Fiesty Annabeth Chase is thrilled when she is invited to the Duke of Olympus's house party. While her best friend Piper begins a romance with Lord Jason Grace, the Duke's son and heir, Annabeth crosses paths with Lieutenant Perseus Jackson, a das...
Annabeth woke at four in the morning on December 8th. She dressed quickly in a simple, comfortable chemise dress and a warm redingote. Too tired and in too much of a hurry to waste time on styling her hair, she pulled it back into a cap.
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Servants came and carried her trunk down to the front hall. Annabeth yawned and hoped that a cup of strong coffee awaited her in the drawing-room.
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"Did you know anything about Lady Thalia's elopement?" Lieutenant Jackson overtook Annabeth in the drawing-room. She gave him an innocent, doll-like smile. "Since the die is cast, there's no point in lying. Lady Thalia confided in me about her plans and loyalty required that I keep silent." "And your scheming succeeded in the end." "Please don't think too poorly of me. I don't want us to part in anger. So let's shake hands and be friends." He shook her offered hand. She spread out her skirts on a chair by the window. "Would you care for some coffee?" Footmen brought in a light refreshment of coffee, bread, and butter. "Yes. Thank you." Annabeth took a sip of her coffee. "Will you be returning to Portsmouth today?" The village of Portchester, where Annabeth's Aunt Chase lived, was three miles away from Portsmouth. If Lieutenant Jackson had planned on leaving that day, then they would have to take the same mail coach. "I'm going with you as far as Olympus. I plan on staying there for a few days before heading home." Annabeth could not tell if she was relieved or disappointed not to spend nearly two days cooped up in a mail coach with him. "What's keeping you in Olympus?" "I'm going to visit my brother, Tyson." "You didn't mention a brother. I thought you only had a sister." "Tyson is my father's natural son." "Oh." "His mother was a woman my father knew before he met my mother. I don't think my father has ever truly loved any other woman than my mother." Piper entered the drawing-room on Lord Skye's arm. "Annabeth, do you have your penknife in your handbag?" "What does she need a penknife for?" Lord Skye said. Annabeth produced a silver penknife with a mother-of-pearl handle.
