It had been a year since he joined the Hunters of Artemis, and things had become… well, unexpectedly comfortable. He still struggled, and some days were so bad he would spend it entirely by himself, talking to no one. He never would've guessed that a group of immortal women who swore off men entirely would welcome him so freely into their fold. But here he was, feeling more at home with Artemis and her hunters than he'd ever felt at Camp Half-Blood. Artemis herself had been a surprising companion, as aloof as her reputation suggested, yet she had shown him kindness when he least expected it. She was loyal, fiercely protective, and, despite everything, not as cold as the moon she ruled.
That was why he was standing here now,outside her tent, nervously shifting on his feet, trying to summon the courage to ask her something important.
"Artemis?" he called softly, his voice cutting through the cool night air.
The goddess emerged from the shadows, her silver bow resting easily against her shoulder, her eyes sharp and curious as ever. Her long hair shimmered in the moonlight, and she was dressed in her customary huntress garb—dark, form-fitting leather, accentuated with silver accents.
"You called, Percy?" she asked, her tone both commanding and gentle, a combination that had become so familiar to him over the past year.
"Uh, yeah, actually," Percy began, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was wondering if you'd be interested in going to this ball… it's happening in Atlantis. I've been invited, but they only let me bring one guest. And, well, you're the first person who came to mind. That is, if you want to, of course."
There was a long pause as Artemis's eyes softened. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze growing thoughtful.
"A ball in Atlantis?" she repeated, her tone betraying a touch of surprise, as if she hadn't expected Percy to offer such an invitation. "That's… unusual. I didn't realize you were part of that sort of circle now."
Percy shrugged, offering a sheepish grin. "Neither did I, to be honest. But it's supposed to be this fancy event with a bunch of different mythological figures. I figured, well… if you don't mind, I'd love it if you came. You know, as a guest of honor or whatever. Dad insisted, and you know how stubborn he can be."
Artemis's lips twitched, as if she was fighting back a smile, but her expression remained mostly unreadable. "You've certainly… chosen an interesting guest to invite," she said after a moment, her voice tinged with something softer, though it was hard to tell exactly what it was.
Percy shifted on his feet, trying to read her face. "I mean, you're the closest thing I have to a friend here. And besides, who else would want to go with me? I'd be the only one there who isn't, like, royalty or something."
Artemis studied him for a long moment, her silver eyes narrowing slightly as though she were measuring his sincerity. Then, finally, she nodded.
"I will come," she said, her voice soft but resolute. "I would be honored to accompany you."
A wave of relief washed over Percy, and he couldn't help but grin. "Awesome! You won't regret it. I promise."
There was something in Artemis's expression—something fleeting, something almost like a shadow passing across her face—but Percy couldn't quite place it. Still, he dismissed the thought. After all, it wasn't like Artemis to show weakness. If there was something on her mind, she'd say it. Right?
"Thank you," Percy said again, his smile widening.
Artemis didn't respond immediately. Instead, she turned her gaze to the trees, as though lost in thought. Percy studied her for a moment, noticing the way her posture shifted, a subtle tension in her shoulders. It wasn't like her to be anything but confident, poised even in the most precarious of situations. And yet, there was something… guarded about her right now. Something was up.
"Is everything okay?" Percy asked, unable to stop himself from being concerned.
Artemis looked back at him, her expression unreadable once more. "I am well, Percy. You need not worry for me."
The words were spoken so smoothly that Percy almost believed her. Almost. But there was an undercurrent of something—something he couldn't name—that made him hesitate.
For a brief moment, he wondered if she regretted agreeing to come with him, but that seemed absurd. Artemis wasn't one to back out of commitments, especially not ones she'd made out of kindness. Still, the nagging feeling wouldn't go away.
"You sure? You've been acting a little… off lately," he said, crossing his arms.
It was true. Over the past few weeks, they'd gotten closer, spending plenty of time one on one together-and not to just train. They'd spent countless hours lazing around by lakes or exploring forests together, laughing and teasing each other. But in the past couple days, she'd seemed a lot more withdrawn and distant from him, and for the life of him, he couldn't work out why. He'd even asked Thalia but she didn't know why either.
Artemis didn't flinch, but she did take a step back, her gaze distant again. "I have my reasons for acting as I do," she replied, though there was an odd quality to her voice, something sharp and brittle beneath her usual calm.
Percy watched her closely. This wasn't like the Artemis he knew. She wasn't one to hide her thoughts or feelings from him, not usually.
Before he could press further, Artemis turned, her silver bow glinting in the moonlight. "I will meet you in Atlantis when the time comes," she said, her tone more clipped now, signaling the end of their conversation. "I trust you know where to find me."
"Yeah," Percy said, still unsure of what was going on but not wanting to push her too hard. "I'll see you there."
The night of the ball arrived faster than Percy had anticipated. The waters of Atlantis shimmered like a vast expanse of sapphires, and the city itself glittered with the glow of thousands of underwater lanterns. He had never seen anything like it—towering spires made of coral and gold, streets paved with pearls, and creatures of the sea milling about in elaborate gowns and suits. It was breathtaking, and a little overwhelming.
He met Artemis by the ocean, just as they had planned. They would be flashed into Atlantis from there.
Her presence was like a beacon in the swirling chaos of the ballroom—luminous, regal, and striking in her simple yet elegant gown of silver and dark blue, which seemed to flow as though it were made of liquid moonlight. Her usual bow was gone, replaced by the delicate charm of a silver pendant hanging around her neck.
Percy had dressed in an all black suit, with a green tie courtesy of his father. Whilst Percy wasn't one to be vain, even he could admit he looked good.
Artemis didn't look at Percy as he approached, though, her attention fixed on something else in the distance, her face more unreadable than ever.
"Artemis?" Percy said, trying to catch her eye.
She blinked, and for a moment, he saw something in her eyes—a flicker of unease that vanished as quickly as it came.
"I'm glad you came," he said, smiling to cover the awkwardness he felt. "This place is amazing."
"Yes," Artemis replied, her tone distant. "It's certainly… something."
They stood there for a moment in silence, the sound of soft music drifting through the room. Percy felt a strange tension building between them, and though he couldn't explain it, the atmosphere felt charged, almost as though something was about to happen.
And then, as if on cue, the announcement came: "The honoured guests of the evening! Prince Perseus the Saviour of Olympus and Lady Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt!"
The crowd's attention turned toward them, and Percy's chest tightened. He wasn't sure if Artemis noticed, but she certainly didn't show any sign of discomfort. Instead, she stood tall, her chin lifted, her posture regal. Still, there was something about her expression—a softness, a vulnerability—that made Percy's heart beat faster.
They walked into the ballroom together, side by side, but something unspoken hung between them. Percy had no idea what was going on with Artemis, but he could sense it: the walls she had carefully built up, the distance between them. She wasn't her usual self.
Upon entrance, they were immediately swarmed by guests of the party, ranging from nymphs in extremely short dresses (Percy gulped and tried not to stare) to merman who wanted to hear about his famous victory's and know just how he got the man hating goddess to be his date.
Before they could be too overwhelmed however, they were greeted by Poseidon, who sported a giant grin and threw an arm around Percy's shoulders, as well as Triton and Amphitrite, who smiled coldly.
"My friends," Poseidon shouted, "please welcome my son, Perseus Jackson, the saviour of Olympus! The greatest demigod to ever live! My son!"
A massive roar rang around the room and Percy, who wasn't a fan at best of times, was desperately trying to appear calm amid the cheers from the men and the batting of eyelids from the ladies.
His dad relinquished him from his hold, having to greet other guests, and Percy immediately went to find Artemis, but with a crowd gathering around him, was unable to do so. Alas, he resigned himself to a night of forced pleasantries and stilted small talk.
The ballroom in Atlantis was a blur of shimmering colors, ancient mythological creatures, and the echo of waves crashing against the palace's gleaming walls. Percy had never been in a place quite like this before—surrounded by beings of such immense power and grace. But of all the gods and demigods in attendance, it was Poseidon who seemed most intent on making sure Percy enjoyed himself, or rather, participated in every conceivable activity.
It was his first ball, and Poseidon had practically thrust him onto the dance floor without so much as a moment to gather his bearings. Percy's feet were sore from the endless rounds of dancing, his arms sore from trying to keep up with nymphs and sea princesses who seemed to glide rather than walk. Poseidon, meanwhile, seemed to be in his element, chatting with a group of sea nymphs like an old friend, though every now and then he'd throw Percy into the arms of another potential suitor, grinning with unabashed pride.
"Percy! You're doing marvelously!" Poseidon boomed, his voice carrying across the dance floor like a thunderclap. "These nymphs love a bit of boldness, a bit of charm—show them that ocean heart of yours!"
Percy's eyes scanned the room, his feet still moving to the steady rhythm of the music, though his mind was elsewhere. He couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water—dancing with women who had more grace than he'd ever know. And though he'd been trying his best to enjoy the evening, there was one figure in particular who kept pulling his attention away from the dance.
Artemis.
She stood by the edge of the room, a striking figure even amidst the glittering crowd. Her silver gown, as ethereal as moonlight, shimmered with an otherworldly glow. She didn't dance, didn't smile. She merely watched. Percy tried to meet her gaze a few times, but each time she seemed to look away before he could catch her eyes.
"Percy, Percy!" Poseidon's voice cut through his thoughts as another nymph tugged him onto the dance floor.
Another one. This time, a bright-eyed sea nymph with sparkling green hair and a smile that was almost as radiant as the pearls in the chandelier above. She twirled gracefully as she took his hand, leading him into a slow waltz. She was stunning.
"Don't be shy now! Show her how the son of Poseidon moves!" Poseidon yelled from the sidelines, clearly delighted by the spectacle of his son being swarmed by potential suitors.
Percy tried to focus on the nymph, but his gaze was still drawn to Artemis, standing like a cool breeze in the middle of a sea of heat. There was something about the way she stood there—something that made his chest ache.
It wasn't until he and the nymphs took another turn that he noticed the familiar figure slip into the room beside Artemis, someone who had been standing near the edge and watching with the same intensity. The sharpness of Artemis's gaze intensified as the nymph Percy had been dancing with gently pulled him away from the floor to the balcony for a break.
"Pardon me for a moment," the nymph said, with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I'll be back with something to drink for us."
Percy smiled and nodded, grateful for the brief respite. He glanced over his shoulder as she disappeared into the crowd, hoping for a few seconds of peace. But as he stood there catching his breath, someone else approached him.
"Percy," a familiar voice rumbled from behind him.
Percy stiffened. "Dad?" He turned around to see Poseidon, practically beaming.
"I saw that nymph you were dancing with," Poseidon said, grinning. "Quite the catch, eh? You do have a certain charm about you. The ocean runs in your veins. It's all about confidence, son."
Percy looked awkwardly at the ground. "I'm just trying to survive out here, Dad."
Poseidon chuckled heartily. "Survive? You're thriving! You don't see how these nymphs look at you? The sea blood in you, Percy—it calls to them. You're like a beacon in the water."
Before Percy could respond, he felt a familiar presence by his side. He turned to see the nymph from earlier returning, holding two tall glasses of shimmering green liquid, a mischievous smile still dancing on her lips.
"Here you go," she said, handing him one of the glasses. "Something to help you relax a bit."
Percy took the glass, his fingers brushing hers, and smiled in return.
Poseidon's booming laugh interrupted them once again. "That's the spirit! Drink up, boy, drink up!" he said, his grin now matching the nymph's.
Percy glanced between the two, feeling a little out of place. "You've been doing this a long time, haven't you?" he asked Poseidon.
Poseidon leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret. "You wouldn't believe how many nymphs I've danced with over the years, Percy. Every kingdom of the sea has its princesses and its treasures. I've had more dances than I can count. And you, my boy, you've got a natural gift for it."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "Not sure if I'm ready for all of that."
"Don't worry about it, Percy," Poseidon said, giving him a knowing smile. "You've got time. But be sure to enjoy the moment. They don't come often, these kinds of opportunities."
The nymph beside Percy giggled softly, her eyes twinkling. "Your father's right. It's rare to find someone who can actually dance. I've been to too many balls where no one knows what they're doing," she teased.
"I can't say I'm a professional dancer, but I'll give it my best," Percy replied with a smirk.
"Just wait until you're on the water," Poseidon added. "That's when the real fun begins."
The nymph chuckled at this, and Percy's attention shifted back to Artemis, who had not moved from her spot near the edge of the room. She was watching the three of them—Percy, the nymph, and Poseidon—with an unreadable expression.
For a fleeting moment, Percy felt a pang of guilt. Artemis was still standing alone, still distant, her silver eyes locked on him. It was hard to ignore the fact that she'd been watching him all evening, and yet had never once made an effort to engage. He had tried to be her friend, to bring her to the ball, but there was a strange tension between them now, something unsaid that lingered in the air.
Before he could linger on the thought any longer, the nymph tugged him back onto the dance floor. "Shall we continue?" she asked, her tone light.
Percy nodded, though his mind was still half on Artemis, and he lost himself in the music once again.
The ballroom was alive with music, swirling lights, and the hum of laughter and chatter that filled the air like the tide gently rolling in. The festivities had reached their peak, with gods, demigods, and nymphs all taking part in the ancient dance, moving with an ease that Percy envied.
The drinks had been free flowing all night, and allowing himself to let go a little, Percy had found himself full of liquid courage in no time. He also found himself appreciating some of nymphs assets more openly than he usually would. He also found himself much more open and receptive to advances than he he would've earlier.
He had just finished one round of dances with a sea nymph, her laughter like the tinkling of chimes as they spun together in time with the music. For the first time that night, he felt like he could breathe.
The pressure of being pulled from one dance partner to the next had worn him out, but now he finally saw a chance to escape the chaos. He turned to find someone else to dance with, just hoping for a brief reprieve from the whirlwind of attention. He caught sight of a quiet nymph standing by the edge of the room, looking content to observe the festivities. Percy gave a hesitant smile and began to move toward her, hoping for something calm, something easy.
But before his feet even touched the floor for his next step, something—or rather, someone—yanked him sharply to the center of the room.
"Artemis!" Percy blurted, stumbling slightly as he tried to right himself. His heart skipped a beat as Artemis's icy grip tightened around his wrist, pulling him into the heart of the dance floor.
Artemis was already moving, a swift, fluid motion that made her seem like she was gliding over the floor, despite the hard, furious expression on her face. Her silver gown shimmered in the shifting lights, but her eyes—her eyes—were fixed on Percy with a sharpness that made him feel like he was being pierced by her gaze alone.
"W-What are you doing?" Percy blurted, as she spun him around with surprising force, guiding him into the rhythm of the dance, though he had no idea what he was doing. This was a different dance.
Her movements were precise, but her grip was unyielding, forcing Percy to keep up, even though he was more focused on not tripping over his own feet than the actual dancing. He could feel the eyes of the entire room on him, his awkwardness now fully on display. He didn't know what Artemis expected—he'd never danced like this before, especially not with her, the goddess who seemed to despise everything about men, especially when it came to intimacy.
"Artemis—" Percy tried again, stumbling as she yanked him into another twirl. She was fast—way too fast for him to keep up.
"Shut up," she snapped, her voice low and controlled, but there was an edge to it that sent a shiver down his spine.
Her eyes—her steely, silver eyes—flashed with something. Anger. Disappointment. Hurt? He wasn't sure, but whatever it was, it felt as sharp as a dagger.
"Artemis, I don't—" Percy started, but he was cut off as she led him into another spin. He felt dizzy from the sudden change in direction. "Why are you doing this?"
She didn't respond, though. Her lips were pressed together in a thin line, jaw clenched. She moved him through the steps, pushing him through the turns with such precision that it felt like she was trying to control every single motion he made. He tried to match her pace, tried to follow the rhythm she set, but it was impossible. He was completely out of his element.
"Can you at least tell me what this is about?" Percy asked, his voice a little louder now, trying to be heard over the music.
Artemis's gaze didn't falter, her eyes icy as ever. She didn't answer.
Percy felt a sudden rush of heat in his cheeks. He was awkward—he couldn't help it. He was dancing with a goddess who had no interest in dancing, especially with him. The fact that Artemis had already made it abundantly clear that she wasn't the biggest fan of men, let alone romantic gestures, left him in a constant state of unease.
He was careful not to touch her too much, trying to keep enough distance between them, afraid that any accidental touch might make things worse. But Artemis's grip remained firm and close, and her steps were so forceful that Percy had no choice but to match her.
Every time their hands met, every time their bodies moved in sync, he could feel the tension crackling between them. The air was thick with it, the silence between them now louder than any music could be. It felt almost suffocating.
"Please," he said, trying to steady himself, but his voice was strained. "Why won't you tell me why you're acting like this?"
Her expression didn't change—she remained as cold as ever, the anger still clear on her face. But she still didn't speak.
Percy was beginning to regret trying to get her to talk. This wasn't how he'd imagined things. This wasn't what he wanted. He thought maybe by bringing her to the ball, by offering her a chance to get out of the woods, he could show her his home, his habitat. This wasn't what he signed up for.
"I'm not going to do anything wrong," Percy blurted out in a rush, his words tumbling over each other. "I don't even know what I'm doing—I'm not trying to—"
"Stop talking," Artemis snapped, her voice cutting through the air like a blade.
Percy's words caught in his throat, and for a moment, he felt completely paralyzed. She was furious—he could feel it in every sharp movement, every rigid line of her body.
But there was something else there too, something raw and vulnerable in the way she danced with him, in the way she kept him so close. It was like she was holding him hostage in the middle of the room, as though she couldn't let him go, and yet at the same time, she was furious with him for making her do this.
Percy felt like he was walking a tightrope. One wrong step, one wrong move, and everything would collapse. Every time he tried to adjust his hold, or take a step in a different direction, Artemis's grip on him tightened, forcing him to stay in place.
Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, Percy asked, "Is this about the nymphs?"
The question hung in the air, and for a brief second, Artemis's movements faltered. She froze, her eyes locking onto his with a look that was almost—almost—guilty.
But the moment passed, and just like that, she spun him again. The world blurred as his feet slipped, but Artemis kept him steady, her grasp on him never wavering.
"No," she said, the word so cold it could have frozen the whole ballroom. "It's not about the nymphs."
Percy was more confused than ever. If it wasn't about the nymphs, then what was it about? What was going on inside Artemis's head? Why was she so angry with him?
"I'm trying to help you," he murmured, as they moved in sync once more. "I just wanted us to have a good time, Artemis. I invited you to enjoy yourself, not to—" He was about to say "hate me" but stopped himself. Artemis's eyes were already filled with something that was too complicated for him to put into words.
"You don't know how to help me," Artemis said quietly, her voice softer than before, but still wrapped in bitterness. "And you don't know how to help yourself."
Percy's stomach twisted at the implication, but before he could say anything else, she yanked him into another turn, forcing his attention back on the steps.
For what felt like an eternity, they moved around the floor, the steps becoming more automatic, more mechanical, the rhythm of their dance no longer something to enjoy, but something that kept them locked in a moment of awkward tension, of unspoken emotions.
"Just tell me what's going on!" Percy burst out, frustration boiling over as he tried to stop himself from tripping again. "I'm not some stupid idiot, Artemis. I can't keep up with your moods if you won't talk to me! You won't let me help you, and you won't tell me what's wrong, so—"
"Stop," Artemis interrupted, her grip suddenly harder, almost painful. Her eyes flashed with a spark of something dangerous, something darker. "If you can't keep up with me, then maybe you're not meant to."
Percy swallowed hard, his throat tightening as the words settled on him. He felt the full weight of Artemis's coldness, the sharpness of her anger cutting deeper than anything he'd felt in a long time.
Artemis has disappeared straight after their dance, and Poseidon had appeared at his side not long after, bringing with him that familiar, weighty presence. Percy had been expecting the usual fatherly advice or quiet criticism, but tonight, the god of the sea seemed to have something more on his mind.
The music flowed through the room like water itself, and Percy absentmindedly watched a few nymphs twirl across the dance floor, their laughter light, carefree. They seemed to be having fun, and yet, Percy couldn't help but feel slightly out of place. The nymphs had all been so kind to him, so easy to talk to, so... inviting. But there was an undercurrent to it, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. It was almost as if they were all expecting something more. And he wasn't sure if he was ready to give it.
Poseidon, however, was more than ready to steer him in the direction he clearly thought was best.
"So, son," Poseidon began, his voice booming softly above the music, "I've been watching you. It's clear you've had some fun tonight."
Percy groaned inwardly, knowing where this was going. He turned to face his father, giving him a half-smile that he hoped hid the discomfort he felt. "I'm just here to enjoy the party. Nothing too serious."
Poseidon raised an eyebrow, his smile widening with a mix of pride and mischief. "Oh, I'm sure. Nothing too serious at all, huh? Because from what I've seen, you've been spending quite a bit of time with the nymphs."
"I've danced with a few," Percy said, though the hesitation in his voice gave away more than he intended. "It's not like I'm dating anyone."
"Hmm," Poseidon said, drawing out the word as if it held some secret meaning. He leaned in closer to Percy, lowering his voice to a mock conspiratorial whisper. "I seem to remember some... drunken nights of revelry with a few sea nymphs back in the day, back when I was young, and well... it was never just a dance, was it?"
Percy blinked in confusion. "What? You mean—"
Poseidon chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't look so surprised, Percy. I've been around the block a time or two. And let's just say... I've had my fair share of nymphs."
Percy felt his face flush at the thought. "Dad, please. I don't need to hear about your past."
"Oh, I'm not talking about that." Poseidon waved it off casually. "I'm talking about you. I've heard the tales from Hermes and Apollo about your nights out. You're quite a hit with the ladies Percy. You're starting to spend more time with the nymphs, aren't you? I see the way they look at you. It's not just a dance anymore. They want something, Percy."
Percy's mind raced. He ignored the first part. But Something? What did that mean? He'd only been trying to enjoy the night, not think about anything deeper. He hadn't even thought of them like that—not really. "I'm just having fun with them. It's not like... I'm thinking about anything long-term."
Poseidon's eyes gleamed with something that was half amusement and half something else—something far more calculating. "Fun, huh? You think I don't know what's going on here?" His smile was wide now. "It's not just about fun. It's about something more."
Percy felt the weight of Poseidon's words settle on him, the subtle pressure pushing him to think in a way he hadn't before. "Like what?"
Poseidon crossed his arms, the regal way he held himself suddenly turning serious. "Like finding someone. A partner. Someone who can help you carry the weight of Atlantis with you when the time comes. You've danced with the nymphs tonight, but have you really thought about what they mean to you?"
Percy opened his mouth to protest, but Poseidon cut him off with a gesture.
"The nymphs, Percy—they're not just beautiful faces in the crowd. They're powerful. Their bond with the land and the sea runs deep. If you want to take your place as the future ruler of Atlantis, you'll need someone at your side. Someone who can help you. A queen, if you will. And you know what? It wouldn't hurt to find someone who's a bit more than just a pretty face."
Percy blinked at his father, trying to wrap his head around the idea. "Wait... you mean, you think I should... settle down with one of them?"
Poseidon nodded slowly, his green eyes glowing with that familiar intensity. "Exactly. You're my son, Percy. And you have a legacy to uphold. The kingdom of Atlantis isn't just going to hand itself over to you. You need strength, unity. And a queen, someone to stand with you."
Percy's stomach twisted. He had never thought about it like that. He'd never wanted any of this. The kingdom of Atlantis? A queen? He'd just been trying to make it through the night without embarrassing himself in front of a room full of gods and nymphs. But now his father was telling him there was a future to think about. A future that would require him to make decisions he wasn't sure he was ready to make.
"I don't know, Dad," Percy admitted, his voice quieter now. "I've never really thought about ruling, or about... being a king. And I sure as hell haven't thought about choosing a queen. I just... I don't know how to even begin with that."
Poseidon's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Percy's shoulder. "I get it. You're not ready. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't start thinking about it. You've spent enough time with the nymphs tonight to see how they are. Each of them brings something to the table. You've got the one who's playful and full of fire. There's the one who's a little quieter, but her power is undeniable. And then there's the one with the deep connection to the sea—she could help guide you in ways you can't even imagine. You see what I'm getting at?"
Percy glanced back at the dance floor, his eyes following a few of the nymphs who had danced with him earlier in the night. There was the one with wild hair, the one who had seemed so carefree, her laugh ringing in his ears. Then there was the one with the green eyes, the one who had made him feel like he could just breathe for once. And there had been the sea nymph, the one whose movements had been so fluid, so graceful, that it was hard to tell where she ended and the water began. Each of them had been different. Each of them had been fun in their own way.
But none of it felt serious. It was just... a night. A night of laughter, of music, of dancing. He hadn't thought about any of them as more than that. But now, with Poseidon's words echoing in his mind, he found himself wondering if there was more to it.
Could he really choose someone? Could he really see himself with one of these nymphs long-term? Was that what he was supposed to do?
"You've enjoyed their company," Poseidon continued, his voice low. "And it's not just about fun. You've connected with them. You've felt that bond. It's more than just a dance, Percy. You're being tested. You're being called to something greater. A nymph, a queen, could be the key to unlocking your future."
Percy stared at his father, unsure of how to respond. He had never been one to think in terms of destiny. He didn't want to think about being a king. But Poseidon had a point. It wasn't about just him anymore. It was about the kingdom, about something much larger than the small, familiar world he had always known. If he wanted to take his place in Atlantis, he would have to take responsibility—not just for the kingdom, but for the relationships that could help him build it. A queen. A partner. Someone who could stand with him, who could rule beside him.
He let out a long breath. "So, what do I do now?"
Poseidon smiled knowingly. "For now, just enjoy yourself, Percy. You've got time. But when the time comes, you'll know who the right one is. And when you do, you'll make your choice. It's not as complicated as you think. You'll feel it."
Percy nodded slowly, his thoughts swirling. He didn't know how to choose. He didn't even know if he was ready to choose. But he could feel the pull. The weight of his father's words, the sense that something was shifting beneath the surface.
And as he turned back to the dance floor, watching the nymphs dance and laugh, he couldn't help but wonder: was this what his future would look like? Was this how he would find his place in the world of gods and kings? With a nymph by his side?
Percy stood on the edge of the dance floor, eyes following the swirling figures around him. The music, a low, melodic hum that seemed to resonate from the very depths of the ocean, played on. The nymphs—each one more enchanting than the last—danced, laughed, and flirted without a care in the world. It was the kind of place where people were drawn to beauty, and beauty itself had no end. The gowns and tunics, shimmering like the sea's surface under a full moon, seemed to magnify the nymphs' otherworldly allure, their beauty almost unreal, as if they belonged to a world where only gods and spirits lived.
The thing was, Percy had spent enough time with them tonight to understand something fundamental about the nymphs. They were alive with power. Their energy was almost palpable, their grace both mesmerizing and intimidating. They were playful, teasing, and confident—qualities Percy was used to with demigods, but with these creatures? It was different. They were more direct, more daring. Their eyes seemed to know things, secrets and mysteries that they invited him into with just a glance, a smile, or the brush of a hand.
One nymph had practically dragged him onto the dance floor, her silken gown shimmering around her like water, as her bold laughter echoed through the hall. Another had leaned close, her voice soft in his ear, teasing him about how easily he fit into the rhythm of the ocean's tides. Each one had made him feel like he was caught in a whirlpool of attention, and for a moment, it had been fun.
But now?
Now Percy found himself standing off to the side, caught between the pull of the night and the strange weight of Poseidon's words. He didn't know what it was about tonight, but a small part of him—the one that always felt out of place in crowds—wanted to retreat. He was used to fighting monsters, navigating quests, and surviving on sheer luck. But this? This was different. These weren't monsters. These were beings who seemed to have the power to make him feel both seen and unseen, both wanted and uncomfortably exposed.
He watched as one of the nymphs—her name had escaped him, but he could still picture her clearly—glided across the floor toward him, her long, dark hair falling in waves like a cascade of midnight water. She had been one of the first to catch his eye, a striking figure dressed in a gown that was little more than a few gossamer strips of sea silk. There was no mistaking it: she was stunning, every inch of her radiating an almost dangerous kind of beauty.
She stopped just a few feet from him, smiling that knowing smile that Percy had seen on so many of the nymphs tonight.
"Percy," she purred, the name slipping from her lips like a song. "Are you enjoying the evening?"
He wasn't sure if he was. There had been moments of joy—dancing with the nymphs had felt easy, fun, like he could just forget about all his responsibilities for a little while. But then moments like this came, where the weight of the night, of what he could be, of what Poseidon was pushing him toward, felt more pressing.
"Yeah," he said, his voice more hesitant than usual. "I'm having a good time. It's just... a lot to take in, you know? I'm not used to all this."
The nymph raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling with that subtle yet unmistakable challenge. "You don't lookuncomfortable. You look like a king in the making."
Percy froze for a moment, the words striking deep, his stomach doing an awkward flip. He quickly brushed it off with a small chuckle. "I don't know about that."
She stepped closer, the faint scent of saltwater and jasmine filling the air between them. "Well, I do." Her voice dropped to a near-whisper. "You fit in here perfectly, Percy. You're a god's son. A prince among kings."
Percy tensed, trying to keep the discomfort off his face. "I'm not... I mean, I don't feel like any prince. I just want to have fun. I didn't come here for any big role or—"
"You don't need to play coy with me, Percy," she cut in, a playful glint in her eye. "We both know what your father expects of you." She placed a hand lightly on his arm, a gesture that felt strangely intimate. "What you need is someone who gets it. Someone who can help you shoulder the weight of Atlantis."
Percy stiffened. Her hand lingered just a little too long, and he could feel the heat of it spreading through his skin, even though her touch was feather-light. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his cool. This wasn't what he'd signed up for.
But it wasn't just the hand on his arm that threw him off—it was the way the nymph looked at him. The hunger in her gaze wasn't just about attraction; it was something deeper, like she saw him not as a person, but as a piece of the future. She saw potential in him.
"I'm not looking for a partner tonight," Percy said, his voice more firm now. "I'm just trying to have a good time. That's all."
The nymph tilted her head, as if considering him. "Of course." Her smile widened, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "But all of us here are looking for something more, Percy. Maybe you'll see it too, when you're ready."
She stepped away, disappearing back into the crowd, leaving Percy alone with his thoughts—and that nagging feeling at the back of his mind.
As he watched her retreat, he felt a mix of frustration and confusion. He couldn't understand it—was it all just a game? Was this what it was like with nymphs? Just a fleeting moment of attention, of flirtation, of being the object of desire for one night? Or was it something deeper, something that had meaning?
Poseidon's words echoed in his mind again, the pressure building. You need a queen. Someone by your side... someone to rule beside you...
Percy hated how easily the idea of ruling was being tied to finding a partner, to finding one of these nymphs. Because in his mind, it wasn't about a queen—it was about finding someone who cared about him for who he was, not for what he could offer them.
But that was what kept him coming back to the same question: could he ever settle down with one of them?
The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like they were all so beautiful, so captivating, that maybe—just maybe—they were the kind of people who could make anyone fall for them, even if it wasn't real. There were plenty of nymphs here who were very forward, some of them dressed in the kind of revealing gowns that made Percy feel hot under the collar.
Some of them, he realized, didn't even need to try. Their sheer presence, their confidence, was enough. The one with the midnight hair had made her move on him with no hesitation, her gaze already calculating how far she could push. And she wasn't the only one.
But that was just it—he didn't want to feel like he was being pushed. He didn't want to feel like he was just the next in a long line of admirers, the next in a line of suitors looking for a king to stand beside.
What if, for once, he just wanted to be with someone who liked him for being himself? No agendas. No political games. No pressure to rule a kingdom.
Maybe he was just overthinking it all. Maybe the answer was simpler than he made it. Maybe it was just a night to have fun, to let the weight of his future fall away for a little while.
But every time he tried to relax, Poseidon's voice loomed in the background. The future of Atlantis. His destiny. The kingdom. A queen. The legacy.
Could he really choose one of them? Could he settle down with a nymph, when every part of him still longed for freedom, for a life without the looming responsibility of the ocean, of power? And what about silver eyes and hours spent roaming forests?
It was a decision he didn't think he was ready to make. But deep down, he knew the day would come when it wouldn't be his choice anymore. He could only delay the inevitable for so long.
And that scared him.
Fixed a few earlier chapters. The romance will come soonish. The story will start lightening up too. Gotta remember Percy's got demons in his head