◇Children Of The Realms◇ [Percy Jackson AU]

Percy

Percy stood before the door of his mother's office, Amphitrite, a knot of apprehension tying his stomach. He knew she was waiting for him to discuss the wedding details, a step he had been dreading since he learned the news. As he entered, he found his mother seated at her desk, an expression both maternal and stern on her face.

She gestured for him to sit across from her, and Percy settled in, mentally preparing for what was to come.

"My son," she began in a voice that was gentle yet firm, "I know this marriage is not one you would have chosen for yourself. But as a prince, you must consider the well-being of our kingdom before your own desires."

Percy lowered his gaze, a heavy weight on his shoulders. "I know, Mom. But I can't help feeling sad. I have no romantic feelings for Hazel. She's kind, but..."

Amphitrite placed a comforting hand on Percy's. "I understand, my dear. I, too, would have liked to have a choice in my marriage. But it's our duty as members of the royal family."

She then rose and fetched the wedding attire prepared for Percy. "Here's what you'll wear," she said, showing him a black jacket, a slightly open shirt of the same color, a long gold necklace, a golden crown, a matching bracelet, and black pants.

Percy nodded, resigning himself to the idea of having to wear this outfit that didn't really suit him. "What's the theme of the wedding?" he asked, curious despite himself.

His mother replied with a sad smile. "Ancient Greece, in honor of your name, and gold in connection with the princess's eyes."

She then showed him the wedding rings, silver bands with a wavy pattern and holes. "These are the ones you will exchange during the ceremony."

After finishing the preparations, Amphitrite approached Percy to give him a hug. "I wish you had a choice, my son," she murmured, tenderly stroking his cheek. Then, regaining her stern air, she added, "Your father wants to see you too. Don't disappoint him."

Percy stood up, feeling the weight of responsibilities heavily on his shoulders. He knew he had to face his destiny, painful as it was. And as he left his mother's office, he promised himself to do everything for the good of his kingdom, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness.

With a heavy heart, Percy made his way to his father's office, wondering what awaited him on the other side of the door. The hallway was silent, except for the sound of his footsteps echoing on the marble floor. He passed by Paul, his father's advisor, a man he liked despite the coldness of the royal court. "Hello, Paul," he said, trying to mask his anxiety.

"Hello, Your Highness. Best of luck," Paul replied with an encouraging smile before continuing on his way.

Percy finally arrived at the door of his father's office. He knocked softly, and at the invitation to enter, he stepped across the threshold with some reluctance. Next to his father stood an elderly man whom he didn't know. His father introduced him as Dionysus, the one who would officiate the wedding ceremony. Percy greeted him with a polite nod, his thoughts already swirling in his head.

"The person in charge of the wedding architecture plans is waiting for you in the lounge," declared his father in an authoritative tone. "It's imperative that you show enthusiasm for this event, Perseus. The kingdom needs to see that you're happy to get married."

Percy nodded, barely able to hide his dismay. He had no desire to marry someone he didn't love, even if Hazel was kind. But he knew he had no choice, not in this world where political alliances dictated destinies.

With an inward sigh, Percy mentally prepared himself to face the wedding preparations, a façade of joy he would have to maintain for the sake of his kingdom. His mother's words, sad but comforting, echoed in his mind as he headed to the lounge to meet the architect.

Percy entered the lounge and found a woman, apparently immersed in her plans. She stood up upon seeing him enter, a determined expression on her face.

"Hello, I'm Athena," she introduced herself with a warm smile.

Percy returned her smile, feeling a bit more at ease seeing her welcoming attitude. "Nice to meet you, I'm Percy. I suppose you're the person in charge of the wedding architecture plans?"

Athena nodded. "Exactly. I already have some ideas in mind, but I would like to hear your suggestions as well."

They then delved into a lively discussion about the wedding details. Athena had dazzling ideas, describing a ceremony on a Greek hill, surrounded by flowers and vines, with shimmering waterfalls and touches of gold to enhance the natural beauty of the venue.

Percy listened attentively, occasionally adding his own ideas or asking for clarification on certain aspects. The image of the wedding began to take shape in his mind, and he was surprised at how he got caught up in the planning.

Finally, the conversation drifted to more personal topics. "Are you going to the wedding accompanied?" Percy asked, curious.

Athena nodded. "Yes, I'll be with my partner, my daughter, and two of her friends."

Intrigued, Percy asked, "How old are they?"

"My daughter, Annabeth, is the same age as you. As for her friends, Frank is a year younger than her, and Will is two years older."

"And what do they do for fun?" Percy inquired, interested in the daily life of Athena's family.

Athena then spoke to him about their various activities, the adventures they shared together, and their passion for exploration and discovery.

At the end of their conversation, Athena got up to leave. "It was a pleasure talking with you, Percy. I look forward to working on the wedding plans with you."

Percy smiled at her, genuinely happy about this collaboration. "Thank you, Athena. And I look forward to meeting your daughter and friends at the wedding."

As Athena left the room, Percy remained there, lost in his thoughts. He felt grateful to have been able to exchange with Athena, a woman as brilliant and inspiring as she was. And he was eager to meet Annabeth and her friends, companions who seemed to be both close and caring.

time skip__

Percy found himself alone in his room, engulfed in the oppressive silence of the night. The stars shone dimly through the window, but their light seemed distant and cold. A sense of isolation washed over him, heavy and suffocating.

He got up from his bed and silently made his way to the indoor pool of his castle. The calm water seemed to call to him, an invitation to lose himself in its soothing depths.

As he swam, thoughts swirled in his head. He felt lonely, desperately lonely. Despite the luxury of his royal life, he had always been alone, with no one to truly confide in. Even Grover, his only friend, seemed distant at times, caught up in his own responsibilities.

Silent tears streamed down his cheeks as he let out a cry of anger into the water, a release of all the frustration and sadness weighing on his heart. He felt powerless, trapped in a marriage he hadn't chosen, with a life he had never asked for.

For a moment, he let the rage and pain overwhelm him, letting his emotions spill out in the movement of his arms in the water. Then, slowly, he calmed down, letting the water cradle him gently, soothing his tumultuous thoughts.

In the solitude of the night, Percy found a certain comfort in the depths of the water, a temporary refuge from the torments of his life. And despite everything, a glimmer of hope persisted in his heart, a conviction that one day, he would find the freedom and happiness he desperately sought.

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