Wanted: The Dark Kingdom (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Chapter 23- A Truce?

Wanted-The Dark Kingdom

Chapter 23- A Truce?

A wind from the North blows,

bringing with it those who lie below.

With them, spreads the infection,

to what may be the darkest connection.

A crown forged from the tears of good and bad,

will choose the king whose army stands.

The light leads and the dark follows,

to the first jewel of the girl who borrowed

Then, the dark leads and the light follows,

to the second jewel of a man's true horror

A king shall be crowned where the first king stepped,

putting an end to their world's unrest.

~

Everyday and every night, I dread going down to the cell Percy had ordered to have me stay in. I hate it. Worst part of it all is that it lies in the lowest part of the underground area of the palace. Over there, the air is thick, dust covers the floors, spiders build cobwebs so big I can't sleep sometimes knowing they are above me, on the ceiling. Sometimes, I wish I could ask him for better living conditions, beg him even. But that's probably what he wants, to beg him for mercy. For a better fate than then one he had bestowed on me. Worse, what if he makes me endure something even more horrible? If such a living condition within the palace walls exists.

One day, maybe, I'll be able to live normally again. But it definitely won't be by his hands.

Annabeth Chase's Diary, Page 400

~

The next day, as Annabeth was having breakfast in the infirmary, a guard had strolled in, telling her the king wants to see her in his office. She had instantly finished her food and got dressed. Today, she was a bit stronger than yesterday. Her wounds hurt less and the bandages felt less heavy. Exhaustion no longer weighed down her every step and the constant waves of headaches and dizziness no longer haunted her.

In the early morning, the palace was quiet besides the servants and slaves hurrying around to fulfill their tasks. Now that Stella was gone, the palace felt quieter and safer. It made Annabeth feel good, knowing that her every step wasn't watched by Stella or her Upper Guards. She hadn't seen any of the former Upper Guards ever since Percy stripped away their titles and privileges.

Annabeth reached Percy's office only to find the doors wide open. Percy was seated on one of the armchairs in front of his desk. He was dressed in a plain black V-neck shirt, black pants and black boots. Annabeth couldn't recall the last time he had worn anything but black, but she didn't mind it. Black suited him. There were dark circles under his eyes and despite his effort to look fine, he seemed exhausted. He didn't fool her. Seriously, when was the last time he had slept?

"Close the door behind you." He ordered as she walked in. She obeyed and stopped in front of him, bowing low. Percy beckoned her to sit on the armchair across him and once she was seated, Percy leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I've been thinking of your position lately," he began. Annabeth could feel shivers creep up and down her spine. What did he plan on doing?