◇Children Of The Realms◇ [Percy Jackson AU]

Percy

[PDV Percy]

The sun had barely risen over the kingdom of Okeanos, casting its first golden rays across the vast lands stretching to the horizon. Inside the sumptuous castle, young Percy was still deep in the arms of Morpheus, dreaming of waves crashing against cliffs, a symbol of the freedom he so cherished. However, this morning was different. A disturbance was about to knock on the door of his tranquility.

Grover, his devoted servant and lifelong friend, gently knocked on his bedroom door, a hint of hesitation in his gesture. "Percy," he called softly, "your father requests you in the great hall."

Percy opened his eyes, his heart already starting to race. He knew this tone well; something important, perhaps even upsetting, was about to happen. "I'm coming," he replied, his voice betraying his apprehension.

He got up, dressed quickly, and followed Grover through the long, silent corridors of the castle, each step echoing like a reminder of his own worries. Arriving at the great hall, he took a deep breath before entering, where his father, King Donàs, awaited him, seated majestically on his throne, his face etched with the same severity Percy had always known.

"Perseus," Donàs began without preamble, "the time has come for you to assume your responsibilities towards this kingdom and its lineage. You are to marry Princess Hazel of the kingdom of Skotadi."

The declaration fell like a guillotine. Percy felt his world shift, his freedom slipping away. "But father," he tried to protest, "I don't even know Princess Hazel. How can I marry someone for reasons that are only about power and money?"

Donàs fixed his son with an impenetrable gaze. "This is not a matter of knowing or affection, Perseus. It is a matter of duty. You are the prince of Okeanos, and you will do what is necessary for the good of the kingdom."

Percy felt anger and frustration rising within him, but he knew that further contesting would be futile. His father had always been unwavering, especially when it came to decisions made for power and wealth.

Defeated, Percy retreated, leaving behind the great hall and his imposed destiny. Back in his room, he collapsed onto his bed, the weight of his newly confined world pressing down on his shoulders.

Grover, who had followed in silence, stood at the door, a look of sympathy on his face. "Can I do anything for you, Percy?" he asked softly.

"Bring me something to eat, please," Percy murmured, his voice muffled by emotion. "I want to be alone."

Grover nodded and slipped away, leaving Percy alone with his tumultuous thoughts. This marriage, he thought bitterly, was nothing less than a chain, a cold and calculated bond, designed not to unite two hearts but two kingdoms. And in the midst of this power game, he found himself a pawn on his father's chessboard, deprived of the freedom to choose his own destiny.

[Hazel's POV]

The library of Skotadi castle was a sanctuary of silence and solitude for Princess Hazel, a place where intrigues and responsibilities seemed to fade between the pages of ancient books. That morning, she was engrossed in studying a world map, tracing the borders between kingdoms with her finger, imagining distant lands and the people who lived there. A world so vast, and yet, she felt trapped in a gilded cage.

Her brother Nico entered abruptly, breaking the calm of her refuge. "Hazel, Adis wishes to speak with you. Now," he announced with unusual gravity. Hazel looked up, surprised. Their father, King Adis, was a man of few words towards his children, except on occasions of utmost importance.

With growing apprehension, Hazel followed Nico to the throne room, where Adis awaited them. His gaze settled on her, as cold and inscrutable as the marble of the hall.