I'm so sorry I haven't uploaded in what seems like forever, but I've had tons of homework, tests, more homework, and, dont forget, sports. Anyway, make sure to read my Beta's story 'Fire in the Void'.

I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Annabeth

Sure the feast was fun, but I spent the entire time lost in thought. The only time I would speak or say something was when Thalia or Piper asked me something. When most of the guest were finished eating, I asked my father if I could be excused. I wanted to be alone, but guess who followed me? You guessed it; Thalia and Piper had decided to stick with me like shadow.

I doubt that Piper and Thalia noticed that I knew they were following me. I decided that if I kept walking Thalia and Piper wouldn't find me and they would give up. Of course I was wrong.

I slowly walked to a garden in the palace that I had dedicated to my mother. I sat on my favourite bench that was hidden from the rest of the paths, and I waited for Piper and Thalia to find me. After waiting for a couple of minutes, they came out of the bushes and silently took seats beside me.

After hours of silence and forced small talk I said the first thing that came to my mind, "Took you guys a while. Didn't it?" It was lame, but I couldn't think of anything else to say, Shocker right?

"Wait, you knew we were behind you?" Piper asked exasperatedly.

"No. I did not hear you crushing leaves and branches, as you miserably tried to follow me." I replied sarcastically. "Do you want us to be here, Annabeth?" asked Thalia. She knew me enough to notice that I needed to be alone.

"I wish to be alone, thank you for being with me though. It meant and means a lot to me." I said with a slight smile on my face, Piper hugged me before she got up to leave with Thalia right beside her.

"Look for us if you need anything." Thalia said.

"We're always going to be there for you. Don't forget that." added Piper, in a comforting voice. As they started to walk back to the palace, I picked up a small moon lace from beside and marvelled at how something so small and delicate could give off such a warm glow during such a cold night.

Suddenly, a cold breeze passed by and blew the moon lace away.

Once again, I felt as if all hope had been taken away from me. I couldn't show that though. I would not lower my head for any reason. I was a daughter of Athena, after all.

Like the chilling wind out of nowhere, a grey owl flew next to me and perched its self on my shoulder.

"Hello there." I said to it. After all, owls were my mother's sacred bird, meaning I could talk to them.

"Hello milady. I noticed you looked much stressed and I came to see if I could help you."

"I appreciate it, but I do not need any help." I said politely

"Milady, everyone needs help with something. You just need to notice when you need help." said the owl, trying to reason with me.

"You are right." I thought for a second and I continued," Do you think you could come with me to Sparta when I leave Athens. I know I am asking for much, but it would mean the world to me."

"I would be honored to help a daughter of Athena."

"Thank you! You're a blessing from the great goddess! May I know your name?" I asked the bird

"Of course, my name is Sonya." She chirruped excitedly, her big golden eyes warm with affection towards me.

"Well Sonya, I must thank you one more time!" I said with the first genuine smile I had ever given in weeks.

"Milady, there is someone here. I must go now!" She said hesitantly and took off in the quick breeze.

"Wait! Who's there? When are you coming back?" I asked.

"I'll be back soon!" and flew away into the night leaving me alone. Again, but the last thing I wanted to feel was self-pity. I had other things to worry about. I wanted to find out who was fallowing me, so I did the most reasonable thing. I took out my dagger and shouted, "Whose there! Show yourself!"

From the shadows of the trees behind me, came out a warrior. A warrior dressed in armour of gold whose face was no longer hidden behind the mask. His mesmerizing sea green bore into mine and for the first time I found myself lost my dagger still in my hands by my side.

"Hello, Princess. I have been looking for you." He said, his eyes shining and faint smile on his face advocated his innocence.

"Hello, Perceus" I said and curtsied to him, my head bowed and not meeting his eye. I gestured for him to sit beside me.

"I need to talk to you." He said as if it were a matter of urgency and sat down beside me. He set down his helmet and said, "I hate that thing it brings back bad memories." He said looking at his helmet, with an expression of disgust on his face. He then looked towards me and continued, "Anyway, I wanted to say sorry." I was surprised. Why would he apologise to me?

"Why?" I said taken aback.

"I wanted to say sorry, because I messed up the proposal. I sounded like I was reading from a script, but I wanted to tell you that I really meant what I said." He really did know how to surprise me. An apology was the last thing I expected from him.

"Apology accepted." I told him. I have no idea how I just did that and how those words came out of my mouth. They just did.

"Thank you, you have no idea how much this means to me." He sounded as if a great burden had been lifted off of his shoulder.

"Well, Perceus," I said, "It's late. I must go to my chambers."

"May I walk you there, Princess?" He asked.

"You may, and please, call me Annabeth." I said with a faint smile.

"Of course, Prin- Annabeth." He fumbled and then scratched his head.

I giggled at his innocent banter. Wait, did I just giggle?

We walked the entire way back to my chambers in absolute silence. When we arrived at the entry to my Royal Wing, he paused at the door and said, "Annabeth, I enjoyed talking with you. Do you mind if we go out for a stroll in the garden again?"

"I would love too." I answered his question with a smile.

"I'll see you tomorrow after sunrise, then. Goodnight, Annabeth." He simply smiled, bowed to me, kissed my hand, and left.

I went inside my room, and I went straight to the balcony. I leaned against the railing and sighed. I was looking forward to the next day, but I didn't want to leave my past behind me. What scared me was that I was looking forward to the next day. The day I had dreaded for the most of my life.