Later that night, Queen Sally came to meet her son. She found him sitting on his couch, head in his hands.

Sally sat next to her son and put her arm around his shoulder. He leaned into her touch and looked at her, confused and angry.

"Why is he doing this? Why?" Percy asked helplessly.

His mother sighed and said, "To take people's mind off the problems. He thinks they need a distraction. A Selection is the best he can think of."

"The people need solutions not stupid distractions!" He said desperately.

"I know. I know. I tried to explain it to him. But he is very convinced that it will work. I'm not very sure though."

Percy inhaled deeply and said, "How did Annabeth react?"

"She doesn't know." Sally replied cautiously.

"What?!" He asked for the third time that night. He had stood up, outraged and shocked.

"She hasn't been informed yet." His mother repeated gently. "Your father thinks its for the best."

"I DON'T CARE WHAT THAT DOUCHE THINKS." Percy screamed, furious.

Sally sat there in shock for a moment and then before she could say anything, the chamber doors burst open to reveal a fuming King. His face was red from anger, eyes as wide as they could get.

He turned to his wife and said in a deadly calm voice, "Out."

"Your Majes–" The Queen started to say, but was cut of by the King's booming roar.

"OUT!"

Sally jumped up and scurried over to the door. She threw a worried look at her son before exiting.

"Close the door!" Gabe called out to the guards stationed outside the chamber. Jason Grace and Frank Zhang threw a scared look at their friend, the Prince, before carrying out the King's orders.

Gabe then turned towards Percy, who was transfixed in shock and fear. King Ugliano stormed towards his stepson and grabbed him by the front of his sweatshirt. He was a bit shorter than Percy, but still looked insanely scary.

"What did you call me, punk?" Gabe asked through gritted teeth.

Percy stayed quite knowing that any sound he made would lead him to greater trouble.

Gabe pushed him down on the floor. He took off his belt with lightning speed and it came down on the Prince's back with as much force as possible.

Percy grunted which caused another whip, with even more force.

Annabeth rushed down the hall towards Percy's chambers. When she reached it, Jason said quickly, "Its bad this time." He opened the door and she slipped in quietly.

Walking into the bedroom, she saw her best friend lying on his chest, shirtless, sweating and in pain. There were long, angry red mark all over his back, and a few cuts oozing blood. The old scars made the scene even more gruesome.

Annabeth rushed over to his aid. She went to the bath chamber to retrieve the first aid kit. She cleaned the blood with a wet clothe and bandaged them, humming their song all the while. After she was done, she helped Percy sit up and propped him over some pillows.

Percy slowly opened his eyes and looked at Annabeth. His sea-green eyes stared up at her grey ones. He never felt more at home.

Percy wanted to fall asleep. He wanted to rest. But he needed to finish a work before that. He had a little question that he'd wanted to ask since he was 9 years old, and had got his first beating.

"Why do you do this? Why do you always do this?" He asked. "You don't have to. Then why? Anyone could do it. Frank, Jason, a nurse, anyone. Every time there's an attack, you come to me to make sure I'm okay. Why? Its not your job!"

Annabeth smiled softly and said in a tender voice, "Because you're my friend Seaweed Brain and I don't trust anyone with your safety but myself. And may I remind you, you do so much for me too! So, any more stupid questions?"

Percy smiled the best he could manage and shook his head before nodding it.

Annabeth sighed and waved to him pretending to be annoyed. But her smile gave her away.

His smile disappeared and he took a deep breathe.

"Do you know about th- the Selection?" He asked hesitantly.

Annabeth nodded grimly but said nothing.

"And do you know-" Percy started to say.

"That I'm participating to keep an eye on the girls? Yes. Just like, half an hour before Frank went to call me."

There was a beat of silence. The Prince asked slowly, "How do you feel about it?"

Annabeth just shrugged, fiddling with her fingers.

"I mean, I guess it'll be fun. I'll have some time to read." Percy chuckled at that and said, "She doesn't care about her best friend's wife but about her books."

Annabeth swatted at his arm, careful not to hurt him, then continued.

"Well, you can't work your way around a paper bag without me. Let alone choose a wife. And I guess its good to know that you won't mess up. I would've been super worried about you picking a dolphin as the next Queen." This time, Percy swatted at her arm.

They talk for two more hours before Annabeth left, telling him to rest. Percy fell asleep with a smile on his lips.

"–But not to worry. We've increased the security in the important cities and in the countryside. So the citizens shall be safe from the rebels as long as you follow the safety measures." King Gabe said into the mike, looking into the camera D. "Now I'll like to hand over the mike to Prince Perseus. I believe that he has a very exciting announcement to make."

Percy strode over to the podium. No one would be able to guess that he got whipped the previous night by the way he walk, so straight and confident.

"Thank you Your Majesty." He spoke into the mike, throwing a glance and Gabe, who grained falsely. Percy put on a similar smile and continued.

"I indeed, have a very exciting announcement to make! But before that I'd like to speak about the new budget cuts." He went on for half an hour about budget cuts and new government policies and what changes they were planning to make in the industries and a new peace treaty with Skye.

"And now, the announcement you've been all waiting for. You see, I am 24, turning 25 in 4 months. I'll become King in 6 years. And for that, I'll need someone to rule with me. As a Prince, I have many responsibilities and as a King those will double. Its too much fore one person to handle. For my father, His Majesty King Gabe, he had my mother, Queen Sally by his side, who has done so much to help Atlantica. The King found my mother in his Selection, 27 years ago and I—" Percy paused for a dramatic effect. "I hope to find my wife, my Queen, in a similar Selection. That's right citizen of Atlantica, I, Prince Perseus Jackson of Atlantica, I am holding a Selection!" He spread his hand and looked straight at the camera and grinned.

The ministers, (super) extended family members, a few servant and guards applauded for ten seconds before the director waved for them to stop.

Percy smiled and continued, "This week, forms will be sent to every eligible girl in Atlantica. If they wish to, they can fill up the form and submit it to their Provincial Office. You have the time for three weeks, that is, until 24th October. On 26th October, Friday, I will pick one name from each district. The 35 selected girls will come to the Palace on 29th October, Monday. The Selection will officially begin on that day. I hope for your participation and wish you best of luck. Also I request you to pray for an excellent Queen. And please don't forget to prey for me!"

There was another round of applause and that lasted for exactly 7 seconds.

"That's it for this week. Stay safe Atlantica!" Percy said looking away from camera B and looked into F before walking back to his family. The King and Queen had stood up. Percy stood between them.

The national anthem began to play and the screens displayed the national emblem. Soon the cameras red light on the opposite wall blinked off, signifying the end of the live telecast.

Percy sighed and made his way towards exist, after saying goodbye to his mother.

Once in his room, he took off his sap green blazer any threw it on the couch before flopping down on beside it, wincing from the pain in his back. Leaning his head back, he had barely closed his eyes when there was a knock on the door.

Hoping it was Annabeth, he called, "Come in."

The one who opened the door, was not his best friend, but a tall, slim man with salt-n-paper hair. Paul Blofis, Sally's closest advisor.

Paul was in a black businesses suit, his hair jelled back as usual, hands clasped behind his bag. He was what Percy had closest to a father figure. He'd always supported Percy and gave him valuable advises. With his casual smile and laid back attitude, Paul had been the father the Prince always dreamt of having.

But today, his smile was replace by a grim expression. The way he was frowning and shifting from foot to foot, lead Percy to believe that he was extremely uncomfortable.

"Hey Paul! What's up?" Percy asked, standing up.

Paul nervously fixed his blood red tie and said, "Nothing. Just had to talk to you about something..." This is one thing Percy liked about Paul, he knew Percy didn't like to called by his titles.

"Yeah?"

"Well you see, you're holding a selection," Percy clenched his fist at that. Paul glanced at his hand nervously before continuing. "And then you'll get married, then you'll become the King, and then..."

"And then?" Percy asked, irritated. He didn't need to be reminded of all those things.

Paul took a deep breath before saying, "Youwillhavetoprovidethekingdomwithaheir."

"I am sorry, I didn't get you?" Percy asked, confused. It wasn't usual for Paul to be so nervous. "Are you alright Paul, you look a bit...sick."

Paul chuckled nervously, and shook his head before taking another deep breath.

"After you get married and then become the King, you'll have to provide the kingdom with a heir." Paul said slowly.

Percy stood their stunned, trying to decipher what he'd just said.

"Oh." He said, then after an awkward second, "I know."

Paul smiled weakly and continued. "Your father... He wants you to take a class."

"A class." Percy repeated, dreading where this was going.

Paul nodded and said, "About– about sexual education..." He was clearly extremely awkward.

"Yeah I guessed that much." Percy replied breathing in deeply.

"You'll have only one class." Percy sighed in relief. Paul chuckled. "Its tomorrow." Percy gasped in horror. Paul chuckled.

"B-but I've got tons of work tomorrow." Percy argued.

"All those were cancelled. Now you only have the class."

Well that's good news. He could have a free day after the class.

"How long is it? The class?" Percy asked.

"From 10 A.M. to 7 P.M."

"What?!" Percy was using that word way too much now a days.

"You heard me." Paul sighed

"But wh-what could take that long?!"

Paul just shrugged and gave him a look of pity. Percy sighed and ran a hand through his jet black locks.

"I'll get going." The older man said after an awkward beat of silence. "You will meet your teacher in your Office at 9:30, just after breakfast."

The Prince nodded before smiling feebly at his mother's advisor. Paul was about to leave when he hesitated and turned around.

"You know I'm here for you, right?" He lokks at the younger boy with a forlon look in his eyes. "I know this is taking a toll on you and I wish you didn't have to go through this at all... but, if you need any help or some time out, you can always come to me."

Percy was a little stunned and kinda touched. God, he loves Paul.

"Thanks," he smiled, blurry eyed. "I- this means a lot to me."

Paul smiles back and stands there for a second. And Percy, overcome by emotions and gratitude, pulls Paul into a hug. Paul doesn't hesitate to return it.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, the fortunate Selected girls are going to be announced." King Ugliano said. "We've received hundreds of forms in these three weeks. And today, one was picked randomly from each Province."

Percy almost snorted at that. Anyone working at the Palace could say that all the forms were scrutinized and only girls within the castes of two to five. If Gabe could, he would choose twos only. But that would've made it very clear that the forms were not at all randomly picked.

"But before that, I would like to introduce a very special guest. He will be hosting the Selection Weekly Report for our beloved Prince." The King continued. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, the host of this Selection, Apollo Solace!"

From behind the curtains, a tall, handsome blonde man with bright blue eyes, burst onto the set. The crowd cheered for about 6 seconds as Apollo waved at the camera, grinning his award winning smile. After the applause died down, he spoke.

"Hello Atlantica!" He screamed. "How are you this evening. Oh wait don't answer that! Of course you all are great. I'm here after all!" The crowd have a laugh and Apollo bowed slightly.

Then he turned to Gabe and bowed lower. "Good evening, Your Majesty."

Gabe nodded and replied with a short, "Evening, Apollo.", before taking his seat beside the Queen.

"First of all, I'd like to thank His Majesty, King Ugliano, for introducing me." Gabe gave a tight smile.

"Next I'd like to thank His Highness, Prince Jackson, for giving me the privilege of anchoring his Selection." Percy smiled and nodded. It wasn't his idea to get Apollo to anchor the Selection, it was Gabe's.

Its known by everyone that Apollo had anchored King Gabe's Selection before this. He seemed the most eligible for anchoring Percy's.

"Before we call out the names of the lucky 35 girls, let's ask some questions to the Royal Family. First let's bother the man of the evening, Prince Perseus!"

He walked over to Percy, who was sitting on Sally's right.

"How are you feeling tonight Your Highness?" Apollo held the mike of to Percy.

"I'm feeling excited! Can't wait to see who have the possibility to become the next Queen!" Percy replied smiling falsely.

"Well aren't we all?! How do you feel about the Selection in general, Your Grace?"

"Well, its nerve racking. And daring. But exciting too. And...well I lack the vocabulary to express how happy I'm, to be seeing my possible future wife!" Percy said.

Apollo nodded and asked, "Are you nervous?"

"I've to admit, I am. But the adrenalin is doing a good job!"

"Well my advice is to sit tight and just have fun!"

"I'll try." Percy chuckled.

"Well thank you so much Your Highness. I wish I could bombard you with more questions, but I'll have to move on. Let's speak to Her Majesty, Queen Sally now."

Apollo turned his attention to the Queen and said, "How are you feeling tonight, my Queen?"

Sally smiled, and said, "Proud is the only word that can describe my feelings right now." And scared and worried and disgusted, she thought.

"Its hard to believe that my little boy is going to choose a wife!" And that he would not do it on his own accords.

"How sweet! Do you know the names of the Selected girls?"

"I have no idea! We are going to see the girls at the same time as the whole country." Sally lied.

Apollo nodded and said, "Any advice to the girls?"

Sally smiled kindly and said, "Just be yourself and everything will be alright."

"Any advice for the Prince?"

"Oh I could give him tons. But most importantly, follow your heart."

Percy smiled at his mother, this time, a small but genuine one.

"Now let's talk to King Gabe. How are you feeling tonight Your Majesty?"

"Well I'm feeling proud and a bit emotional, I've got to admit."

Percy nearly laughed out loud at that. Gabe. Proud. For him. Yeah right.

"Any advice for your son?"

"Well I'll just like to remind him that he's not just choosing a wife, but also a Queen."

Percy smiled rightly and bowed his head.

Apollo continued. "Of course! Its well known that our Price is the heartthrob of almost every lady in the kingdom. So let's not keep those ladies waiting anymore! Let's announce the lucky 35!"

Percy smiled stalked over to the podium as a maid placed a few envelopes on it.

Percy approach it and spoke into the mike.

"I'd just like to thank you all for giving me so much love and being with me in such a vital moment of my life. Now let's not keep us waiting!"

He took the first envelope, hardly able to keep my hands from shaking.

"Zoe Nightshade, from Whites, 3!"

A picture of a brunette flashed across the screens, before moving to the corner.

Percy could barely pay any attention to it. He just stared blankly at it and smiled the best he could, with his head spinning.

"Clarisse La'Rue, from Allens, 5!"

"Silena Beauregard, from Atlin, 2!"

A 2. She must be important then. Percy raised his eyebrows at the picture, even though he couldn't see it clearly, with the ground tilting and all.

"Thalia Grace, from Baffin, 5!"

"Rachel Dare, from Bankston, 2!"

"Drew Tanaka, from Belcourt, 2!"

"Calypso Atlas, from Bonita, 4!"

"Katie Gardner, from Calagry, 4!"

"Piper McLean, from Carolina, 2!"

Percy went on and on and on and at last, the last envelope was being opened, and Percy knew who it was going to be.

"Annabeth Chase, from Angeles, 6!"

For the first time he looked up at the screen and actually paid attention to the image.

Although his cheeks were hurting from smiling falsely, and he was feeling sick, he smiled genuinely.

Annabeth looked beautiful. Her hair was down, and she was smiling brightly. A rosy blush dusted her freckled cheeks and she looked a bit shy. She looked love struck.

With a pang in his heart, Percy wondered who had caused it. Little did he know, he was the one Annabeth was thinking of when the picture was taken.

Phew! Long chapter! But hope you like it. Vote, comment and share!