I'm back from my little break! Thanks a million for all your support! Please review, and on with the story! (Disclaimer: All rights to Rick Riordan.)

Reyna's POV

Reyna was mildly surprised that anyone would offer to give up the rank of praetor as easily as Perseus Jackson did. When she had talked to Percy in the arena that morning, she had brought up the fact that there can only be two praetors by law. Percy had said that he would give up his praetorship to Jason if the son of Jupiter wanted it back. Almost no one that Reyna knew would hand over praetorship so willingly, but this was Percy. He was probably one of the kindest and most loyal people that Reyna had ever met. It especially surprised her that he would willingly give it up to Jason of all people. She knew how Percy felt about Jason. In a way, Reyna was honored that Percy felt so protective toward her, but then again, Reyna didn't necessarily need anyone's sympathy.

Reyna knew that she and Jason had a particularly rocky history. Percy knew it, too. He was just standing up for her. But if Reyna wanted an ally, she would advocate for herself. After all, that's what she had been doing since Hylla left to be a part of the Amazons.

Reyna wanted to be grateful that Percy would willingly hand over praetorship to Jason, but she mostly felt anxious at the prospect that she would have to work especially close to Jason again, assuming he lived through the quest to stop Gaea's forces. Percy's willingness would make this whole charade with Octavian much easier. But, Reyna really did not want to be that close to Jason, especially now that he had a girlfriend. She didn't need to grow new romantic feelings for him again. Jason was just naturally charming and had that effect on girls. Especially Reyna.

Reyna really hoped that the ship which contained her romantic feelings for the son of Jupiter had sailed. And she hoped that the ship was far, far away.

Octavian approached Reyna, who was sitting in the Principia, shattering her thoughts. "Reyna, do you have any ideas for our extra praetor situation?"

Reyna sighed. "Octavian, let's just discuss this with the senate."

"Great idea! I can convince the senate to have an election!" Octavian said.

"Octavian, you know that we only bring in new praetors on the Feast of Fortuna, or if a legionnaire challenges a current praetor."

"I'm sure we can make an exception based on our current circumstances," Octavian replied.

"If you're so big on keeping our ancient laws, why are you so eager to break them now?" Reyna pressed.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," Octavian answered, matter-of-factly.

"We can have an election when the two boys get back from their quest. Then, the legionnaires can pick between the two," Reyna said.

"But who knows how long their quest will take?" Octavian said. "Plus, you will be all alone as praetor."

Reyna glared at him coldly. "You're questioning my leadership abilities now? I was a single praetor before, I'm sure I can manage again."

"I'm not questioning your abilities, I just think that it would be better to have two praetors! Especially while Jason and Percy are gone." Octavian said the two boys' names like saying them gave him a bad taste in his mouth.

"And who would be the other praetor?" Reyna sighed, knowing very well who Octavian would suggest.

"Me! I'm the obvious choice! I have experience with the Roman government, and I'm already an augur!" Octavian said.

"Yes, Octavian you are an augur. And as your praetor, I excuse you," Reyna said firmly.

"But Reyna-," Octavian pleaded.

"Later, Octavian," Reyna said sternly, her gaze boring daggers into the legacy of Apollo.

Octavian stormed out of the Principia, muttering something about Bellona under his breath.

Reyna sighed heavily. She just couldn't deal with a crazy augur right now. But she would rather have Octavian stay a crazy augur, rather than have him become an even more power-crazy praetor. No matter how much she cringed at the thought of being co-praetors with Jason, she absolutely despised the thought of being co-praetors with Octavian.

This made her realize how much she enjoyed having Percy as praetor, no matter how impossible he acted sometimes. She was really going to miss him while he went on this quest.

Ughh, she thought. She wanted to scream. She had just had a somewhat enticing thought about Percy again. The goddess of love was winning over her again! Not Jason all over again, she reminded herself mentally. You got this. Don't let Venus win.

She took a deep breath. It was about lunchtime, and she was starving. Reyna desperately hoped that she wouldn't run into anyone on the way to the mess hall.

()()()()

Same POV

Reyna arrived at the mess hall and breathed in the aroma of a variety of foods. She loved that the venti brought really whatever you wanted. And right now, she was in the mood for a hotdog.

Reyna sat down on an empty couch that surrounded an oak coffee table. A venti flew past her, carrying a tray piled with food. Another one rushed towards her. "A hotdog please," Reyna said as the venti flew away as quickly as it had come.

She listened to the conversations between the many demigods. She was friends with most of them, but they all for the most part kept a respectful distance. They still talked with her and approached her if they ever had issues, but they knew that Reyna was a daughter of Bellona, and Bellona was not one to be trifled with or annoy.

Over the chit-chat, Reyna heard footsteps approaching. She turned and saw Annabeth Chase walking towards her with a plate of food. "Mind if I sit?" She asked, pointing to the seat across from Reyna. Reyna shook her head.

Annabeth sat and placed her food on the table. "I've been meaning to talk to you," she said.

Reyna looked at her with a quizzical expression. "Oh?"

"You have a really nice camp here," the blond girl said. "It's very orderly."

"Thanks," Reyna said. "Is your camp not as organized?"

"Well, it can be, but in different ways. Most of us are more carefree, and things can get interesting at camp when kids pull pranks and such," Annabeth explained, her stormy eyes shining.

"Sounds just like how I would expect a Greek camp," Reyna said, as a venti approached, carrying Reyna's food and setting it down on the coffee table.

Annabeth looked taken aback. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Reyna shook her head. "That came out wrong, didn't it? I'm sorry."

Annabeth continued to eat but still looked slightly offended.

"It can get rowdy here too, but since the Roman gods are a little more warlike, things tend to be a little bit more, well, orderly," Reyna explained.

Annabeth's scowl didn't soften.

"You're a warrior, Annabeth. I see that now."

"That's one thing we have in common, I guess," Annabeth said.

"And I definitely wouldn't like people talking bad about Camp Jupiter," Reyna supplied.

"I'm sorry I overreacted," Annabeth sighed. "Camp Half-Blood's really my only home, and I'm a little defensive over it. But yes, I do understand why you say that the Roman gods are slightly more disciplined. My mom's probably more level-headed than all the greek gods combined."

"Oh, yes. You're a daughter of Min- sorry, Athena," Reyna replied.

"I have a feeling that she isn't as respected here as she is in greek culture," Annabeth said.

"We respect her, but we don't really see her as a war goddess. That's kind of Bellona's job," Reyna explained, taking a bite out of her hotdog.

"A lot of people are giving me really weird stares. Some people just straight up glare at me," Annabeth said.

"That's probably because Minerva is a maiden goddess, just like your Artemis. The thought of her having a child is an odd prospect to some of us. The fact that you're even alive is just disrespectful to some Romans. "

"Oh. Um, I guess that makes sense," Annabeth said, her eyebrows creasing.

After a long pause, Annabeth spoke again. "Is Percy a good praetor?"

Reyna nodded slightly, as she straightened her ever-present imperial gold armor. "There are times when he is kind of arrogant, even when he gets nothing done, but overall, he's a good guy. I'm glad I chose him over Octavian."

"Now Octavian hates us greeks," Annabeth said.

"I'm sorry if he's being a pain to you," Reyna sighed. "I'll talk to him."

"That's fine. I don't care," said Annabeth. "He's just a little annoying sometimes."

"A little is an understatement," Reyna said.

Annabeth smiled. Reyna was glad that she was getting along with Annabeth. The daughter of Athena really reminded Reyna of herself. The confident, yet slightly on edge expression written on Annabeth's face was the same expression that Reyna saw every time she looked in a mirror.

Annabeth's friendliness was also a sign that she had not yet discovered Percy and Reyna's secret. Reyna hoped that no matter how smart Annabeth was, she never would.

How was this chapter? Let me know your thoughts and suggestions by leaving a review as always. I want to thank you all for continuing to read! I can't believe we've already hit chapter 12, and over 7,000 views! Thank you, thank, thank you!

-Bookish77