Chapter 26: The Ball (Part Two)

Nothing else mattered to Annabeth at this moment. His lips against hers, bonding their souls together.

The court, the mystery, and the questions all dimmed in comparison to the flame she carried for him.

A wave of pure satisfaction and joy crashed into her, deeper than the vastness of the ocean.

She was the princess of Athens. She was always in control, she always had a plan. She'd never broken protocol nor had she ever acted in a way that didn't benefit her. Her court and kingdom drove her.

But for him, she'd give into all her inhibitions over and over again. She'd allow herself a taste of heaven, a moment of freedom.

"Percy..." she hummed as they pulled apart, still entangled in each other's embrace. He smiled, his eyes gleaming, twinkling, like sinking ships on water...so inviting, she could jump in.

The swell of the music brought her back to reality, the harsh gazes of the court of Olympus burning a hole in her.

Public displays of affection were far less common here as compared to Athens.

Unless King Zeus was after a young maiden, of course. Then it seems that these vicious looks would be directed elsewhere.

However, for once, the young heir to Athens was unperturbed. Her soul was filled with a myriad of bravery....she felt as though she could accomplish anything.

She would not falter in her step, nor would she regret a single action. She was the daughter of one of the greatest kingdoms, belonging to the dynasty of celebrated and glorious queens.

She would fight for herself.

She glanced at Percy.

She would fight for him

Annabeth felt a pressure on her arm, whipping around to find a grinning Luke.

But she knew him well enough....there was nothing pleasant in his smile. She watched an equally uptight Thalia whisk away Percy.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she faced Luke, giving him a giddy smile for the sake of the crowd around them.

"I'd suggest you leave, Annabeth," Luke whispered, his grip on her forearm tightening precariously, "Queen Hera is furious. It's not going to end well."

"I cannot just run from a fight....we still don't know what's going on between my aunt and Zeus," she retorted, circling him as if they were about to engage in a dance.

"Thalia and I will handle it, I promise you," his throat bobbed, "You're not running from a fight, Annie. You're saving that boy from one. I can see you care for him."

Annabeth's heart rate accelerated as she slipped out of Luke's vice-like grip, flashing him a bright smile, "She wouldn't harm Percy.....I would not allow it," she replied.

"She sent a menacary after Piper....do not put anything past her. Hera gets what she wants, and there will be consequences if she doesn't have them," Luke warned, sidestepping her attempt to leave with an equally dazzling smile.

Annabeth allowed him to hold her, steering him into a dance with her. The court around them was gloriously ignorant of the exchange between the two royals.

"Please....just trust me, Annie. Trust that Thalia and I have a plan," he begged, twirling her around.

"I cannot comprise his safety, Luke. Nor can I place my kingdom on the line," Annabeth sighed.

"You truly care for him, don't you?" Luke asked softly, his eyes kind as he looked down at his young companion.

"More than I thought possible," she admitted, her eyes scanning the room for the aforementioned boy.

She found him awkwardly dancing with Thalia, and let out a little laugh.

"Will you leave now? Thalia had a messenger alert your crew. They're all probably ready. And all your aunt's shipments are loaded on board," Luke asked, his eyes shifting to where she stared.

"Alright...I trust you both," Annabeth nodded slowly, "We still do not know what is in those shipments. Or what's going on between our rulers?"

"Will your mind ever be satisfied?" Luke chuckled, dipping her down with the music, "We'll figure it out, Annie. We're family remember?"

"We are," Annabeth smiled, "I am so thankful for you and Thalia," she bowed, stepping away from him as the music dimmed.

"Say your goodbyes to those vipers," Luke smiled, kissing her hand in a brotherly manner, squeezing it before letting it go, "We'll miss you."

"I'll go make my rounds," Annabeth inclined her head,"I hope to hear from you soon."

"It will be sooner than you think," Luke affirmed, looking back at her before mingling into the crowd, "I'll warn the boy."

Annabeth gave him a solemn nod before heading towards the king and queen of Olympus, their faces like thunder as she approached.

"Princess Annabeth," Queen Hera greeted through clenched teeth, "You certainly put on a rather spectacular performance."

"Thank you for having us, your Highnesses," Annabeth curtsied, ignoring Hera's words, "Unfortunately, I must take my leave now."

"You were a wonderful guest," King Zeus drawled, "We can see certainly hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again."

"It was truly my privilege to experience the hospitality of Olympus," Annabeth smiled politely, "I will definitely be back quite soon."

King Zeus and Queen Hera gave her matching, tight-lipped smiles. No warmth behind their eyes.

"I shall announce your departure," Queen Hera said, clapping her hands together and pasting on a wide grin.

She moved to the front of the crowd, once again clapping. She announced the departure of the princess of Athens, cooing as she mentioned what a close ally she was of the state.

Annabeth dipped in a curtsy as the audience joint their hands together, giving her a polite yet clangorous farewell.

Annabeth walked towards the door, Percy by her side in an instant. She looped her arm around his, turning back to give the crowd one last, charming smile before her departure.

"Princess Annabeth," King Zeus called out from across the room, loud enough to carry and draw attention.

He raised his goblet of wine, "Tell Queen Minerva I send her my regards. And I pray that our kingdoms will flourish together."

Annabeth faltered in her step, Percy as her anchor as she composed herself in an instant.

She turned to face the King, "I hope our kingdoms prosper, your highness," she enunciated each word, "And that we continue our relations, in this new age, with peace and harmony. I will give my aunt your regards."

Her gaze met a mirthful Thalia and Luke's before she finally, allowed herself to leave behind her time in Olympus.

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Hello!
Small update regarding this story!

So umm I kinda messed up a little, so I'm gonna go back and re-edit some scenes and rearrange the current storyline a little. Don't be alarmed, it's nothing major!

I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I hope the fact that I updated makes up for it atleast 😭

(Posted 12:13am- 8/8/23)

Stay tuned!!!
—S

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