Prince Nico of Elysium stayed for another fortnight. Princess Hazel and Ser Frank were forced against their will to return to their home due to some complications regarding the treasury. To the surprise of plenty, the king was convinced that it was better for his one heir to stay in Atlantis for a longer period of time. He said that the relationship made with the royalties in the northern country was much more important than a minor problem.
Nonetheless, no matter how heartbreaking the departure of two members of their small, tight knitted 'family', Thalia was still grateful that Hades has much more common sense and decided to do the best for his kingdom as well as the alliance. She had never considered loving another man again, especially after the betrayal of some commoner named Luke. She closed herself off from any romantic relationship and focused on taking good care of her brother more than anything. Maybe it was about time for her to open her heart again. Nico had lost just as much as she did and it might just work between them.
Unfortunately, the stay of Lord Leo and Lady Piper was limited only until next week. Many refused to make it a topic of conversation considering how horribly Jason might react to the inevitable loss he will face. Although it was more than possible to consider the many possibilities presented considering the given situation, one of which was establishing a long distance relationship that will eventually lead to a marriage as long as the pieces play themselves well.
The sound of a loud argument woke most of the castle inhabitants from their peaceful slumber. It was just before sunrise and many were used to sleeping until two hours after the sun indicates the start of another day. Insults were being thrown in the air as if it were the snowballs children play with in the winter. Percy groggily opened his eyes, muttering nonsense under his breath as he threw the covers off his body.
Annabeth wasn't any better. She had planned to sleep in after the exhausting night they had and was more than annoyed when she lost the warmth her beloved was exuding. He watched in amusement as she grumbled profanities, putting on a robe over her flimsy silk nightdress.
With hands held tightly, the couple made their way towards the source of the noise. Many maids were whispering quietly to each other about what they thought was happening inside the unsuspecting room. A more curious servant leaned in closer to eavesdrop, ear pressing so hard on the door that the Prince was surprised it hadn't withdrawn to her head.
"My lord!" The cook's daughter exclaimed in surprise, blushing in embarrassment as she took multiple steps back in the fear of being punished for her unforgivable actions. The others followed her lead, head bowed in guilt and hands folded awkwardly over their laps.
Due to his delinquent past, Perseus easily fumbled with the lock and the door swung open with a slight creak. The occupants of the room must not have heard the intrusion for they continued cursing at each other, as if it were natural for them to do so. Annabeth huffed indignantly, catching sight of familiar choppy black hair. She should have suspected that her maidservant was involved in all of this.
"Thalia!" The blonde princess scolded from her spot at the door, arms crossed firmly over her chest. "Who in the right mind creates a fight loud enough to wake the entire castle so early in the morning?"
Percy managed a slight chuckle, placing a hand on his fiancé's shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. He couldn't possibly blame her for the sour mood since even he lacked the patience he was widely known for. It really wasn't the best time for a Grace-sibling argument, especially after having a rather amazing experience just last night.
"Jason, Thalia, mind telling us what you two are arguing about?" The sea prince inquired casually, taking a seat on one of the many lounge chairs.
The 'Saving Grace' groaned in annoyance, slumping against the wall to symbolize his exhaustion. His throat was sore and his heart was racing but he didn't care. He was still angry with Thalia for what she said. After all, she wasn't the only one who would lose their mind if ever they lose their loves. They were under a horrible time limit and it bothered the lost royalties how intimidated they were by an intangible object. It does after all have full control over them just as much as wealth and power does.
Apparently, it wasn't only Prince Perseus and Lady Annabeth who were given an untimely awakening. The King had travelled quickly towards the source of the noise, wearing a robe over his sleeping attire. His crown was missing, maybe forgetting to put it on in his haste to get here as fast as possible. "What is this commotion about?"
"My lord," Thalia squeaked in embarrassment, her face flushing to the color of tomatoes as she bowed in front of Poseidon. "I am deeply sorry for disrupting your slumber. I understand that the actions I have performed with my brother were selfish and I did not consider it thoroughly. Please, my king, return to sleep."
Poseidon sighed and eyed the situation wearily, "Yes, very well. My son has everything handled as of the moment, yes?" Percy nodded obediently, a smile on his lips as he shooed his father away.
The departure of the king announced the arrival of yet another two visitors, this time, they were people who were actually welcomed to this conversation. Nico was in full-alert, clumsily fumbling with his sword in the attempt to draw it in his stupor.
Piper was plenty more dignified. She radiated just as much grace and elegance as Annabeth did at the moment and she was clearly thankful that she managed to keep her composure even if there was a grave feeling just settling over her stomach. "Piper!" Jason greeted in surprise, standing from his place on the floor and running a hand through his messy golden locks in embarrassment.
Thalia coughed awkwardly as she averted her eyes from her beloved's half-clothed form, his sleeping pants being the only cover he had as of the moment. Nico didn't seem to mind that his bare chest was in everyone's line of sight and even Annabeth had to admit that she liked what she was seeing. Although she still preferred Percy's figure over anyone else's any day.
Leo was grumbling as he appeared by the doorway as well, his eyes half-closed and senses still asleep. "Can't a man get some sleep around here?" The Duke's son mumbled, taking in the scenery as quickly as he could before raising an eyebrow at the kingdom's power couple and how they were both so flustered.
"How was it possible for only two people to wake up an entire castle?" Annabeth asked in confusion, hating herself for not knowing the answer. It really did make no sense to her. Their home was large enough to fit two kingdoms. Surely, the Grace Sibling Argument of the day hadn't been loud enough for it to reach even the farthest ends of the castle.
No one answered her, feeling an overwhelming amount of disbelief as well. Their reason for fighting didn't even make sense. To summarize, it was basically about who was going to miss their partner more and the screaming turned so intense that it echoed throughout the halls of the entire castle.
"I believe that this issue is resolved for the moment." Perseus said as he yawned, stretching his hands over his head. "Everyone return to your bedchambers. Thalia, Jason, I trust that you will allow sleep to come, yes?"
"Of course, my lord." The Graces answered at the same time. "We apologize again for the noise we caused."
"It's quite alright. What's done is done. But do try to be more careful next time. I do not think my father will allow me to let you go without a punishment if it were to happen again."
Thalia nodded vigorously, afraid of what might happen if she violated that direct order. She may be a princess but she had no power over this kingdom. Also, she has a slight fear of the stocks and the humiliation that comes with it.
Sleep evaded the members of the castle therefore they decided to start their day early. It was almost humorous to see the surprised faces of the villagers as many of the guards and servants went to the marketplace to purchase fish and vegetables. Only the farmers were awake at this time of day, and that was only because their fields needed tending to.
Princess Annabeth was forced to detach herself from her beloved due to his princely duties so her only companion for most of the morning would be her loyal maidservant. Thalia still feels quite embarrassed for the incident with her brother and she refused to speak in the fear of humiliating herself even more. The opinion of the Princess was important to her. It was hard enough already as it is to see the other maids whispering to each other as she walks past the hallways, much less seeing the disappointment present in her lady's face every time she looks at her.
But that was not the case. Annabeth did not look as if she cared about being awoken. It was difficult to adjust one's schedule, yes, but it was all the better considering how she has much more free time now than she did before.
The arrival of a blacksmith was practically the highlight of the day. He was young, approximately 13 years of age, with the shaggiest brown hair Percy has ever seen. It was difficult to look at him in the eye due to his height but after plenty of strain, the Prince saw a rather pitying thing. The boy only had one working eye.
The upper right side of his face hosted healed burn marks and his eye had been affected the most. It might have happened through a smithy accident or if he had suffered with it since childhood, no one knew.
"My king." The visitor said with a slight childish tone of voice. "My momma sent me here to present you with the sword you have ordered for us to make. Do you wish to have it?"
"Let me see the sword, young one." Poseidon was regarding the boy carefully, a frown settling on his lips due to frustration. The King could not point out where he saw those eyes before and he hated himself for it. "Please, would you tell me your name?"
"I am Tyson," He declared proudly, simultaneously pulling off the red velvet piece of cloth that was on top of the sword. "Your weapon, my king."
Percy raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by the fine craftsmanship. "Is this made by you, Tyson, or are you just here to deliver?" The Prince inquired gently, approaching the boy with his hands behind his back and a small smile on his lips. He did not want to frighten anyone, especially if he was to be king someday.
"This is the first sword I made, my lord, without the assistance of my mentor." He answered honestly, bowing his head down a little in embarrassment. "I was afraid that you would reject it due to its unattractiveness. Is it worth your time, Prince Perseus?"
"In all honesty, friend, this is an impressive looking blade you've got. Who is your mentor?"
"His name is Briares, my lord. He has been teaching me the art of blacksmithing since I was a mere child and I have assisted him with plenty of projects in the past. He trusts me now to finish some orders he does not have time to do."
Poseidon nodded, stroking his beard in thought. "Yes, yes. I've heard of him. Your mentor is indeed very talented and you have clearly learned plenty from him. Stories say that he works so swiftly, he seemed to have a hundred hands." The king smiled, "You and Briares will be our court blacksmiths from now on. It is better than importing weapons from other kingdoms. With blades as fine as this, we could be the source of that Zeus' envy."
Annabeth noticed Thalia flinch at the name of her father but remained stoic anyways. "Grover, please bring this sword to the weapon's room. Make sure that it is placed in the proper case. I will be naming it later." Poseidon returned the blade to its hilt and handed it to the servant who swiftly headed out of the room without any questions.
"Tyson, please allow Ella to escort you to your living quarters. You are given the entire week to move in with your family and, if possible, with Briares as well. You are free to use castle facilities as long as it is not prohibited." The King stated with a proud smile on his face, most probably ignoring his previous thoughts about the young lad and just enjoy his presence instead.
A small, ridiculously thin girl with reddish brown hair approached the man. She had sunken cheeks and her eyes looked hollow but, weirdly, filled with knowledge. "I don't believe I have met her yet." Annabeth stated, her heart filled with pity for the seemingly fragile twelve year old.
"The guards found her in a library outside the kingdom a few days ago. She claimed that she hasn't eaten for days and that her so-called 'master' will not give her food unless she found a certain piece of information in one of the books. Of course, they brought her here to get the proper care that she needs but it would take a very long time for her to regain the health she used to have."
The Princess shook her head, looking away and releasing a heavy sigh. "Poor thing." She mumbled, grasping Percy's hand tightly to hers. She could not imagine a person living under such a heavy hand that it reduced them to skin and bone. It was obvious that Ella used to be a beautiful girl and her past turned her into whom she is now. "Have you found the man responsible for this torture?" she asked with certainty, her hands clenching into fists at the injustice that has been done.
"Yes, of course, Annabeth. I would never let a guilty man live without the proper trial. Father allowed me to take control of this case therefore I would be the one to supervise."
Athena's daughter ran to her prince and enveloped him in a careful embrace. "Thank you, my love." She whispered giddily, losing all of her previous apprehension. "You will make a good king someday."
"Anything for you, my princess." He replied, leading her out of the throne room with Thalia following shortly after.
Hey guys:) A lot of you don't know this but I'm actually Filipino. So many people had asked me what my nationality was and a lot of them had started throwing guesses here and there (and I actually am flattered that a lot of you think I'm from the UK but I'm not.)
Anyways, I just felt the need to address this little issue because my stories will consist of problems the Philippines is facing today. If you're interested enough to go do some research on it, you'd see how plain stupid certain people are nowadays, especially with that little problem regarding the Rizal Park mishap with a condominium being built behind a national monument.
Sorry if it was totally off-topic but I'm very passionate about this and hope you understand in the future when I start ranting about these things. Love you all and please review:)