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The waves lapped against the massive vessel, rocking in a beckoning taunt.

The moon's eternal rays splayed across the wooden room, illuminating the shelves of books and rows of maps. A singular sofa was pressed against a wall, a bed built a few steps away from it.

The heir to the seas held on tightly to the princess's arm, claiming it as if were a buoy in a turbulent storm.

He had truly tried to steady his breathing as they climbed aboard the massive ship, under the cover of the full moon.

It lulled unsteadily under his feet, and he held onto the railing for dear life as members around him arrived on board as well.

It was electrifying being among the waves, each one at his beck and call. Yet, a deeper part of him was terrified....a single drop of water could tear him away from his princess...

When he was younger, he had a deep fear of drowning. He would not fall asleep unless his mother hugged him until he eventually drifted into slumber.

It was a point of contention between him and his father. How could the son of the sea king have a fear of drowning?

But now...the only way the prince of the seven seas could drown was alone. The ocean's mysterious words or its deep, cavernous waters could not frighten him. He would gladly let the sea take him if he could see his princess's eyes one last time.

She kept him afloat, lit his soul with an unquenchable fire. Without her, he would drown to such depths, that his body would be mere grain before he was found.

"It's alright...it's alright," Annabeth whispered, her arm wrapped securely around his waist as they staggered into the captain's quarters.

"Come on, let's sit down," she whispered, leading him to the sofa, grounding him. She calmed his rapid heartbeat.

She placed cupped his cheek, placing her forehead against his.

"Listen to my voice...you will be okay," she breathed, placing her other hand on his chest, feeling the palpitations of his heart.

Percy took a deep breath, his eyes fluttering shut. He did all he could to shut out the thunderous roar of the ocean....of his princess's tantalising touch.

He leaned forward, gently pressing his lips to hers. He willed the world to calm around him as he tangled his fingers in her golden locks. He held her in pure awe, and she reciprocated in kind.

When he pulled back, he could not breathe. And that was fine with him.

The princess of Athens was flushed, clearly surprised by his actions. They had kissed a few hours prior, at the hall....but this one felt more intimate—a secret passing between two lovers.

"Take some rest...I shall slumber in the adjoining room if you need me," she said, her dazzling eyes searching within his. They held his gaze for a while, comforting and kind.

Percy nodded. Alright, he sighed. Dream well.

"You as well," the princess rose, her nightgown cascading down her figure. She smoothed the fabric, wrapping the shawl tighter around herself.

~~~~~~~     

Percy awoke in the dead of the night feeling restless. Everything around him seemed to be buzzing, insistent. He'd travelled halfway through the ship before he realised where he was going. His feet and some unknown force had led him  into the underbelly of the massive vessel.

Have you finally chosen to listen to us, Oh Prince? the Sea whispered to him.

I'm simply curious, he replied.

He inspected the racks of shipments, hidden underneath the mast. Identical rows of oakwood crates and barrels were cloaked in the dark murky darkness of the bobbing ship.
He noted the one right in front of him. The barrel was pushed forward with it, lid askew.

Percy had assumed his princess pried open the barbell herself. Curiosity never sat well with her.

Smiling at the realisation, the son of the sea pushed off the lid. He leaned forward to see a rather large collection of gems and jewels. the wooden enclosure was brimming with valuables.

He reached out taking a few gold coins in his hand. He tossed them lightly, frowning as they landed much too delicately on his palm.

They were too light...

He fiddled with the coins for a few more minutes, examining them. They had the insignia of Athens, the seal Annabeth carried with pride and yet...

Percy placed the coin on the floor, taking a few steps backwards. He called to the ocean, which answered in an instant. Drops of water made their way in a circle around the coin. A few seconds later, they were boiling.

He watched the process with fascination until the last droplets turned dutifully to wisps of smoke.

He waited another heartbeat to ensure the coin was dry but did not give it much thought. The ocean would not betray him. He picked up the now, circular shard of glass. Its golden paint stained the deck.

He moved towards the barbell again, his steps tentative. He hoped his hypothesis was wrong, yet he knew it wasn't. He swiped his hand across the glittering mass or ersatz jewels. He cleared the surface, the diamonds acting as decoys so no one would think to peruse any further. It had a false bottom.

There was a minuscule incision hidden on the wooden shaft. Percybplaced do,e pressure on it and it immediately gave way. He peeled off the layer of wood separating the gems from the true contest the enclosure housed.

The leather hide or a riffle posted upwards, as as if greeting him.

Percy bristled, he knew of this creation. His princess had shown it to him once when they visited the general's estate. She explained the way it worked and demonstrated its deathly Precision.

The room spun before his eyes and the Son of the Sea held onto the barrel for dear life. If such a large quantity of riffles were in the possession of Athens, it could only mean war the kingdom was preparing for war. And it did not take a philosopher to know who would be brutalised.

The Sea and Athens might have been at an impasse since Queen Athena's death. But tensions had been fast growing under the reign of Queen Minerva. Percy's sudden departure from the palace had only escalated the feud further.

Percy loved his kingdom. It was his home. The sea sang in his blood, it was a part of him. He was loyal to his waters.

A flicker of doubt passed through him. If he had to choose between the ocean and his princess, who would he choose? Would he waver in his duty as a prince?

He cursed his own recklessness. He should have never come to shore. He should have stayed underwater, stayed stagnant. His mother had been wrong, following his desires had only endangered the world.

He had spent so much time with his enemy that she had woven herself into his very soul with such intricacy that there was no way to separate them without cutting out his beating heart in the process.

He loved the land, and all that it offered, the pure wonder it honed. But he was still the son of the sea and tides, the heir to Poseidon's throne.

Swaying, Percy got to his feet. He methodically reverted the barrel back to its original state.

He left the room, stumbling onto the deck. He was grateful that everyone aboard was asleep.

Leaning against the railing, he collected himself. The cool air of the night kissed his face delicately.

You have summoned us, oh Prince? the ocean said by way of greeting

Percy nodded. My brother, Tyson, I need him. Please be discrete, he explained.

As you command, it replied disappearing into itself. A few minutes later, Tyson appeared.

Have you missed me? he grinned, excitement spreading over his juvenile features.

Percy was grateful That their mind link was active. For if he had his voice, he wouldn't have been able to speak.

Father...how has he been? How has everything been? He asked, unable to mimic his sibling's joyful countenance.

'Brother?' Tyson asked, 'What is the matter?'

War, Percy whispered, the word itself sending waves of dread through him, Athens is preparing for war.

Tyson stilled, mirth draining from his face. 'What do you mean?'

They have weapons...unimaginable weapons. They will strike us soon, Ty. We must prepare.

'We?' Tyson connected the dots, 'Does that mean?'

Percy nodded, I am returning...I have neglected my duties for far too long.

'No,' Tyson countered, his voice small and defiant in Percy's head, 'Stay brother.'

But the war! Percy urged, Tyson I can help. I know the ways of humans...I...I know the ways of Athens

I know of her people, he thought, heart heavy.

'Brother, if you return, Father would not hesitate to drown the  kingdom of Athens. Your staying on land will prevent him from doing so. It would save innocent lives. Father still does that know where you are, once he does, he will seek retribution,' Tyson explained

When Percy did not reply, his brother continued.

'Father's power has been weakening. He does that know that you have been claimed by the ocean or who your power source is....but....we have been preparing for war for a long time, we will be ready for any attack'

Ever since I disappeared, the war plans began? Percy asked with bitter resignation.

Tyson nodded,' You were the biggest advocate for peace. Without you Father has...been..' he trailed off, unable to finish his question.

Tyson...

'Stay on land, collect information for your people. That is the best thing you can do, brother,' Tyson interrupted.

Percy inhaled deeply, Then do not tell Father what I told you now.

Tyson nodded, ' I was not planning on it either way.'

Percy gave him a loose smile.

'How is your princess?' Tyson inquired, 'I see you have learnt to use your powers'

She's wonderful....perfect, Percy replied, his answer genuine.

She was an arbitrator of peace, just like him. Her crusade in Olympus was a testament to the same. If...they were to be separated...

Percy shook the thought out of his head.

He cursed himself silently, trying to stay strong in front of his brother. He had to, for his people, be the prince they deserved. How could he look at his princess now, knowing that he deceiving her? He pictured his lips on hers, mere hours ago was he breathless under her gaze.

For all the might and valour he possessed, betraying the princess of Athens would be something he could never accomplish, even if he tried. He could be the strongest man on earth, yet be too weak to harm a hair on her head.

Percy bid his brother farewell, promising to update him with information.

That night, when the prince of tides returned to his quarters, he, for the first time in his life, wept. He wept until his body ached with exhaustion, and his face was streaked with salt.

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It's me! With an update! As you have probably read.

Not many chapters left people, so strap in! Any suggestions for the story while you're still here?

Also it's September!? Dam

This chapter is dedicated alyviavillalobos   who is  literally a glittering jewel. Get well soon bestie! We're rooting for you ✨

(Posted 1/9/23- 1:08am)

Stay tuned!!

—S