Um, hi…? I hope you guys aren't mad. I'm really, really sorry for updating late. I'm changing my schedule to updating every weekend, which is usually the only time I can write a whole chapter. Thank you, guys, for all the encouragement and favoriting, though. That's really nice.
Also, I won't have a whole lot of accuracy here, so feel free to correct me. I would love to learn how this stuff actually works.
So yeah, here this is.
Enjoy!
Annabeth peered into her huge, dark wardrobe, interminably filled with frilly and elegant dresses. She wasn't sure which one to pick for today. They were all, essentially, the same. She imagined Silena gasping in shock and crumpling onto Beckendorf, her husband. Sparing herself a small giggle, she continued to study the rows of thick, ironed fabrics.
The clock on her wall tickled irritatingly, reminding her that she didn't have a whole day to waste and her maids were definitely waiting. Annabeth quickly raced the details of today through her head. It was an outdoors event, pretty casual, and they were indefinitely going to meet other courting couples. She needed something light, breezy, but slightly showy. And since it was croquet, she needed a white dress. Annabeth ran a pale finger across a few stiff skirts.
"This one," she decided, stepping back so Annica could pull it out of her closet. It was a small, slightly old dress, with richly embroidered ivory linen. Lace trimmed the neckline, and two small white flaps rested on the wide skirt. It was definitely a little bit outdated for her, but she was exceptionally light and happy these past three days, suiting the dress perfectly. Ever since… her gaze involuntarily slipped over to a small glazed vase made of creamy clay. It was simple, just a plain background to expose the flower standing inside it, even though Annabeth should've been hiding it from her mother. But the flower was so stunning, and every time she saw it a swirl of happiness enveloped her mind, so she wouldn't dare to keep it unseen.
The deep blue petals were curling at the edges, like old pages of books or a thin slice of butter, and they were slowly darkening inwards in a smooth, paced succession. The outer petals were flung out from the small golden center, like the whole rose was spreading itself out. Tiny dewdrops from the regular sprays of water her maids offered the rose perched on cerulean patches, glinting like stars against a velvety background of rich blue.
"Miss?" Annica questioned, her head cocked slightly at her mistress. Annabeth snapped back to attention.
"Oh, yes, sorry," she answered, heading over to the screened-in area of her bedchamber for changing. Maids easily removed her nightgown and pulled a simple linen shift over her, gesturing for her to step into a pair of cotton stockings. Normally she wore silk ones, but the weather was windy and slightly cold today. Then they fitted a giant bundle of bountiful petticoats around her legs, which were so heavy they actually blocked the coldness of the air. The maids even selected a set of petticoats with scalloped lace fringing the edges, perfectly matching her dress itself.
Then they guided her over to the wooden pole in the middle of the room. Annabeth winced internally. She had to go through this every day, but it still hurt. At least her maids were thoughtful and postponed the fittings as long as possible. It took two of her servants to carry the giant whalebone structure over. They attached it around her torso snugly, and the maid behind her yanked the strings, making sure there was no extra room at all. Then the strings were tightly tied up, squeezing her whole body into something much smaller than it could be. But, after years and years of this, Annabeth didn't react at all. Her breathing only slowed down by a few beats.
Finally, the dress was complete, and it hugged her body with a bit of tenseness. Annica lead her to her vanity, grinning. She sat her down on the cushioned seat, picked up a wooden comb, and immediately started bombarding her with questions as she worked through the tangles in Annabeth's blond curls.
"Well? Is there a special reason for this dress?"
Annabeth arranged the lace collar self-consciously. Did she seriously want to look even younger in front of Luke? She looked much nicer in a formal, slim gown.
"Oh, no, miss." Her maid knew her too well. "That looks incredible on you. And it's perfect for an outdoors croquet game."
Annabeth winced as a clump of hair was yanked, which Annica didn't even bother to apologize for since there were so many knots. "Well, I hope so. Attire for croquet is supposed to be lacey and snug."
"So, it was the right choice, miss. Don't doubt that." Annica grinned at her in the mirror. "And Luke is very much in love with you, so you could wear anything in front of him."
Annabeth gasped loudly, wishing she had something to cover her red cheeks: a kerchief, a fan, anything. She ducked her head instead, except Annica was still dealing with her hair, so her face was ungracefully pulled back. She knew the reason for this, though. Since so many other couples were going to appear, there was no need for chaperones. An excessive amount of flirting was quite common at croquet games. "Annica, do not speak so blatantly. Luke and I do not have such things going on yet."
"Yet!" Annica crowed. "Precisely, miss."
Annabeth frowned at her. She was still flushing a little with embarrassment at how outright her maid was. Luke wasn't in love with her for sure, and as for herself, she didn't know if she shared those feelings just yet.
"Annica, shall we discuss something else more mature?"
"Like, perhaps, the date you two went on three days ago by the Thames?"
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "That is not a topic change at all. Such things as the economy and monarchy exist, you know?"
"Miss, those topics are hardly suitable for a lady like you to chat upon."
"I am an Athena lady, Annica," she said, her voice sharpening just a little. She was very much used to people demoting her intelligence, but she still didn't approve. "How this country is running is certainly a good topic for me."
Annica laughed lightly, pulling her comb through a small tangle. "I did not mean to offend you, miss. But it is a sunny day and you are preparing for some croquet with your future fiancé. Besides, I certainly cannot keep up with whatever an economy is." Her maid winked at her.
Annabeth smiled back. Annica was truly a perfect lady, if not in title. If only she was born into a high-ranking family, then she would have such success.
"Lead the conversation then, Ann. I am clearly not good with deciding."
"Well, I was just passing by the mail room this morning, and I just happened to hear the two servant boys at the door discuss a certain bouquet that arrived earlier…"
Annabeth settled into her chair as well as she could while Annica pinned her hair up and stuck jewels into her, enjoying the placid gossip. No matter what, she would treasure these mornings with her maid.
When she was fully made up, she spent two minutes (or so it felt) in the dining room, pulling bites off a roll, and then she was guided into a carriage and sent off to the largest croquet grounds of Olympus.
When she arrived at a paved driveway before lush green plains, she patiently waited for the footman to help her out. They both gazed at the plains for a second before the footman bowed down to her. "I wish you a safe trip, Lady Athena." He bowed again and clambered back into the carriage.
She didn't have to wait long before Luke walked over to her. His eyes matched the sky today and were sparkling with excitement.
"Lady Annabeth," he said with a wide smile. He gracefully bowed before taking her hand and kissing it. His lips only gently grazed the back of her hand before he straightened, as was proper, but it widened her grin.
"Good day, Lord Hermes," she responded, curtsying lowly but still keeping her gaze on him. "Thank you for inviting me outdoors on such a pleasantly sunny day."
His bright blue gaze flickered to her wide-brimmed pastel pink bonnet, with braided ribbons looping around the top, but he said nothing about it. "I am glad you enjoy this weather," he replied. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, lead me to the field."
He held out his arm, and Annabeth took it, and they set off on the smooth dirt path. After just a bit off walking, Luke guided her to the left, where there was already a couple beside the metal croquet hoops planted in the grass. With a start, Annabeth realized it was Katie and Travis. They both waved friendlily at the sight of Luke and Annabeth.
Travis was dressed rather neatly, with a recently ironed shirt and a large overcoat. Katie was in a plain white gown with dirt smudges on the hem, with a crown of pink daisies atop her head as her only decoration, but she still looked pretty.
They went through the greetings rather informally, since they were close friends, and then they all gathered under the small white canopy at the wooden table set with tea. Travis grabbed cucumber sandwiches off the plates and stuffed them into his mouth while chatting with Luke, creating a huge mess as usual. Katie and Annabeth were both turned in their seats, watching the path in the middle of the plains.
"So, who is the third couple we're playing with?"
Katie looked up in surprise. "Luke didn't tell you?"
"No, he usually doesn't. He wants to make it a surprise." Annabeth allowed herself a small smile.
"Am I allowed to interrupt this surprise?" Katie swished her slippers through the long grass. They were already grass-stained.
"Yes, that's fine." Annabeth laced her gloved fingers in anticipation. "Who is it?"
Katie looked up, and suddenly alarm spilled into her expression. Her freckled, tan cheeks paled slightly. Her gaze dropped to the floor and her fingers entangled into one another, one of her nervous habits.
"What?" Annabeth asked, concerned. She hesitantly reached out. Before she could try and offer any comfort, Travis was out of his seat, crouching before Katie. He grabbed one of her hands. "Katie?"
She blinked, and then returned to herself. "I'm perfectly fine," she muttered, pushing at his arm. "Stop being so bothersome."
The teasing light had not returned to Travis' eyes yet. "What was that, Katie?"
She slipped out of her chair, kneeling across from her suitor. She teasingly made shooing motions at Annabeth and Luke, so they turned away, but not enough so that they couldn't see Katie and Travis in the grass.
Katie placed her mouth to Travis' ear and was whispering something while one hand rested gently on his chest. Annabeth had to grin. Then they both stood up, Travis holding Katie's hand to pull her up.
"That was nothing. Seriously, it's fine." Katie said to Annabeth before shoving Travis away with a fake frown. She returned to her seat. "As for the third couple, you'll see." The tightening of her knuckles said that something was still wrong, but Annabeth didn't want to question her.
"Are you ready for today's game? Because I have practiced my croquet for a long time and I am definitely beating you." Katie shot her a competitive smile.
Annabeth crossed her legs. "Sorry, Katie, but it is deemed by fate that I shall always win. You know, if you joined my team, you would have a chance at winning."
Katie gasped theatrically. "Oh, no, I am winning against you, Annabeth dearest. Whoever joins your team will be doomed to lose."
She laughed. "This is croquet. Think again, Katie." It was true, Annabeth was the best at croquet. The complicated rules, the fanciful ways to win, it was all child's play for her. The only time it really got complicated was if she played against Malcolm in the small Athena croquet field. Madame Lark always disapproved, saying it made her look exceptionally unladylike, but Luke always enjoyed her detailed calculations and theories, and according to almost everyone else Luke's opinion mattered most in the field of appearances.
Katie was braiding a few wildflowers together. "I really have practiced long and hard, Beth. I'm really excited to see what happens."
A loud burp before Travis startled them all. They were both busy rebuking him when a deep, smooth voice from behind them said, "Hello, friends."
Annabeth spun around and she felt her jaw loosen. In front of her was Perseus Jackson.
He was dressed in a long, navy coat, and his dark hair was windblown but still wonderful and attractive. His sea green eyes were as bright as ever in the warm sunlight. His whole tall, broad-shouldered figure seemed perfect and statue-like and angular under the shadows of the canopy. He took off his coat in one smooth motion, revealing a starched white shirt that snugly wrapped his lean forearms and his torso that gracefully narrowed down to his waist.
They all stood up. Travis and Katie greeted him warmly, and then Luke stepped forward.
Luke hugged Perseus briefly. "Hello, Percy. It is nice to see you today."
Percy smiled back at him, and Annabeth had to admit, it was a beautiful smile. His tan cheeks rounded out, like a little boy's, and his pearly, straight teeth glinted in the sun. "Likewise. How are you today, Luke?"
"I am good. How are you?"
"Brilliant!" He threw one arm into the air casually. Only then did Annabeth notice the girl he was with peeking over his side. She had long, caramel-colored hair, creamy skin, a small almond-shaped eyes. Katie was chatting with her eagerly. She was beautiful in a petite, woodsy way. Thousands upon thousands of ladies would be jealous of how narrow her waist was in a partially loose gown. Annabeth guessed that even her corset would be loose on this girl. She racked her memory for her name and came up with an exotic, elegant one: Calypso.
Just a few weeks ago, the nearby Mt. Atlas estate was purchased by a businessman named Atlas, also a relative of the Olympians. He had many beautiful daughters, but only the Pleiades and Calypso moved into his new mansion. Plenty of talk stirred among the male section of the ton about those daughters, though the Pleiades seemed to side with Artemis, Annabeth's maiden aunt. It came as no surprise to Annabeth that Percy was courting Calypso. And from her wide doe eyes she was clearly enamored with him.
"Well, isn't it great how we picked such a pleasant day to croquet together?" Luke asked him with a light grin.
"Yes, and we are both courting rather beautiful ladies." Percy finally turned to Annabeth, a wild grin dancing on his full lips. Her heart thumped, much louder than before when she was running. Her faint breaths from being in a corset were even more limited as his deep green eyes bore into hers. He took a step forward, and Annabeth's mind raced with alarm. Only when he opened his mouth did she sluggishly realize what was about to happen.
"Good morning, Lady Athena." His voice lowered to a taunting whisper as he spoke her surname. He bowed, and Annabeth realized what was going to happen next. Her heart jumped in her chest frantically. He stood upright, grinning down at her. Then he reached over for her hand. It seemed to happen in slow motion: the rough calluses of his fingers and palms pressing through the lace of gloves as his hand met hers, the slackening of her muscles as he lifted her arm up, and her small intake of breath as she waited for his sea-colored eyes to leave hers and drop onto her hand. But his burning gaze never left her face, even as his lips found the exact center of her hand. The second his mouth touched the silken lace pattern of her gloves a flush raced through her body. His lips were softer than she thought. Electricity resonated in the nerves on the back of her left hand. Her heart beat so fast she was getting lightheaded at an impossible rate.
He didn't release her hand once he kissed it, instead, he lowered it but continued holding her hand gently. His touch was slowly melting her.
She expected his gaze to leave abruptly and turn back to Luke, but no, he remained looking at her. "How wonderful is it that we get to croquet together? I do look forward to see you strategizing."
"She's brilliant at it," Katie piped in, but Annabeth's mind was still focused on Percy.
"I guessed so. I am a champion at croquet, though. You should work on your game."
Angry flames burned through her hazy concentration on Percy. Who was he to assume he was better than her? She pulled her hand from his, annoyed. The sudden coldness brushing her hand just made her angrier.
She turned to Luke. "Then we shall be on the same team. And you, Calypso," she said, meeting the small girl's eyes confidently. She wanted Perseus to get beat by the girl he was courting. And hopefully Calypso would see what a pompous cow Percy was and burn whatever notes he was sending her.
Katie surveyed Percy and Travis with a frown. "Well, this is the short end of the stick," she muttered. "Hey!" the two boys protested. Katie shrugged and stared distantly at the hoops. "I figure my talent should provide for this team."
Annabeth could not hold back her laugh. "I wish you luck, then." Even Calypso was grinning at this. Maybe there was hope for her.
They lined up into front of the nine hoops. Katie and Luke when first. Both of their balls rolled far. Annabeth counted the number of hoops each ball crossed before pushing Calypso forward. Percy didn't want to compete the girl he was courting, and though Annabeth did not want to get stuck with her archnemesis, she figured Calypso definitely had a chance against Travis.
She was right. Calypso's ball almost reached the end, far more than she expected, while Travis' ball went wayward and smacked a few hoops on its way out into the grass.
Finally, it was up to her and Percy. They stood before the two rows of hoops, facing one another, mallets poised behind their balls. He grinned at her, his green eyes glowing. "Well, hello," he slowly drawled.
Something twisted in her stomach, but she shook it off. "Yes, hello," she repeated darkly. "Are you ready—" She was going to say, "to lose," but Percy cut her off.
"Oh, Annabeth dear, I am completely ready for you." He leaned in, his eyes as intense as stormy waves.
She frowned at him. She wished she could stick her mallet onto his smooth, muscular chest and push him back. It took her a second to recover. "You may think that, but just wait and watch." With a gentle knock, her ball went flying through the hoops.
Percy was a second late, but soon his ball was right behind hers. Their whole company raced along the hoops, their eyes trained on the rolling balls. Annabeth's mental count of the hoops grew steadily.
Both balls raced outside the hoops. Annabeth's was definitely faster.
All of them continued lining up at different sectors, trying to shoot their colorful balls through all nine hoops. Annabeth didn't even bother with perfecting the ideal croqueting posture where she leaned down just slightly; all she was aware of was how far her balls went compared to Percy's. It was a long and tiresome morning because they were always closely tied.
Travis suddenly announced that he wanted a break. They all sat down under the canopy and a servant brought them hot tea. Annabeth was stirring her single drop of milk into her Earl Grey while staring out at the croquet field when Percy spoke up. "Lady Athena, you seem distant. Are you not enjoying this tea? You have splashed some into your saucer."
Annabeth spun around and examined the creamy, gold-lined saucer. Perseus was right. Blushing, she lifted the corner of her napkin off the table and wiped it, too embarrassed to ask the servant to do so.
"I am enjoying this rather much, thank you for asking. Luke, I am so pleased you invited me to this." Her tone transferred into formality without a notice.
"I know how much you love croquet," Luke answered, smiling over at her. He didn't notice the shift.
She followed the light chatter until a tingle on the back of her neck caused her to turn. Percy, across from her, was staring straight at her, his eyes unreadable. Then his lips tilted into a smirk. "I noticed how your plate is empty. Would you like a cucumber sandwich?" He took one and set it in her palm.
She had taken her gloves off before tea in order to keep them clean. And Percy, being improper as usual, grazed her bare hand for overly long with his own long fingers. Her flesh burned in a somehow delighted way. He must've noticed the tiny change in her expression because his hand lingered on hers, brushing against it as he picked the sandwich up once again, and his pinky discreetly hooked onto her ring finger as he dropped the sandwich onto her plate, offering a distant apology for "putting it on the wrong place". Annabeth must've been crimson as her cheeks burned like they were exposed to the sun for hours on end.
Katie looked over with concern. "Annabeth?"
She quickly tilted her face down and pulled her fan from her reticule and snapped it open in front of her starkly red cheeks. Percy's pinky slowly unhooked from her finger, but his hand still brushed hers slowly as he pulled it away. She missed its warmth and curled her fingers into a loose fist.
"Annabeth?" Luke asked, too. His own large hand crept on hers, smoothing it out from the fist. He gently laced his fingers through hers, which he'd down millions of times before, but this time it took on a new meaning.
He was marking his territory and trying to make Percy jealous. And from the fire-hot glare in Percy's jeweled eyes, he had succeeded. But there were no sparks inside her heart, no burning in her throat from Luke's smooth touch. She told herself that was better, but it didn't slow her confusion.
Katie's brown eyes were filled with confusion, too. She gave Annabeth a sidelong glance before turning to her last cream puff. Once she had gobbled it down, licked the remaining cream from her fingers, and checked around the table, she announced, "Well, shall we return to croquet?"
The next game was just as intense. Their sides switched around a bit, but Annabeth was careful to avoid getting paired with Percy. Her luck seemed to run out, because eventually they were coupled together with Travis.
"And we meet again," Percy murmured, his deep voice surprisingly close to her ear. She forced herself not to flinch or move away.
"Please move away," she said through gritted teeth. "My suitor is right there."
"Oh, sorry." He scooted a few feet away. "We are a team, though, Annabeth."
"Yeah," Travis broke in. "We have to work together to beat Katie. She's really crazy about this."
"Okay, then, you can go first," she told him before realizing she left herself alone with Percy. From his wide grin, he knew this too.
"So, do you have any strategies?" He raised a dark eyebrow at her, his eyes glinting like they were polished.
Her eyes racked the hoops. She decided to show off a little bit, hopefully enough to scare him off. He seemed to court rather plain and shy girls. "Well, Calypso is more talented than I would've guessed. And she's going next. Her aim has been growing steadier and steadier, but Travis is, well, Travis. He won't get far. And Luke is going next, two wins are hard to beat."
He held up a hand. "How did you so easily assume Luke would have a win?"
"He's smart and he's strong. His hits are always good." These were just the plain truth. Percy still looked dubious.
"He could always have an accident. Shouldn't you consider variables?"
"Luke? Not hitting the ball right? Percy, he's really good with these things."
"What if I went up against him?"
"Yeah, and what would happen?" She looked at him, her lids lowered in boredom. This conversation was as simpleminded as she would've guessed.
Percy frowned down at her. "Fine. Continue with your strategy."
"Well, we could ask Travis to knock Calypso's ball off-track. That is sort of hard, but it works." They both turned to the hoops, where Travis was chasing his ball and Calypso was counting the hoops her now-still ball had surpassed. Annabeth blushed a little.
"Hey, hey, don't lose hope," Percy said, ignorant of her crumpled pride. "You could just try and knock Luke's ball." Then his sideways grin suggested he was well-aware of the blow her pride took, and will take once she followed his clever advice. Annabeth could think of nothing better and stood up in front of her suitor.
"Hello." His smile was friendly, unlike a certain green-eyed man's.
"Hello. Three, two, one!" Her swing was slanted. Her ball traveled out between two hoops and clashed into Luke's. The momentum kept it going through a few more hoops, though on Luke's row.
Everyone clapped, impressed. The next few games had a lot more strategizing. Finally, Luke checked his gold pocket watch and announced that they should just have one more match before heading home for lunch. Percy and Annabeth were set onto opposite teams. Calypso and Katie were with Percy, while Luke and Travis were with Annabeth.
Luke and Calypso went first. Luke won, but only by a few hoops, and Calypso looked immensely proud. Then it was Katie and Travis, though they flirted/fought before the hoops for almost an hour before hitting. Katie won, of course.
Percy and Annabeth finally lined up in front of the hoops.
"Last game," Percy said. "You should do well for this one. "
"As should you, for once," she taunted back.
He appeared wounded for a few seconds. "Annabeth, dearest, why do you do this to me? Do you not think I mean the best for you?"
She regarded him carefully. Once when his face split into its usual smirk did she relax. "And since I want the best for you, I won't hit too hard, so you won't lose too bad."
"I can win with a small tap, but you obviously have no self-control, Lord Poseidon. Now, let us stop talking. One two three!"
Regardless of what she said, they both swung hard. The mallets clattered against the balls hard. The balls both flew down the hoops. But it wasn't so simple. The paths of their balls were horizontal. They rolled out between the hoops and met each other in the middle with a loud smack. The two balls flew out, landing in the opposite direction.
Annabeth raced over and continued to count, this time how many hoops the balls had landed past. Percy was right behind her. When she counted again for the fifth time, her brain finally accepted the truth.
She was tied with Lord Perseus Jackson Poseidon.
Well, how was that? Yay, I'm done with this chapter. It's surprisingly long. And I only took, like, three hours. Did you guys like it?
Also, please review. It's super encouraging. I'll totally appreciate it.
Now for answering reviews:
From Chapter 5
Tea-made-bean: Oh my gosh your review was so sweet and it made it so incredibly happy. I'm so glad I managed to make your Monday better. It wasn't that bad, was it? And everything you said was literally so nice I had no idea anyone thought my story was cute and descriptive but you do and that's so awesome! I'm totally going to try and keep this up. Also, I don't actually think not posting for a whole week (technically I skipped out two) is a long time, but the best stories update super regularly. Plus, I promised you guys once a week, and these chapters are tiny, so yeah.
DemigodSassReaders: I love your name and everything. Your review was hilarious. The feelings weren't supposed to be that intense by chapter 5, since I kinda rushed it, but the fact that you liked it and commented was really nice. Thank you! Keep being sassy and funny!
DreamCatcher06: I am beyond happy to hear someone call such a weird chapter cute. Thank you so much. I didn't actually update that much *cough* but I will try. And here's the thing: *stage whisper* Percy is only temporarily cocky. He's going to get knocked off his high horse by our very own Annabeth in the upcoming future. ;) ;) Trust me, he's still nice and caring at heart, but he has stuff right now. Too much spoilers! Just keep waiting for my updates, I guess.
From Chapter 6
Ayyyyyyyyeeeeee: Hi! Nice name! I actually considered counting the number of ys and es but I decided no. I can't describe how happy I was when I read your review. Thanks. It was the nicest thing ever! Seriously, it was exactly everything I wanted to hear. Best mail so far. I'm sorry for making you wait, uh, eight days. Sorry sorry sorry I'm seriously going to change. At least shorten the wait to maybe five days. I mean, I don't actually take seven days to write. I will totally try to make these good for you, though!
Abidoodle.e: Wow, you reviewed on the day I posted. I seriously just updated before seeing your INCREDIBLE review so I went back and changed it. Thank you. Seriously. That's the nicest thing ever. It made me so, so happy. You're a really sweet and incredible person. I'm glad you like my idea, though. I had no idea what to do with the last names because in Victorian England a family has a name so I randomly made this whole thing up and its kinda confusing but I'm glad you think it's clever. Also, thanks for so much encouragement. I just criticize my writing a lot because that's one of the best ways to improve, but yeah, I probably should be more confident about my stuff. Thanks for going out of your way to tell me that I have talent. I personally think some chapters are lacking in quality, but you guys always send super nice reviews, so thank you so much! I will totally keep writing. Btw I'm a girl. I'll put that in my profile when I edit it someday in the future. Ugh, this is a long reply. But yeah, thanks again!