Percy pulled uncomfortably at his black royal clothing. Amphitrite eyed him critically. She also wore black; the entire kingdom did as they were in mourning. Her eyes were puffy and red, evidence of her grief. Prince Triton was given a funeral befitting royalty. Amphitrite had been inconsolable during the days leading up to it. To some degree, Percy felt guilty. He wasn't sure why. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that Triton was supposed to be the sole heir. With him gone, Percy felt like he had stolen it unfairly. Amphitrite, in her mourning, had thanked Percy for bringing Triton home, assuring him that she wished him no ill will. After the funeral, Amphitrite acted as though everything was normal, but her eyes said otherwise.
"Now, let's go over it again." She said in her strictest tone.
"I bow deeply to kings and queen's, showing respect and loyalty. I shake the prince's hands, showing I have no weapons and offer peace. I kiss princess' hands, showing respect and to . . . woo them." Percy said the last part distastefully.
"You will do this at each formal activity, especially the ball, but also as we welcome them to Atlantis." Amphitrite emphasized.
"I thought everyone was coming here to go to war. Why are we having a ball?" Percy tugged uncomfortably at his clothes.
"It's tradition to have a ball each time we gather to promote unity. Intermarrying among the kingdoms has kept the kingdoms of Olympus from warring with each other." Amphitrite explained. "You will be required to dance with every princess at the ball."
"But . . ." Percy began to protest.
"I know you have your heart set on Princess Annabeth of Athens, but it doesn't hurt to build relationships with others. Don't expect much from Athens, especially considering Athena's cold mood. Even if Princess Annabeth were coming, you would still be required to dance with all the princesses. Besides, it's only polite."
Percy huffed in frustration.
"Now, company will be arriving soon. It is vitally important to make a good impression. Shoulders back. Chin up. Show me your bow." She demanded.
Percy bowed deeply, feeling completely stiff.
"Looks good." Poseidon commented as he walked in. He kissed Amphitrite on her temple. "The first carriage approaches. It's King Hades."
"He would be first. Very well. Here we go. Remember what we discussed. Your best behavior." She warned. She then motioned to the staff who rushed into position.
Percy sighed dejectedly as he followed them out to the front steps of the palace. When Hades arrived, he didn't say a word. He merely bowed and moved on. While he said nothing, his dark eyes were fixed on Percy. Percy breathed a sigh of relief once Hades was out of sight. He wasn't sure why, but Hades gave him the creeps.
King Hephaestus showed up with his son Leo, who Percy vaguely remembered at the Battle of Olympus. He seemed distracted as he fiddled with something in his hand. King Hephaestus himself looked and acted very much out of place. But Percy had been briefed that Hephaestus' kingdom was one of the more powerful navies, rivaling Atlantis.
King Hermes arrived a little bit later with his sons, Connor and Travis. They were so excited to see Percy that they disregarded all etiquette in greeting each other. Connor came up and vigorously shook Percy's hand. "Well if it isn't the legend himself." Connor boasted.
"Well, if it isn't the heroes of Olympus. It's good to see you." Percy said genuinely, as he hugged each of them. "You have a little bit more color in your face since I last saw you, Travis."
Travis grinned sheepishly. "How's the etiquette treating you?" He asked.
Percy laugh at that, "Torture. You?"
"Pretty much the same. No wonder royals always act so stiff."
Amphitrite gave Percy a cross look. He chuckled nervously. "Well, if anything, I'm glad you're here. It's good to know that there is someone here that I trust. Just don't blow up Atlantis. Save the blowing up for the enemy."
"Oh, and we have some beautiful ones." Connor grinned mischievously.
"Can't wait." Percy grinned.
"My apologies." Hermie's bowed to Poseidon and kissed Amphitrite's hand. "Rebuilding my kingdom has taken the majority of my attention. They do know some etiquette, but seem to have forgotten it."
"I completely understand." Amphitrite agreed.
Connor, Travis, and Percy looked at each other and laughed, which didn't improve Hermes or Amphitrite's mood. "We'd better get inside." Travis urged his twin forward.
"See you later." Connor grinned.
The next one they had to greet was Nero, steward of Delphi and Naxos, who Percy had never heard of before. But Poseidon and Amphitrite had, and looked less than pleased to have him visiting Atlantis.
"King Poseidon!" He bowed respectfully. Poseidon didn't return the gesture.
"And Queen Amphitrite." He held out his hand with a greaswp smile.
Amphitrite put her hand behind her back.
"What brings you here, Nero? I thought you didn't have an army." Poseidon challenged.
Nero removed his opened hand looking full of respite. "I can still support those that do. Just trying to do my part. Besides, these gatherings are important to harbor goodwill."
"It would do you good to remember that." Poseidon's voice had a warning tone to it.
Nero smiled smoothly. Then his gaze turned to Percy. This must be Prince Perseus, the one they call legend. Quite convenient that Triton is dead."
Percy flushed as several emotions ran through him.
"That's enough, Nero." Poseidon growled.
"My sincerest apologies. That's not how I wanted to express my condolences at all." He bowed apologetically. But Percy could tell he wasn't sorry at all. As Nero walked past him, not even bothering to shake hands with him, he eyed Percy up and down as though eyeing an opponent or prey. Percy narrowed his eyes in return, refusing to back down from his gaze.
Once Nero was gone, Poseidon and Amphitrite relaxed a bit. "Does someone want to fill me in on who that was?" Percy asked.
Poseidon and Amphitrite exchanged a look, and Poseidon answered, "Nero mysteriously came into possession of Delphi and Naxos after tragic deaths befell the kings and queens that ruled the cities. He acts like a nice guy, but no one trusts him. And you shouldn't either.
Percy thought about it. Something was bugging him about what he had learned, but he couldn't quite figure it out. Nor did he have time to as another carriage arrived.
The high King Zeus stepped out followed by Queen Hera and his son, Jason. Jason was everything a son of the high king should be: tall, strong, good-looking, and extremely well mannered. It was no wonder Athena was pushing for Annabeth to court him. They would be a strong power couple. The thought disheartened him.
"Prince Perseus. I hope you're taking good care of my troops." Jason held out his hand.
"You didn't make it easy." Percy half joked.
"It'll be good to see everyone again." Jason gave a friendly smile.
Percy felt even more miserable than when he met Nero. Jason was not only good looking, but he was nice too. He was flawless.
"We have much to do before tonight." Hera interrupted. "Come." Percy bowed before Zeus and Hera as they passed to enter the palace.
A servant then ran up with the dreaded words, "Queen Athena has entered the city." Of all the kings and queens to arrive, Percy dreaded one above all: Athena.
Poseidon's jaw tensed. Amphitrite plastered a tense smile on her face and Percy held his breath as the Athens carriage pulled up. Athena stepped out, looking less than pleased to be there. Poseidon moved to approach then stopped suddenly. Someone climbed out behind Athena. Percy's jaw unceremoniously dropped. There stood Annabeth, looking more beautiful than he remembered. A small smile graced her lips, completely mesmerizing him.
"Annabeth?!" Percy exclaimed.
Amphitrite jabbed him sharply with her elbow. "Queen Athena." Poseidon bowed respectfully. "We are honored by your presence."
Athena gave a thin smile. "I'm tired and would like to retire to my room immediately."
"Of course." Amphitrite motion for a member of staff to approach.
Percy had been so shocked by Annabeth's presence that it took him a while for his brain to catch up. He finally blurted, "Queen Athena, thank you so much for coming." He bowed deeply trying to show as much respect as he could. He hoped it wasn't too obvious that he was trying to gain her favor.
Athena barely glanced at him, before moving toward following the servant.
Annabeth stepped forward and curtsied first to King Poseidon then to Queen Amphitrite, then she stepped before Percy. A brilliant smile lit up her face, taking Percy's breath away. He was certain he had a goofy grin on his own face. She held out her hand, and Percy quickly took it. "Prince Perseus." She acknowledged.
"Princess Annabeth." He said a bit breathless. He bowed down and gently placed his lips upon her hand. Her scent overwhelmed him and he never wanted the moment to end. He must have held on a moment too long as a sharp clearing of the throat jarred the moment, causing Percy to release Annabeth.
"Come along Annabeth." Athena said in a strict tone.
Annabeth gave him an apologetic smile as she slid past him.
Percy looked after her longingly. He didn't want to see her go. Seeing her again increased his longing to be with her. He suddenly had an insane idea. He waited until they were out of sight and then wordlessly headed back into the palace, making sure Athena and Annabeth didn't see him.
"That wasn't so bad. It could have gone much worse." Amphitrite commented to Poseidon. "Don't you think so, Perseus? Perseus? Perseus!"
Percy, however, was long gone.