The Glory That Is Rome (a Percy Jackson AU)

The Invitation

       Nico was watching Will stitch up a nasty cut on a plebeian's leg when he heard a knock on the door. He stood up and crossed the room. He was surprised when he saw Hazel and Frank; they were each carrying one of their babies and they looked relieved to see Nico.

    "What do you need?" Nico asked. "Are your babies alright?"

   Across the room, he heard the plebien thank Will and the jingle of coins as he paid him. Nico stepped aside to let the plebeian go through the door.

    "Our children are alright," Hazel said. "Actually, we need to talk to you.""

    Surprised, Nico gestured for them to come into Will's house.

   "You weren't at our father's house and pater told us to look for you here," Hazel said.

    She looked between Nico and Will and smirked. She no doubt noticed Nico's togas draped over Will's couch and the familiarity between the two men. Nico raised his eyebrows at Will who laughed.

    "So. what do you need to talk about?" Nico asked.

     On a sofa, Piper stirred and Will hurried over to her. Nico tore his gaze away from Will. It was hard.

    "We've found out something," Frank said.

    There was a knock on the door and he pressed his lips together. Will hurried over to the door and Jason slipped through. He and Will walked over to Piper who was making faces. The medicine Will had given her tasted probably tasted horrible, Nico thought.

   "We've found out something," Frank repeated.

   "Yeah, I heard that," Nico said. 

    Frank grunted and Hazel explained what how Gleeson, the head of the Praetorian Guard, had uncovered a truth about Luke. Nico watched incredulously as Hazel told of Luke's treachery. He wasn't sure what to believe, but when Frank showed him the scroll where Luke recorded his daily activities, Nico gasped.

    "He really killed them?" Nico said.

      "Yes," Hazel said solemnly.

    Bianca started to cry and Hazel rubbed her back gently. Bianca's cries lessened . 

   "Why did you want to tell me this?" Nico asked.

    Frank and Hazel exchanged glances.

   "We were wondering if you would like to come with us to Egypt," Hazel said. "We're going to fetch Hebe and bring her back to Rome to be the empress."

     "That sounds dangerous," Nico noted, "but fun. The thing is, I can't leave without Will."

      "I have a patient to take care of," Will said. "You can leave without me, Nico. I can't very well bring Piper with me to Egypt."

    "Why not?" Jason said.

     "Yeah, I'd like that," Piper said. "That's if you would be willing to kidnap one of Octavian's slaves."

    "We're already committing treason," Frank said. "Kidnapping slaves is nothing compared to that."

    Everyone laughed.

   "I'm coming too," Jason said firmly.

    "If we going to Egypt, we should invite Hades and Persephone," Nico said.

    Hazel shook her head and said, "If they leave, Luke will be suspicious."

     "So when are we leaving?" Piper asked. "I can't wait to get out of Rome."

    "Tomorrow," Frank said. "We'll be traveling by sea."

    "Well, we'll see you tomorrow," Nico said as they left.