We'll Make It Work. Promise

Playing the Part

Read and comment, guys! And don't forget to vote.

Percy kept his hand lightly on the back of her dress, leading her towards the dancing crowd. A few couples were scattered around the dancefloor.

"Act natural." She whispered as they neared their parents.

"Don't I always." He grinned and sent his father a slight nod. Poseidon smiled and returned to talking with her father.

"Where've you been?" Annabeth's former companion asked, a frown gracing his handsome face.

"I needed a breath of fresh air, and his Highness asked to show me the royal gardens." She smiled sweetly, ignoring the glare he sent Percy. She turned to the Prince. "I loved the rose garden."

"I'm honored that you did." Percy bowed slightly, sending her a soft smile. An amused look was in her eyes as she watched him. "Tomorrow, if you want, I can take you to see the lands south of the palace."

A dimple was his reward as she smiled. Their parents smiled knowingly; her parents had more relieved looks than his parents. Percy looked over her shoulder, and swallowed. Annabeth sent him a quizzical raised eyebrow, but he only smiled reassuringly.

"The night is still young, Princess. Care to have another dance with me?" Percy faced her, and she cocked her head, teasingly pretending to pout.

"As long as you keep your feet off my dress."

"As you wish." Percy grinned and led her to the dancefloor. He pulled her closer than necessary as they danced.

"What happened?" She asked finally. He stared at her grey eyes and tried to gather his thoughts together.

"I needed to get out of there before the girl on your left ruined the moment."

Annabeth discreetly looked to her left, seeing a red-head dancing with her former companion. Returning her gaze to Percy, she rolled her eyes.

"You're scared of a girl?"

"No, just didn't want her to ruin our act. She's been on my heels like a rabid puppy since I was seventeen."

Annabeth laughed.

"Malcolm looks far from being pleased with his companion. And knowing my brother, he is probably just dancing with her out of courtesy." Annabeth fiddled with his hand.

"He's your brother?" She nodded. Percy saw her look at her feet. He gently pushed her chin up, forcing her to look at him. "How do you feel about our engagement, Annabeth?"

"I'm trying to compromise." She said finally. "We met on a rather rival tone. But I now see that you are more than you allowed to show at Chiron's."

Percy chuckled and looked around.

"I could say the same to you, Princess Annabeth."

Annabeth smiled and straightened his tie.

But the glint in her eyes said more than words.