Percy tried to keep Charlie entertained with Lego Duplo blocks while Annabeth busied herself tidying the house. Her mother, Athena, was coming over to meet Charlie after Poseidon had raved about how cute he was at their last Olympus game night. Athena also wanted to meet her favorite daughter's son.
There was a knock at the door, and Annabeth greeted her mother with a warm hug. Charlie, ever the extrovert, bolted to the door. He loved meeting new people and beamed up at Athena.
"Hello!" he said brightly.
"Hello, Charlie." Athena's smile widened. Her eyes caught the seashell on the necklace around Charlie's neck, no doubt a gift from Poseidon. "What a lovely necklace."
"Thank you. Grandpa gave it to me. He said it's so I'm strong like my Daddy," Charlie said proudly, holding up the shell to show his Grandma.
"I think I'll add something else as well, if you don't mind." Athena gently tapped the seashell with her index finger.
A little golden print of an owl in flight appeared on the side of the shell. "It's so you're always smart like your Mommy and your Grandma."
Charlie's eyes widened with delight. "Yay! Thank you!" he beamed and hugged Athena.
Athena looked at him, his green eyes reminding her of her enemy yet also of her dear new grandson.
"Now, Charlie, do you know how to play chess?"
Charlie's eyes lit up with excitement at the mention of a new game. "I don't know how to play. Can you show me?" he asked, bouncing on his heels.
Athena's face softened, and she crouched down to his level. "Well, chess is a game that's a bit like a battle. You use your brain to outsmart your opponent. It's a lot of fun and helps you become even smarter. Would you like me to teach you?"
Charlie nodded vigorously, his curls bouncing with his enthusiasm. "Yes, please!"
Annabeth, who had been listening from the sidelines, smiled warmly at the exchange. She was glad to see her mother connecting with Charlie so easily. "I think that's a great idea, Mother. Charlie loves learning new things."
Athena gave Annabeth a reassuring smile before turning her full attention back to Charlie. "Alright, let's start with the basics. This board here," she said, pointing to a chessboard that had just appeared on the dining table, "is where we play. Each piece moves in its own special way. I'll explain them one by one, and soon you'll be a chess master!"
Charlie's eyes were wide with curiosity as Athena began to explain the movements of each piece. Percy and Annabeth watched with amusement and pride as their son absorbed the new information with eager interest.