Annabeth POV
As I retired to my chambers for the night, the weight of the impending journey hung heavy on my heart. I knew that sleep would not come easily, for my mind was filled with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead.
As I drifted into the realm of dreams, I found myself standing in the grand chamber of the royal palace, facing my parents, Athena and Frederick. Their expressions were stern as they regarded me, their eyes filled with an unspoken command.
"Annabeth," my father began, his voice echoing through the chamber like a clap of thunder. "It is time for you to fulfill your duty to our kingdom."
I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized the gravity of his words. "What do you mean, Father?" I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty.
My mother stepped forward, her gaze piercing as she spoke. "You are to be married, Annabeth," she declared, her words echoing off the walls of the chamber. "To Prince Luke of the kingdom of Elysium."
My heart sank at the mention of Prince Luke's name, for I knew him to be a cruel and tyrannical ruler. "But Mother, Father," I protested, my voice filled with desperation. "I cannot marry him! He is not worthy of me!"
My parents exchanged a troubled glance, their expressions filled with sorrow. "It is not for you to decide, Annabeth," my father said, his voice heavy with regret. "This marriage is necessary for the stability of our kingdom."
Tears welled in my eyes as I realized the futility of my protests. "But what about love?" I cried, my voice breaking with emotion. "What about my happiness?"
Athena's eyes softened with pity as she reached out to me, her touch gentle but firm. "Your happiness is of little consequence, Annabeth," she said softly. "You are a princess of Olympus, and you must put the needs of our kingdom above your desires."
With a heavy heart, I bowed my head in resignation, knowing that there was no escaping my fate.
"Very well, Mother, Father," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I will do as you command."
As I awoke from the dream, my heart was heavy with the weight of the conversation I had just experienced. I knew it was not real, but the fear and despair it had stirred within me lingered long after I opened my eyes.
And so, as I lay in bed, staring up at the canopy above me, I prayed that the journey ahead would bring me the strength and courage to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Luckily one good thing has come out of this trip, I have Percy.
Percy Jackson is such a mysterious person. So young and yet so talented. He is said to be the best sword fighter of the past century, but it isn't that which makes him so great. He is just so funny, and light-hearted, not what you would expect from a guy who has fought dragons and war. Realizing that I would see him soon I quickly brought myself to my trunk of gowns and changed.
Once dressed head to toe in fine luxuries I heard the shout, "Time for breakfast!"
Putting on a brave face and remembering Percy just waits outside the tent, I walk through my temporary home's doors.