A/N: Ok so before you read any further, I need to plug an author who just recently returned to FF after about two years. AKA this was huge deal. She doesn't know I exist, but I LOVE her and you guys should go check out her works ASAP. *clears throat*

ARIA TAYLOR IS BACK. I REPEAT, ARIA TAYLOR HAS RETURNED.

If you have no idea who that is, seriously just click off this story and go check her out. And if you do know who she is, it's nice to know I'm not alone in my fangirling fits haha.

She's a freaking queen and I hope people just flood her reviews/PMs with love and appreciation. I swear I couldn't even breathe when I first saw she had updated one of her stories.

Okay, okay now I'm done. Hope you like the chapter :)

Disclaimer: All rights remain.

Annabeth

Annabeth hid a scowl. She was seated across from none other than her fiancé at breakfast. On Prince Luke's right sat his older brother, Crown Prince Perseus. She supposed she shouldn't have been so pissed off; at least she didn't have to sit next to Luke. The realization brought her solace.

She quietly ate her breakfast, subtly scrutinizing all of them. Crown Princess Bianca was seated on her left, which Annabeth didn't mind too much. She'd always liked the Pevanshires- they were good people, a little strange, but good. Crown Prince Nico was on Bianca's left and on her right was her favorite person at the entire table, her big brother, Crown Prince Malcolm. And, much to Annabeth's relief, the Kings and Queens of the other countries had already left for their own castles. It was only customary for the Princes and Princesses to stay, not the rulers of other countries. Crown Princess Drew was seated next to Percy and next to her was none other than the soft-spoken brunette, Princess Piper.

Breakfast was… awkward, to say the least. So Annabeth did her best to entertain herself by figuring them out, each one of the royal children. Knowledge was power and Annabeth was determined to be the most powerful of them all, one step ahead of Luke and his brother, of Drew and Piper, and even, admittedly, Nico and Bianca. Nico, she'd noticed, shifted his eyes too much. He seemed uncomfortable too, but he couldn't seem to hide his discomfort. Bianca was poised, the spitting image of a beautiful Queen, but her expression was still soft- the world had not got her down yet. She would make Malcolm a good Queen, Annabeth had decided. Drew, too, was pristine and elegant, her head held up haughtily on Percy's side. Annabeth didn't like her, she had come to that conclusion at least. She seemed… fake, and the blonde had no doubt that she was hiding something. And Piper, Annabeth wasn't sure what to make of her. She seemed nice enough, elegant enough, but much different than her sister. Her eyes also shifted around a lot, much like Nico.

And Luke, he was strange, she had decided. He was pale with strong, blue eyes and sandy, blond hair. He was quiet, hidden in his brother's shadow, but unsettling. Annabeth didn't quite like him yet. Or Percy, for that matter. She couldn't help but compare both brothers, but she wasn't sure she liked either of them if she was being honest. She was about to stare Percy down, see if she could make him uncomfortable when-

"Lady Annabeth, perhaps you would like to share your opinion?" It was Luke.

She jerked her gaze to look at him, masking her surprise. She was never asked for her opinion, only silenced. With a flush of embarrassment, she realized she hadn't been paying attention, zoned out as she assessed the royal children.

"We were simply discussing the Amazons," he informed her, correctly gauging her blush. "I've heard you're interested in politics?" Shit. How had she not noticed they were talking about this of all things?

Annabeth's involuntarily lips parted. He was asking her about politics? She wasn't even supposed to know what politics were, not really! But she would not give up this chance so quickly. And the Amazons… she was one too, now.

"They're quite interesting," she admitted, managing to say that elegantly at least.

"Yes," Luke agreed, his blue gaze piercing. She glanced to his left for a moment and noticed that Percy was looking at her now, Malcolm too. Malcolm's expression was gentle, encouraging. He knew how much this meant to her, but he was there to help if she needed. Was this Luke's way of asking her to prove herself? Or did he actually care? No, that was much too improbable. Her mind whirred in overdrive as she scrambled for a response.

"They allied themselves with Canada today," Annabeth knew her current events better than anyone else.

"Indeed," Luke nodded minutely.

"But we always knew Canada was off their rocker, ever since they became a democracy," Percy spoke up now. Annabeth's hatred for him only heightened. Of course he was in love with the monarchy, what else could she expect? He was in love with his birthright, the crown that would one day sit on his head. Annabeth found herself wishing he would shut up, preferring Luke all of a sudden. At least Luke didn't say much in response to Percy's bold statement.

"I don't understand why Canada did it," Annabeth piped up now. "They are practically proclaiming war against us now."

"Exactly," Malcolm nodded, pursing his lips in thought. "Canada may have a strange government," Annabeth's heart sank in her chest. As much as she loved Malcolm, he too was in love with the monarchy, but she had known that for a while as well. "But," he continued, "they're not stupid. Why would they agree to an alliance unless they thought they could really win?"

"They won't win. We'll crush them," Percy looked at Malcolm. Malcolm nodded in agreement. They would certainly try.

"The Amazons are stronger than you think," Annabeth told Percy, trying not to reveal herself. But she couldn't help but defend the legion of women warriors.

"Stronger than us? I don't think so," Percy's eyes narrowed at her. "We're four nations brought together. Forged of the strongest metals," he barely nodded at Nico, "with the greatest of minds," he acknowledged Epresh, "with the most deadly poisons," he placed his hand on Drew's hand- and she looked pleased at the contact, "and the fiercest of seas," he pridefully tilted his chin up. "And you're telling me that a small rebel group, one that was founded a couple decades back because of bored housewives, will wipe out our entire forces simply because Canada decided to take pity on them?" He cocked his eyebrow, silently challenging her.

If Annabeth hadn't hated him before now, she surely did now. Bored housewives! How she wished General Reyna could come kick his sorry ass now! Granted, he had only called the founders bored housewives, not the current generation of Amazons, but still. How dare he! Bastard! She fumed.

"You're a fool to underestimate them," said Annabeth without thinking much of it. Drew gasped dramatically and Annabeth wished she could smack the stupid look off her face as well. Piper's eyes had gone wide and Bianca's hand flew up to her mouth in surprise. Malcolm concealed his shock well, but he too was caught off guard. Only Nico and Luke seemed unaffected by her choice of words but for the love of God, you couldn't just go about calling the future King of Thasite a fucking fool.

"A fool?" Percy's eyebrows pinched together, not quite angry, but not pleased either. Well, fuck him. The corner of Nico's mouth lifted up in thinly veiled amusement. Annabeth knew she had been right to like him.

"Oh, my!" Drew cried out, fanning her face. "How your mother, Queen Athena, would wilt if she heard you!" she accused. Annabeth twitched to slap that stupid girl.

"I'm sure it was a mistake, my Lord," Bianca spoke up now, quickly coming to Annabeth's side. She seemed nervous, wringing her hands together. Perhaps she thought Percy would lose her temper. Annabeth's mouth curved up in amusement. She appreciated Bianca's loyalty, but she didn't need saving.

"It wasn't," she cheerfully affirmed, smirking at Percy. Annabeth was positive that Drew was going to turn green. Malcolm's mouth fell open and Nico coughed, choking down what she suspected was a laugh. Annabeth stood up, not waiting to be dismissed. She felt a surge of pride. She had asserted herself well enough, she thought. Piper couldn't tear her eyes away from the bold blonde.

Percy's mouth opened and closed at her audacity, like a fish, a stupid fish in his stupid seas. Annabeth hoped that he would drown in that water one day. The cruelest of irony- wonderful.

"You're a damn fool, Crown Prince Perseus," she repeated, condescending. "And if you continue down this overconfident path, it will be no surprise to me when the Amazons and Canada crush you to a million pieces." Percy stood up and so did Luke, ever faithful to his brother. She couldn't cuss, she couldn't call him a 'fool,' she was way out of line.

Malcolm jerked up now, his cheeks red with embarrassment. "Your Highness, I'm so sorry- I-"

"-and," Annabeth continued, speaking over her brother. Athena was going to kill her later. "When you're splattered pathetically across the ground, your red everywhere and out for display, I'll be the first to tell you 'I told you so.'"

"Annabeth!" Malcolm was horrified. Bianca took his side, loyal and gentle. But she too was flushed with embarrassment. Nico had finally stood up as well, probably just because everyone was starting to stand now.

"This was a lovely breakfast," Annabeth decided, smug. "We should do this again sometime, right Percy?" she cheekily asked. "I'll be in the library if you would like to further discuss this," she added, and before anyone else could say anything, she nodded only at Luke- a newfound respect for him worming its way into her heart, and finally flounced out of the dining hall, leaving the royal children to console Percy and his broken ego by themselves.

Annabeth

There was a knock on the heavy library doors and for a moment, the regret of her words caught up with Annabeth. What if it was Athena, here to disown her? Or worse, reprimand her?

Instead, a blond head poked his head into the library.

"Prince Luke," Annabeth couldn't hide her surprise. She hadn't been expecting Percy, sure, but she hadn't been expecting his brother either. "May I help you?" she asked, her voice uncharacteristically soft.

"'I'll be in the library if you would like to further discuss this'," he quoted her earlier words, shrugging a little. Annabeth raised an eyebrow. "I wanted to talk to you," he tilted his head to one side and Annabeth folded her hands neatly on the desk in front of her, urging him to continue. She met his eyes with curiosity.

"If you expect me to apologize to your brother, I will not," she laid her cards out flat in front of her, not bothering to play games, not with him, not with anyone else, not now, not for this.

"I wasn't going to ask you to," he was equally honest. "Though I must say, I can see why you incense people, my brother included, by insinuating that the Amazons are a big enough deal to be feared."

Oh. "They should be feared. If we were smart, we'd be more cautious." Annabeth paused. "If you're not here to glue his fragile self-esteem together, then why are you here?" Annabeth's forehead creased, puzzled.

Luke swiftly ignored the insult towards Percy, not really seeming to mind. "As you know, tomorrow morning we must leave for Thasite," he began cautiously. Annabeth frowned, marring her pretty face. It was customary for the royal brides to spend a few days at their betrothed's castle. Tomorrow morning Annabeth, Percy, Luke, and Drew were set to take a carriage to Thasite. There were faster modes of travel, of course, jets, transports, etc, but this was so that the people in the passing cities could see their royals. Annabeth didn't like being put out in this parade, but she had no choice. After all, Annabeth didn't feel so good about being around so much water in another land either, the land of her former enemies, but she was going anyways, following Athena's wishes. She'd been raised to hate House Calbourne, it was proving to be a difficult habit to break. Not only for her, but for Percy and Luke as well, she'd noticed.

"And?" she pressed.

"We're leaving at five in order to reach Thasite at an appropriate time. You've been instructed not to eat breakfast."

"Well, of course. Who eats breakfast at five in the morning?" Annabeth wondered out loud.

Luke stared at her. "Soldiers do, Princess."

Oh. Annabeth's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. It was times like this that made her really hate herself, moments that made her remember the royal blood coursing through her veins, oblivious to the death and suffering of the pawns of their lands, fighting the battles of the rich royals.

"My apologies," she muttered.

"It's quite alright, Princess."

"You can call me Annabeth," she said. Annabeth wasn't sure what had caused her to say it, but there was no taking it back now. As much as she disliked Luke, she disliked the reminder of her status more.

"You can call me Luke," he smoothly replied. "Tomorrow, you're going to have to meet lots of people. Stick by my side, I'll help you," he offered. "They'll all turn on you otherwise."

His words were weirdly, brutally true. She was an enemy in their land, and though the royals had seemingly had a change of heart with this new alliance, the people of Thasite were old, older past their years, and they still remembered the blood shed and the rivalries. They still believed in the hatred and revelled in the pain of their enemies.

"Very well. Is that all?"

"For now, Annabeth." And with that strange conversation, he turned and walked away, leaving her to ponder over the young Prince. Perhaps he wasn't as bad as she'd initially thought.

Annabeth

Annabeth had yet to find Luke. Part of her wished she would never run into him, but this was his own ball, part his and part Percy's, celebrating the engagements of both the Princes. But part of her wished she would find him, and fast. After their conversation in the library, she found herself thinking that maybe he wasn't that bad. She still didn't like him, but she would be stupid not to take his help, no matter how prideful she was. For survival, she could swallow it. He'd promised not to leave her side at the ball, in the library, he'd told her to come find him and he'd shield her from the bloodthirsty Calbournes and their uncomfortable interrogations. Everyone's eyes were immediately drawn to her anywhere she went. Though she wore a little blue, blue to symbolize her tie to Luke, she was still dressed mainly in silver- the color of Ashington. Though not everyone here was a Calbourne, those who weren't were good friends with them, and she stood out like a traitor.

"Royals, ladies and gentlemen," someone tapped their glass of champagne delicately, calling attention to them. Annabeth looked up in the big crowd and spotted Queen Medusa. She smiled, her white teeth blinding her. "Thank you for coming this evening. This ball is to celebrate, as you are well aware, the engagements of both my sons, Luke Castellan of House Calbourne, Prince of Thasite and Perseus Jackson of House Calbourne, Crown Prince of Thasite." Scattered applause echoed through the crowd. Annabeth clapped also, ignoring the glances she got at the mention of the engagement. She had never felt more lonely here, without Malcolm, without Jason, without someone to give her peace of mind. Alone in a room full of strangers and cowards and enemies. And small, she felt so small.

"I would like to announce the beginning of this ball with the traditional first dance," Medusa smiled, a calculated smile Annabeth recognized from many royals all too well. Annabeth felt mildly sick. She was a decent dancer, she'd been raised a royal after all, but this was with Luke, and even though most of the attention would be on Percy and Drew, she thought she was going to throw up. Because before she danced with Luke, she had to dance with Percy. Fucking tradition.

Sure enough, Percy walked to the center of the dancefloor, his expression impassive and noble, and he extended his hand for her. Annabeth swallowed hard, unable to spot Jason in the crowd (she was sure he was lurking in the corners with other guards), and stepped forward with hesitation. She pressed her hand into Percy's, immediately noticing his warmth. It was sort of overwhelming, his entire being. He smelled like sea air and of the ocean, and she couldn't quite read his expression. It was frustrating.

"Lady Annabeth," he greeted and Annabeth was mildly aware of everyone's eyes on them.

"Sir," she dipped her head, trying to appear kind. She could not slip up, she would not mess up. She felt his hand rest on her waist and the other take her hand in his. She had never been more grateful for the gloves on her hands in her entire life. To feel his skin pressed against hers, she would surely faint. He was weirdly… powerful, his entire presence. It made her feel dizzy and uncomfortable. She shrunk under his gaze. Percy was graceful, and that only made her hate him more. Of course he was a fucking fabulous dancer, what couldn't he do? She upheld her image, and allowed him to whisk her around, but only for some time.

Percy stepped carefully, his motions flowy like liquid, natural, carefree. He began to lead, but something stubborn inside of Annabeth refused to follow his lead. Tightening her hand on his, she changed the game. Annabeth pulled him to the left, and his eyes widened fractionally at the gesture. She stepped on his foot deliberately, driving her pointy heels into his toes, a muscle in her cheek twitching when he winced, an audible groan falling from his mouth. He pursed his lips in understanding, but his eyes lit up, excited by this new game. As they glided across the ballroom floor, the mere minutes seemed to drag out, the pair fighting for dominance as subtle as they could. It was a test, a battle of pride and respect. The blonde pulled him in a different direction and in retaliation, Percy tugged her forward. Annabeth's throat tightened, caught off guard by his bold move.

They were mere centimeters apart and his sea air, it was drowning her, overwhelming her senses. Before she could regain control, Percy spun her and she felt her heart leap into her mouth. Fuck. His eyes glittered in victory, claiming the win, much to Annabeth's dismay. He dipped her low and she wanted to scream at the smug look on his face. Instead she nearly stumbled and he steadied her, only smirking a bit more. He had won, that much was clear. Fuck him. Fuck this. Annabeth felt like a little kid, throwing a tantrum because she'd lost, but she smothered those feelings.

"Princess," Percy smiled at her once more, the song ending. But there was some underlying tone in his voice, a secret shared between only the both of them. "It was nice playing with you." Annabeth's lips parted in surprise. "But I play to win," he whispered for her ears only, low in his voice, much to her astonishment. Nobody else in the audience seemed to hear, much to her relief. Then he did as he was supposed to do, collecting Drew for the next dance, and giving Annabeth away to Luke.

Luke possessed the same grace as his brother, but where Percy's presence made her head spin, Luke felt normal, comfortable. It was a relief.

"How are you holding up?" he offered her a rare smile as they danced. Slowly, the crowd took the cue and began to dance as well. Though people definitely glanced at her a lot more than anybody else there.

"Okay," Annabeth breathed, letting him lead. Her little battle with Percy had put her off fighting for dominance and with Luke, she didn't feel like she had to. In a way, they both lead.

"That's because you haven't met everyone yet," Luke admitted.

Annabeth nodded absentmindedly.

"Don't worry about it. I'll be there to introduce you to everyone," he promised. "Like I said earlier," he began, referring to their conversation in the library yesterday afternoon, "after I speak with a few people, come find me."

Annabeth nodded obediently as Luke let go, forced to mingle alongside Percy with their father, King Poseidon's, closest allies. Annabeth wasn't sure how much time had passed, but

Across the room, commotion burst around them. She was grateful for the momentarily break from the spotlight. Drew was furious and people were turning away from their conversations, glancing at her to see why exactly she was causing such a fuss. It seemed that some servant had spilled some drink on her. Annabeth's heart went out for the servant- they were sure to be punished later, most likely for doing nothing. Then she she spotted Percy. He was standing near the commotion and no matter how hard he tried to blend in, there was this something about him. Annabeth couldn't quite put her finger on it, but despite his dark hair, he stood out even more than his brother, though Luke had bright, blond hair and lighter, baby blue eyes. There was something royal about him, something proud and charming, something intriguing. He didn't belong in this picture, this image of a royal ball. No, he belonged out on the wargrounds, leading an army into battle like the decorated general he was. She could see why he was such a good commander. That something he had, people would follow him to their deaths for it. The thought of death was sobering.

Annabeth mildly wondered if Reyna or him would win in a battle. Reyna was strong, but so was Percy. For a moment, Annabeth wasn't sure who she would've put her money on. Probably General Reyna. Percy was strong, but he was royally-trained. He would never play dirty, and Reyna would use that to her full advantage. All of a sudden, Annabeth met Percy's gaze. Immediately, her mouth turned down, her dislike for him blatant as her previous thoughts drifted out of her grasp. He didn't seem to mind her hatred. Instead, he was watching the Drew's mini-meltdown with amusement. Of course he was. Not that Annabeth could exactly blame him; Drew was putting on quite the show, ever the demanding little thing.

Seriously? she mouthed at him. Her eyes narrowed at him from across the room, watching his lean frame duck out of the scene. He smirked. Annabeth made a silent vow, promising to smack that smug look off his face later. Harshly.

His mouth curved into a boyish grin and his eyes glimmered excitedly. He said nothing in return. What a child, Annabeth thought to herself, rolling her eyes at his antics, but smiling nonetheless. Percy was a toddler, she had decided. A scary, powerful toddler. Percy watched with mild fascination as the staff scurried about, Lady Drew turning redder in the face by the moment. Annabeth only glanced away from a moment, but when she looked back, Percy had disappeared completely. She frowned in concentration, her hawk eyes scanning the crowd for him when-

"She resembles a parrot a little, don't you think?" his voice cut through her search, nearly scaring her half to death. And Annabeth wasn't the type to be easily startled.

"Christ, Percy!" she scolded and his face split into a wide grin. "Don't sneak up on people like that!" she chastised, whisper yelling. He held up his hands in surrender but made no attempt to even pretend being remorseful. She smacked his arm in annoyance, but he just chuckled. Immediately she regretted it and waited for him to chastise her for touching him. She was not allowed to, especially not now that she was engaged to Prince Luke. But no reprimandation came.

"So, what do you think?" he asked.

Annabeth glanced at him in confusion.

"Parrot or no?" Percy reminded her in thinly veiled amusement.

She couldn't fight the smile on her face. Drew really did sound like a parrot, fretting about her fine sangria purple silk gown, and that she was worth more than all the servants. Annabeth sympathized with the staff. What hell they must've faced on a daily basis in the presence of that walking she-demon.

"You shouldn't say stuff like that," she laughed quietly. She sounded like Jason when he talked to her, even to herself. He always criticized her big mouth, even though it provided plenty of entertainment for the both of them.

"And why not? I'm not lying," Percy reasoned. "Just listen to that wretched beast." Annabeth knew that Percy wasn't exactly… delicate with this sort of thing, but just wow. He was much different than he had been with all those royal children… or maybe he wasn't. Maybe that was his way of testing her. Maybe he wasn't that happy with his engagement either. He didn't seem to speak that well of Drew, to say the least. The thought had never occured to Annabeth. She'd always assumed she was the only one uncomfortable in this lifestyle, this path meticulously planned out for her by Athena, none of her own input welcome. It was an interesting theory that the other royal children shared her unhappiness. The curious blonde turned her attention back to the scene at hand.

Annabeth snorted in a very unladylike way. "Keep your voice down!" she breathed. The blonde peeked subtly around them, relieved there was nobody nearby. They were all too engrossed in the scene Drew was causing.

"Plus it's not just that lovely sound," he continued. "That beautiful face," he dramatized, clutching his heart with one hand. "It is crimson as the feathers of those graceful birds." He smirked. "So when Lady Drew asks me-" Percy then switched into a higher voice, one Annabeth assumed was supposed to mimic Drew.

"-oh, Perseus, 'I pray thee now, tell me, for which of my bad parts did thou first fall in love with me?,' I will tell her: Lady Drew, I fell first in love with that face, the hue of thy terrible, truly horrid tomato soup."

Annabeth covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. Not only did he correctly quote Shakespeare, he insulted both Drew and her rotten cooking skills (that her father bragged about) in the process. It was a nice change.

"That's terrible!" she exclaimed, lost in a fit of giggles.

"Indeed," Percy replied, mournfully. "I'm sure she will poison us all."

"That's- that's not what I meant," Annabeth cracked up. Percy finally gave in, laughing alongside her. He glanced up to see that Drew's gown had been changed, her stained garment probably being hand washed at that very moment. Those poor servants. Oh shit. His blood ran cold when Drew's dark almond eyes landed on him.

"That's my cue," Percy muttered under his breath, pasting on a concerned expression and striding away from Annabeth. He seemed to visibly deflate and Annabeth's laughter that had begun to die down, ceased completely. She frowned to herself, unable to conceal her disappointment and pity as Percy strode away. He appeared so unhappy, not unlike herself. She tucked a stray golden curl behind her ear, turning and walking the other way, not particularly in search of anything. She would simply rather not watch Drew stand beside Perseus.

Annabeth wandered for a bit, not really sure who she was in search for at this point, before being stopped by some random gentleman.

"Forgive her Princess, but you look a little lost. Would you like to dance, Your Highness?" he offered. Annabeth knew she wasn't allowed to turn him down, that would be against social standards. Reluctantly accepting, she allowed the Duke of some foreign country to whisk her away.

He wasn't unpleasant, she supposed. He had a naturally brooding expression, much like Percy, but that was where the similarities ended. He was tall, yet not more than Percy, and even though she was a tall girl herself, she found herself craning her neck up to look at him. His eyes were glassy, a milky shade of blue, effortly blending in with his pale skin. His blond hair was so light that it could have been mistaken for a shade of white under the right light. Her first thought was that he looked like Luke, only washed out. Annabeth pursed her lips. She desperately tried to recall his name, his title, something so that she would, as always, possess an intellectual advantage over this stranger. Just like always, her brain did not fail her.

"Congratulations on the engagement, Princess," said Octavian Geve of House Langen, Duke of Kreoca. Annabeth forced a smile, storing the image of him in the back of her mind. Kreoca was a big war country and House Langen was a weapon-lover's paradise. They were practically born of bloodshed.

"Thank you," she answered, as sweetly as she could. He smiled wide, so she could assume that he had bought it. As he placed his hand in hers and snaked his hand around her waist, she felt slightly uncomfortable. She'd never liked House Langen, those bloodthirsty beasts. Without meaning to, she silently compared his dancing to Percy's. He wasn't nearly as graceful or as poised, he wasn't as tall either, though that was more of a relief to Annabeth than anything else. She was beginning to wish for the song to end soon, because she wanted nothing more than to be out of his too-tight grasp. Unfortunately, it was socially unacceptable to shove him off her, so she suffered in silence, praying for something, anything.

"Excuse me, may I steal my fiancée for now? The feast is about to begin."

Annabeth had never been more grateful for Luke's voice in her entire life. His blue eyes narrowed at Octavian's and for a moment, Annabeth wanted to ask him what was wrong, but he was sort of… intimidating like this, with a stony expression on his face. Instead, she kept her mouth shut, allowing him to pull her away. The worst of the ball was over. Dinner would not be so bad. She would be seated next to Luke, both brothers on either side of their father and Queen Medusa. She could just eat in peace and zone out, taking some solace that Luke seemed to want to have her back. She wasn't sure she still trusted him, but she had decided that she didn't hate him as much as Percy. Progress.

Annabeth

She suffered through the feast, watching but not seeing, hearing but not listening. Even the food tasted plain in my mouth. Annabeth glanced at the grilled chicken on the table and couldn't help but compare it to herself. Grilled, burned by all these royals, all their interrogations, all their scrutinizing galres. She couldn't even speak when Luke murmured to her, his voice calm and level in assurance.

"You're doing fine," he said, but she tried to ignore him. Like his brother, he wore the same white and blue, the water controllers. It was a firm reminder of exactly who and what Luke was—powerful, dangerous, a Calbourne, a Prince.

Sitting at a table made of crystal, drinking bubbly gold liquid until her head spun, Annabeth felt like a traitor. What were her parents eating for dinner tonight? Did Malcolm feel as lonely as her? Was this how the rest of her life would be like? She was going to move here, to Thasite, after the marriage, after all.

The crowd toasted at the end of the feast, their glasses raised to the royal table. On they go, lords and ladies in a rainbow of color trying to wiggle their way into favor. Luke whispered their names to her in turn, even though she was beginning to doubt that she'd remember them tomorrow. At first it was annoying, but soon she found herself leaning in to hear the names.

Here she was, stuck in a room full of people who would kill her if they knew the truth about the Amazons. And the royals of course, who would kill her if they could, who probably will kill her one day. They had pulled her inside out, swapping Annabeth for Luke's wife, a Princess of Thasite, a crown for another crown, silver for white, orange for blue. That previous morning she was a free girl still, tonight she was Epresh's peace offer, an offer to heal a rift, a rivalry. How much more would change? What else would she lose?

"That's enough of that," Luke said, his voice swimming through the din of the feast. He pulled away Annabeth's fancy goblet, replacing it with a glass of water.

"I liked that drink." But she gulped down the water greedily, feeling her head clear.

Luke just shrugged. "You'll thank me later."

"Thank you," she snapped as snidely as possible. She hadn't forgotten her hatred for the Calbourne brothers nor Percy's rude comments at breakfast the day before, and Luke's reluctance to say anything. She hadn't forgotten the way he looked at her that evening he'd been forced to propose to her, like she was something on the bottom of his shoe. But now his gaze was softer, calmer, not as cold and more like Percy's.

"I'm sorry about earlier, Princess."

Her name was Annabeth, not Princess. "I'm sure you are," came out instead.

"Really," he said, leaning towards her. They were seated side by side, with the rest of the royals, at the high table. "It's just—usually younger princes get to choose. One of the few perks of not being the heir," he adds with a terribly forced smile.

Oh. "I didn't know that," she replied, not really knowing what to say. Malcolm was the only son, and Athena had always controlled her entire life, so she hadn't really experienced choice or known about it. She should have felt sorry for him, but she couldn't bring herself to feel any kind of pity for a Prince.

"Yeah, well, you wouldn't. It's not your fault."

He looked back to the feasting hall, casting his gaze out like a fishing line. She wondered what face he was looking for. "Is she here?" Annabeth murmured, trying to sound apologetic. "The girl you would have chosen?" After all, she hadn't wanted this either, and she hadn't exactly been nice to him at first either.

He hesitated, then shook his head. "No, I didn't have anyone in mind. But it was nice to have the option of a choice, you know?"

No, she didn't know. She didn't have the luxury of choice. Not then, not now, not ever.

"Not like my brother. He grew up knowing he'd never have a say in his future. I guess now I'm getting a taste of what he feels."

"You and your brother have everything, Prince Luke," Annabeth whispered in a voice so fervent it might have been a prayer. "You live in a palace, you have strength, you have power. You wouldn't know hardship if it kicked you in the teeth, and believe me, it does that a lot. So excuse me if I don't feel sorry for either of you."

There she went, letting her mouth run away with her brain. As Annabeth recovered, drinking down the rest of the water in an attempt to cool her temper, Luke just stared at her, his eyes cold. But the wall of ice receded, melting as his gaze softened.

"You're right, Annabeth. No one should feel sorry for me." She could hear the bitterness in his voice. With a shiver, she watched him throw a glance at Percy. His older brother beamed like the sun, laughing with their father. When Luke turned back around, he forced another smile, but there was a surprising sadness in his eyes.

As much as she tried, Annabeth couldn't ignore the sudden jolt of pity she felt for the forgotten Prince. But it passed when she remembered who he was and who she was.

She was an Ashington girl in a sea of Calbournes and monarch-enthusiasts, and she couldn't afford to feel sorry for anyone, least of all the son of a snake.

Annabeth

"That went well," Medusa said, snatching her hand away from the King when they reached the residence floors. He didn't seem to mind in the least. "Take the girls to their rooms."

She didn't direct her command at anyone in particular, but four guards broke off from the group. Annabeth glanced at Jason, careful not to make eye contact. For once, she was ecstatic that her mother didn't trust House Calbourne. Athena had allowed her to bring her personal guard, and Jason was all the comfort she needed.

"I can do it," Percy and Luke said in unison. They glanced at each other, startled. Annabeth hid a frown. But, but Jason...

Medusa raised one perfect eyebrow. "That would be inappropriate."

"I'll escort Annabeth, Lukey can take Drew," Percy offered quickly, and Luke pursed his lips at the nickname. Lukey. Probably what Percy called him as a boy and now it had stuck, the emblem of a younger brother, always in shadow, always second.

The King shrugged. "Let them, Medusa. The girls need a good night of sleep, and guards would give any lady bad dreams." He chuckled, tossing a playful nod at the guards. They didn't respond, silent as stone. Annabeth didn't know if they were allowed to talk at all.

After a moment of tense silence, the Queen turned on her heel. "Very well." Like any wife, she hated her husband for challenging her, and like any Queen, she hated the power the King held over her. A bad combination.

"To bed," the King said, his voice a bit more forceful and authoritative. The guards stayed with him, following when he went the opposite way from his wife. Annabeth guessed they didn't sleep in the same room, but that was not much of a shock.

"My room was where, exactly?" Drew asked, glaring at Luke. The blushing queen-to-be was gone, replaced by the sharp she-devil Annabeth recognized.

He gulped at the sight of her. "Uh, this way, miss—ma'am—my Lady." He held out an arm to her, but she breezed right by him. "Good night, Percy, Annabeth," Luke sighed, making a point of looking at the blonde.

She could only nod at the retreating Prince. Her betrothed. The thought made her want to be sick. Even though he seemed polite, nice even, he was a true monarch, in love with royalty. And he was Medusa's son, which might have been even worse. His smiles and kind words could not hide that from her. Percy was just as bad, raised to rule, to perpetuate this world of division even further.

He watched Drew disappear, his eyes lingering on her retreating form in a way that made Annabeth strangely annoyed.

"You picked a real winner," she muttered once Drew was out of earshot. She glanced at Jason one last time, but he shook his head no. Trying desperately to calm her nerves, Annabeth folded her hands in front of her and dug her nails into the skin deep. Only the stupid gloves were in the way. Jason would guard her room later, but for now, it was just her and the Crown Prince.

Percy's smile died with a downward twitch, and he started walking towards Annabeth's room, ascending the sloping spiral, the white marble carved with little waves. Her long legs- trained to take small steps like a Lady- fought to keep up with his long strides, but he didn't seem to notice, lost in thought.

Finally he turned, his eyes like the roaring ocean. "I didn't pick anything. Everyone knows that."

"At least you knew this was coming."

Percy winced at her words, but she didn't care. She couldn't handle his self-pity. "And, you know, there's the 'you're going to be king' thing. That must be a boost."

He chuckled to himself, but he was not laughing. His eyes darkened, and he took a step forward, surveying her from head to toe. Instead of looking judgmental, he seemed sad. Deeply sad in the blue-green pools of his eyes, a little boy lost, looking for someone to save him.

"You're a lot like Luke," he said after a long moment that made Annabeth's heart race.

"You mean engaged to a stranger? We do have that in common."

"You're both very smart." She couldn't help but snort. Percy obviously didn't know how long she spent in that damned library, but she had a feeling that wasn't what he was referring to. "You know people, you understand them, you see through them."

"I did a great job of that last night. I definitely knew you were the Crown Prince the whole time." She still couldn't believe it was only last night she had met him at that ball. What a difference a day made. She hadn't known his true identity, not until he'd revealed himself. How stupid could she get, really?

"You knew I didn't belong."

His sadness was contagious, sending an ache over her. "So we've switched places." Annabeth didn't belong in this palace, with these people, leaving yet another ball.

Suddenly the palace didn't seem so beautiful or so magnificent. The architecture she had initially appreciated (albeit reluctantly, because honestly, what else could you expect from a prideful Lady of House Ashington in a House Calbourne castle?). The hard marble and stone was too severe, too bright, too unnatural, trapping her in. All of a sudden, Annabeth felt like she was choking, choked by all this going on with her, the pressure of being a royal in the spotlight, her parents' expectations for her to end a rebellion, a rebellion she was part of, and just-

"Are you okay?"

Percy stared down at her, confused.

"Sorry," she mumbled, shaking my head. "Just thinking."

He nodded, looking almost apologetic. "About your family?"

The words hit her like a slap. Malcolm hadn't even crossed her mind in the last few hours, and it sickened her. He must've been so angry with her for speaking out of turn there during breakfast, and then she had not seen him off before going to the ball for the royal Calbourne brothers. He was still back in Epresh and she had not apologized. Guilt swarmed around her.

"No," was all Annabeth said. Percy said nothing, recognizing her shift in mood.

"This is you," he gestured to the door in front of both of them. Annabeth stared at it blankly. It was white with blue swirls scurrying up it. It was unfamiliar, proudly displaying Calbourne's love for water.

"Only tomorrow, right?" She didn't know why she was asking him, especially not when she already knew the answer. She needn't another reason for him to think of her as a ditsy blonde, though after he'd compared her to his brother, she hardly believed that anymore either.

"Tomorrow evening, we return to Epresh," he confirmed, momentarily soothing her ache for home, for Malcolm. This was tradition, she knew. Bianca would be at Epresh right now, alongside Malcolm, meeting all of House Ashington just as she would meet House Calbourne tomorrow. It was tradition for the royal brides to spend some time at the other House's palace, but this was overwhelming. House Ashington already had an excellent bond with the Pevanshires, and Bianca was sweet by nature, and perfect, perfect like Malcolm, and Annabeth felt an unfamiliar envy towards the older girl. Tomorrow would be a big day, a nerve-wrecking, hair-pulling day. Annabeth mildly wondered if the rest of House Calbourne was more like Percy and Poseidon, or like Luke, or maybe even Medusa. Were they all that unpleasant truly, or was that just Athena's hatred and years of teachings blinding her? Was this forming into some irrational fear of the ocean? Oh, god, oh fuck, no...

"Okay," Annabeth exhaled sharply. "Okay," she repeated and it seemed like she was trying to assure herself rather than Percy. Without another word, she stepped into her room, leaving Percy to return to his own sleeping chambers.

She tried, she really did, but with the nearby sea roaring in her ears, she barely got a wink of sleep.

Annabeth

Halfway to tea, Annabeth began to feel calm again. She addressed everyone properly and only spoke as much as she had to at lunch, as instructed. Drew talked enough for both of them, regaling the women with her "undying love" for Percy and the honor she felt at being chosen. She thought the girls would band together and kill her, but they didn't, to her annoyance. Only a few distant Calbourne relatives and close allies seemed to even care that she was there, though they didn't push their interrogation any further. But they certainly would.

When Luke appeared around the corner, she was so proud of her survival at lunch that she was not even annoyed by his presence. In fact, she felt strangely relieved and let a bit of her cold act drop. He grinned, coming closer with a few long strides.

"Still alive?" he asked. Compared questioning guests at the ladies' lunch, he was like a friendly puppy.

She couldn't help but smile. "You should send your grandmother back to the Canadians. She'll make them surrender in a week."

He forced a hollow laugh. "She's a battle-ax that one. Can't seem to understand she's not living in the war times any longer. Did she question you at all?"

"More like interrogate. I think she's angry I'm from House Ashington. Old fashioned and all that."

Anger flickered in his eyes, and she couldn't say she understood it. Luke hardly knew her at all. "She shouldn't bother you like that," he muttered. "I'll let my mother know, and she'll take care of it."

As much as she didn't want his help, she didn't see any other way around it. A woman like his grandmother could easily find the cracks in her story, discover the Amazon tie, and then she'd be truly finished. "Thanks, that would—that would be very helpful."

Luke's dress uniform was gone, replaced by casual clothes built for form and function. It calmed her a little, to see at least someone looking so informal. But she couldn't anything about him soothe her. He was one of them. One of Calbourne, one of the royal monarch. She couldn't forget that.

"Are you done for the day?" he said, his face clearing to reveal an eager smile. "I could show you around if you want."

"No." The word came out quickly, and his smile faded. His frown unsettled her as much as his smile. "I have Lessons next," Annabeth added, hoping to soften the blow. Why she cared about his feelings, she didn't exactly know. "Your mother loves her schedules."

He nodded, looking a little better. "She does indeed. Well, I won't keep you."

He took Annabeth's hand gently. The cold she felt on his skin before was gone, replaced with a delightful heat. Before she got a chance to pull away, he left her standing there alone.

Jason gave her a moment to collect herself before noting, "You know, we'd get there much faster if you actually moved."

"Shut up, Jason."

A/N: I know, I know, it was all in Annie's POV. But she is the main charrie, and there's a lot that needs to happen for her. Most of the time, it will be in her POV, only switching for some change occasionally.

Thanks for reading and if you wanna review, review, and if you don't, um… don't? Lol. Idrk where I'm going with this sentence. Until next time~

Fangirl xx

loudlilylaugher11: Hi again! I'm glad you liked it :)

Mitsuha Miyamizi: Omg, really? Thank you! Annabeth is fun to write in this kind of story, but I'm so worried I'll stray from her OG personality and everyone will hate me forever. But maybe I'm just a paranoid lil biatch lmao. O.M.G. YOU'RE A CASSIE FAN, TOO?! *incoherent screeching* OMG I LOVE YOU XD She's my absolute FAV! I thought TMI was my favorite series, but TID had me sobbing like a fucking baby. The epilogue, bro, I'm still not over it. It's just- it's not fair! They didn't get to grow old together, they were the best platonic relationship I've ever seen. I fucking shipped their three-way chemistry so hard, dude, you don't even know. Like, I don't understand fans picked a team so easily. I could never pick one of those boys. For me, when you take one of them out of the equation, it's not complete. It's a story of the three of them, not just a couple.

I saw this beautiful thing online about it. It was like (I'll take the names out to avoid spoilers though): "This was never the great love story of T and W (though they have a great love) or T and J (though they have a great love) or even W and J (though they have a great love) but the love of T, W, and J. The three of them." Needless to say, looking at that, complete with pics of them, after finishing TID was not a good idea for my emotional state haha. I think TID will always be one of my favorites, if not the favorite. Did you ever read "After the Bridge," the short story Cassandra Clare released? That made me half wanna cry and half squeal. Or the cartoon of the wedding on the bridge with W visiting from up above? That was sad af. IDK how Cass does it honestly. I stan a queen lol.

I had to use extra technology because otherwise I knew I would slip up and then everyone would be like "wot. Um Fangirl, there were no jets in the 1800s?" so I was like, how can I avoid being a major fuck-up? *snapz fingerz* FUCK IT UP BEFORE THEY CAN POINT IT OUT. YES. I'm so stupid lol.

So this response is hella long with a fuckton [;)] amount of words, so I'm totally breaking all these rules (especially cuz half this review is me fangirling about Cass lol), but I'm just so excited to find another Shadowhunter Chronicles lover! I can't fucking wait for The Wicked Powers. Thank you for such a thoughtful review, as always, and caring about my health even when I don't haha :)