Chapter 37.
"My love, let us go," Percy said softly, breaking his silence at last. Reyna nodded, feeling comforted by his presence as Percy pulled her close, enveloping them both in shadows, leaving behind the bonfire to burn for the rest of the night.
When they reappeared, they found themselves in Reyna's home. "The Olympians want to celebrate the end of the war. Will you come to Olympus with me?" Percy asked softly. Reyna gazed at him, a flicker of warmth in her eyes, before she replied, "Of course. Let me find something to wear; I'm sure my armor and cloak aren't really party-oriented." Percy smiled softly and nodded, giving her space to change as he made his way into the living room.
After about half an hour, she walked into the living room. Percy turned to smile at her, but his expression shifted to one of awe as his eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Her hair was elegantly braided, and she wore a stunning golden and purple dress that accentuated her features. His gaze lingered on her necklace, a small but significant detail that filled him with delight.
"Are you going to change as well or are you going to stand there ogling me?" she asked teasingly, breaking Percy out of his reverie. He quickly composed himself, waving his hand over his clothes to transform them into a sleek black suit with purple accents.
Smiling, he held his arm out for her. "Shall we, my lady?" he asked warmly. Reyna rolled her eyes playfully before matching his smile and walking over, slipping her arm into his. Percy grinned as he enveloped them in shadows, reappearing outside the Olympian throne room.
As they arrived, they were surprised to see the party was already underway. The Olympian courtyard was bustling with activity, with guests either seated at tables chatting or dancing on the expansive dance floor, DJ'ed by none other than Apollo, as expected.
Taking in the scene, Percy noticed some of the gods mingling about. Zeus and Hera were strolling through the crowd, engaged in conversation. Poseidon was spotted with Amphitrite, and Percy assumed Triton was also in attendance somewhere amidst the festivities.
He glanced over at Reyna, smiling at her expression of awe as she took in the grandeur of Olympus. "I've never been here before. It's beautiful," she stammered out. Percy nodded before replying, "It truly is something."
She nodded in agreement, still absorbing the sights around them as Percy began to lead them into the heart of the party. As they strolled through the courtyard, she couldn't help but notice the shocked expressions on people's faces upon seeing Percy with someone. It was evident that he had really kept their relationship under wraps, which she appreciated even more.
While they were walking around, they heard a voice call out from behind them, "Percy!" They turned around to see Annabeth walking over with Theo. "Hi Annabeth, hey Theo," Percy replied warmly.
"Is this her?" Annabeth asked excitedly. Percy nodded, leading Annabeth to smile widely before she turned to the very confused Reyna. "Hi, I'm Annabeth, and this is Theo. We're friends with Percy."
Reyna nodded before replying, "Hello. I'm Reyna. What did you mean by 'is this her'?" Annabeth laughed before she explained, "Percy wouldn't tell us much about you, only that you existed and how much he loves you. I've been dying to meet you over the last few years."
Reyna looked shocked but then glanced up at Percy, who was looking at her with an equally loving gaze. "How did you find out about me?" Reyna asked, turning back to Annabeth.
Annabeth smiled before she replied, "I found out during one of our quests. Percy had mentioned he had a girlfriend but wouldn't go into detail, so one evening on our trip, I told him to go visit you, which I assumed he did based on the fact he vanished from our ship a few moments later."
Reyna nodded before she remembered that night. She was working in her office, and Percy had come by and told her one of his friends had told him to visit her. "I remember that night. Thank you for doing that," Reyna replied warmly.
Annabeth nodded before she looked over Reyna's shoulder. Percy looked over his shoulder as well and smiled, seeing Artemis walking over with Zoe. As they reached the group, Percy let go of Reyna before turning and pulling Zoe into a hug, which she happily returned.
Reyna could see the love in Zoe's eyes when she looked at Percy, but being Diana, or Artemis's Lieutenant, she knew it couldn't be romantic love. Or at least she hoped it wasn't. She noted to ask Percy about it later before jumping to any conclusions.
Percy detached from Zoe's embrace, straightening up before pulling Artemis into a hug as well, much to Reyna's shock. Once he pulled away, he asked, "My lady, are you feeling better?" Artemis nodded before replying, "Yes, Percy. Having the hunters around and being on my throne restored much of my power. Thank you for bringing them to me." Percy smiled before responding, "Of course, my lady. It was my pleasure."
Artemis smiled before turning to Reyna. "Hello, Reyna. I wasn't expecting to see you tonight." Reyna nodded before she replied, "I wasn't expecting to be here tonight either, my lady, but Percy asked me to attend so I did."
Artemis nodded and was about to speak when Apollo's voice cut through the courtyard. "Ladies and gentlemen, please find your dance partner and get on the dance floor!" Percy pulled Reyna to his side as people moved past them to find a partner.
"Well, Percy, please make sure to say hello to the girls at some point tonight," Artemis said as she started to walk away with Zoe. "Of course, my lady," Percy replied before he turned to look at Annabeth and Theo.
"Shouldn't you two be headed to the dance floor?" he asked teasingly. Theo looked embarrassed before Annabeth turned to him and smacked him on the back of the head. "Are you gonna ask me to dance?" she asked.
Percy led Reyna away before they had to watch Theo struggle to get a response out. "Rey, would you care to share a dance with me?" Percy asked softly. Reyna looked up at him warmly before she replied, "I would love to." Percy grinned before leading her onto the dance floor.
Apollo was evidently in the mood for romance, as he began playing slow dance songs once the dance floor was filled. Percy rolled his eyes at his antics before placing his hand on Reyna's hip and clasping her hand with his other.
"What are you thinking about, Percy?" Reyna inquired, observing his thoughtful expression.
"Just thinking about how much I love you and how happy I am that you're here with me," he replied, gazing at her affectionately.
Reyna smiled softly but remained silent as they continued their dance. As they gracefully moved around the dance floor, Reyna couldn't help but notice the glances directed their way. She didn't mind, knowing it was a subtle way to signify that Percy was taken, and she had no intention of sharing him.
"I know that look," Percy chuckled, noticing Reyna's expression. She glanced at him, pretending to be confused. "What do you mean?"
Percy grinned, teasingly, "That territorial look in your eyes. I could see it when you were looking around." Reyna's eyes widened before she blushed and averted her gaze in embarrassment.
"A territorial look, huh?" Reyna chuckled, her cheeks warming further. "Maybe just a little. Can't have anyone getting the wrong idea, can we?" she teased, leaning into Percy's embrace as they continued to dance.
Percy grinned, pulling her closer. "No, definitely not. You're mine, after all," he said playfully, earning a soft laugh from Reyna. They danced in comfortable silence for a while longer, enjoying each other's company amidst the music and festivities of Olympus.
As the dance came to a close, Percy and Reyna exchanged a tender gaze before leaning in to share a soft kiss. Their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by Apollo's enthusiastic cheering from the DJ stand.
"Yeah, that's what I'm talking about!" he exclaimed loudly.
Percy shot him a playful glare before gently pulling Reyna off the dance floor. They made their way to refreshments before settling down at one of the tables. Reyna chose to sit on Percy's lap, not that he minded that at all.
As they engaged in quiet conversation, they failed to notice a pair of familiar faces approaching them.
"Hey, Percy, Reyna," a girl's voice called out. Percy and Reyna turned to see the approaching duo, their smiles widening at the sight.
"Hey, Nico. Hi, Bianca," Percy greeted warmly.
"Hello," Reyna chimed in.
"Sup, Percy," Nico greeted in return.
"Are you guys enjoying the party?" Percy inquired.
The pair nodded in affirmation before Bianca added, "Yeah, can't complain. Beats sitting at home doing nothing." Percy chuckled in agreement.
"So, been bothered by any of the gods yet, Percy?" Nico asked as he and Bianca settled into seats at their table.
"Not yet. Artemis came by with Zoe, but she's never a bother," Percy replied with a shrug.
"I'm surprised. I would have expected them to come running over at seeing you with somebody," Bianca remarked, laughter lacing her words. Percy joined in the laughter before giving Reyna a gentle squeeze.
"Yeah, so far, no. Although something tells me Apollo knew, as he was cheering while I danced with Reyna," he added with a grin.
The siblings chuckled, and then Nico turned to Reyna. "How's your first visit to Olympus, praetor?" he inquired. Reyna smiled warmly as she replied, "It's definitely an experience, but being here with Percy makes it better."
Nico nodded in understanding as the two lovebirds shared a tender glance.
"Well, I'm sure we'll see you guys around. Dad is around here somewhere, and I want to see him," Bianca said as she stood up and waved, bidding farewell. Nico followed suit, waving goodbye before they walked away.
A few minutes later, their seats were occupied by Zoe and Artemis.
"Hey, guys," Zoe greeted with a grin.
"Hello, Zoe, my lady," Percy responded warmly.
"Hello, you two," Artemis chimed in, her smile lighting up her features.
"Percy, Zoe was wondering earlier if you'd share a dance with her?" Artemis asked gently.
"My lady!" Zoe exclaimed, looking slightly embarrassed. Percy chuckled before glancing at Reyna, silently seeking permission. She nodded in response and stood up, allowing him to rise and lead Zoe to the dance floor.
As Reyna observed the two gracefully moving across the dance floor, Artemis commented, "I know what you're thinking." Reyna turned to look at Artemis in surprise before sighing and admitting, "Is it that obvious?"
Artemis laughed softly and nodded. "Yes, it is. I can see the love Zoe has for Percy just as much as you can," she affirmed.
Reyna nodded thoughtfully before voicing her concerns, "Doesn't that go against everything you stand for? Not to mention that Percy is taken."
Artemis smiled reassuringly before responding, "Zoe's love isn't romantically inclined. Percy was the one who brought her to me many millennia ago. She looks up to him either as an older brother or a father figure. I'm honestly not sure which."
Reyna's eyes widened in understanding before she acknowledged, "I guess that does make sense. Percy definitely has a way with people." Artemis nodded in agreement. "He sure does. He gets along with my hunters, which is no small feat, especially for a male."
Reyna laughed before responding, "That's a fair point." Artemis nodded before turning her attention back to the dance floor, where Percy and Zoe continued their graceful dance.
"You know, even though I don't see Percy as often as you guys do, I can tell how much he cares about your hunters. And Zoe especially. I don't see him nearly as happy with other people than he is with you and her," Reyna remarked, smiling warmly.
Artemis returned the smile, her expression softening. "Yes, there isn't a lot Percy wouldn't do for us. We have a good relationship, but I firmly believe he would do anything for Zoe. She means the world to him."
Reyna nodded as she turned to watch the two finish their dance and make their way back to them. As the pair reached them, Percy turned to Artemis.
"My lady, I feel like I owe my charioteer a dance. Care to join me?" he asked with a smile. Artemis returned the smile and nodded, allowing Percy to take her hand and lead her to the dance floor.
"Never thought I would see the day Diana allowed a man to dance with her," Reyna remarked, grinning. Zoe chuckled before responding, "Yeah, a few years ago I would agree. But when you save her Lieutenant from certain death, watch over her hunters for a year, and then fight Typhon with her, you tend to earn some points from her."
Reyna laughed before looking around at the people at the party, smiling at their reactions to seeing Artemis dancing with Percy. Even Apollo looked awestruck from the DJ booth.
"When you guys visited me in New Rome, I always assumed Percy was just a friend to the hunters, but he seems to be really important to everyone, including Diana," Reyna remarked.
"Yeah, he is. Artemis told us that he had decided to fight Typhon with her before Zeus even told him to pick someone to fight with. On top of that, when the Olympians returned to the throne room after Kronos's defeat, Percy ignored everyone and went straight to her to check on her and even helped her to her throne. After that, when he went to come get us, she stopped him to find out why he was leaving, and he explained why and even carried her back to her throne to continue healing as she was struggling to walk," Zoe replied warmly.
Reyna's eyes widened as she listened to Zoe. "He really is the perfect man," she thought to herself. "I didn't know that," she responded. Zoe nodded before she continued, "There's a lot you don't know, and a lot we don't know. He doesn't say much when he doesn't need to and tends to not share information he doesn't deem important."
Reyna nodded in agreement. The two watched as Percy finished his dance with Artemis before leading her back to the table. "Have fun, my lady?" Zoe asked teasingly. Artemis nodded before she replied, "He's a better dance partner than most of the gods I know."
Percy looked down in embarrassment as the table broke into laughter. Soon after, Artemis and Zoe headed off to find Thalia and the other girls, while Reyna reclaimed her seat on Percy's lap.
A while later, after the other hunters and Thalia had come by, Reyna yawned, prompting Percy to smile as he nuzzled her hair. "My love, are you tired?" he asked gently. Reyna nodded before replying, "We did storm a Titan castle tonight." Percy grinned before responding teasingly, "Well, I'm sure you're probably too tired for any activities at home."
Reyna turned to look at him with a certain look in her eyes before she replied, "Are you sure about that?" Percy laughed before pulling them both into a shadow, heading home to rest after the eventful past few days.