Silver Water (Percy Jackson and Red Queen crossover)

I Fly From One Scary Place To Another Scary Place

Percy's POV:

By the time the boat docks in Archeon at the western bank and we're back on land, night has fallen. The city seems to brighten while the rest of the world goes dark. Fireworks crackle overhead, raining light down on the Bridge, and atop Whitefire, a red-and-black flag rises. The king is back on this throne.

Thankfully there are no more pageants to suffer through; we are greeted by armored transports to take us up from the docks. Annabeth and I share a transport with Maven and Mareena, joined by only two Sentinels. Both Maven and Annabeth take turns pointing out landmarks as we pass, explaining what seems like every statue and street corner. Maven even mentions his favorite bakery, though it sits on the other side of the river.

"As you probably already know, the Bridge and East Archeon are for civilians, Reds who can afford to live here and the common Silvers, though many are richer than some nobles. Meanwhile, West Archeon is for the court of the king," Annabeth explains. The Empire State building looms in the distance, across the river in East Archeon. We pass a street lined with lovely stone houses and pruned, flowering trees. "All the High Houses keep residences here, to be close to the king and government. In fact, the entire country can be controlled from this cliff, if the need should arise."

That explains the location. The western bank is sharply sloped, with the palace and the other government buildings sitting at the crest of a hill overlooking the Bridge. Another wall surrounds the hilltop, fencing in the heart of the country. I try not to gawk when we pass through the gate, revealing a tiled square the size of an arena. Maven calls it Caesar's Square, after the first king of his dynasty. Julian mentioned King Caesar before, but fleetingly; our lessons never got much further than the First Divide, when red and silver became much more than colors.

Whitefire Palace occupies the southern side of the Square, while the courts, treasury, and administrative centers take up the rest. There's even a military barracks, judging by the troops drilling in the walled yard. They are Cal's Shadow Legion, who traveled ahead of us to the city. A comfort to the nobles, Maven called them. Soldiers within the walls, to protect us if another attack should come.

Despite the hour, the Square bustles with activity as people rush toward a severe-looking structure next to the barracks. Red-and-black flags, emblazoned with the sword symbol of the army, hang from its columns. I can just see a little stage set up in front of the building, with a podium surrounded by bright spotlights and a growing crowd.

Luckily we keep driving, moving through an archway to a small courtyard, but then we pull to a stop. "What's this?" I hear Mareena whisper, grabbing on to Maven. It's the first time I've seen her show any signs of fear.

Maven sighs heavily, more annoyed than anything. "Father must be giving a speech. Just some saber-rattling to keep the masses happy. The people love nothing more than a leader promising victory."

Maven steps out, pulling Mareena with him. I quickly follow suit, offering a hand to Annabeth. Despite my makeup and my clothes, I feel suddenly very bare. This is for a broadcast. Thousands, millions, will see this.

"Don't worry, we just have to stand and look stern," Annabeth mutters in my ear.

"I think Cal has that covered." I nod my head to where the crown prince broods, still attached at the hip to Evangeline.

Annabeth snickers to herself. "He thinks speeches are a waste of time. Cal likes actions, not words."

A bustling secretary beckons us. His clothes are blue and gray, the colors of House Macanthos. He doesn't spare a glance at us when we fall into place behind Maven and Mareena, who stand behind Cal and Evangeline, with the king and queen at the head. Strangely, Evangeline is not her usual cool self; I can see her hands shaking. She's afraid. She wanted the spotlight, she wanted to be Cal's bride, and yet she's scared of it. How can that be?