Royally Screwed

Chapter 2

                                                                                       ~Annabeth~

I sat in the colossal library, my nose buried in another book. Good thing for me, the library seems to have an infinite amount of books.

I don't know if you know this, but royal libraries are HUGE. You know the library at Beast's castle in Beauty and the Beast? Yeah, the library here at the royal palace in Athénienne looks like that.

I switched positions, trying to find one more comfortable. I had started reading this morning after history lessons with Chiron. It's only noon and I'm almost halfway through the thick book.

"Annabeth!"

I glanced up from my book in time to see my mother, Queen Athena, slip into the library. She looked slightly apprehensive, which made me wonder what was going on.

"Yes, mother?" I asked cautiously. My mom usually doesn't disturb me when I'm reading. She says that Princess or not, I need to be well educated. My father says I inherited my love for books and knowledge from her.

My mother straightened her posture, like she knows she won't like my reaction. "Lord Hermes and his son are here."

I rolled my eyes and shut the book. If I had to see another suitor today, I swear on the River Styx I'll explode. "Okay, I'll go get ready."

Without another glance at Athena, I made my way out of the library and up to my chambers.

I pulled on a sapphire blue dress that touched the floor, not bothering to put shoes on. Why wear shoes if you're wearing a dress that covers your feet?

I sighed inwardly while pulling my blonde curls back in a loose but neat bun, leaving a few strands of honey colored curls down by my ears. I pushed open my bedroom door and walked down the hall to the throne room.

When I entered, I mentally groaned. I saw Lord Hermes, and another guy who must be his son. He had sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. I'll admit that he was handsome, but his scar ruined the image. His long scar ran from the corner of his eye down to the corner of his lip.

My mother and father had been sending for suitors for the past two months. So far, I'd met Princes Ethan, Chris, Sebastian, Joshua, and Alexander. I hadn't liked any of them. They usually stormed out of the castle, after I had insulted them a good few times.

I slowly padded to where Lord Hermes, his son, and my mother were standing.

"Annabeth," said my mom, "you remember Lord Hermes."

As she spoke, Lord Hermes bowed while I curtsied, and repeated with Luke as my mother introduced us.

From the outside, Luke did look like a nice guy. He took my hand and kissed it, bending low. At this angle, I could see something in his eyes that shocked me. Cold malice.

Athena clapped her hands together. "Well, why don't we leave these two to get acquainted?" And with that, Athena and Lord Hermes left the room, leaving me alone with Luke.

"So, Luke." I started, suppressing my anger at this entire situation. Being a Princess, apparently there was a law that said I have to be married to a suitor by age eighteen. Completely unfair, I know.

"You look very beautiful this afternoon, princess." Luke complimented. I blushed, and almost smiled, until I saw where he was looking. His gaze was at my chest. I frowned and crossed my arms. Great, another perverted suitor.

•*•*•*•*•*•One Hour Later•*•*•*•*•*•

"I WILL NOT STAY ANY LONGER!"

I watched with a smirk on my face as Luke stormed out of the throne room. I had insulted him several times, trying his patience until he cracked.

It's not my fault my mom never picks decent suitors. They're all jerks, perverts, or both. In this case, Luke was both.

I heard Luke's loud footsteps fading as he stormed angrily down the hall. I grinned and sat in my throne, which was to the left of dad's throne. I let my posture sag, and pinched the bridge of my nose. I don't want to get married. I have to, though. Otherwise, when dad is no longer fit to rule the kingdom, there will be no one but me to rule.

I breathed deeply, drawing oxygen into my lungs. I know I have to make a choice, but all the suitors so far are such assholes, excuse my language.

In the echoing room, I could faintly hear Athena and Lord Hermes arguing outside the door.

"This is an outrage!"

"Lord Hermes, I apologize-"

"Your daughter needs to suck it up and marry my son!"

"I'm sorry, Hermes-"

"She may be the most intelligent girl in the kingdom, but Luke and I will not tolerate her attitude!"

"I know, I'll have a talk with her-"

"You had better whip her into shape!"

Then I heard what sounded like heavy footsteps, so I assumed Lord Hermes had left my mother's presence.

I felt my cheeks heat up in anger. Whip me into shape? Why that son of a-

"Annabeth?"

My mom stepped into the large room, holding up the front of her cream colored dress as she walked. She looks almost exactly like me, down to the honey colored curls and piercing gray eyes.

"Yes, mother?" I said, not even bothering to hide the exasperation in my tone.

My mother's expression hardened, and she hiked up her dress and marched up to where I was sitting. "Annabeth, you know you have to choose a suitor sometime!"

"I know, mom," I said, "but all the suitors you invite are complete assholes!" I stood up and started towards the door.

"Annabeth!"

I whipped around, shooting a glare at my mother. "I should be able to choose whether I marry or not, but no, that stupid law is going to take away what little freedom I have!"

I didn't stop to see my mom's expression. Instead I lifted the front of my dress and ran down the hall, my bare feet echoing on the hard palace floor.

The garden always looked peaceful at night. Bushes with a million colors of flowers shone gold in the sunlight, giving off a joyful glow, which is the opposite of what I'm feeling right now.

I settled on a bench next to the little pond and watched the goldfish swim around in circles.

Being married normally shouldn't be so bad, but as a princess seeing rich or royal suitors, my freedom will be taken away and replaced with an excessive amount of responsibility. Not to mention, after a princess like me gets hitched, she'll be expected to bear an heir to the throne. I shuddered at the thought.

I know I should be thankful for what I have, and I really am. I just feel like I don't have enough freedom to make my own decisions.

I let out a sigh, my anger fading away to be replaced by despair and a touch of hopelessness. When will I be able to make my own choices?