Her Prince (A Percabeth AU)

Chapter 8

Annabeth POV

"Hi Eddie" I say taking a seat. "Hello princess" He says shyly. I smile at him.
"What do you do for a living?" I ask him.
His eyes flit to the floor and back up. "Nothing of importance your highness...I just used do whatever people asked me to do. In return I get some money, which admittedly doesn't give my parents a comfortable life, but it's enough to keep us alive.."

It's the fact that they have to live like that and there's nothing we're doing to change it that makes me go crazy..
I nod, "I won't pretend to know how it feels like to be in that position, but trust me when I say this, I'm going to make it better. Some day...

Eddie, you seem like a great person...but I have to ask...what was your motive to enter my selection?" I ask.
"Your highness, whenever an opportunity comes at me, I don't let it go. I hardly believed that I'd actually get selected, but believe me, I have always respected you, and being here in your presence is an absolute honor. I will trying my best to fight for your hand in marriage your majesty"

I look at his expression trying to gauge the truth in his statement. Surely people from the lowest caste don't think very highly about royalty.
"I am touched by the sentiment. It was an honor meeting you as well." I reply. He could be an asset for my plans for the future, and he honestly seems like a great person to be friends with.
"Thank you Eddie, you may follow Jason outside" I say, pointing to Jason standing by the door.

One by one I begin calling names of different people. I won't lie though, some of them surely catch my eye.
Tyler I learned has the utmost love for animals,  Elijah talks about his art with a sparkle in his eye, and Victor has the most beautiful hazel eyes not to mention he's smart too...
Others like  Mathais had an ego larger than Helen which is saying something.
"I have a lot of ladies back at home but of course I couldn't have denied you the pleasure" he'd said with a slight wink in my direction. Yeah right like I was gonna fall head over heels for someone like him.

"Jason call in the next suitor please, Luke Castellan" I say after I'm finished talking with Weston

As soon as he enters I can tell he has a lot of confidence, but I'm struck by his piercing blue eyes... He bows in front of me not once breaking off his gaze. I stare back just as intensely. 
"So Luke tell me.. what are your intentions? Why did you enter my selection?" I say  carefully scrutinising every step he takes.

He answers back with a slight glint of humor in his eyes for some reason, "I've had a traumatising childhood and now I've come back to plot my revenge of course"

The sudden sarcasm takes me aback, usually people think thrice before using such outright sarcasm in front of royalty.
"Pretty bold of you to confess to your real motives in front all this security don't you think?" I say playing along with his little act.
"Oh forgive me your highness for I am guilty,  ask them to capture me and take me to your heart if they will" 
Despite how corny it was, it unwillingly brings a smile to my face.
"Certainly you've got better lines to flirt with a lady" I say raising my eyebrow challengingly
"Most definitely .. and you shall hear them all my lady, if you give me a chance" he says charmingly. I smile.

The conversation goes smoothly and I catch myself smiling more often than not.
He has a scar on one of his eyes and I find out he got it protecting his mother from a drunken man in Titans bar...
I find it fascinating how every person carries a story

When our time is finally up he stands up, kisses my hand leaving me unwillingly a bit flustered.
I take a second to compose myself before I call in  the next suitors..

One by one more interviews go by and at this point I'm just waiting for Percy to show up. When I'm done talking to Kevin I look at Jason and with a smile I tell him to call in Percy.
I feel a smile creeping up as soon as I hear the doors start to open but I bite my cheeks to stop. He's wearing a high collar green sweater that looks amazing with his eyes.
"Hey Wise girl" he says with the lopsided grin "Hope you didn't miss me too much"
I roll my eyes "you wish Seaweed brain"
"Okay maybe.." he replies back and does a fake bow
I smile in amusement. This might actually be fun.
"So Perseus Jackson why did you enter my selection?" I ask fully committing to the serious role.
He sees what I'm trying to do "oh well you see I've heard the palace makes the most amazing blue chocolate chip cookies.. and ah well how could I resist?"
I roll my eyes again "of course"

"I suppose I'm here to support my best friend too" he adds on and then leans in "and maybe something more"
I fight the heat rising up to my cheeks "is that so? Well you see you do have quite a bit of competition you know? Some gentlemen are really very nice" I say mainly to see his reaction. And I get exactly what I'm wishing for.
I see his jaw clench just slightly, probably not even noticeable to someone who hasn't known him for years like I have.
I control my smile. Maybe it doesn't have to be that complicated. Maybe things will work out.

"We'll definitely see about that" he says with his signature smirk but his small hint of worry doesn't go unnoticed.
"Oh and before we get carried away Piper asked me to remind you that we need to plan for our annual capture the flag game too.."
I groaned. I'd totally forgot it was that time of year with all of the planning it took in the selection ..and all of these people in the castle it  was gonna be impossible for me to plan anything.. "Percy..with-"
"I know I know you're too busy with the selection etc etc and to be honest ? so am I , so piper said she's gonna plan the whole thing you'll just need to approve something's"
I breathe a sigh of relief, "Okay that works" taking a mental note to thank her later

I see Jason signing it's time and I nod
"Well seaweed brain it's time for you to take your leave"
"Wait no already? I didn't even get to charm you yet"
"Too late for that, it's time for me to announce the first suitors who will be leaving us.."
"Wait, I'm not on that list am I? Wait am I??" He says slightly panicking

"Well I guess you'll just have to see for yourself seaweed brain" I say with a smirk and exit the hall.

Wow... did I just post a new chapter?? After decades? I feel like a whole generation has passed tbh
Ah well idk how long this will last
Maybe I'll feel productive and post a new one soon
Hope u enjoyed :))

Till then
Me signing off