Chapter Text
The land of Olympios had not always been a peaceful one. Years ago, the land had been plunged into a constant state of grief and fear by its ruler, the King of All, Kronos. He wielded his magic over time with such power, fury, and precision, that no normal being could hope to match him. And so he lorded his power over the earth itself uncontested for years, with the people he commanded left to hope that one day the evil tyrant would simply keel over and die. Their hopes and dreams were constantly ground to dust.
In the end, it was the Mad King’s own children who put an end to his insanity. His sons, the Princes Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus, all wielding their own powerful magics over the elements, led a war against their father and his most powerful men. Supporting them throughout it all was their sister, and the eldest of them all, Princess Hestia. It took a great many months of warfare, but through many struggles and hardships, the children finally prevailed.
Learning from their father’s rule, the brothers decided that no one man could rule all of the land. So it was decided that every prince would become king, and govern their own plots of land. Zeus took the largest section, and named his kingdom Olympios, after the landmass itself (and also his capitol). Poseidon got the more flourishing coast and land to the right, and named it Atlantis (he also named his capitol that. Brothers.). Hades couldn’t really come up with a name. Unfortunately, he wound up ruling the land most ravaged by Kronos rule, which the commoners soon started likening to the Underworld itself. Not at all concerned, their King just shrugged his shoulders and accepted it. Time moved forward once again, and soon enough, the kings found their queens. And under their ruling, Olympios began to flourish. The village folk and townspeople no longer needed to worry about crippling taxes, or destructive revelry that would be felt nationwide.
Of course, their new rulers couldn’t be called perfect. Zeus especially, had a few… problems, that being made king hadn’t quite ironed out. Perhaps the most concerning issue was his terrible paranoia, afraid of one day being struck down the same way his father had been. Thankfully, he managed to surround himself with a council that mostly kept him in check. The hierarchy of the land became such. The four children of Kronos, as well as their wives and children, were of course Royalty. Anyone who wasn’t a part of the original four descendants of Kronos, but used powerful magics that helped the brothers in their rule was labeled a Grand Noble. Together with the Royals, they made up the Council of Olympios. The ones who held dominion over towns and villages, and had a sufficient amount of magic were simply labeled Nobles.
In this new structure, the people found hope again, even though everything wasn’t completely fixed. Monsters still roamed the highways, forests, and stretches of unmarked land. The damage Kronos’ reign caused to the environment was still apparent in many areas, especially King Hades’ domain. But the people of Olympios were hopeful, no matter what problems they faced. Although, for two, the problem they faced was quite different from the average person. Which made sense, seeing how far they were from average people. Fortunately, the answer to what had plagued the two of them for years was fast approaching. Unfortunately, only one of them had realized that. Hopefully, they’ll make it through alright.
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All around the family, grand horns blasted to announce the approaching group’s arrival, and Percy barely resisted rolling his eyes. Every time. Still, he stood to attention as the caravan approached, carrying the castle’s guests for the next few days on it. Lady Athena, King Zeus’ trusted advisor, showed up every six months to review how well King Poseidon was ruling over his part of Olympios. To the people who really only knew the royals as their rulers, this was taken as a sign of goodwill, an offering to lend aid from one brother to another. But to anyone who even remotely understood how Zeus functioned, it was a very obvious attempt to have one of his people ensure his brother wasn’t planning to rise against him. To Percy, most of the event as was one big annoyance.
It’s not all bad though, he thought as he watched Her get off the vehicle. He only had a few moments to take in her appearance before resuming his blank look. Her hair was all curled up, which was a shame. She still looked beautiful, but he had always preferred how she looked with her hair free, or in a simple pony tail. And she was wearing a rather pretty gray dress. To go with her eyes, probably. He had to resist smiling as the girl and her mother, surrounded by Olympios guards, walked up to them.
Greeting the procession was three-fifths of the royal family. King Poseidon, of course, proud and strong, and with a crown studded with brilliant blue gems and trident in hand. His wife, Queen Amphitrite, whose own crown held shimmering pearls instead, and wore a long flowing dress, was by his side. Amongst the princes however, only Percy was present. Triton was busy figuring out how to run his new half of the kingdom. He’s probably doing fine. Maybe. And with Tyson, it was simply better he wasn’t around. Not because they were embarrassed of him or anything. Percy especially loved his kid brother. But Tyson didn’t possess any of the grace his older brothers held themselves with, and tended to be innocently insensitive. It was simply easier for everyone to let the boy stay in the Forges of Hephaestus, where he felt much more comfortable. Being his father’s favorite, Percy had basically become the face of the princes, so his presence alone was enough to represent all of them.
Percy kept his face and eyes facing forward as the group finally reached them. As master of the castle (and kingdom), his father spoke first. “Lady Athena. Here again, I see. You look… well.”
Athena also kept her face impassive as she responded with a curt nod and an unhesitant, “Barnacle Beard. I’m surprised I can’t find any grays in your hair just yet.”
Poseidon’s retaliation was just as swift. “Careful there, Athena. Squint any more looking for them and you'll permanently resemble those empty-headed birds you so adore.” As always, a huge amount of tension built up in any place where they met. Percy couldn’t stop himself from rolling his eyes this time. He was pretty sure his step-mother made a similar motion besides him. It never changes. The two were glaring with such force it was as if they were trying to set the other on fire with just their mind. Their hatred was so great, people said that if you witnessed one of their standoffs, and looked between them very closely, you could catch lightning sparking from their eyes.
This constant resentment stemmed from before even the early days of the kingdoms. In the war against their father, Poseidon had been the chief strategist, directing his brothers and their resources in the best way to combat their mutual enemy. While Hades didn’t really mind, Zeus disliked being ordered around by his brother, and found a replacement for him in Athena. She quickly proved her competence, and very easily took over Poseidon’s position.
Obviously not happy with the situation, Poseidon moved his own forces to focus on his father himself. While it took the effort of all three brothers to finally do Kronos in, it was only due to Poseidon and Athena’s strategic brilliance that took down the wretched king so quickly, minimizing the casualties. Of course, neither viewed it that way, instead believing the other stole the credit they deserved. Now here they are, years later, and absolutely unable to stand each other. So not a word was spoken as the collective group moved through the halls for food.
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Dinner was a more quiet affair than normal, as it tended to be every time Athena visited. Her and Poseidon were the only two that spoke the entire time. As the meal progressed, she continuously questioned him on the state of the kingdom, with some very poorly hidden jabs mixed within. Poseidon tended to answer in kind.
Percy couldn’t stand it. The quiet, careful way he had to hold himself as he ate. He enjoyed being able to talk freely and cheerfully. This dinner prevented him both. He was very careful to keep his eyes only on his plate, and occasionally Athena herself. No one else.
He had eaten much less than he normally would when he finally stood up to have himself excused. Normally his father would probably be worried at how little he was willing to eat, but he understood why Percy was so anxious to leave the room (at least partially). Athena carried a stuffy atmosphere wherever she went, and both him and his dad detested it. Poseidon had no choice but to sit and answer her questions, or else be accused of hiding information from his younger brother. But Percy had no such obligations, and his dad figured if he could escape her, he wouldn’t stop him.
So Percy confidently strode out the room, leaving behind the uncomfortable feast. He had a very specific destination in mind. Torch lights dimmed as he walked past, always suppressed just a bit by the aura of his magic. Nonetheless, his shadow danced across the ancient stone as he moved as quickly as possible to his destination. He swerved around corners, deftly avoiding where he knew that guards would show up. And only a few minutes later, he reached the ladder at the end of a hall. Climbing it, he quietly let himself into the tallest tower in his father’s castle. Closing the hatch behind him, he turned around to walk into the room. Despite the tower being the single most visible structure in King Poseidon’s castle, the room it contained wasn’t actually anything special. At most, it was a storage area for decorations and items that would likely not see use again. Still, Percy loved this room, because coming to it always meant one thing in particular.
Now, he sat to wait, and pictured the scene he already knew would be taking place back in the dining hall. She would take longer to finish up, of course. Always neater than me. But eventually, she would push her plate away, and stand up, preparing herself. She would say the trip had exhausted her, and ask to retire for the night. Her mother would agree, but would make one of the guards to escort her, even though she knew the castle like the back of her hand. Not that it mattered. The second the doors to the hall shut behind them, the guard would eventually lose sight of her. He only had to glance away once, and her straw hat would be slapped on, rendering her invisible to non-magical eyes. She just had to stay quiet, and she was free to roam around where she wished.
So Percy waited quietly at the furthest point from the entrance, rocking himself back and forth. A few minutes later, he heard the sound of the trapdoor creaking open and shut, and footsteps walking down the hall in his direction. Around the curve, a body appeared. All Percy had to see was a flash of blond before he sprung into action. He didn’t hesitate to pull her into him, burying his head in the crook of her neck. “Annabeth,” he breathed.
“Percy,” was her equally breathless answer. The two stood there for a moment, arms around the other, and slowly rocking, taking in each other’s presence. It would be an incredible and scandalous sight to any who managed to see it. Perhaps even a bit cute. From a young age, it had been very obvious how similar the two of them were to their more… significant parents. So, it had been well speculated that the intense rivalry and hatred between Poseidon and Athena would inevitably carry over. And at one point, that had seemed to be the truth.
During her first visit, it would have been very difficult to miss how much Athena’s daughter mistrusted Poseidon’s younger son, and vice-versa. Neither stopped shooting a glare at the other every time their eyes met. Many predicted that before long a fight would break out, resulting in Athena convincing Zeus that his brother was up to something through his child. But no such incident occurred. And before the end of the trip, something changed between the two. They no longer stared at each other with angered looks. They held blank expressions instead, barely acknowledging one another. Athena and Poseidon were both perplexed, but let it go, seeing that they weren’t causing trouble. Perhaps if either parent had taken the time to say something, the children would never have become what they were now.
The duo reveled in the peace of the moment, finally free to hold the other without a care. Finally, Annabeth sighed, and without moving her head from its place on his shoulder, asked, “How have you been, Seaweed Brain?” Percy could hear her smile.
Of course, he had to smile in response. Wise Girl. “Really good, honestly. The people are all doing well. Dad’s been able to reason it out with a couple of pirates who were causing trouble at the outskirts. Tyson’s actually started to make some pretty well-honed weaponry. Mom still makes the greatest cookies you’ve ever tasted. And Triton's been out of my hair since Dad gave him the more underwater half of the kingdom to rule, which, by the way, he named Atlantica. I haven’t stopped laughing at that.”
“That’s good, that’s good.” Annabeth murmured. Before Percy could ask about her own life though, she just sighed. “It’s been the same as ever for me.”
Percy grimaced in sympathy. “Your mom still won’t let you use any designs you’ve been working on for the castle?”
“Nope,” Annabeth shook her head slightly with a rueful grin. “Like I said, the same as ever. She’s still convinced I can, how’d she put it? ‘Do better.’”
Percy thought for a moment before speaking to reassure her. “I think she’s both right and wrong. No matter how much we try, we can always do things better. We’re human, after all. But the fact that she won’t accept work that’s not ‘unquestionably perfect’ is ridiculous.”
Annabeth gave a grunt of agreement, shifting her head slightly. She didn’t want to spend her oh-so-temporary time with Percy just talking about how not great her mother was. So, legitimately curious, she asked him, “Are you really that happy with Triton being gone? I know you two had some issues growing up, but you’d managed to work it out, right?”
Percy barely managed to hold in his sigh. Saw right through me, just like always. He had to consider before answering her. She wasn’t wrong. Him and Triton had had… problems, in the beginning. Percy hadn’t understood it at first. He just thought his elder brother genuinely didn’t like him, maybe because he was a bastard, and the son of a commoner. And that might have been part of it, but more than anything, it was Triton’s feelings of inferiority that created the rift between them.
It was no secret Percy was his father’s favored child. It also became obvious at an early age how much more adept Percy was at wielding the magic they both inherited from Poseidon. From the moment Percy was born, Triton had held himself to a standard he had thought fitting of an older brother. So to see his younger brother so easily outclass him in everything had felt like a sign he’d failed completely.
It all changed for them one day, out in the middle of the ocean. The family had gone out to sea in order to train the children’s abilities. The trip had been going well, until a storm emerged that nearly capsized their ship, because for the first time, an emotionally-unstable Percy had lost control of his powers. And it wasn’t his father who pulled him back to a stable mindset. It wasn’t his mother, or his step-mother. And it wasn’t Tyson. It was Triton. That moment changed the way Triton viewed him, although Percy had no idea why. Maybe he just finally realized his younger brother wasn’t as perfect as he always seemed. Whatever the case, it allowed the brothers the chance to open up to one another. While they still weren’t perfect, Percy was able to get along with the eldest of their trio much easier.
Shaking himself from his thoughts, Percy finally answered Annabeth, “Maybe a little, I guess. But it’s not like I can’t visit him. And besides that, more than anything… I’m happy for him. He’s finally found a place for himself, and one in which I couldn’t compare to him. I’m not suited for ruling the way he is. He’s even found a princess for himself.”
“Is that right?”
And when she felt Percy nod above her, Annabeth steeled herself to ask the question she was afraid would one day break her, no matter how often the answer didn’t change. “And what about you?”
“Hm?” Percy questioned as he looked down at the girl. Her eyes weren’t closed anymore, but she didn’t seem to be looking at anything.
Annabeth took a shaky breath, and asked, “Do you, uh… have any women in your life, now?”
Oh, this. Again. Percy steadily moved her chin so that she could face him, and looked into her wondrous gray eyes. “Annabeth. Why in the world would I ever need another woman, when you’re in my arms?”
“I can’t always be,” was her whispered response. And that was true. She wasn’t in his arms for nearly as long as he would like, even during the times of her visit.
But still… “You say that as if spending a long time with a random lady could ever compare to these short moments I get with you.” And as he finished his declaration, Percy slowly moved forward.
And so did Annabeth, although she still had her wits about her, enough to point out, just inches from his lips, “We shouldn’t.”
“We probably shouldn’t.” Percy agreed.
“We definitely shouldn’t.” Annabeth amended as she inched closer.
They shouldn’t. Their parents might have their heads for it. But they did anyway, since that’s what being in love meant for them.
When they were done, Percy found himself now leaning on the walls of the tower, and Annabeth had placed her face back on its spot on his shoulder. Both his very princely clothing (he thought they were lame, except the cape) and her dress were rather rumpled. Silence reigned as they both took in the moment again, of how amazing it was to be with each other, before Percy finally sighed, staring out the tower window. Annabeth looked at him quizzically as he stated, “It’s kind of funny, isn’t it? I’m the prince of an entire kingdom. Anything I could ask for, immediately delivered without question. And it’s not even just my position at my disposal. With my magic, I have enough power to split the seas themselves. All of that, and yet the one thing I want in this world, is the one thing I can’t truly have.”
Annabeth’s head shot up to look at him, and to let him know that, “You can’t split the seas.”
“I probably can, actually,” Percy muttered with a sigh. “Dad told me that if I just-”
“No, I mean you can’t,” Annabeth interrupted. She then clarified, “Because if you do, Zeus will hear about it. His paranoia will get the better of him. And somehow, someway, he’ll figure out a way to hide you in a far away corner of the region. How am I supposed to find you then?”
Percy stared at her for a few moments, mouth open, before cracking a smile. “Fair enough.” And Annabeth took back her place on his shoulder.
She was content to close her eyes, and spend the rest of their time in quiet solitude, before Percy’s words finally caught up with her. She felt her heart quicken in response. She was the one thing Percy really wanted. He had said it with such conviction, with the same tone he’d take whenever he’d let her know that ‘You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met’. Her. The magic-less girl. The nerd. The one who’s mother would kill him if they were found out. If that was really the case, then…
“Percy?” She started, not at all confident. When he gave a hum to indicate he was listening, she took a breath, thinking quickly, before questioning carefully, “What if… what if I told you I had a plan? A plan that would guarantee us being able to really be together? That our parents wouldn’t be able to stop.”
Annabeth felt the boy’s eyes on her as he looked down at her, but didn’t dare to look up herself. A beat passed, and for a moment, Annabeth was scared he’d laugh her off. Instead, he slowly took her hands in his, and she made herself look at him. His eyebrows were scrunched together, meaning he was thinking. It was so cute, but also a little terrifying. She couldn’t tell what he was thinking, which was rather rare. Finally, he took in a breath, and responded, “I’d say, ‘Anything.’ And I’d mean it. But your tone makes me think I won’t like the idea.”
And Annabeth had to nod, because it was the truth. Percy wouldn’t like it, for several reasons. But if it meant they’d be free of their parents' grasp, it’d be so worth it. So with more confidence than she felt, she told him, “Zeus’ tournament is in two months. If you win that, our parents won't be able to stop us.”
Percy sucked in a breath as he considered her words. She had been right. He didn’t like the idea. King Zeus’ Tournament, of all things. It was an event held in Olympios, the Capital, every two years. People gathered from every kingdom to watch it. But it was something he had never allowed himself to participate in, for a couple of reasons. But for the chance of getting to marry Annabeth, without worrying about his dad, or Lady Athena… “What would I even do? Well, win, I guess. But what am I supposed to ask him for?”
“Just ask for my hand,” Annabeth shrugged, “And no one will be able to refuse.”
The way the tournament functioned was simple. Every two years, Zeus had every child of the Royals and Grand Nobles face off in a tournament. A series of one-on-one matches would ensue between participants. The winner would be granted one wish by King Zeus himself, no matter how outlandish or odd, as long as it was possible. The event as a whole was a genius move on Zeus’ part for two reasons. For one, the display of ability shown by the competitors would be able to alleviate the weaker folk’s worries, showing them how powerful those at the top were. And second, it provided a chance for Zeus to show off how much goodwill he possesses, granting a request to the victor no matter who they might be. It was so genius, in fact, that anyone who actually knew the king believed Athena must have suggested the idea to him. Zeus never gave a public response, which essentially confirmed the theory.
Percy himself had never participated in the tournament for a few reasons. The first was that he didn’t want to draw too much attention to himself. He got enough of that at home just by being the prince. He didn’t want his face plastered all over the kingdoms. The second, and more concerning to himself, was his abilities. He didn’t like how naturally powerful he was. How easily he could bend a person to his whims with a thought and a wave of his hand. That was something else he didn’t want broadcasted to the world. The final reason was that he just didn’t want anything Zeus could offer him. He had his family. He was happy enough with that. But if winning meant getting Annabeth’s hand…
“Would it even work?” Percy asked skeptically, “I mean, Zeus might not care for what Dad has to say, but it’s no secret he pretty heavily favors your mom. What if all it takes is a complaint from her to call it off?”
Annabeth only had to think about it for a moment before shaking her head. “No, if you make the request after winning the tournament, he has to grant it to you. If he doesn’t, the public will take it a number of ways. For one, it’s a sign that he’s untrustworthy, that he’s willing to go back on a promise. Another is that he doesn’t actually hold as much power as he claims, that he can’t grant whatever the victor may want. No matter what, it’ll give a negative impression he can’t afford. Mother will know that, so she won’t even waste time asking him to call it off. She’ll definitely try to convince me, but I won’t be listening.”
“Alright, alright,” Percy breathed, mind running a mile a minute now that he had been presented with an option he didn’t think he had. This could actually work… He’d never considered the tournament. He could tell Annabeth had, and likely several times at that. But it had seemed like such a drag to participate in, so he never really questioned what he could gain from doing so. He faced downwards to stare at his hands, still holding onto hers, and flexed them slightly. “And all I have to do, is beat every person I face in combat, all of whom will be children of members from the Council of Olympios. Right. I can do that.”
Annabeth lifted their hands between them as she looked him in the eyes and gave the most reassuring smile she could muster. “You can.” And she unquestionably believed he could. As a child who couldn’t use magic herself, she had spent much more time studying it than those who used it naturally. Her discovery of just how important one’s emotions and mental state was to their ability to use magic had allowed her to draw conclusions to a long standing mystery. She had no proof, of course. But she was confident that Percy’s powerful strength was a result of combining Poseidon’s magic and Sally’s heart with his own indomitable spirit. A boy designed by the magical laws of their world to never know defeat. “You’ll do just fine.”
Percy nodded, lost in her eyes, and still taking deep breaths. Suddenly, his biggest dream had the potential of no longer being just that. It required him to fight through the blasted tournament, but for Annabeth, it seemed like a small price to pay. Still though, he had to be sure. “Just to be clear. You’re okay with me declaring it out in the open? Asking for your hand for all the world to see?”
Annabeth raised her hand to his cheek. “Against a life reduced to aside glances, stolen kisses, and impossible dreams? A thousand times over, I’d prefer it.” Percy nodded, and they sealed their plan with one last kiss. Two months and a tournament later, and they’d be free. After that, no more words were spoken, and they passed the time in comfortable silence. After all, there was nothing more that needed to be said.
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Thwack! Thwack! Shhhhuk! Percy huffed a little as he pulled his training blade out of the dummy he had set up. It was nothing more then chopped up leather with straw in it now. With a sigh, he went to go grab another from the side.
Percy was currently spending his fourth night at the training arena within his father’s castle since Annabeth had left. Fortunately, there was an enchantment set up that meant sound didn’t travel out of the area, so no one would know what he was up to. At least, that’s what he thought. As he was setting up the dummy, he heard the sound of the training doors opening up. Oh, great. He sprung up, ready to give an excuse to whatever member of his dad’s royal army walked in, before his mind was brought to a halt. Mom, and Grover? What are they doing here?
Sally walked confidently into a room she usually tended to avoid since she wasn’t the biggest fan of violence. Percy’s best friend was right on her heels. “He-Hey guys,” Percy stuttered, trying his best to appear casual. The torn up leather and straw weren’t doing him any favors. “What’s uh, what’s up?”
His mom just raised her eyebrow at him, which was the biggest sign that he couldn’t play dumb. It was Grover though, who took point. “What’s up? What’s up with you?? This is like, the fourth time you’ve done this in two weeks.”
Percy blinked, “You guys knew.”
Sally smiled as she sighed, “Percy, honey. Of course we knew. We were waiting to get an explanation, but since it didn’t seem to be coming, we’ve decided to take matters into our own hands. So, as you so eloquently put it… what’s up?”
Percy shifted his face to the side, his arm coming up to rub the back of his head. He suspected it wouldn't get him anywhere, but he had to try, at least. “You know, it’s just, it’s been awhile since I’ve let myself really get into sword play. Wanted to make sure I haven’t gotten rusty.” It was pretty obvious neither of them bought it, and Percy wanted to slap himself. He was normally a lot better at thinking on his feet, but that did not hold up against his mom. And even if it did, she’d probably see right through him anyways. She was cool like that.
Grover walked up to sling an arm around him. “Riiiight. This has everything to do with you getting rusty, and absolutely nothing to do with the castle’s most recent guests.” With a wave of his free arm to the empty room they were in, “Just look at all the people who definitely believe you.” Percy could feel his cheeks redden.
“Don’t tease the poor boy.” Sally laughed. Great. They both know something's up. “So…” Sally started, walking up to rub the top of her son’s head, “What did you and Annabeth talk about that was so important you’re suddenly interested in honing your sword skills again? Especially when you're already good enough to beat pretty much the entire royal army of Atlantis in duels.”
Percy sighed. He couldn’t hide it from them. So he lowered his head to stare at the floor as he got out, “I’m uh, I’m gonna compete in Zeus’ next tournament.”
Sally’s expression changed only slightly, her eyes widening quite a bit in surprise. Grover, on the other hand, might as well have had his mouth on the floor. “Are y-you se-serious?! King Poseidon was practically begging you to go last time. Perce, you’ve never cared about the tournament! Why would you now?”
“Yeah,” Percy huffed, “Two weeks ago I couldn’t have cared less. But… but I have a reason to go now.”
“And that is?” his mother questioned with a raised eyebrow and maybe a hint of knowing look.
“I’m gonna compete. I’m gonna win. And then,” Percy glanced off to the side, “I’m going to ask Zeus for Annabeth’s hand. And Dad or Athena won’t be able to stop me.”
Percy watched out of the corner of his eye as Grover’s expression somehow turned even more incredulous. Which he got. Grover knew how much they meant to one another. He had to, being the one who covered for them so often. But he had never thought they’d find a way to actually be together. Openly.
His mother, on the other hand, only brightened her smile as she stepped forward to pull her little boy (he was bigger than her now, but he was still her little boy) into a hug. And Percy had to raise his arms to do the same thing, because his mom’s hugs had always been one of the best things in his life. “I’m very proud of the two of you,” Sally whispered, “for not stopping trying to find a way to make the both of you happy. Just remember, like all big decisions, there will be consequences. Athena will not be happy. Poseidon likely won’t be very pleased either. And because of the stage you have to compete on, this gamble will be for all the world to see. But,” she finished as she looked in Percy’s eyes, “You’ve already considered all of that, haven’t you.”
“Yeah,” Percy nodded, “it’s been the only thing on my mind since Annabeth left. I’ve thought about it a lot. I know the problems that could come with the plan. But it all seems so worth it.”
Sally nodded, glad her son was thinking through what such a gamble could mean for him, and placed a kiss on his forehead. Then she turned to Grover. “Well, it’s gotten quite late. Come along now Grover. Let’s leave the prince to his training.” And with that, she started to make her way back outside.
Grover rushed forward to pat Percy on his back, leaned forward to give a hastily whispered, “Proud of you man,” and took off to catch up to her. Percy stared at the retreating figures for a few moments, trying to catch up with the conversation in his mind. Finally he shook his head and turned back around to finish setting up his next training dummy. He had some practice to get done.
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The wheels rattling along the road were making an endless noise. Honestly, Percy could barely stand it. It had only been a few hours since they had left the Capital of Atlantis, and were now heading towards the location of Zues’ tournament, Olympios. Percy still didn’t get it. The entire land mass is Olympios, and Zeus decided to name his kingdom Olympios, and then decided also calling his capital Olympios was a good idea. Does he just really like the name? Normally, Percy couldn’t care less. But with no room to stand up, he was so bored right now.
He was also thinking about anything even remotely interesting to try and ignore the situation he was in. It wasn’t working very well. Unfortunately, Grover and his mother hadn't been able to join him on his trip to Olympios. They would be arriving a few days later, on the day it actually started. So the only other member on the cart he was currently occupying was his father, King Poseidon. The person I’m actively hiding my reason to join the tournament from. While on the way to said tournament. Joy.
Percy was normally very far from being on bad terms with his father. But he felt wary. As if Poseidon somehow knew that this endeavor was his son's attempt to marry perhaps the only girl he’d actually give an objection to. Even though there was no way he could possibly know. He’s definitely curious why I’d care about the event now. But he hasn’t asked about it yet. Maybe he just won’t.
Unfortunately, that’s when Poseidon cleared his throat a little to indicate he wanted to have a conversation. Dammit. His father started, “Well, Perseus. We’re on our way now. I’m glad to see you willing to take part in such a public event. I’m not opposed at all, of course. I get to watch my son in action, and I’ll get to rub it in Zeus’ face when you win. But… is there any… particular reason you want to participate this year?”
Percy looked up to Poseidon’s face, worried he was going to see a face similar to the one his mother had worn the night she confronted him. But what he found surprised him. The face his father wore wasn’t knowing, nor accusing. It was… maybe uncertain? It took a moment for it to click, and when it did, he felt both relief, and a shred of guilt. Dad thinks I’m unhappy with what he’s given me. That he messed up something, so now I’m going to his brother for it. Which isn’t… incorrect. But it’s less to do with me and him, and more to do with him and Athena. Percy shook his head with the best smile he could manage. “You haven’t done anything wrong, Dad. I just… it’s been a while since I’ve seen any of the others. The last council meeting we were invited to was like, a year ago. And I’ve been looking for a way to really test my skill lately. Most of the knights in Atlantis can’t really keep up. This’ll be a good opportunity for me.” It was a half-truth, as far as he was concerned. Everything he had said was the truth, but there was one specific reason that trumped both of them. And that was the one he had to hide.
Poseidon took in the statement with a nod of his head, and a smile that Percy could tell was the slightest bit relieved. That shred of guilt within him grew just a bit in response. He really didn’t enjoy hiding things from his dad. Still, he’d told Annabeth he’d give anything to marry her. And he’d meant it. So all he had to do now, was endure this one trip, compete in a tournament against other truly powerful warriors of Olympios thrown at him by the bracket, and hide his biggest desire from the world until he succeeded. Easy. He could handle this. I’m so dead.