Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The only thing Theo could think of as she perused New Rome with Reyna was Wow, Annabeth would love this place. She'd always been more into architecture than what really interested Theo, even when they were younger. Once she tried to give Theo a book on ancient Greek architectural techniques for her birthday. Safe to say, that was immediately re-gifted, and Annabeth took it back with a smile on her face, like it was all planned. Knowing Annabeth, it probably was.
Theo missed her. A lot.
"We have the best architects and builders in the world," Reyna said, as if reading her thoughts. Annabeth was the best. "Rome always did, in the ancient times. Many demigods stay on to live here after their time in the legion. They go to our university. They settle down to raise families. Percy seemed interested in this fact."
Theo scrunched up her face. Her boyfriend had already tried to tell her that this place was incredible, back at the dinner table. And while Theo wasn't actively denying it, because that would be madness, she did hate how much he seemed to like it here. Camp Half-Blood was home. It was where they met. Not New Rome.
Reyna laughed like something was funny. Theo wanted to kick her.
"You're a warrior, all right," the praetor said. "You've got fire in your eyes."
"Oh. Sorry." Theo tried to tone down the glare, but she wasn't sorry at all.
"Don't be. I'm the daughter of Bellona."
"Roman goddess of..." Theo racked her brain. Man, it would be embarrassing if she looked dumb in front of this girl. "Bologna?"
"War, but close," Reyna said. She turned and whistled like she was hailing a cab. A moment later, two metal dogs raced toward them—automaton greyhounds, one silver and one gold. They brushed against Reyna's legs and regarded Theo with glistening ruby eyes.
"My pets," Reyna explained. "Aurum and Argentum. You don't mind if they walk with us?"
Again, Theo got the feeling it wasn't really a request. She noted that the greyhounds had teeth like steel arrowheads. Maybe weapons weren't allowed inside the city, but Reyna's pets could still tear her to pieces if they chose. And Theo wasn't sure her powers would be much good against them, if it came down to it. She missed her bow, although she knew it wouldn't make much a difference if she had it. Her faithful weapon seemed to have turned on her ever since her fight with her father.
"In our camp," Reyna continued, leading the way, "Athena is Minerva."
Theo nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. She felt bare—exposed—without her father's golden bow on her back, or her dagger to her belt, at the very least. "Yeah, I gathered that much. I also figured she isn't as respected here as she is over at home."
