeth gag sometimes. What more unlikeable traits did he have? Well, his cockiness, attitude, sarcasm, idioticness... Annabeth could list manymore, but she's be there all day.

"Oh no, we are done." She glowered, a warning look in her eyes. "The guards will take care of them, correct?"

Percy stammered. "Well, yes, but-"

"Then there's no need to do so." Annabeth simply finished, shutting Percy up. "Right?"

"Right," Percy repeated, sighing. It looked like the sun was going to break out anytime soon- that probably meant the escape of the intruders. As the two walked, (To the infirmary as Percy announced) it felt like it was somehow getting more brighter. It seemed like a fairytale really, coming from a long battle, two old lovers reunite injured and take care of each other. But in this case; they were not in a fairytale. Nor were they lovers. Bitterness made Annabeth laugh. She wasn't meant to be anything more than the best friend. The side character.

Annabeth only frowned deeper.

"Got it. And-" A voice, most likely one of the many guards, trailed off. "Hold on... I think someone's here..!" Footsteps could be heard inching closer and closer by the millesecond, getting more frantic with each step. Percy and Annabeth looked at each other.

"Put me down." Annabeth instructed as Percy followed suit. She shoved the black silk bag in his hands. By what Percy could feel it seemed rather... cylinder like. And slightly buzzing with what sounded like static electricity. He was hesitant to take it, but did it when he saw the look of urgency on his friends' face.

"You take this to them, I'll hide."

Percy scowled. "Why? Just stay here. Your injuries could get infected, and-"

"We don't know each other." Annabeth bluntly stated. "At least, not around anyone else. I'm just here to play in as a participant in the selection. Now go. Before they see me." As cold as it was, the two of them knew that the statement was quite truthful. They both understood what it meant.

"I don't know you," Percy repeated. "And you don't know me."

"Right."

He gave her a sad smile.

"Please?" Percy asked once more, already anticipating the answer.

"I'm sorry."

Annabeth could only say that. "I'll, ah, see you around." He smiled sadly and gave one last look before turning away. Annabeth returned the smile,pain etching her features. No matter what, Percy was fine without her. And with that, she hid behind a wall as Percy and the guard interacted with one another. She his behind walls a lot more than she did before. Annabeth was getting a bit sick of it- she wanted nothing but to be with Percy. If only everyone knew.

The day that came would be chaos.

Lo and behold the guard clad in the Royal attire. Percy said something about the bag in his hands, and the guard took a double take. He looked back at the prince, and then that bad. And did it again about three more times.

"I... I'll alert someone with a higher authority than mine, sir!" He stammered. Percy grimaced at his politeness.

"Okay," Percy murmured, taking a glance over his shoulder to look at Annabeth. She retracted her peeking head as the guard followed his gaze.

"Is something wrong, sir?"

If they were going to address him, he would much prefer a simple Percy. But Annabeth always insisted that he got used to formalities, so here he was. Percy, as unsurprising as he was, hated higher titles and forms of heirarchy. Why respect someone just by their title or blood? He didn't owe anyone anything. Maybe he was overreacting.

"Everything's alright," He said.

There soon came the time that Percy was whisked away. He didn't know what Annabeth was doing, or where she was, and he suddenly felt sick. When was the last time he slept? Was he up all night? As he lay in the private Royal infirmary being treated of his wounds, Percy just felt empty. Annabeth was probably back at her rooms. Lucky.

"Percy!" Sally bursted through the mahogany doors, features painted in concern. Her blue eyes meet Percy's sea greens, quickly brightening when he saw her som.

"Dear, are you okay? We've been worried about you!" She said. Sally pressed a hand to his forehead, feeling the cool skin against her own Percy smiled greatfuly.

"Yeah, mom, I'm just fine." Percy replied, shutting his eyes. His whole body felt warm; weak and shaky. He hated the feeling. For one, he wasn't sick. Neither his body or throat felt sore, so it wasn't a cold.

After a minute of silence, Percy opened up an eye. He was met with his mother's cold glare, despite a tight smile on her lips. She clapped her hands once, the action sending an echo throughout the near-empty room.

"How could you...How do I put this?" Sally started. "How could you do something so reckless? And by yourself? Have you had any idea about how worried me and your father were!?" She drilled him with questions. Percy winced at the earful.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, okay? I just wanted to help!" Percy apologized repeatedly. "But I-" Sally was now radiating with anger. Even one of the maids in the corner was getting a bit stiff. A bullet of sweat ran down Percy's forehead, leaving damp skin against the cool air.

"You were stabbed! And with no company! Sweetie, I know that your skills are exceptional. But what if you-"

"I wasn't alone," He said, looking over to the maid. She looked away and stared at the ground. Sally have a questioning look at him, pausing her recent actions for a moment. She shook her head and sighed.

"Miss, I'm terribly sorry for inconvenience. But I would like to spend some alone time with my son right now." Her voice dropped with feigned innocence as she gave a bright smile to the girl.

"Yes, your highness. Right away."

The girl scurried off.

"Percy, what do you mean by you weren't alone?" Percy struggled to find a good answer.

"I was with Annabeth," He said, picking at his fingernails. "She helped me with my attempt to catch the intruders. And, uhm, obtain what they were trying to steal." Percy cleared his throat awkwardly.

"I see. And where is she now? Is Annabeth okay?"

"She's fine. At least, that's what I'm hoping."

Sally patted Percy's shoulder before standing up, her eyes wrinkling with worry.

"Are you sure?" She asked, lips turning into a slight frown. Percy nodded his head tiredly and slumped. His leg, now disinfected and wrapped in a white cloth, was throbbing numbly.

"N-no..?"

.

.

For Annabeth, if she could say no to Percy that one day, she would've. That darned day. Why did she accept to being the selection anyways?

The day after the whole break in was chaos. News reporters were in every direction; swarming the castle as journalists were trying to sneak into the palace to get a glimpse of the Royal family. The selection, as you can imagine, did not stop. Much to Annabeth's demise. Her body was in a slightly better shape, she drank more tea which did wonders.

Will scolded her for escaping during the dangerous situation when she was clearly 'Sick and out of it'. Was Annabeth sick? Yes. Was she out of it? Again, yes. Will was a smart Annabeth still thought her choice was the best option out of helping her friend or leaving them. Will just deadpanned and walked out of the room.

After two hours and twenty six minutes of treatment, (Her wounds of course) she was feeling a lot better. Will have her some food called 'ambrosia', Annabeth was familiar with it when she and Percy's spars got out of hand. A quick bite and bam! You're better. Eat to much, although... You could feel like your body was on fire. A little like how Annabeth was feeling just the other night.

"You're discharged," He drawled out, turning his back on her to make his leave. He waved his clipboard in the air. "You're better now. just take it easy from now on."

Annabeth smiled.

"Roger that."

That day, Calypso made a visit earlier in the morning. Bringing a get well card and a flower she picked from the gardens, (The palace was swarmed. So swarmed in fact, that Calypso couldn't get to a florist to buy some herself.) she talked a bit with Annabeth.

"You're bleeding!" Calypso pointed out, a bit of dried blood on her arm. Annabeth have a reassuring smile.

"It's just a little cut," She insisted."While I was evacuating last night, and tripped. Trust me, it looks a lot worse than it feels." Annabeth lied. But it was harmless, really. She didn't want her to know where it's origin was really from. One, that would revealer role in the selection; and two: Annabeth didn't want to trouble Calypso with the worry.

Piper visited as well, bringing a plate of cookies and other baked goods. It smelled heavenly.

"I got these from the kitchen," She said, placing the white glass plate beside her. "It's taking me all my willpower to not eat them right now." Piper heavily sighed, stomach growling just the slightest.

"You sure?" Annabeth giggled, holding a cookie with a not-so-subtle bite mark in it.

"Alright, maybe I did eat one. Or two."

"That's what I thought."

Hours of sleep. Pure bliss. Have you ever pulled an all nighter? It's absolutely draining, especially when you've stayed up for more than twenty four hours. Annabeth was greeted with a dreamless slumber. Just how she liked it.

Though, concerns about Percy was deeply stressful. The palace was still reeling in from a break in, after all. Annabeth believed that a few things were stolen. Any news on that topic wasn't quite released.

It took some great acting skills and perseverance, but Annabeth managed to minimum her limping to a all time low. She found more comfort in casual wear than a dress, so Annabeth did so. Will and the other doctors instructed she wear something comfortable; so it wasn't like she could wear anything else, anyways. Surprisingly, Nico came along offering her a ride back to the selection grounds. Annabeth had politely refused. He looked pretty tired himself, too. He probably needed more rest than her.

Dana as the others greeted Annabeth back with the same hospitality they held at the very beggining. Annabeth was heartwarmed. They were truly the living examples of 'Comforting'.

Because Annabeth didn't tell them about her little sneak out with Percy, she lies on how she got it.

"you know, the usual. A metal pipe, a large case of stairs and clumsy ol' me." Annabeth squirmed a bit. "Please don't ask."

Julia only laughed. "We weren't going to," She said patting her shoulder. "You should rest up more. The selection-"

"The selection doesn't stop for anyone. Yeah, I know." Annabeth finished, grinning.

"It's nice to see you back to your usual self!" Elizabeth chided. She looked over to the door. "That reminds me. A visitor came by yesterday! I told her you'd be free by about this hour," She trailed off. "It's alright if you give her a visit, right miss Chase?"

'Another visitor?' Annabeth frowned. 'Sally, maybe?'

"Of course."

Expecting someone Annabeth was familiar with, she complied easily. Who could be visiting her now?

It wasn't someone Annabeth was familiar with. Or on good terms, for one.

Grey eyes.

Brown hair.

Same cold gaze.

I'm not dead! just on the inside!

exams and due assignments can take the name for killing my soul. I couldn't help but feel this chapter was a little more off than usual. but I updated! so here you guys go!

Thanks for reading, as usual. :)