Down in Flames - Rewritten Entirely

Chapter 19

Despite not announcing the changes to Percy's coronation for two days, the palace began to adjust. Percy kept an eye on each council member to ensure that rumours weren't spread where they didn't want them. By the time the day came to make an official announcement though, the walls of the palace were nearly bursting.

No rumour had been spread about who he was marrying, so Percy considered his first order to the council a success. There was no question about if the change of plans had been spread though. The ballroom was already being cleaned and prepared for his coronation despite having no official announcement yet.

On the morning of, Percy made of point of eating breakfast with Annabeth. Even though his father requested his presence several times, he remained in her chambers until they had both finished their meals.

"You should go," Annabeth said after the third time they were interrupted.

"I'm meeting him right after this," Percy reminded her, glancing at the closed door. "He will be fine until then."

Shifting in her seat, Annabeth said, "Just-tell me again what the plan is for today."

With a warm smile, Percy repeated their agenda for the day.

Shortly after he left, one of the ladies in waiting would arrive to help her throughout the day. Percy would be meeting with his father until a few minutes before they were to meet with the court. Although his father had advised against it, Percy promised he would meet her outside the courtroom doors so that she didn't have to walk inside alone. Annabeth was good at putting on a brave face, but Percy knew he would be terrified if he were in her place.

"Word will be spread throughout the kingdom this evening," Percy reminded her. By the end of the day, all of Atlantis would know about the abrupt changes.

"There's still time to back out," Annabeth said. "We can find another way to stop the war."

Percy reached between them to gently grab her hand. Although he'd meant for it to just be a soft reassurance, he wasn't surprised when she clutched his hand tightly as soon as his fingers touched hers.

"This isn't just for Atlantis, Annabeth," he murmured, bringing her hand up to his lips. "This is also for us."

Across from him, Annabeth smiled and squeezed his hand tighter.

"You should get going," she whispered. She let his hand go and stood up. "We have a long day ahead of us."

"This doesn't have to be for our kingdoms first, Annabeth." Percy got to his feet as well and trapped her hand between his. "This is for us too."

"I know." She kissed his cheek. "That doesn't make it easy, though."

* * * * *

There was no doubt in Percy's mind that Queen Athena would have received and read their letter by now. They had sent it early enough that she should have received it the evening prior. Whether it was fortunate or not, they wouldn't hear her response until at least two mornings from now. By then, it would almost be too late to call off the wedding.

The council had certainly done their part trying to convince Percy to not follow through with the marriage. If Queen Athena had had any doubts about it, the council was working in her favour. Perhaps that was their goal: if Percy and Annabeth wouldn't call off the marriage, the fury of Queen Athena wouldn't be aimed at them.

As the time drew near for them to make an official announcement in front of the royal court, the council seemed to drag on. One person after another had an objection or something to say despite Percy having declared the council meeting finished.