Praetor's legacy

Chapter 1

Percy was feeling extremely nervous. After they lowered him to the ground after the battle, Reyna told him there was to be a Senate meeting, which both praetors had to attend.

Both praetors.

This meant that he and Reyna were a team now. They were partners, and colleagues. And most praetors ended up together while working with one another. But this was one of those rare times that they wouldn't. Percy had a girlfriend, and Reyna was hung up over the old praetor, Jason Grace. Percy still didn't know what they were going to do once Jason returned back to Camp Jupiter. Would Percy step down as praetor? Or would Jason approve of the choice made, and not want to be praetor anymore?

So many questions that revolved around him, and, as usual, he had no answers to give.

He looked up to find himself standing in front of the principia. He must have been deep in thought to not notice the massive building in front of him. He stepped inside the principia, which was warm and cozy. He saw Reyna sitting down in the praetor chair on the right, which meant he should probably sit in the one on the left. There were many Lares, but only a couple of actual living demigods. Old demigods, might I add. Very old, and wrinkly, and smelling of moth balls. He wanted to gag right there, but restrained from doing so.

"Reyna," he called out. She turned to face him. "Where are the rest of the centurions? And where are the retired legionnaires? Gwen and the rest of them are supposed to attend Senate meetings, too, right?"

"This is going to be a little bit different Senate meeting, which only Lares and town elders can attend. We're going to be talking about what we have to do if both of us have to leave for war."

A Lares piped up, "Back in my time, there was a ritual that many praetors tried to do to ensure that their lineage would be carried on to the next generation. And no, it does not involve "doing it" as the kids say these days. This ritual was also accomplished by virgin priestesses of ancient Rome who wanted to be a mother, but didn't want to break their vow."

"So, you want me and Reyna to attempt a ritual for her to become pregnant with my baby? First, I have a girlfriend. Second, we're a little young for a baby, don't you think? And third, we don't have nine months to spare. This war could start happening in a few weeks! Do you seriously think Reyna could fight while pregnant? I don't think so!" argued Percy.

"The pregnancy is instantaneous. It'll only take about 7 hours to complete the nine month pregnancy. Her belly will round automatically. The birth will be as painful as a regular birth, and the baby will be quite healthy. An augur must oversee the ritual, though."

Percy and Reyna discreetly looked at each other, both with a look of distaste on their faces. Octavian would have to be the one to oversee their ritual to get Reyna pregnant. This day would not be end very well if Octavian would be the one to make sure he and Reyna's baby would survive the upcoming war.

"Reyna, it's up to you. I'm not going to force you to get pregnant with a baby at our young age," assured Percy.

Reyna mouthed a "Thank you" to Percy and smiled at him. Reyna started, "I didn't think I would be a mother so soon, but I will do anything that will benefit Camp Jupiter. I can handle the pain of the birth. But I want to know who would take care of our baby if we left for war," Reyna replied.

The Lares that told them of the ritual replied, "Usually it was a retired legionnaire, still young enough to take care of a baby that was trusted by both of the praetors. Do you have any ideas?"

Percy whispered to Reyna, "What about Gwen? I know I trust her enough, but do you?"

Reyna nodded approvingly of his choice. "We have chosen Gwendolyn, former centurion of the fifth cohort, to be the one to care for our baby when Percy and I are off at war. We'll also give Gwen the numbers for babysitters in New Rome, so she can still go to college while raising our baby."

The Lares nodded approvingly. "Let's fetch the augur and this Gwendolyn you speak of, and start preparing for the ritual!"