The Choosing (Percabeth AU)

14. The Screening

Leo walked into the ballroom, which was now completely transformed. The last time he was here, it was for the masquerade. Now, all the satin was replaced with flower decorations, and the food was all gone. That was the only thing that disappointed him.

The only ruler here was Queen Aphrodite. She alone would be equal to at least two annoying Kings, but at least it wasn't all of them. He'd just have to stay away from one person. It sure was easier than avoiding twelve of them.

Leo took his place in between Piper and Jason.

"Finally here, I see," Jason whispered to him.

"The beds here are the best things ever man. Not like they were bad back home, but they sure were harder than these ones. And I think I should shut up now", Leo concluded when he noticed Jason, Piper and even Annabeth, who was next to her, glare at him pointedly.

Queen Aphrodite climbed onto the podium at the front of the room. "Good Morning my Royals !! Today is the day we all have been waiting for, the first official Screening!! I'm sure I don't need to remind you how important this is, and that it's broadcasted to every television in every kingdom!! Now look your best, well with my handcrafted clothes how could you not?" She paused, beaming as she glimpsed at everyone's clothes, which made Leo feel a little uncomfortable.

"Now I'll be announcing your dates on the stage, and all of you must look very happy, understood beauties? Good luck children! Make me and my designs proud!!" She beamed again and finally left, the back of her lace gown dragging on the ground.

"We're on in 5," one of the staff members called out.

All the royals sighed,(the decent ones did at least) and sat straight, arranging their dresses and hair.

The sound effect of clapping played as Lester Papadapolous, the anchor, climbed onto the stage.

"Hello everyone! How's your evening? Today we get a sneak peak into the Choosing! With our very own Royals! And a surprise announcement from Queen Aphrodite herself!!" He announced, voice booming through the hall.

Leo decided to zone out while the news was announced. Until of course, a picture of an angry Queen Hera flashed on the screen, he thanked the Gods that he didn't burst out laughing.

"Congratulations on not falling asleep," Jason whispered to him, and Leo grinned back.

"And now let's invite the Royals on stage to tell us about their experience in the Choosing so far!"

Princess Reyna was up first.

"Hello Princess, how do you do?" Lester asked her as she walked up on the stage.

"I'm doing well, Thank you for asking."

"Why so formal beautiful? Let's see a smile," Lester asked her, a slight mischievous grin on his face.

"I'm not being formal Lester, what makes you say that?" Reyna replied.

And just like that his smile vanished. "Well...er..no reason, so how do you like the Choosing so far?"

"I'm enjoying myself quite a lot."

The next 10 minutes were spent with Lester trying everything he could to make princess Reyna laugh. Though she didn't seem phased at all and answered all his questions diplomatically.

"Well thank you for your time princess," he sighed. "Next up, Drew Tanaka."

"It's Princess Tanaka, Lester," Drew scowled as she got onto the stage.

"My apologies princess," Lester replied, slightly confused.

Lester asked her a lot of questions but Leo wasn't really paying attention. He did notice high pitched laughs now and then.
-----------------
Leo didn't even notice Piper grin at him for staring at Calypso like an idiot, until she poked him.

"What?!" he whispered taking his eyes off of the stage.

"You're staring at her," Piper smirked.

"Course I am. She's on the stage, what else should I do?"

"How about you close your mouth ? Flies may enter. And maybe try to wipe that dreamy look on your face. You don't want it caught on camera."

"Shut it beauty queen."

Was Leo staring? Na he was sure he was looking. What else was he supposed to do ?

She was cute, the way her auburn hair twisted in her bun, the light splatter of freckles across her round face, the plush pink colour of her lips and....Holy Hephaestus, he was staring!!

"Thank you Letster," Calypso said as she went off the stage.

"I missed the last part !!!", Leo whined at Piper, who laughed slightly.
Leo pouted, annoyed at the fact that he couldn't hear the last part of Calyposo's Interview.
So annoyed in fact, that he zoned out of everyone's interviews.
They were all the same anyway, even Leo did the same thing.
Get on the stage with a smile and be polite.

Leo watched as Tyson, the got off the stage.
Finally the interviews were done.

Lester bounced up from his seat and almost screamed into the mic, "Ladies and gentlemen, royalty and folk !! I hand over the stage to Her Highness, Queen Aphrodite !!!!"

The applause sound track played throughout the hall as Queen Aphrodite took to the stage.
"Thank you Lester" Aphrodite smiled, taking the mic from him.
"There's been a lot of speculation about who I decided to pair up and I couldn't wait any longer! Without further ado my loyal subjects, I'm gonna announce the dates for the royals!"

Queen Aphrodite walked up to the centre of the stage, beaming.

"Princess Thalia and Prince Octavian.
Princess Drew and Prince Will.
Princess Lacy and Prince Malcolm.
Princess Silena and Prince Luke.
Princess Reyna and Prince Nico."

Reyna immediately stood up to say something but Aphrodite waved her hand and nodded to the princess, who sat down, still confused.

"Princess Hazel and Prince Frank.
Princess Ella and Prince Tyson.
Princess Calypso and Prince Leo."

Leo was over the moon. He didn't think he hated Aphrodite as much now. Thanks to his education, he actually managed to stay in his seat, otherwise he was sure he would have fallen off his chair.

The Queen continued. "Princess Piper and Prince Jason,
Princess Annabeth and Prince Percy. "

Aphrodite beamed, visibly happy with her choice in "couple paring"
"And that's all for tonight my wonderful subjects! Tune in next time to see these beautiful couples and ask them how their dates went"
The staff and everybody present polietly applauded as the cameras went off.

" Princess Reyna, Prince Jason, this isn't a mistake, we just wanted you to meet new people. Your parents thought that would be a nice change from your engagement,you know, be free,date whoever you want for a while." Queen Aphrodite said, looking at them
Both.

And with that, the queen left.

Leo turned on Jason, "You're engaged ?!!"

Jason just nodded. "Yeah. I am."

So that's just the first twist!!
Happy Birthday Annie !!! In advance.
Stay tuned!
--------S&D