Her Prince (A Percabeth AU)

Chapter 3

Just FYI, Annabeth has been in her tank top and pants all this time, no fancy dress or anything. It's the same day since the first chapter. Now, onwards->

Annabeth POV

I hug him tightly trying to express my feelings without having to say them. "I don't want to marry anyone" I whisper.
"Not until you want to, and nobody-." He whispers rubbing my back soothingly, the last part inaudible.
"Hm?" I ask him sniffling.
"Nothing" he whispers pulling back, giving me a reassuring smile.

I quickly brush off my tears and put up what Percy calls my "strong facade". He's the only one who can see through it.
I take a deep breath.
"Thanks for being here Perce.." I say in a stronger voice than before.
"Anytime" He says, his sea green eyes swirling with emotions too fast for me to decipher.
I open the cupboard door and walk out, Percy following close behind.
"Where to now?" He asks.

"Didn't we just decide we weren't going to let me marry anyone? We're going to go talk to Helen and my father of course" I state, as if it should be obvious.
"Oh right..but- you know what, it's worth a try..let's go." He says with a small reassuring smile.
I nod and quicken my pace. I reach my father's office. Thankfully, he's there unlike usual.
The guard at the door notifies him of my presence and he allows me in with Percy.

"Annabeth dear! What brings you here today?" father says glancing up from his papers once.
I try not to scoff at his poor attempt to act like he cares more about me then the papers on his desk.
"You as well Percy.."
Percy stiffens behind me.
"You and I both know why I'm here, father" I say gritting my teeth.
"Ah..I'm assuming Helen told you about the selection?" He asks as if it were no big deal. "We have so many details to take care of."

I feel Percy place his hand on my shoulder, as if he knew exactly what was going through my brain at that moment. I take a deep breath.
"Actually father, I'm here to oppose the idea. I do not feel it is necessary for me to marry at the moment. I want to be a young independent lady. If I marry a man, he shall become king, hence my opinions will thereafter be overlooked. I would rather that not happen." I say as calmly as possible.

"But you need a partner to rule the kingdom beside you. It doesn't matter if ur opinion is overlooked. Your aim shall be to produce an heir as king and queen, and of course, the welfare of the kingdom. That is not possible unless you have a partner by your side. This is not up for discussion." He says finally looking me in the eye.

"Might I intervene your highness, Annabeth is quite capable to handle the kingdom on her own if I say so myself. As far as the heir is concerned, I'm sure Annabeth is not opposed to the idea of marrying someone in the future, but it is important that it be her choice when, and with whom." Percy says with a hint of pride in his voice.
I shoot him a quick smile but turn forward again just as quick.

"But I can't allow her to rule on her own. I'm sorry, my decision is final." He says, standing up towering over Percy and I. Both of us however, don't back down.

"This isn't fair!" I say loudly. "This is my life we're talking about, you can't control it however you want!"
"You are my daughter, and I am the king, you shall do what I command. You are now excused. We shall sort out the details later" he says in a calm voice.
I feel like screaming in frustration. There's no point in even trying to go to Helen if my own father won't understand.
"As you wish, your majesty" I say, glaring at him with hostility. I do a mock courtesy and get out. I don't even stop till I'm in the training grounds to find out if Percy is following me.

I yell out in frustration. I pick up a dagger and slash at the straw dummies till I've chopped the wood they were made on.
After I've calmed down a bit I notice Percy looking at me with a pained expression.
I grit my teeth, I don't need him to pity me.

"Don't look at me like that." I growl, taking fast steps towards him.
His eyes widen. "Annabeth-."
"No! Don't look at me like you're sorry for me! I don't need one more person thinking I'm a weakling and can't handle stuff by my own!" I glare at him.
He maintains his stand. "You know I'd never do that to you wise girl." He begins calmly, "I care about you, and I know you, whether you like it or not. I'm going to help you get through this. Don't push me away."

I feel my glare waver.
"But... I don't know what to do perce- I feel so-so helpless! I have no choice..I really have to hold a selection" I say, the truth behind the words finally beginning to sink in.

"You what?!"
I whip my head around to see Thalia looking at me with wide eyes.
"Please tell me you're joking.." she says her eyes looking fierce with all the black eyeliner surrounding her eyes.
I shake my head in frustration.

"That's RIDICULOUS!" She says, outraged.
" I know Thals..but there's nothing we can do about it..."

I tell her the entire story excluding the part where I was crying in the cupboard.
The anger in her eyes never leaves but her posture relaxes a bit.
"Well, we're going to help you every step of the way okay? And if any of those guys turn out to be assholes they're going to regret they were ever born you hear that? We'll give'em hell. Knowing Helen, she's probably already sent out the applications to every guy eligible in the country..." she says. I nod knowing it was probably true.

Percy had been surprisingly quiet during the entire conversation and seemed to be deep in thought.
"Hey..everything okay?" I ask him. He blinks and snaps out of whatever daze he was in.
"Oh um yeah, all good.."
I nod slowly. I turn to Thalia and am about to say something to her when a guard comes to me.

"Queen Helen has requested your presence in her office, princess"
For the second time this day, I knew this wasn't going to be a particularly nice conversation.
I nod to the both of them silently telling them I'd be fine.

Gods I wish this day would just end already.
I see the time and it's barely noon. Well, Crap.

Hope you guys enjoyed! Selection content coming up real soon!
Stay tuned, and please vote and comment! *holds up blue plastic hairbrush* jk lol

Till then, me, signing off!