Annabeth was supposed to marry her betrothed in three days, but now that would not happen. It might never happen because Percy had been drafted into the army. Annabeth remembered the village meeting and a hard-eyed royal official announcing that Tyson was picked for the army. If he had been wealthy, he might have paid another to enlist in his place. But he wasn't wealthy, so Percy had shouldered through the crowd and volunteered in his half-brother's place. Neither of them knew who their father was and as the oldest male, Percy was the head of the household.
Since then, Annabeth had been wrapped in her private grief. A million thoughts whirled through her head. Only kings were allowed to bring their wives on campaigns, but what if Percy did somehow fall in love with another? He was handsome with windswept dark hair and vivid green eyes. Even if he didn't become infatuated with another, his feelings towards Annabeth might be gone when he returned.
Or what if he was killed in action? That was the fate of many soldiers. Deadly battles claimed the lives of many and the infections afterwards killed almost the same number. Not to mention the threat a plague, which has recently swept through the kingdom and killed King Mars. As far as Annabeth was concerned, the army was the worst place for Percy to be.
Annabeth was allowed to dwell in these private thoughts because she was weaving. She was the only daughter of a man who had no time to spend with her. Federick was a scribe and constantly busy. He spent most of his free time with her second wife, Helen, or his heirs Bobby and Matthew. Annabeth's own mother, Athena, had died in childbirth.
During their dinner that night, Annabeth was quieter than usual. When they finished, Annabeth helped Helen wash the dishes. As she was drying a clay bowl, Helen said, "Percy's draft isn't the end of the world. There are many other eligible men — ones who are wealthier than he is. We can find you a better match."
Annabeth turned to face her step-mother. "What if I don't want another?" she snapped.
Helen stepped back in shock. "Every woman wants a husband."
"Not I!" Annabeth said, drawing herself to her full height. "Not if it means marrying another."
"That is foolish," Helen said. "You will learn one day that your headstrong personify does you no favors."
***
That night, Annabeth snuck into her father's room and grabbed some of the clothes that needed mending. She changed into the ones meant for her father. She was tall enough to wear them, though they were billowy. She freed her hair from its braids and her hair fell past her shoulders. Since wavy hair was in for men, this would work. She studied her reflection in a mirror. She wasn't sure if she would pass as a guy, but she had to try. It wasn't just about being with Percy anymore — she wanted to escape this life.
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Desert Winds (a Percy Jackson AU)
FanfictionIn the kingdom of Assyria, three women will be forced to make difficult decisions. Hazel is the daughter of her father's second, lesser wife. She does not enjoy the same privileges as her half-sister or brother. That's all about to change when...