The Demigod Selection

Chapter 54

I realized just now that I've done literally only two Calypso chapters, which is really disappointing since I have an elaborate backstory for her. So I'm just going to casually insert her in the plot.

Calypso's POV

Yet another drama filled night. First it was the Report, the very thing that all the Selected were anxious about. But then one girl was caught with a guard. This has left everyone slightly unhinged at the prospect of another thing threatening to tear the Selection apart.

I sigh heavily and plop back down onto my bed. There's no point in getting up for the day. I got dressed, that's all the progress I'm going to make. I'm going to leave tonight, leave the entire Selection behind me.

Ever since the start, I've existed in the background. That was fine by me, I knew that I didn't have a chance. I was only hoping to hang around so that I could get enough food and money to support me in the future. Then the first eliminations happened and I wasn't a part of it. Time passed and although the Prince never sought me out, I never went home. Then, one day, Prince Percy finally asked me out on a date. It was a quiet one and we just had dessert and talked. He was genuine and sincere, seeming as if he actually cared. But I thought that before I saw our date being broadcasted on the Report.

Of course he would act kind and concerned. It was all for the cameras. None of it was ever really about me. But I suppose that's just life. People faking goodness just to appear better to others. This just proves that nice is different than good.

"Miss?" A voice from outside says. "Miss, you have to get up. You have lessons today."

I groan into my pillow. "Why do we have them today? We haven't had them for days."

The door opens and my maid comes in. "The Prince thought that everyone would want a break after the events of Willow."

"Wasn't there an event last night?" I counter.

"Yes, but lessons were scheduled to resume today and the Prince decided that it would be best if everyone were to continue in an everyday manner."

"Well, if the Prince deemed it good, than it most certainly must be right," I drawl. "I doubt he's ever been wrong before."

"Miss...?" My maid says, sounding almost nervous. "Miss, what has gotten into you today? You don't seem content."

"I won't be going to lessons today," I declare. "In fact, I won't be going to lessons any day. I'm leaving the Selection right now, and I doubt that anyone can stop me."

She gasps and fans herself. "But miss, you aren't allowed to just leave. You must talk to the Prince first."

A thought comes together in my mind. "Fine, then take me to see the Prince."

"But... But that just isn't proper," she protests. "I'm not allowed to make dates."

"I'm leaving, that's hardly a date. Just bring me to speak with him, and you can go back to your maidly duties, I promise."

She tsks at me, but walks out anyways. I follow her with my head held high, just like how I was taught.

"Just so you know, I don't know the exact location of the Prince," my maid says, hoping to discourage me.

"Then I suppose that we'll wander until we find him."

She scowls and continues to walk quickly.

I'm not sure why I feel so strongly about leaving. But nobody makes a fool of me, and broadcasting my own personal thoughts and feelings made me look like a fool. To make it worse, the Prince acted sincere, as if he really did care. That was the worst part of it all.

"I believe I can manage from here," I say to my maid, who has become more and more haughty and distressed. "Thank you for your assistance."

She makes a "hmph" sound before turning away on her heel. I wander the castle halls for a bit, admiring them since it will be the last time that I ever walk them. I might as well take a look around.

A door to a bedroom is ajar. I peer inside and see Annabeth Chase, the blonde haired Four, another boy, and the Prince. All three are standing and talking I lean in to hear their conversation.

"...is my sister," the new boy says. The Prince and Annabeth gasp in shock right as I walk in. Annabeth looks annoyed to see so many people in her bedroom at once. I ignore her glare and focus only on the Prince.

"Can I have a word with you?" I ask, trying to sound diplomatic and professional.

Percy and Annabeth exchange a tired look. "If there's one more catastrophe, so help me-"

"There isn't," I interrupt. "Can I speak with you?"

"What do you think you're doing right now?" he says snarkily. "But fine. Annabeth, you stay in here with Nico. And Nico, I'll talk to you in half a minute, I swear. Because we have a lot to talk about."

Percy and I walk out of the bedroom together. We stand awkwardly in the hallway for a couple of seconds.

"What?" Percy asks. "What was it that you wanted to talk about."

I blush. All of my snark has gone out of me. "I want to leave the Selection."

Percy blinks. "What now?"

"I said that I want to-"

"I heard what you said. What I want to know is why did you say it?"

I straighten my shoulders. "I'm not sure if you realize this, but you broadcasted our date on national television. Those were some thoughts that I had a difficult time sharing with you. I didn't want anyone else to know, and you shared it willingly. For that reason, I wish to withdraw from the Selection."

He holds up his hands. "I'm not going to force you to stay, but it would be nice if you heard me out. That wasn't my doing, just so you know. That footage came straight from the security camera. I never knew that it would happen like that."

"I didn't know there was any form of cameras in that room!" I say indignantly.

Percy rolls his eyes in a very unprince-like way. "This is a castle where the royal family lives. Did you expect there not to be any cameras?"

I blush again. "I still want to leave."

He shrugs. "Fine. You can leave if you really want to. But before you do," he adds. "You should know that some of the eliminated girls have gone missing."

"What do you mean?"

"I eliminated them, they went home, then they disappeared. Three of them in total have completely vanished. Their friends and family have no idea where they disappeared to, and neither do we. I'm guessing that it is Willow's doing, but there's no proof. So if you leave, that just makes you a walking target."

"So you're saying that I'm stuck here?"

"No. I'm saying that if you want to leave, that just puts you in harms way. Do you have someone at home who can protect you?"

He stares at me and I look away. "No," I say softly.

"Then I think that it would be best if you stayed here. But it's completely up to you."

"There's not even a choice there," I protest.

Percy sighs and smiles sadly at me. "That's what it means to be royalty, Calypso."