We'll Make It Work. Promise

My Beloved

Percy's eyes were more than glued on the Princess. They were fastened on her. Unable to be pulled off of her approaching figure.

He felt numb. Frozen. Maybe even a little sick.

The Princess glided down the grand staircase, braving the stares and returning each with one full of wisdom. Her eyes calmly roamed over the crowd until they rested on him.

Her face paled when she recognized him.

"Her royal Highness, Sire," The usher stood next him, "is of the Chase blood-line, a very noble line with strategic-"

"Reginald," Percy gave the man a small smile, "I know who she is. But thank you."

Stepping expertly around the bewildered man, he approached Annabeth. Bowing slightly, he saw her return his motion with a graceful curtesy. Her eyes bore into his, and Percy turned his gaze to her companion.

"Sir, if I may." He held out his hand, and the young man, who looked strangely like the Princess, nodded, placing her hand gently in his. Percy placed his lips lightly on her gloved hand.

"Your Highness."

"Sire." She responded, acting so natural that had Percy not known their secret, he too would have believed that they had never set eyes on each other before. He hoped his act, too, was convincing.

He led her to the dance floor, noting the glare Rachel sent towards the Princess, who either didn't notice or ignored it. Placing his hand gently at her waist, he led her into the dance. Her hand rested on his shoulder in a strangely natural manner.

"Annabeth." He said quietly.

"Perseus." She met his gaze boldly. He smiled softly.

"You knew?"

"Did you?" Her eyes held a playful glint in them. Percy had to restrain his lips from stretching into a grin.

"You're not answering my question."

"You first." She retorted, a slight smile twitching at the tips of her lips.

"Ladies first, your Highness."

"No."

Percy nodded, his eyes fleeing to the dancing crowd around them.

"Neither did I." He returned his stare to her. "Nice dress, by the way. Much more fitting for a princess than the rags you wore at Chiron's."

"Excuse me?" Annabeth raised an eyebrow. "Rags? And what do you call whatever you wore that night, Sire?"

Her tone mocked him, making him tighten his hold on her, pressing her against his chest. He leaned in, his warm breathe on her right ear.

"Do you want to get out of here. The gardens are right at your left. Slip out while our parents are talking with each other."

She turned her head slightly towards their families. As she turned back to him, their faces were millimeters from each other. Percy's eyes rested on her lips before going up to her eyes.

She pulled away from his arms, and doing as he said, slipped out into the gardens. He cautiously followed her, watching to make sure no one saw them.

Hopefully, no one did.