Annabeth paced around her little room. she was growing more frustrated by the minute. She wasn't sure if Athena had held their ship back from battle to protect her or as punishment. She wouldn't put it past Athena. She wondered if Percy was okay. She wondered if his ship was intact. Unfortunately, she couldn't see much out of her little window. Annabeth sat down and took a deep breath. She had to stop her mind from racing. She had a plan. She was going to take back her life and marry who she wanted.
She was startled when she heard a rattle at the door. Athena walked in looking more chipper than usual. "Prepare yourself." Athena smiled. Annabeth tensed, unsure what she meant. 'You'll be visiting with Jason for the rest of the trip."
Annabeth felt like she had missed a step. "Jason is coming here?"
"No, you will be boarding his ship."
"His ship." She said not quite believing it.
"We have still aways to go, and this is a opportune time for you two to spend as much time as possible together."
"You hope that I'll forget about Percy." Annabeth surmised.
"You'll have to anyway, we left his ship behind."
"You're bluffing." Annabeth narrowed her eyes.
"Look for yourself." Athena stepped aside and motioned for Annabeth to exit her prison.
Annabeth kept a distrusting gaze on Athena as she stepped past her and out into the sunlight. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust, but sure enough, no matter where she looked, Atlantis' fleet was nowhere to be seen. She could feel Athena's pleased smile at Annabeth trying to keep the thought of losing Percy from overcoming her. She had felt this once before when Percy went into the underground labyrinth and didn't come back until two weeks later. Annabeth closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "He's not gone." She breathed. She then turned to face her mother. "We thought he was dead once before. He always seems to come back. I wouldn't be too confident yet." Annabeth leveled her gaze at Athena.
Athena's smirk faltered for a moment. "There's still a long war yet, and you'll spend most of it by Jason's side. Now, I was thinking of the pink dress."
Annabeth rolled her eyes as she followed Athena back into the cabin. She would allow Athena to use her as her pawn for right now. Annabeth had plans of her own.
Athena picked out her clothes and left, leaving Annabeth to get dressed. While she was changing, there was a knock at the door. Annabeth made herself decent and called, "Come in."
The door opened and Juniper stepped in. "Your highness." She said as she did a quick curtsy.
"Juniper!" Annabeth exclaimed as she rushed to hug her, causing her to giggle. "I've been wondering if they had brought you or left you in Olympus."
"I was brought on board shortly after you were, but I was not allowed to see you until now." Juniper explained.
"I'm so happy to see you. It's good to have a friend." Annabeth squeezed her hand.
"Are you okay? Athena was terribly upset. I've never seen her so angry. It was frightening."
"I'm fine. Thank you for asking. It seems I'm off to Zeus's ship."
"I'll help you get ready."
"Do you know what happened to Percy's ship?" Annabeth asked as Juniper began tying the rope around her.
"Sorry, no. I've been in the lower decks. It's hard to tell what's going on from there." Juniper said if she finished tying off the rope.
"It was worth asking." Annabeth sighed as she sat down. "Will you be coming with me to Zeus's ship?" Annabeth asked.
"I don't know, your highness." Juniper replied sadly as she began brushing Annabeth's hair.
"If not, at least I had this time with you." Annabeth said optimisticly.
"Thank you, your highness." Juniper smiled shyly.
Juniper put Annabeth's hair up with her curls cascading down her back. It wasn't much longer before Athena arrived and began directing Juniper on what clothing she wanted Annabeth to pack. Once she was satisfied, she began barking orders to her personal guard to move the trunks. Annabeth stepped out into the light again to see the entire fleet at a stand still. The oars had been withdrawn so Zeus' ship could pull up beside them. They hooked the two boats together. Annabeth looked at Juniper, who looked back at her. It was obvious they were wondering the same thing. Would they be going over to Zeus' boat together?
"Juniper," Athena barked, "make an extra effort to make sure Annabeth looks her best whenever she is out in public."
Juniper curtsied as she replied, "Yes, your majesty."
Annabeth felt more ease knowing Juniper would be with her. She watched them place steps at the edge of the boat and a plank across the two rails. She climbed up the steps and crossed the plank over to Zeus's boat with Juniper right behind her.
Zeus and Jason were waiting for her on their ship. Jason bowed respectfully as he said, "Welcome aboard, Princess Annabeth.
"Thank you." Annabeth replied cordially as she stepped down onto their boat.
Jason offered her his arm, "May I escort you to your quarters?"
Annabeth hesitated, as she didn't really want to go below again. But she took his arm and let him lead her with Juniper trailing behind. Annabeth looked back to see Athena smiling. At least she was away from her.
Once they were below deck, Jason said uncomfortably, "Our parents seem quite determined to get us together."
"I am aware." Annabeth said evenly. "You look about as thrilled about it as I do." She noted.
Jason gawfed shyly. "That's just the way it is." He said matter of factly.
Annabeth shook her head. "I can't." She breathed. Whether Jason heard her or not, he didn't let on.
"This is the best quarters on the ship, with the exception of the High King, of course." Jason said light heartedly as he opened a cabin door. Her trunks were already in the room. Juniper went to work organizing the room.
"Of course." Annabeth replied as she stepped into the small room. There wasn't much to it, but she wasn't really expecting there to be. "It's lovely." Annabeth smiled.
"If you need anything, let me know." Jason smiled politely as he exited.
"Thank you, your highness." Annabeth replied as she shut the door.
A small window let in the sea breeze. She inhaled the salty sweet smell. It strongly reminded her of Percy. She tried to not let her emotions get the better of her. He was alive. He had to be.
Annabeth spent as much time above deck she could over the next few days. Jason would walk with her but they never said much to each other. For Annabeth it was mostly putting on a show for Athena. She wondered if Jason was doing the same for Zeus. It was on one of these walks when she noticed several ships approaching them from the West. There was no mistaking the signia on the sails. Poseidon's sleek fleet paved the way for Hephaestus' large lumbering fleet. Excitement flooded Annabeth as she scanned the ships for any sign of Percy.
"They're back. I wonder if they found Leo?" Jason wondered.
"Leo?" Annabeth asked.
"Yeah, his ship was sunk. Poseidon's fleet stayed behind to help with the rescue." Jason explained.
"So Poseidon's fleet survived the attack." Annabeth said, already guessing the answer.
Jason gave her a funny look. "Survived? They destroyed every single one of the ships that attacked their fleet. Prince Perseus' reputation continues to grow."
"I see." Annabeth suppressed the rush of emotions that flooded her. She was relieved that Percy was okay. She was angry at her mother. Annabeth recognized Percy's frame swinging down on a rope and landing easily on the deck. She couldn't understand how her mother could be so blind to what a good person he was.
"Perhaps I could arrange a visit?" Jason suggested. Annabeth turned to look at him, not quite daring to hope she had heard him correctly. "Zeus will want a report from Poseidon himself. I can personally invite him aboard. Strengthen relationships and all that." He grinned slyly at her.
"You would do that?" Annabeth questioned. Her stomach filled with butterflies at the thought. "What about Athena?"
"What about her? She can't tell my father what to do. Besides, he doesn't need to ask for permission. Athena is still on her ship."
"Jason, I don't know what to say." Annabeth breathed.
"Thank you is usually proper in these types of situations." Jason quipped.
"Thank you." Annabeth hugged him. "How about I invite Piper over for some female companionship?"
Jason laughed uncomfortably. "If Prince Perseus doesn't kill me."
Annabeth removed herself to see Percy watching them. There was a look of shock and hurt on his face. He turned away quickly before Annabeth could signal any explanation to him. A sinking feeling came over her.
