𝑹𝒆𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 [𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧]

7- The Bet

8 July, 2396

I slowly walked down the hallway for breakfast. I didn't meet Piper or Reyna before I entered the hall.

Upon reaching, the Prince was the first person I saw, he was talking to some girl with fiery red hair. His sea green eyes met my grey and time to seemed to freeze for a second. He sent me a dazzling smile which I returned.

Drew Tanaka appeared out of nowhere and kicked my shin, not too painfully though. I gave her weird look.

"I see you, you little shit. Probably sleeping around with guards aren't you?" She accused, getting up in my face. I ignored her, turning on my heel and stalking toward Reyna and Piper, who were sitting at the same table in the corner.

"Was she any trouble?" Piper asked, poisonously glaring at her younger step sister.

"She would be if I'd paid her attention." I assured and my friend relaxed.

"I see you and the Prince exchanging smiles there." Reyna pointed out, wiggling her eyebrows at me. She reminded me of myself alot, stubborn, introverted and somewhat cold on the outside. But, kind, fun loving and ambitious on the inside.

I laughed, unsure of what to respond.

"Anyway, our first Report is on in three days. I'm not really nervous about that." Piper said, grabbing an apple and munching on it, not caring about whether or not it looked lady-like.

"Me neither. We just have to sit there and look pretty, which we already are." Reyna agreed.

"I'm nervous," I admitted. "Being on T.V sounds nerve wracking."

"Oh boo hoo. It's not, trust me. Just be a concieted bitch and everyone will love you." Piper advised sarcastically.

I chuckled and Reyna laughed aswell. Hera suddenly entered the room and collected everyone's attention.

"Ladies, the King and the Queen regret that they are busy and therefore cannot have breakfast with you. Prince Percy will, however, keep you company. " She announced heading back to where she came from.

"Where are your rooms?" Piper suddenly asked me and Reyna.

"Why?" We both simultaneously answered.

Piper blushed. "Oh, I thought since we're friends, I thought the three of us could hang out or you know-" but I interrupted her.

"Right down the hall from yourself. " Reyna told her politely.

"Fourth one on the second floor." I said, sending my new friend a warm smile.

Percy waltzed over to the three of us. "Good morning, Ladies." He greeted.

Before they could answer, I spoke. "As in 'good day' or 'it's a beautiful morning' ?"

"Hmmm, both actually." Percy replied scratching his chin.

"Stop using ambigious language, Seaweed Brain." I teased and he quirked an eyebrow. Reyna and Piper looked at me like I was crazy, which I probably was.

"Seaweed Brain?"

"It's revenge for the nickname you came up with." I said, leaning holding my face in my hands and leaning my elbows on the table.

"That was a compliment, Wise Girl." he complained and I gave him a laugh.

"Say, are you enjoying the food?" He asked me.

"It truly is excellent." I remarked.

"Well, I have a question for you." he said, letting the sentence hang in the air.

"Do ask, my dear Prince. " I said, causing him to pout. Jeez, that was the most adorable thing I'd ever seen.

"Your stepmother rather enjoys poptarts, as you informed me. What would you think her reaction would be if I sent her some from the Palace?" He questioned.

"She'd cry tears of joy." I said affirmatively.

"You want to bet on that?" Percy asked holding out his hand.

"Depends on the latter half." I replied, shrugging my shoulders.

"Cleaver girl." Percy muttered under his breath. "If she doesn't, I get to take you out."

The request took me by surprise. I didn't think he would want to pick me for his first date. I was tempted to say no, but I gauged my options. This wasn't so bad, plus, I knew Helen would cry if she ever ate these poptarts.

"Deal." I shook his hand. Instead of shaking though, Percy brought my hand to his lips and kissed the back of my hand softly. He then took Piper's and Reyna's hands one by one to repeat the action.

"Your stepmom better not cry." Reyna said as Percy departed. I shrugged, but my smile didn't disappear. I hadn't realised then, that I didn't want Helen to cry.