The Peace-Weaver (a Percabeth AU)

Wise Girl

     King Percy announced the news when he returned. Annabeth kept her face placid, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of satisfaction and warmth well up inside of her. It was as if she had swallowed a piece of the sun. Was this what it felt like to be respected? Her father had always told her that respect was something you had to earn. Annabeth believed she deserved it, but surely her husband didn't know her well enough to make that judgement?

       "But Sire," Octavian said, stepping forward. "This idea is a folly! Nico will betray you! He had no shred of loyalty in his body. He'll hurt you the first chance he gets."

"If he does so, then he will be punished severely," King Percy said.

His gaze settled on Hazel and Nico as he spoke. The two siblings exchanged glances and then nodded.

"That seems judicious," Hazel said. "Thank you, Sire."

"It's more than judicious," Octavian said. "It's foolish! What good can come from sparing a man obsessed with death?"

"Octavian, King Percy's decision is wise," Jason said.

      "So now you agree that executing him was a bad idea?" Hazel said, her hands on her hips.

      Jason bit his lip. Though he was taller by a head than Hazel, he seemed to shrink from her gaze. "I was wrong," he said. "I judged him harshly in the heat of the moment."

      Hazel's gaze lost some of its intensity, but she still looked troubled. King Percy stepped forward again. "My decision has been made," he said. "Nico will start working in the palace stables tomorrow."

*****

      "You spoke well for a fish out of water," Annabeth said.

They were sitting up on their bed. The blankets were soft beneath them and Annabeth stroked the top one as she spoke.

"Who are you calling a fish out of water?" Percy said.

Annabeth smiled. Her father would've berated her, but Percy understood that she was just gently teasing him. She moved her hand from the blanket to his cheek.

"You," she said, poking his cheek.

"I'm no fish," Percy said.

"Yes, you are," Annabeth said, laughing. "Jason said you can swim like one."

"But I'm not one," Percy said, lying down on his back.

"Are you sure you don't have gills?" Annabeth asked, moving so that she was half-laying, half-sitting near him.

"I'm certain," Percy said. "I cannot breathe underwater. I'll tell you when I know."

Annabeth laughed, feeling something unfamiliar bubble up in her chest. Percy took her hand and gently eased her to a laying position. She rolled over and he did the same so that they were nose to nose.

"I'm glad that you're my wife," Percy said.

Annabeth was taken aback. They barely knew each other! She was glad he wasn't already declaring that he was eternally in love with her. Now that would be creepy after so little time.

Annabeth moistened her lips, trying to buy time. "You're a good husband."

The words felt heavy on her tongue. Was she telling the truth? Had he been? Only time would tell.