Corruption {Percabeth Fanfiction}

Chapter Fifteen

Breakfast the following day was similar to how dinner had been. Percy and I got our helpings of porridge and fruit before joining a table of revolters. I got to know them, explained I was going to help them out, and we got along great.

After breakfast, Percy and I were halfway back to his quarters when Luke tapped my shoulder.

"Boss would like to see you," he stated.

Percy and I turned to face the blonde man. "Alright," I said.

The three of us walked down to Kronos' office, although Percy insisted that Luke didn't need to join us. The third wheel finally left once Percy and I stepped inside the office and shut the door behind us.

Kronos was sitting at his desk, filing through some paperwork. He immediately perked up when he heard us enter.

"Have a seat," he instructed.

Percy guided me over to the chair across from the golden-eyed man.

"Have you enjoyed your time so far?" Kronos asked mockingly.

I rolled my eyes. "It's been alright."

"Have you come to a decision?"

"No," I said, looking the man in the eye, "I haven't."

He scoffed. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm quite sure."

"Remember, you have until the end of the week. Join me in ruling Olympus or die."

With that, he dismissed us from his office. Percy and I backtracked all the way to his quarters, where we talked and rested until it was dinnertime, which was very similar to breakfast that day and dinner the previous night.

The week carried on just like that. Wake up, go to breakfast and bond with revolters, meet with Kronos and tell him I was still indecisive, chat with Percy, go to dinner and bond with revolters, and go to bed. Every day was the same, and I was grateful when dinner was finally over on Friday. Things would be very different from then on.

Percy and I got up from the table of young kids and made our way back to his quarters, which had practically transformed into our quarters. I rested on the bed while Percy shut and locked the door. Throughout the week, my stab wound had healed enough that I was able to get around independently, but I still needed to take frequent breaks to prevent further injury.

I watched Percy pack away a few belongings into a small rucksack, including a change of clothes and the pictures on his dresser.

"You're going to need this," he murmured before tossing something at me.

My leather dagger holster landed on my lap and I tried to smile. "Thanks."

Percy looked at me over his shoulder with a smirk on his lips, but it quickly dissolved into a concerned frown.

"Is everything alright?" he asked me.

I blushed and nodded. "Yes," I responded. "Do you still have my crown?" I asked curiously.

Percy chuckled, digging around in his rucksack and pulling out said crown. "Malady," he said, holding the crown out and bowing mockingly.

I got up and took the crown from his hand. Once I placed it in my head, Percy stood straight and grinned at me.

"Would you laugh if I told you I forgot you were a princess for a moment?" he said sheepishly.

I shook my head, smiling. "No, because I do the same. I constantly forget about my royal status."

Percy smiled and offered me his hand. "May I have this dance?"

We waltzed around the small room for a while, stepping in time to the beat of our hearts.

At some point, my leg began to throb. I handed Percy my crown and sat down on the bed.

He tucked the crown into his bag and then turned to face me. Dropping his bag in the corner, he scanned my face and smiled. He came over to sit beside me on the bed. "How are you feeling?" he murmured.

I stared at my clasped hands in my lap. "I'm okay. A little nervous, but fine."

Percy took my hands in his own and I looked up at him. "You don't need to be nervous about tonight, nor tomorrow, really. No suspicion will be raised by less than thirty people not showing up to breakfast in the morning because people sleep in and skip all the time. There is never any type of role call, either, so the kids will get out unnoticed."

I smiled. "If you say so, I trust you."

"You trust me?" he asked, parting his plump lips.

"Of course," I assured him. "Why wouldn't I trust you? You kept me safe so far, and have never lied to me. Well, that I know of."

Percy grinned at me boyishly. "I've only lied once in your presence, and it wasn't even to you."

I rose an eyebrow. "Who was it to?"

"Kronos," he answered shortly.

I frowned. "What about?"

He blushed ferociously and pursed his lips, refusing to answer.

"Percy," I begged, "tell me!"

He shook his head, laughing a little. I took my hands out of his own and pushed his shoulders so that he fell back on the bed. Keeping a firm grip on his wrists, I crawled on top of him and straddled his waist.

"You have no choice," I informed him. "Tell me or you're stuck here forever!"

Percy chuckled, smirking at me. "I wouldn't be so sure," he muttered. Then, he wrenched his hands from mine and lifted me off of his lap. He flipped me over and straddled me instead. "Gotcha."

I was not expecting such a speedy retaliation but luckily was a quick thinker. "Ouch!" I exclaimed. "Ow, ow, Percy, my leg!"

His bright green eyes widened and he jumped off of me immediately. Hiking up the fabric of my cotton shorts, he scanned my bandages to see if there was excess blood.

I sat up and scooted back, grinning at him.

"You're okay?" Percy asked.

I nodded. "'Wise Girl,' remember?" I teased.

He rolled his eyes. "You worried me."

"There's no need to worry," I told him.

"But I'll never stop," he retaliated.

My cheeks felt warm and I drew my legs to my chest. "Why's that?"

Percy smiled sheepishly. "Because, against what I told Kronos, I fancy you."