Annabeth Chase shifted, trying to relieve the feeling of her corset burrowing into her skin. She had been sitting in a chair in the corner for two hours, though it felt longer. She sat silently sipping tea beside Jason Grace's mother. Thanks to the Grace's new doctor, Lady Grace was almost drooling from the new medicine he had given her. He had called it Laudanum, and the effect had taken effect pretty quickly. Annabeth was itching to read about it, as the doctor didn't explain what it was or what it should do other than "fix her."

You see, Lady Grace was having an episode. She got these… fits sometimes, which was why Annabeth was there today. Lord Grace had requested her to sit, and in other words, babysit, while they kept up appearances by having her in the corner of the balcony while the men discussed the upcoming war. It was the type of thing Annabeth supposed she wasn't meant to hear, but men always seemed to forget that women's ears still worked while they were forced to hold their tongues.

"General Castellan would be fit to lead this sector." Her father spoke with pride, and she tried not to shudder at the mention of Luke Castellan.

Though no one had said anything to her, it was evident that Luke was gunning for her hand, and her father seemed more than happy to oblige. Though Luke wasn't a horrible man, Annabeth couldn't bear the thought of being shipped off to be a housewife whose brain was slowly turned to mush like Lady Grace's. Despite its heavy rules, the Grace Manor was somewhat of a sanctuary for Annabeth. It gave her a freedom she knew she would never have again once she left. It had one of the most extensive private libraries she had ever seen. Most of the helping staff had known her since she was small, often looking the other way as she snuck away a book or ten over to her room.

Annabeth's situation was quite unique. Not just anyone got to live in the Grace Manor. Especially not someone of her status, a daughter of the captain of a sector of the royal guard. When she was very small, her father, in an incredible act of heroism, saved Lady Grace and a very young Jason during a malicious attack from pirates. After the attack, Lady Grace's episodes began, and she was never quite the same. Still concerned for his family's safety, Lord Grace declared that Annabeth's father act as the head of their private security and as a council for Lord Grace's war efforts.

Annabeth tuned back into the conversation.

"Speaking of Castellan, does he bring any news?" Lord Grace always spoke louder than necessary. Most cowered at his tone, but Annabeth could see through him, and either her father could too, or he felt he had nothing to fear being in such good graces with the man.

"His latest report speaks of an ancient prophecy: with completion of the quest, the champion will be awarded the Javelin. The source is unreliable at best, my Lord. It is near impossible to be sure when dealing in this putrid Grecian myth."

Rage flared in Lord Grace's eyes. It was unusual for someone of his stature to still believe so powerfully in the Grecian Roman gods. But Annabeth had heard time and time again that Lord Grace not only believed in the gods but believed himself to be worthy of becoming a god. Annabeth could see her father's eyes widen at his verbal misstep.

"My apologies, my Lord," Her father and the other men around the table bowed their heads deeply. Annabeth quickly did the same, though she doubted they even remembered her presence in the room. "I just fear that putting so much of our efforts into searching for this weapon could distract from regions which need our full attention."

"This is no mere weapon," He sneered. "The Javelin of Victory is won only by those the goddess Nike deems worthy. It has the power to turn the tide of any war. There will be no need to worry, no need to ever fear losing again once we have it on our side. Our efforts," He spit the word violently. "Are best served where I see them fit!"

"Yes, my Lord,"

Annabeth's mind was racing faster than the ship they would send out to find this weapon. She had read bits and pieces about Nike the Goddess of Victory. She racked her mind about a Javelin. Last she had heard one of Jason's temporary tutors had said something about it being stolen and hidden for heroes to find. But surely Nike wouldn't let her prized Javelin be missing for over a millennium, though she considered that an immortal being might not feel as constrained by the passage of time as she does.

The room seemed to hold its breath, the tension thickening as the conversation continued.

Just then Lady Grace chose the perfect time to shoot up out of her seat.

"Jason!" Her voice trembled as she lunged forward, her frail hand seizing Annabeth's shoulder with bruising strength, the sharpness of her grip sending a jolt of pain through Annabeth's skin.

Lady Grace's once elegant features were marred by deep lines of worry and madness, her once-bright eyes now clouded with a mixture of fear and confusion. Annabeth felt a pang of pity, mingled with unease, as those wild eyes locked onto hers.

"They have my son," she whispered fiercely, her voice cracking, as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Though Annabeth had witnessed these episodes countless times, the raw intensity of Lady Grace's desperation never failed to unsettle her. Fighting to keep her composure, Annabeth stood and bowed as deeply as she could, despite the iron grip still holding her in place.

"Come now Lady Grace, Jason is just in his study. Let's go see him?" Annabeth spoke softly, posed it like a question as if she wasn't already leading her to the door. From watching countless maids and staff during her childhood, Annabeth knew it was best to give Lady Grace what she wanted and then quietly inform someone to fetch her medicine. Annabeth felt a deep guilt in her gut at the thought of further drugging Lady Grace but she had no power to help her beyond what Lord Grace and the doctors thought was best.

Annabeth straightened her shoulders, containing herself before leading Lady Grace down the corners of the Manor she'd long since memorized. As Annabeth rounded the corner she spotted a kind maid who went by Tia. Annabeth had known her since childhood and she stood dusting an old family portrait of the Grace's. With Lord Grace in the centre of the portrait and his family standing on either side of his chair, the painting was fairly accurate except for one glaring detail. They painted Lord Grace's eyes the same colour as Jason's. Though they both had blue eyes, Lord Grace's looked hard like the sky preparing for a storm, where Jason's were brighter, a sky full of promise. Annabeth feared the day she looked at Jason and saw he had his father's eyes.

Annabeth cleared her throat to get Miss Tia's attention.

"Pardon me, could you get someone to fetch Lady Grace's new medicine and summon Jason to the sitting room. His mother requests his presence."

"Of course Miss, right away," Tia gave her a warm smile followed by a curt nod before scurrying down the hallway. Annabeth continued to lead Lady Grace to the sitting room where Jason would meet them.

There was a knock on the door; before the butler had a chance to scuttle and open it Lady Grace was up and running across the room. She tore the door open and pulled Jason into the room in a tight hug.

"My son," she said, her hands cradled his face. "What have they done to you, your poor lip." Jason had a small but distinct scar that sat on his upper lip; ironically enough he didn't get it from the attack, he got it after when he had tripped while running with a dagger he had found in the Manor.

"It's nothing Mother, come on let's take your medicine." He spoke softly, guiding her over to one of the many seats in the room where another maid waited with a vial of medicine the colour of wine.

Once she was settled Jason came and joined Annabeth sitting on a couch across from hers.

"I'm going to assume my mother isn't the only reason I was summoned here since you look like you're going to explode if you don't share what you've learned." He failed to mention how he was somewhat excited to hear what she learned in the meeting since his father never bothered to inform him, or let him come to any of the meetings.

Annabeth just rolled her eyes, but the fire inside them stayed lit. "What do you know about The Javelin of Victory?"

"Uhh, something about a sacred weapon of the Goddess Nike… I think, meant to-"

"Grant anyone the power to win any battle, yes yes," Annabeth interrupted, clearly bored with the pace of the conversation. "Our fathers believe they can find it, Luke has gathered some information-"

"Luke? Calling him by his first name already? You're not even engag-" He was stopped by a pillow to the face and a look that could kill from Annabeth.

"I don't want to talk about him, or the possibility of marriage. I know I am well within the age where men will start asking for my hand but I can't leave yet. There's still so much I need to learn before I am no longer able." Annabeth enjoyed talking with Jason, he was the only person who truly listened and the only person she was allowed to interrupt. Since knowing each other for so long Jason felt like her brother, which was why she not only felt comfortable to speak her mind but to open up to him about her fears for marriage, to Luke or anyone.

Jason's eyes softened, though he didn't have the same struggles he too felt forced into a future he did not want.

"So, this Javelin?" He said, giving Annabeth the opportunity to share what she originally wanted. They'd known each other for long enough that he knew when Annabeth opened up it was not for his sympathy but just to have someone hear what she would never be able to say to anyone else.

"There is an ancient prophecy, once I figure out what it is, I can see if I can solve it."

Jason nodded slowly. "Look, I'll make you a deal, you help me understand these Greek poems, I will get you the books you need, deal?"

"Jason, how many times do I need to translate your Greek homework before you actually decide to just learn the language?"

"If it was Latin I wouldnt have a problem," He mumbled, Annabeth rolled her eyes again. "Look, do we have a deal or not?"

"It's a deal. I'll make you a list of books, have them and the poems dropped by my room after dinner." They stood and curtly shook hands. Annabeth gave a polite nod to Jason as he left the room before returning to sit with Lady Grace and work on her needle point till she could get her hands on those books.

A deep sigh of relief left Annabeth; she had changed from her tea time day dress and corset to her much more comfortable lounge and evening attire. The pressure that followed her around all day finally reduced to something much more manageable.

"Miss," A voice that always carried a warmth to her words knocked at her door, and drew Annabeth from her thoughts.

"Come in," She called, trying to hide the excitement in her voice.

"A delivery," Miss Tia whispered while opening the door to reveal her arms filled with books. Annabeth ran towards them like a starved lion would a gazelle. With reverent care, she lifted them from the arms of the woman, and placed them on her already crowded desk. She felt herself relax as the scent of leather bindings and faint lavender from the library candles filled her room.

Annabeth's heart quickened as she hungrily skimmed the spines of the novels, each promising new knowledge she couldn't wait to learn. The top book was a sea blue cover with golden embossing; she paused for just a moment, savouring the anticipation that always preceded before learning new things.

"Thank you Miss Tia, you can go." Annabeth said, grabbing the first book and settling in her chair with her parchment notebook and a quill at the ready. She's sure the maid must have curtsied and left but Annabeth had barely even registered the sound of her door closing.

Inside the front cover lay a small paper which had been folded in half. She opened it instantly recognizing Jason's messy handwriting from years of doing his homework.

'Don't stay up all night and don't forget the poems!'

A small, amused smile tugged at the corner of her lips, as she fought to not roll her eyes. Typical, always trying to be responsible, even as he used her to excel in his schooling. She tucked the note into her pocket as a friendly reminder.

She took a deep breath before diving into her work. She had much to go through and so little time, so she wasted none. Her eyes skimmed the pages with practised speed, careful to not miss any of the details. Her hand long since cramped up from the delicate swish of handwriting that tattooed the small notebook. She, so lost in her work, only took notice of time passing by the shrinking candlewicks that illuminated the room. The world outside her room might as well have ceased to exist, replaced entirely by the knowledge she craved.

A knock on Annabeth's door woke her. Her back ached as she raised her head off her desk, she wouldn't be surprised if the shape of the book was imprinted on her cheek. Another loud bang rang from her door, causing her to jump up.

"Annabeth!" Jason's whisper-yell could be heard on the other side. "Open the door!"

Annabeth quickly rushed over pulling the door open.

"I need my poems, I have tutoring in," He glanced at his pocket watch. "Fifteen minutes and I still need to make sure I understand everything."

"Sorry I fell asleep," She mumbled while running to get the work and her list. His eyes quickly took to the mark that was surely on her face from the book; it was possible she also had a smear of ink or two. It wouldn't be the first time.

"At your desk? Again? You need to stop doing that, it's not healthy and one day you are going to get caught by someone who won't turn a blind eye."

"I know, I know. Here's your homework, I'm sure you could have done most of these by yourself cheater! Now listen carefully, I have a list of questions for you to ask your tutor. Do not and I repeat, do not change the phrasing of the questions; read them word for word as I have them written, and write down his answer word for word. Last time you summarized something you missed all the important details. Also write down and grab any recommended readings that he suggests."

Jason gave a mock salute. "Aye Aye Captain. I will see you at lunch, also be prepared. I heard Luke is joining us today." He quickly ran off before he had time to see her face. She felt anxiety growing like mould in her stomach, coating her insides in a disgustingly fuzzy feeling that made her want to puke. Lunch with her family and the Grace's wasn't uncommon but inviting Luke? She can't picture a world where he was there for any reason other than to ask her father for her hand?

She shook her head as she went and sat back at her desk and opened up the closest book to her, it happened to be about navigating using astronomy. She hoped if she could dive back into her work she wouldn't have to think about her future where she wouldn't have the luxury to read and educate herself on such things as navigating ships, let alone anything that isn't considered ladylike. The more she read the more desperate she became.

She knew and understood things most men couldn't even begin to wrap their heads around, easily running circles around the high academics and strategists. A dangerous thought flickered in her mind- what if she found the Javelin before they did? They couldn't possibly ignore her then. But just as quickly, she banished the ridiculous thought from her mind. She could be happy living the life carved out for her, she could be a good mother, an obedient wife. She knew she was luckier than most and she couldn't afford to throw away the privilege she'd been granted, the life she would get to have. Though her life would be nothing like the Grace's, it would still be one of luxury, the kind most people only dreamed of.

She studied until the absolute last moment before having to get ready for her day.

Jason scuttled down the hallway, careful not to knock over any of the displays lining the walls. He should have known that his little note wasn't enough to keep Annabeth from passing out at her desk. He would have to tattoo a reminder into her forearm for her to remember to take care of herself first and study second, but even then, he wasn't sure that it would work. He often wished he was like Annabeth - passionate about something enough to sacrifice so much for it. Instead, he felt like he was just a useless pawn for his father's legacy and amusement. Nothing Jason did was ever enough and over the years, despite becoming the best marksmen in the county and excelling in his schooling (totally not Annabeth's doing) his father barely even acknowledged him.

He would however most definitely have a word with Jason if he showed up late for his tutoring again.

He rounded the corner and slid into the room just in time to drop into the uncomfortable wooden chair at the desk. He checked his watch. One minute to spare and his tutor wasn't even in the room yet. Today might just be his lucky day. At precisely nine, a boy, who couldn't have been older than him stroud into the room.

This boy moved like a shadow, dark and silent. His hair was dark and slightly unruly, a shagginess to it that Jason's father would never have tolerated. The boys clothes were all dark but nice, fancy and expensive. Oddly they didn't quite fit him the way they should, like he could afford the fabric but not the tailoring. Despite his dark hair and eyes, his skin was so pale it had a grayish tint. Jason half-expected that if the boy stood in direct sunlight, he'd be almost transparent.

"My Lord, it is nice to meet you," The boy spoke softly but there was an edge to his voice. "You may refer to me as Professor DiAngelo."

Jason tried not to gape. This boy was most definitely younger than him, and the fact that he was already a professor? Jason had trouble believing it. Still, the boy's dark, unsettling eyes and the edge in his voice made Jason's skin crawl. He briefly wondered if this DiAngelo was related to the Italian family his father had dealings with.

"There was no time to send word, but your former professor has fallen ill on sudden notice," Professor DiAngelo said, his eyes gleamed with what felt like an inside joke. "I have been hired as a substitute for the time being, we are all wishing him a speedy recovery."

Jason stared trying not to gawk like a fish out of water. Fallen ill suddenly? The whole situation had an odd air, as if there was some crucial piece of the puzzle he was missing. If Annabeth were here, she'd probably figure it out in an instant, but Jason always felt like he was better suited to following orders than to unravelling mysteries.

"Now I know that your former professor had you refining your skills in Greek poetry and mathematics this week, and though I do enjoy the Greek classics I've heard quite the gossip about a Grecian myth while in my short time here at the Manor, and I deem it more important that you are up to date on your fathers affairs, don't you think?"

He posed it like a question but Jason knew better than to argue, not that he disagreed. He just found it doubtful that his father would ever need him in the way that he'd prepared for.

"The myth of Nike's Javelin?" Jason questioned, already knowing the answer. His Professor gave a curt nod. "My father believes the myths to be history, not children's stories."

"And what do you believe?"

"I-" Jason opened his mouth, but no words came out. What did he believe? Did it even matter? "I believe my father knows best, if he searches for the Javelin then it is in my best interest to assist him as best I can."

DiAngelo's eyes narrowed; Jason felt like he was digging through his mind and uncovering secrets he'd kept buried from even himself.

"I actually did some studying, last night, on the subject." Jason tried to shift the focus slightly from him to "his" work. "I have some questions I would like your insight on."

The professor's eyes lit up as if he'd struck gold, which did nothing to ease Jason's discomfort. "Let's see them, then." Jason slid the parchment across the desk, watching anxiously as DiAngelo examined it closely. Jason always read the questions aloud to his tutors, so Annabeth had never bothered to change her handwriting. He cursed inwardly, already trying to think of a way to make his writing look more like Annabeth's. Jason watched as Professor DiAngelo's eyes flickered over the parchment. He felt his blood run cold in his veins.

"Hmm," DiAngelo murmured, lifting his gaze from the paper, his expression unreadable. "I hadn't expected you to delve so deeply into the subject on your own prior to our lesson. Your questions show a level of understanding I didn't anticipate; I will have to adjust our lesson, as it seems you've already gone over the basics."

Jason's stomach flipped. He forced a smile, trying to ignore the knot tightening in his chest. " I…uh, I just wanted to be prepared," he stammered. "It's important that I am up to date so I can assist my father when the time comes." Jason hoped he wasn't laying it on too thick, he had never been the best liar.

"Of course, he shouldn't expect any less," DiAngelo said leaning forward, his dark eyes piercing. "And it seems you've grasped the complexities of the myths quite well. But tell me, Lord Jason, do you truly understand what you're asking? Can you tell me what you meant in this first question here?"

Jason's mind seemed to go completely blank. He had only skimmed through the questions, he couldn't even fully remember what the first one was about. He was in such a rush this morning that Annabeth hadn't had time to go through them with him. He's also never had a tutor question him on his own questions like this before. He couldn't help but feel this was a test of some kind, and one he was woefully unprepared for.

Annabeth was going to owe him months of homework if he makes it through this.

His mouth went dry as he tried to think of something—anything—to say that wouldn't sound completely idiotic. He forced himself to speak, hoping his voice wouldn't betray the panic he felt."Well… um," he began, his voice trembled slightly. "I think it's… uh… important to consider the…historical context?" He hesitated, glancing nervously at DiAngelo, who raised an eyebrow.

"Go on," Professor DiAngelo urged.

Jason felt his pulse race. He couldn't afford to let his tutor see through him. "Yes, the historical context," he continued, grasping at straws. "It's…crucial for understanding how the Javelin and its possible… current location might have been… misinterpreted over the centuries?" He tried not to cringe, his explanation sounding more like a question than an answer.

Professor DiAngelo's gaze was intense, his silence pressing down on Jason. But before he could fumble further, DiAngelo nodded slowly, as if considering his words.

"There is much to consider," the tutor said finally, his tone neutral. "Let's start with the origins of the myth and we can go through Javelins mentions throughout history." He read farther down the paper. "I also see that you take a special interest in navigating?"

"Yes, to find the Javelin someone would need to navigate the waters." Jason spoke only slightly more confident in this answer. It was at this moment that he truly started to wonder what Annabeth was intending to do with her research.

"And you believe your research is leading you towards a way?"

"Uh… yes, I hope to… lead the fleet of ships alongside my father's best men." Jason tried not to scoff at his own words; his father would never let him have such an important task. His father always seemed to be looking the other way at his accomplishments and anytime Jason made a small mistake it had been the only thing his father saw.

His professor raised an eyebrow at him. "And you have experience sailing? Leading a fleet?"

"Uh, no." He may have shot a bit too far with that lie. "That would be… something, but I am more aiming to accompany my father's best men and aid them in this journey."

"Hmm, interesting. I am no navigator, but I have some experience at sea." That wicked inside grin of his was back. "I will do my best to help you. There is a lot here and not a lot of time."

"There is always tomorrow." Jason joked.

His professor seemed to ponder this for a moment. "Yes, I suppose I will be seeing you again tomorrow. Now," He said, turning to the board.

Jason exhaled, relieved that the conversation was moving forward, though his anxiety still gnawed at him. He nodded, picking up his quill as his tutor began to discuss the Javelin's origins, trying to focus on writing down every word his tutor said. His hand trembled slightly as he tried to make the notes look as neat as possible.

The lesson continued, Jason responding where he could, pretending to have a clue about what was going on. Annabeth had not only gone in depth about the Javelin and the geographical history of Greece and Rome but also into navigating a ship using the stars. It was so far out of his knowledge but it seemed, luckily, that even some questions slightly stumped his tutor, saving him from having to pretend to understand.

His mind was still buzzing with questions. Annabeth's curiosity was all good and well but this, this was different. She seemed to be planning routes, decoding ancient prophecies. What was she planning to do with this? If she was planning to give this information to his father, she surely couldn't think of presenting it herself? It would ruin her reputation beyond repair, even if her research was the reason for finding the Javelin.

Annabeth was feeling more confident than before, though having the definitive answers to her questions would be helpful, she was sure she had figured out most of it on her own. As she headed to lunch, though slightly behind schedule, she felt prepared. Well as prepared as she could be. She was expecting to have more of a nervous butterfly feeling walking towards the dining hall but instead she felt dread sitting heavily in the pit of her stomach, weighing her down and making her feel sick. She hadn't heard rumours of Luke asking for a blessing yet, but she was sure it was coming soon and if it somehow happened under her nose… she knew she had to be prepared for all possible outcomes.

And she was ready. Marriage was a good thing, marriage to a wealthy respected man was a good thing. She started repeating it in her head like a mantra.

Annabeth turned the corner, the large wooden doors to the dining hall stood tall at the end of the passage. She took a deep breath to centre herself before approaching.

"Sir, thank you for taking this time to speak with me."

Annabeth stopped dead in her tracks; to her right was a small sitting room, the door propped open just enough for voices to drift through.

"Of course, General Castellan. I have been looking forward to our chance to speak." Annabeth's father's voice trailed out of the room after Luke's. She felt her heart stop in her chest, frozen in place. She couldn't make up her mind whether to run or to get closer.

"Yes, I have been waiting for the right moment to speak with you. Planning for the upcoming expedition has been time consuming." Luke spoke and Annabeth could almost picture the look on his face, his eyes serious but his smile joking. Her father chuckled along with his last statement.

Luke continued. "As you are aware I am quite fond of your daughter."

Annabeth felt her stomach start to churn.

"And it is with my deepest respect-"

Nausea crawled up, making her dizzy.

"-that I ask for Annabeth's hand in marriage; I hope that you will grant me your blessing-"

Annabeth was already running, tearing into the dining hall doors. She couldn't bear to hear the rest. She thought she had more time. This couldn't be it. She was not ready to give up everything she had. Each breath she took came quicker than the last, white hot tears burned in the corners of her eyes. The panic ate her alive as her thoughts spiraled.

A hand on her shoulder, she whirled around, swatting it away. She found herself staring into Miss Tia's eyes now filled with shock and alarm, whose hand was now held protectively to her chest.

"Oh my gods, I am so sorry." Annabeth bowed her head deeply. She felt her vision spin, her normally easy to grasp thoughts rushing around in her head scrambling themselves into mush.

"It's fine miss, I'm ok," Miss Tia spoke gently, her eyes burned with concern. "But you look rather panicked. Is something wrong?"

Annabeth was having trouble forming words. She should be happy. She should be excited. Everything. Was. Fine.

"I'm fine." She hoped that saying it out loud, hearing herself, would make it easier to believe but instead her voice trembled and she stood on shaky legs. Miss Tia looked sceptical but didn't push her. The doors suddenly opened and she jumped. Her head whipped towards the sound.

She felt as though she could sob as she watched Jason walk through the doors. Jason's face creased with worry the second he saw her, crossing the room quickly to where she and the maid stood.

"What's wrong?" He started looking around, seemingly assessing the room for threats of any kind.

"Nothing is wrong," Annabeth said too quickly. He looked at her doubtfully, she found herself spilling the truth. "He asked for my father's blessing!" She squeaked out, it felt much more terrifying and real now that she'd said the words aloud.

"How- did she tell you?" He asked, referring to Miss Tia who though still standing close had gone to tend to the hearth that burned powerfully in the wall of the room.

"No, I overheard in the hallway." Annabeth was growing desperate. "Look I don't have much time, they will be done discussing the specifics soon. I want to get married, I do… just not yet." She couldn't quite explain something she didn't fully understand yet herself. "Where are your notes?"

"On my desk. Why?" Jason was growing more concerned by the second.

"I'm going to skip the lunch, I need to prepare."

"Prepare? Prepare for what."

"If I can prove I am worth more to them as a researcher, a navigator, if I can guide them to the Javelin, then maybe…" Annabeth's voice trailed off. She didn't know exactly what she hoped for, but she knew it was better than the alternative.

"No, listen, Annabeth, they won't listen." Jason said almost as frantically as Annabeth. "They don't understand, you will ruin-"

"I have to try."

Ignoring Jason's further protest she turned to Miss Tia hoping that she would take pity on her. "Could you please walk me to my quarters and have someone inform my father and Lord Grace that I am feeling ill, and regrettably am unable to join them for lunch this afternoon?"

Miss Tia nodded and walked with her towards the door, the scent of a homey hearth following them like the comfort of a motherly hug. Jason followed close behind. He stopped her as she reached the door.

"Annabeth, you are smart. Please think this through." Jason's eyes were filled with fear. "I can't lose another sister…"

Her breath caught in her throat. "Don't. Don't bring her into this." She forced out, if anyone else had dared to bring her up like this Annabeth was sure she would have hit them. With that, she quickly fled the room before Jason could somehow change her mind and convince her to stay for lunch.

She started to swipe papers carelessly across the desk, digging through pile after pile.

"You unorganized buffoon of a man where did you put it!" She slammed her hands down, holding in the urge to scream. She was acutely aware that she was overreacting; she almost wanted to laugh at herself, but then she got that overwhelming urge to fight, flee and freeze up all at once. She looked to the grand clock in the corner of the room, the wood carved meticulously to depict stories of the gods. Lord Grace must have spent a fortune just for it to sit in the corner of the room, forgotten. The lunch would be over in about 30 minutes, she had to hurry. She wasn't prepared to propose her research today but her rough draft would have to suffice.

She just needed this last bit of information Jason had collected.

"Miss?"

Annabeth had been so focused she missed the squeak of the door. She whipped around, scrambling to try and make it look like she hadn't been throwing papers around seconds before. Annabeth quickly tried to find an excuse to why she was in Jason's study, let alone why she was going through his desk. Before she even had a chance to speak Miss Tia held out her hand, silencing her.

"I found a journal of yours," She emphasized while she held out Jason's leather bound notebook, the one he had been using for school this month. "You must have misplaced it and I know it's important to you."

Annabeth's eyebrows twitched in confusion as Miss Tia walked over placing the journal in her hands.

"This isn't-" Annabeth started

"I'm sure it's yours miss, you were looking for it weren't you?" Miss Tia raised an eyebrow almost playfully given the circumstances.

Annabeth understood, slightly embarrassed it took her so long to catch on.

"Yes, it's mine. Thank you." Annabeth grasped Miss Tia's warm hands over the book, looking deep into her eyes in hopes of expressing all the gratitude she could never say out loud. Her grip tightened on Annabeth's hands.

"Please remember, I had nothing to do with this," Miss Tia's eyes were just as desperate; Annabeth's heart ached for her. This journal was Annabeth's chance, her way out. Miss Tia didn't have one. If she was caught helping Annabeth she would be outcasted to the streets.

"Of course, thank you so much." The words left Annabeth's mouth like a whispered prayer, their eyes exchanging all the words they were never allowed to say. With a curt nod Annabeth quickly ran to her room to prepare. Her thoughts raced on how she was to make her research presentable enough in such a short period.

Jason was unable to eat. The food on his plate was left practically untouched. He had spent majority of the lunch checked out, trying to come up with a way to convince Annabeth to let it go. But deep down he knew it was impossible. Once she had made up her mind about something there was no changing it. His stomach rolled as he thought about his plan. Guilt racked at his chest, there was a chance that she wouldn't forgive him but he can't lose another sister, and hating him was better than watching her be cast out.

"Jason?" His father's harsh voice cut through his mess of thoughts. He looked up and realized that everyone was waiting for him to speak.

"I'm sorry I missed what was said, I was lost in thought," He muttered trying to ignore the way his father's ashamed gaze burned into him. He built up his courage. It was now or never. "About the Javelin!"

He spoke quickly in fear of cutting his father off. He needed to play this right if he had any chance.

"I've been doing some research-" He struggled not to puke, gods I'm sorry Annabeth. "-and I think I found it."