AN/ I just wanted to thank all the people who read this story and my beta reader!

I DO NOT OWN PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYIMPIANS

ANNABETH

I did not have much time. The royal family of Sparta was supposed to arrive by evening today however the coast guards had seen a ship with Spartan colors nearing the shore at dawn itself, either they started their journey a day in advance or the sea had somehow propelled them with the speed of Hermes.

I looked at myself in the mirror I was a complete and utter disaster. I was starting to regret visiting Piper and Thalia. What was I thinking? I had to look presentable, scratch that I had to look like a Demigod Princess who could rival Aphrodite's beauty, there was very little time left for the feast to begin and over that I only had an hour or two before my future fiancé arrived.

I still was not pleased with this engagement, but I knew my mother was watching over me, and maybe other gods and goddesses were trying to help me as well, but it was also true that some gods hated me. To name a few: Hera, Ares, and Poseidon.

I had personally angered Hera, but I had done nothing to anger Ares and Poseidon. They disliked me because of the rivalry they have with my mother. Ares hated my mother because most people believed that strategy was better than brute strength and Poseidon was still mad at my mother because she won the patronage of Athens.

I wondered what they thought about my situation, but it was a waste of time wondering what the gods thought of and about, so why bother? I had to get ready for the feast which I thought would be the worst of my life. That's way more important that what others think of you. I could not wear something simple, I am a princess after all, but I did not want to exaggerate. I decided to ask Charis for advice.

She is, after all, one of the wisest women who I trust and know will give honest judgement. I was not allowed in the servant's quarters, but I needed to talk to her. I quickly scanned my wardrobe for an outfit that did not draw too much attention and put it on. I had learnt how to walk without making any noise.

Palace servants were trained to walk through the hallways quietly because my father did not want to be disturbed by the servants in the least. As I approached the servants' quarters I had to be even more careful. I was not allowed to talk to the workers and servants about personal matters.

I hated how people would be separated by their social status. At least my father agreed on not having any slaves. Charis had once told me that she had joined the palace staff after her husband had passed away. I didn't ask for any details because her husband's passing still brought much pain to her. Fortunately, Charis had her own room because she had worked at the palace longer than the rest of the staff. Most people only work for five years before leaving for better prospects.

I hated that too, but I guess working in the palace is a hard job. I walked the long stretch of hallway leading to Charis' room and knocked silently on her door. She opened the door and was clearly surprised to see me.

"Princess Annabeth, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"I need your help, Charis." I did not want to give into my emotions, because I was afraid that if I break down it'd scare her. "Can you meet me in my chambers, Charis? I do not want to get in trouble with my father for disobeying his wishes." She understood why I could not be here and she knew it wasn't personal.

"Of course Lady Annabeth, I'll be there shortly." She said obediently not meeting my eyes even once.

"In about five minutes, Charis. I knew I could count on you. I have to go now. I'll see you soon."

I had to leave the servants' quarters as soon as possible. Soon everyone would come out of their rooms and see me. I had no other choice but to run trying to make no noise as I swept across the hallway like a leaf on the wind. I was extremely glad that no one saw me walking in the hallways. Now I just had to wait for Charis to arrive. I was deep in thought when I heard a light tap at the door to my chamber. I opened it and I was not surprised to see Charis standing there before time.

"Thank you so much for coming." I said. I had always looked up to her and I always listened to her advice.

"I need your help."

"What's wrong, Annabeth?" I noticed that she did not call me princess. She knew something was wrong, but I did not know how to tell her about the engagement.

"You will find out later at the feast, but I need your advice on what to wear." I was afraid she would notice that my problem was worse than she had anticipated.

"Of course Annabeth, just tell me what you have decided upon and I can help you decide from them." She said with a kind smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

I explained what kind of clothes I wanted to wear and we decided that I would wear a flowing chiton.

It was not to over the top, but it was not too simple either. It was white, but it had little sequin designs that went from my waist all the way to my ankles with a beautiful border at the lower edge of the dress. I draped a shawl over my shoulders, while Charis combed my hair into an elegant knot.

When we were satisfied with my makeover she said that she had to leave and ran out of my chamber closing the doors behind her.

I had to ask my father something so I decided to go and look for him. I went over to his palace wing and went straight to his library. A large part of the palace was meant for his use only and only a selected few could go there. I walked over to the door and tapped on it twice. I waited at the door patiently and after a while my father opened the door.

He simply glanced at me and asked me to come in, "Hello, Annabeth. I see you are ready for the feast. I was worried that you would be against this marriage." He had a smile on his face. I still wonder if that smile was genuine or not. I loved my father, but sometimes I wondered if he loved me back.

"I have to do what is best, Father." I hope he did not detect the sarcasm in my voice.

"I just wanted to know at what time I have to be in the throne room."

"Be there in half an hour."This time his voice was shallower.

"Thank you father, I shall await your presence." I said turning around and leaving. I decided to walk faster. I went back to my room and I did what I did best. I drifted off in endless thought.

It was time, he was about to arrive. Sure, I wanted to meet him, but I was worried. I would have to spend the rest of my life with him and don't forget that the goddess of marriage hates me. I walked over to the throne room and sat on my throne. Right on after I arrived, my father walked in. I thought It would be just us, but I saw my father's nobles and ministers arrive with him and of course, Chiron.

I was glad that he was here. He had always been like a second father to me. As I sat there I saw something that surprised me, Piper and Thalia. Piper just looked at me and mouthed one word 'Charis'. I instantly knew that she had asked my father to invite them. Among the other honoured guests were Frank Zhang, Captain of the Equine Cavalry, Hazel Levesque, Chief Treasurer, Katie and Pollux, Ministers of Agriculture and Health.

As I looked at the crowd I heard the sound of footstep, no, the sound of marching, of warriors dressed in armour carrying swords which they thumped on their shields.

They, the Spartans had arrived, I looked towards the door across the Atrium, chin up, shoulders back, and I took my stance as the Princess of Athens, that of Princess Annabeth the Faint smile.

The doors opened wide and in marched the Spartans, the Royal Family at the centre of the wedding party, walking with their heads held high and garbed in their finest.

There they were my future family.