At Mercy to the Sea ［Rewriting］

[UNEDITED] XX-Just us until you get discovered

Annabeth POV

How dare he was the first thought I had when I saw those magnificently sewn dresses. Dresses that I spent hours on that was shipped to the castles back to me. How dare he send me dresses and think that I would still go to his ball. I didn't want to but I did.

Was it because I got to close, did I open too much and let him see all my insecurities?

No, I'm not going for him. I'm going for others, I going so Hazel can be my +1 and can venture to the palace she dreamed of.

I'm doing it for Luke and Thaila, they sent me a message on the picture that they knew Percy would find. They want me to go and help their organization.

That's why I tell myself, that's why I'm standing in front of the castle in a silky turquoise dress, it was lined with gold lace along the collar, a pale mint veil hung down the sleeves, if you look close enough you can see a pair of worn leather shoes under the silky dress.

Hazel besides me besides me had a red velvet dress with a white center, laced down the back with ribbons aligned on the sleeve edges with lace, wearing a bright grin, that made it almost all worth it, almost.

As all of the other guests are dropped off in elegant carriages lined with gold and silver, Hazel and I walked through the dirt our dresses barely getting soaked by the mud.

We joined the other guest by the entrance of the castle, there were guards standing on either side of the doors.

We walked up the scarlet red carpet, "Here's our invitation" I tell him trying to sound as excited a possible.

He gives us a smile "Enjoy the ball," Gives me a look indicating to tell him our names.

"Miss Annabeth Chase and Miss Hazel Leveque"

He turns to the other guards as they announce our presence,  we entered the castle, it was even more magnificent than I was here last time. The walls shone and the floor shined, music played in the background, a soft lullaby to welcome the guests. On the side, tables were stacked with enough food to serve the whole kingdom with full bellies for a week. Paintings of the Ocean hung around the ballroom giving you the Blue chandeliers where lighted with candles, and the royal crest hung on the end of the ballroom.

Hazel tugged at my sleeve, "Is this real?"

I give her smile, "As real as it'll ever be, enjoy yourself as a last. Remember we have to head back to the main entrance, before 1."

She gives me a grin and thanks me for taking her again and rushes off to enjoy the ball.

As soon as Hazel turns around my smile fades from my face.

Focus on the mission that Luke and Thalia gave you, get Percy with you for the night. Let them catch you with him, show them that their prince isn't trustworthy.

I head over to the table with all the food, hoping to find Percy there, really I was hungry.

There were cookies, cakes, roasted pig, peacock every type of food you can think of. I got a plate and grabbed a little over everything not wanting to miss a bite. Even if I only covered a bit of 1/4 of the tables I was too full to do anything else.

I groan out loud full. The person next to me turned around.

"Full aren't you?" He was skinny and had messy blonde hair, he grabbed a drink from a nearby table "Here drink this it'll help. I already had it four times."

"Thanks," I look around trying if anyone would give me a clue for his name.

He filled me in, "Octavian, Lord Octavian, a legacy of Lord Apollo."

"Thanks, Lord Octavian." I raised my hand up about to take a sip of the drink.

He stopped me, "What are you doing? Don't drink it here, drink it in the bathroom."

I look at him suspiciously, "What does it do exactly, Lord Octavian?"

"Well, isn't it someone's first time, it makes you throw up obviously."

"Why would I want to throw up?"

He laughs, his laugh is high and fake, it seems like he rehearsed it. "To eat more obviously, miss Chase."

He leaves and gives me a smirk, "I know you because I actually pay attention to the intro's as any polite person should."

I put the drink back down on the table, make ears heating up in embarrassment. I leave the dining area when the embarrassment passes the first thing I feel is disgusting. These nobles they just eat and throw-up and eat more!

I walk out to the dance floor I see Hazel dancing with the guard that helped the prince and me into the castle last time.

I wave at her but she doesn't notice.

I feel a hand touch me on the shoulder, I turn around suddenly. Ready to attack if needed.

I turn to see the sea green eyes of that creature looking at me.

He laughs, "No need to judo flip me miss."

I smile playing nice, "No need indeed, your majesty" I curtsied.

"Call me Percy." He looks at me grinning, "Miss..."

"Annabeth Chase"

"Care for a dance," He asks me his arm sticking out to mine.

My mind wanted to scream, no, never, not with you. "Of course."

He brings me out to the center of the dance floor twirling me to the music. The same song, the same song, the one that he taught me. I knew it by heart.

"Hello, Annabeth." He smiles at me. "Why did you leave so urgently?"

"Just had some personal issues that I had to resolve, " I give him my best smile. "I didn't have time to tell you."

"May I ask what was so urgent that you had to leave?" He pressed.

I looked around pretending to be looking for listeners, "I would rather not tell now."

"What about somewhere more personal?"

Personal, yes that's exactly what I need to begin the mission. "Of course, alone."

"Yes just us."

Just us until you get discovered.

"That will be perfect." The indicates me to follow him.

I trail after him, when we get discovered -we will get discovered- he will be shamed, I might be executed for treason but death is worthy if you die for a purpose.