{1} Princess - P. Jackson 🔱

"Congratulations on not dying."

🕊️

It was the afternoon where we would burn his shroud. I tried to make it pretty, just like he deserved.

I know we didn't have the greatest relationship. I also know that I was pretty annoying to him. But deep inside of me I miss that, so much. I couldn't believe that I was saying that, but I miss Perseus Jackson. His annoying comments, his questions. I miss looking at his eyes, his awkward way, his smile, his messy hair, then his lips—

Gods, will this ever end?

"—assume he is dead," Chiron said, taking me off from my thoughts.  "After so long a silence, it is unlikely our prayers will be answered. I have asked his best surviving friends to do the final honors." I looked up, the whole camp was united to Percy's funeral. Gabriel was hugging Annabeth sideways, and the girl was holding my hand. The three of us stood facing the crowd of campers with Chiron.

We turned around and got the long green silk burial cloth, embroidered with a gold trident, then we set it on the flames. We didn't have strength to cry, I can say for myself  at least that all my tears were gone through the week. When we turned to face the audience again, I kept my head down, not trusting myself to look up.

The feeling of grief and sadness were heavy in the air. I felt like a sponge, absorbing every feeling around me. But this time I didn't even have the strength to block it out, I just felt.

Annabeth cleared her throat and started saying, "He was probably the bravest friend I've ever had. He..." Then she stopped. I looked at her and her face was blood red. "He's right there!"

Heads turned. People gasped. I swear I saw popcorn flying and someone passing out.

"Percy!" Beckendorf grinned. A bunch of other kids crowded around him and clapped his back. Chiron cantered over and everyone made way for him.

"Well," he sighed with obvious relief. "I don't believe I've ever been happier to see a camper return. But you must tell me—"

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Annabeth interrupted, shoving aside the other campers with Gabriel behind her. The campers were standing in a big circle, Percy, Annabeth and Gabriel in the middle.

I thought she was going to punch him, but instead she hugged him so fiercely she nearly cracked his ribs. The other campers fell silent. Annabeth seemed to realize she was making a scene and pushed him away. "I—we thought you were dead, Seaweed Brain!"

"I'm sorry," he said. "I got lost."

I felt like the wind pushed me, making me get out of my shock. I finally got out of my place, walking up to the girl. I had dreamed about this day every night since it happened. My body was burning, my hands clenching hard.

I didn't think that seeing him would get me so angry. He was wearing a white button up shirt, light blue jeans and was barefoot. He looked well, healthy and like he had spent the weekend in the Bahamas, tanning in the sun. He looked so breathtaking just standing there, smiling shyly while having everyone's attention. 

While I was at my worst. White as a feather, for the first time in my life with dark circles under my eyes. I hadn't tried to take care of myself since I got here, not wearing makeup or any accessories like I usually do. My clothes were always sweatpants with a random shirt, my hair messy without any glow and Silena kept telling me to eat something because I was skinnier than before.

I stopped beside Annabeth.

"LOST?" she yelled. "Two weeks, Percy? Where in the world—" She stopped talking when I put my hand on her shoulder.

I stared at him, Annabeth's theory started to come to my mind, blinking flashlights with 'he was there' written on.

"Princess," Percy said, giving a long step forward in my direction. I gave three steps back, frowning at him.