You'll Learn to Love Me

Chapter 29: Meeting at Camp Jupiter

Jason introduced Reyna to Piper, who looked a little miffed that she hadn't gotten to say the lines she'd been practicing, then to Leo, who grinned and flashed a peace sign.

"This is Annabeth," Jason said. "Uh, normally she doesn't judo-flip people."

Reyna's eyes sparkled. "You sure you're not a Roman, Annabeth? Or an Amazon?"

"I only attack my boyfriend like that," she promised. "Pleased to meet you."

"And this is Laylana," Jason looked at his best friend friend. "She... also doesn't usually attack anyone." 

"I've heard about you." Reyna turned to her. "Your Percy's sister right? I can see a resemblance. You pack quite the hit."

Laylana and Percy had to resist the urge to laugh. Although they were not blood related, they had similar features; greenish-blue eyes, dark hair. The only difference was how pale Laylana was compared to him. But if you just looked at them, you could assume they were related by blood. 

"Hey, when your older brother disappears without a trace, sometimes you gotta teach him a lesson." Laylana grinned at her brother, who just ruffled her hair. Laylana held her hand out to Reyna. "It's good to meet you." 

Reyna clasped her hand firmly. "It seems we have a lot to discuss. Centurions!"

A few of the Roman campers hustled forward—apparently the senior officers. Two kids appeared at Percy's side, the same ones Laylana had seen him with earlier. The burly Asian guy with the buzz cut was about fifteen. The girl was younger, maybe fourteen, with amber eyes and chocolate skin and long curly hair. Her cavalry helmet was tucked under her arm. They stood next to him protectively. She noted the way the girl stared, frowning in Piper and Leo's direction. Laylana herself frowned. Why was she looking at her boyfriend like that? 

Meanwhile, Reyna was giving orders to her officers. "...tell the legion to stand down. Dakota, alert the spirits in the kitchen. Tell them to prepare a welcome feast. And, Octavian—"

"You're letting these intruders into the camp?" A tall guy with stringy blond hair elbowed his way forward. "Reyna, the security risks—"

"We're not taking them to the camp, Octavian." Reyna flashed him a stern look. "We'll eat here, in the forum."

"Oh, much better," Octavian grumbled. He seemed to be the only one who didn't defer to Reyna as his superior, despite the fact that he was scrawny and pale and for some reason had three teddy bears hanging from his belt. "You want us to relax in the shadow of their warship."

"These are our guests." Reyna clipped off every word. "We will welcome them, and we will talk to them. As augur, you should burn an offering to thank the gods for bringing Jason back to us safely."

"Good idea," Percy put in. "Go burn your bears, Octavian."

Reyna looked like she was trying not to smile. "You have my orders. Go."

The officers dispersed. Octavian shot Percy a look of absolute loathing. Then he gave Annabeth a suspicious once- over. His eyes drifted to Laylana, looking her up and down as he scoffed then walked away. 

Percy slipped his hand into Annabeth's, and laid a hand on Laylana's shoulder. "Don't worry about Octavian," he said. "Most of the Romans are good people—like Frank and Hazel here, and Reyna. We'll be fine."

Laylana nodded, trusting her brother's instincts and words. She couldn't help but shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong. She glanced back at her friends, Piper smiling at her. From her point of view, she hadn't seen her friend be truly relieved in months.  She would be relaxed of course, but she would always carry some sort of burden on her shoulders. But now, she had a permanent smile on her face which was something so unlike her.