Disclaimer: I don't own PJO or HoO
The blonde princess felt drunk as she stumbled towards her chambers, goosebumps on her skin and golden hair in a tangled mess. She couldn't believe the effect a single person can have on her. And it didn't help that the simple kiss left her wanting more. She was sure that the blush that covered her cheekbones would never leave. "Oh gods," She managed as she opened the door to her room, trying to shake away the pleasant encounter she had with her fiancé.
"Lady Annabeth, I'm very sorry for being late. My idiot of a brother got himself in trouble and I had to bail him out." She heard her maid announce her arrival like she usually does. The princess always doubted that her closest friend and advisor was actually just a mere servant when she looked fit to rule a kingdom.
She stopped short at the sight of the princess, an amused smile forming on her lips as she examined the physical appearance of the beautiful blonde. "What happened?"
"Oh, Thalia." Annabeth cooed happily, placing the brush on top of a table and running over to meet her servant. She took both of her hands and spun around. "It was the most amazing night."
Thalia laughed at her friend's childish behavior, picking up the brush and leading her towards the bath. "You can tell me all about it when you're inside this tub. I don't want the king putting me on the stocks for not doing my job correctly."
"Please, you've never been to the stocks. I doubt Poseidon would ever put you there." But she was undressing as she said this, inhaling Percy's scent engraved in the fabric of his shirt. Thalia didn't bother to ask because she knew that the princess will tell her everything.
The water was warm and Annabeth relaxed completely. "Alright, spill."
"He's nothing like I imagined him to be. Remember when I used to rant to you about how much I hate my mother for taking control of my life? Well, I really love her now. Thalia, he's just perfect!" Water splashed to the edges of the tub as Annabeth shifted, gazing dreamily at the ceiling and unconsciously raising her hand up to reach some invisible object.
"To tell you the truth, I don't find him so special." The maidservant admitted, really not processing how the usual level-headed princess could be so desperately in love with a man she just met last night. "But I haven't seen him yet so I'd give him that."
Prince Perseus walked casually towards the dining hall, greeting the servants he passed by with a smile. Grover was right beside him like he's supposed to be, giving the king's son all the important events and most recent news that he should be concerned about. Apparently, he was in charge of training all of the soldiers and find those who are worthy to be knighted. It was a difficult task considering how he never had any previous experience related to any of his main duties but he really had to try if he wanted his people to love him.
The king was having an animated conversation with one of the elders, laughing with his head tossed back every once in a while. Percy had never really imagined his father to be this easy going, after so many years of picturing him otherwise. Then again, his mother wouldn't have fallen in love with him in the first place if he was anything other than relaxed and fun to be with.
"Good morning, father." The prince greeted happily as he sat down on his seat, inhaling the scent of professionally prepared breakfast.
"Ah, yes, Perseus. I hope you've had a pleasant night?" Poseidon beamed in pride, folding his hands on top of the table as he took a sip from his goblet.
Percy laughed softly, remembering the events of the night prior. "More than pleasant, really. I believe I've come to be acquainted with my future bride."
"I see you've met Lady Annabeth." The king's positive mood was dampened slightly, worried that his son might have started hating him for making a decision that will change his life forever. "Well, I've only done what is best for the kingdom and if your mother was right about you in all the letters we shared, I figured you would have liked her anyways."
"Father, it's alright. I do enjoy her company. I'm just disappointed that you didn't tell me about it sooner." He took a spoonful of whatever was on his plate. His gaze trained on his king more than what was about to enter his mouth. "Plus, I believe that I have formed a great bond with her."
Poseidon nodded, "That's very good to hear."
The arrival of the princess stopped the two men from their casual conversation. Percy stood up and met with the stormy gray eyes he already loved, a grin forming on his lips as he took his hand and kissed it softly like he did before. "Hello, milady"
"Good morning to you too, kind sir." She teased back, unable to keep the small blush that was already spreading to her cheeks.
"I have some important duties to attend to." The king stated suddenly, standing up and giving both the younger ones a smile. "Enjoy the food and take as much time as you need. I'll have someone else do your duties for the meantime, Perseus."
"Thank you father, that's very much appreciated." Poseidon stood from his seat and gave one last glance to the couple, knowing that he had probably made the best decision of his life.
The future rulers of Atlantis continued their conversation where they left off, avoiding the topic of the kiss they shared- although Annabeth was very curious on whether or not her betrothed meant it. She wished that it wasn't merely a spur-of-the-moment thing or else she would just die. It really meant a lot to her and she didn't want him to say that it was a mistake.
She accompanied him to the castle's training area so that he would have experience before he took the responsibility of leading the kingdom's defenses. "Your father told me to give you basic lessons." Annabeth said softly as she picked a random sword up from the rack.
He chuckled lightly, "I don't mean to sound rude, milady, but I know how to wield a sword. I've been training in the art of combat for more than ten years now."
"Well then, Perseus, if that is so then I challenge you to a duel. If you managed to take me down in less than one minute, I will know that you are ready to train the soldiers." She easily tore off a part of her dress so that it reached just above her knees.
He took out the pen he keeps inside his armor, pressing the tip once and watching as it expanded into a beautiful bronze sword. It had been with him since forever and it was the only thing he had of his father before he made this trip to Atlantis. She didn't even seem surprised at the expandable weapon considering how she already accepted the presence of magic in her life.
Annabeth was a very skilled swordsman. The moment Thalia turned the hourglass, she already managed to block almost all of Percy's attacks. Unfortunately for her, he grew up in a place where he learned plenty of tricks from his former enemies.
Around thirty seconds later, the prince already had her pinned to the ground, her sword ten feet away from her and her hands struggling uselessly against him. Her eyes were wide with shock, as if she couldn't fathom being defeated so quickly. This was the very first time in her life wherein she was overwhelmed by a man.
He stood quickly, clearing his throat as he pulled his betrothed up with him. She was still frozen in place, her jaw on the ground. "I believe I owe you an apology, my lord. I clearly underestimated your capabilities. I must be going now, don't want to disrupt your training sessions." She spoke so fast that he barely managed to catch most of her words. With surprising grace in her flustered state, she headed towards the double doors and gave him one last look, running back to grant him a kiss on the cheek as congratulations.
Percy was rather distracted as he instructed all the soon-to-be knights. His mind kept wandering back to the woman who he was already head over heels in love with. He didn't know how it was possible to feel this way towards a person he has only met in less than twenty four hours and yet here he was.
It was easy for him to make friends. He was a naturally sociable guy and would always greet others with a smile. No one knew why he had plenty of people after his head. "You seem to be very distracted today, my lo- I mean, Percy." Grover wasn't used to being so informal, especially after serving under King Poseidon for most of his life.
"I hadn't noticed." He replied as he strode casually in the castle hallways. His eyes were trained on the decorated ceiling, his lips curved into a small, barely noticeable smile. "I apologize if my performance during training wasn't very commendable."
The servant stopped short, an eyebrow raised so high it met his hairline. "Are you kidding me?" He stated as if he was talking to his best friend and not the Prince of Atlantis. "Tell me you're kidding me."
"I'm not." Perseus managed a chuckle, amusement present in his sea-green eyes. "Why do you look so surprised, my friend?"
"Percy, you were amazing!" Grover was exaggerating, he knew it, but he didn't care. He was already comfortable in the presence of this young heir and felt rather safe by his side. "I haven't seen anyone fight like that. You were probably the strongest fighter in the world."
At this, the Prince actually laughed and it warmed the servant's heart how easily it was to make him happy. He had the simplest of needs and can easily crack a smile. It was very rare to have a ruler so kind and gentle yet fierce and strong. The kingdom will thrive once this man took the throne, even more than it does today. "Is there something wrong?"
Grover didn't realize that he had been staring at his master for a moment too long, so much so that he completely forgot to follow his stride and continue walking. His embarrassment didn't stop him from continuously admiring at eighteen year old patiently waiting for him to follow. "No, no, nothing's wrong. I'm sorry for my unusual behavior."
"It's quite alright, really." He waved his hand to signal that there was nothing wrong. If it were any other prince, the manservant would surely be given hell as a punishment but this was Percy he was talking about. He was plenty more merciful. "Grover, do you happen to know where Lady Annabeth's room is?"
And so the source of his distraction finally revealed itself, Grover thought to himself, unable to keep the smile from his lips. "I will lead you to it then, my Prince." He didn't even bother correct himself anymore. The words just slipped past his mouth and he hadn't meant to break the first rule the heir has established in their comfortable servant-master relationship.
Surprisingly, Percy started fidgeting nervously, wringing his wrists and running his hands through his hair multiple times. He would flash a sheepish grin every once in a while but he was clearly deep in thought. It was actually rather comical to watch and something that Grover could use to tease him in the near future. "Here we are, Lord Perseus, Lady Annabeth's bedchamber."
"Thank you." He said humbly, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder and giving him the sincerest of smiles. "You may return to your other duties now."
Annabeth was sitting down in front of her dresser, combing her long blonde curls while humming a sweet song. Thalia, upon hearing the swift but soft knock on the door, made her way to welcome the visitor. She didn't know whether or not she should be surprised to see the Prince on the other side. "My lord." She greeted briefly as she gave a small curtsy.
"Hello, Thalia." He smiled in return, hands behind his back as he strode inside the rather comfortable bedroom. "Would you mind giving us some privacy? Only for a moment," He added the last statement for reassurance. He wasn't planning to stay for more than ten minutes.
The maidservant had no right to judge a member of the royal family but it was important for her to remain loyal to her best friend and would protect her with her life. "No, it's no problem." She managed as she headed towards her mistress to announce her brief leave. Annabeth wasn't aware that she had a visitor yet and was only left confused as she watched Thalia close the door.
She resumed with her casual brushing, eyes closed and song on her lips. Imagine the surprise she felt when two gentle hands were placed on her shoulders. Her instincts were already on the defensive and yet her body was frozen at the warmest touch she had ever felt. It was the kind of touch that she would love to wake up to every morning, the kind that she would hold as they took romantic walks on the beach, the kind that would eventually kill her if not felt on a regular basis.
Unconsciously, her mind started placing a face to match the touch, crossing out the possibility of her parents seeing that they have never held her at all ever since she turned sixteen. The hand was too broad for it to be feminine so it wasn't Thalia either. "Percy?" She asked, quite confident with her answer.
"Yes, Princess?" He asked as he caressed her cheeks with his long, slightly calloused fingers. "I believe you owe me an apology."
Her eyes snapped open at the statement, staring at his reflection on the mirror in disbelief. "And for what, my lord?"
"For walking out on me after the training session." He stated simply, "I could not keep my mind off of you all day and Grover noticed that I was more than distracted. You should not leave your fiancé like that after you kiss him, Annabeth. It's not very nice." His scolding was playful and her shock morphed into amusement. He was certainly the most unusual nobleman she has ever met.
Unusual in the best way possible.
She stood from her seat and turned to face him, her hands on his muscled chest and her head tucked comfortably on his neck. She would never have allowed a man she had just met yesterday to hold her like he was doing now. But Percy was different. "Well then, I believe that I just have to make it up to you." She smiled and allowed the pleasurable sensations take over, something she doesn't usually do.
Annabeth wasn't sure who initiated the kiss nor did she know whether it was accidental or not. But as of now, she felt like a normal teenage girl with the man she loved, doing foolish acts when no one was looking. And yes, she loved him already. "Percy…" She muttered through his velvet lips, feeling his arms tighten their grip on her waist and hers do the same around his neck.
It was longer than their first one and meant so much more. Yet air was cruel and demanded to be noticed. She hated to pull away but if she didn't, she would surely faint and it was something she wasn't ready to do in this stage of their relationship.
He carried her towards her bed, knowing full well that she wouldn't be able to stand on her own after the kiss they shared. He, too, was having trouble controlling his legs but that didn't stop him from trying. It was only when she gestured for him to lie on the other side that he joined her, pulling his bride to a comforting embrace. "I've been meaning to ask…" She started, blushing in embarrassment at the question in her mind.
"What is it, my love?" He asked, surprising himself at the spontaneous declaration. But he didn't correct himself. He was soaring in the clouds without even leaving the ground.
She bit her lip and faced him, their lips brushing but never really connecting. "Did you mean our first kiss?" She hid her pinkish cheeks from his gaze, fingers tracing the muscles on his arms and legs tangling with his.
"I have meant every single thing I did to you, Annabeth. I will never toy with a maiden's feelings that way." He twirled her loose blonde hair on his fingertips, inhaling the scent of roses and strawberries around him. This was heaven and he was so lucky that he was worthy enough to experience this paradise.
They kissed again, more times than they could count, maybe around an hour after they fell asleep. But time was irrelevant for the two lovers. All that mattered was their special other, the person they fell in love with in less than one measly day.
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