Percy had a restless night. So much had happened that he was just trying to process it all. His lips still tingled from Annabeth's kiss. His heart still ached at the thought of his mother and everything she had gone through for him. Then there was the discovery of his father, who happened to be a king, making him a bastard prince. This was probably the hardest thing for him to come to grips with. Things had been so certain, and now everything had changed in a matter of minutes, leaving him completely confused.

Percy got up like he did every morning and dressed in his Athen's uniform. He got his men packed up and ready for the march back to Athens. He tried to not let it bother him that everywhere he went, conversations died down, but in truth, he wanted to crawl under a rock to get away from all the speculation. The wounded had been placed in the wagons. Tyson kept peeking over at Percy, but he never left his place. Percy would have to talk to him as soon as he could. Blackjack shifted restlessly beside him, anxious for the march.

When Athena finally came out with Annabeth behind her, she gave Percy a disgruntled look, which surprised him. "What are you doing here?" she questioned.

Percy gave her a confused look. "We're ready to escort you back, your majesty," Percy stated.

Athena looked around at the soldiers and commoners who had gathered together to see them leave. "Very well." She said hastily as she climbed into the carriage.

Annabeth gave him a small smile., which Percy couldn't help but return. Athena saw them looking at each other and promptly closed the curtains, blocking his view of Annabeth. Percy climbed up on Blackjack just as King Poseidon and Queen Amphryte came out. Percy and Poseidon exchanged looks, before Percy yelled, "Forward march."

Blackjack lurched forward, the carriage followed suite and then the men. Once they were past the palace gates, there was a somber mood in the street. Some women threw flower petals in front of Blackjack, men took off their hats as he passed, children waved at him enthusiastically. Percy was startled when a group of women knelt to the ground and kissed his shadow as they passed. Everything felt so strange to him. When he turned to check on his men, he saw Annabeth peaking out of the curtain. She smiled when he saw her, and he gave her a half-smile in return. Everything was definitely different.

He was relieved when they passed through the city gates. Blackjack picked up the pace, and so did the rest of the army. The rest of the trip back to Athens was quiet. Even when they broke for camp for the night, everything was quiet. Everywhere Percy went, conversations quieted. Even Otic, Layland and the rest of his first troop were quiet around him. He found Tyson sitting in front of a fire, stoking it.

"Percy!" Tyson said with enthusiasm.

"Hey, Tyson," Percy said as he hugged him.

"Why are you sad?" Tyson cut to the chase. "Are you sad because you have to leave Princess Annabeth?"

Percy blushed at the forward nests of his statement. "What makes you think that?"

"You like each other." He stated plainly.

Percy sighed, "Tyson, I haven't decided whether I'll go or not."

"Why not? Poseidon wants you."

"Amphryte doesn't." Percy pointed out.

"I think we should go." Tyson made it sound so simple.

"We?" Percy questioned. "I thought you would stay in Athens."

"Where you go, I go. We're brothers, right?"

"If I go." Percy corrected.

"Sir?" A young soldier came up and saluted him.

Percy saluted him back.

"Sir?" He said again. He was obviously nervous, so Percy waited patiently. "Um, Queen Athena requests your presence."

"Thank you," Percy replied. "I'll see you in Athens," Percy said to Tyson as he left his campfire. He made his way to the command tent. The guards opened the flaps for him, indicating that she was expecting him. He walked in to see Queen Athena sitting in a chair. "Your majesty." Percy greeted her.

Athena had a displeased look on her face, making Percy think that he had done something wrong. "I am trying to understand why you are here? Did Poseidon put you up to this?"

"Your majesty, I realize that with last nights events, this looks a little odd, but I needed time to think."

"To think or to spend more time wooing my daughter?"

"I have always respected your daughter," Percy said defensively.

Athena leaned forward in her chair and said with a sneer, "You tell Poseidon that he can't have Athens, no matter how he schemes."

"Your majesty?" Percy felt like he had just been forced in the middle of a feud he knew nothing about.

"As soon as we get to Athens, you have twenty-four hours to hand in your uniform and to get out of Athens."

"But I haven't decided," Percy said with alarm.

"No son of Poseidon is welcome in Athens. You're dismissed." Athena stood and turned her back to him, making it clear that she was done talking to him.

Crushed, he left the tent and went to his. After another uneasy night, he resumed his post and continued on the trek to Athens. It was a long day, one that was filled with dread for him once he reached his destination. When Athens finally came into view, it was a disheartening sight. The once golden city, looked like it had endured a terrible storm that left its buildings crumbling, walls pitted, and the once clean streets a mess. The people that were on the street cleaning up looked at the returning army with a look of hardship. When they reached the palace, Malcolm stood on the steps with an arm in a sling.

"Malcolm!" Athena rushed to him.

"I'm fine mother. It's just a scratch, really."

"What happened?" Annabeth inquired.

"A few days after you left, they just showed up. Luckily, we were already on alert. There were some close calls, and I wasn't sure how much longer we would last when they just suddenly up and left. Like they were scared of us."

"When did they leave?" Annabeth questioned.

"The evening of the eighteenth."

"The day we defeated Kronos," Annabeth said it while looking at Percy. He could feel his heart beat faster.

Athena forcibly cleared her throat. "Yes, well, you should be resting. You both should be." Athena stood between Annabeth and Percy and guided her up the rest of the stairs. "Unfortunately, we have company coming, even though we are woefully unprepared for it, but at least they will take the trash out." Percy felt the sting of her remark.

"Mother!" Annabeth said in outrage.

"Come along, it's been a long journey and you need your rest." Athena grabbed Annabeth by the arm and led her the rest of the way up.

Percy turned to his command. "Dismissed." He said with less than enthusiasm. He himself immediately went to his old bunk and looked around. Everything belonged to Athens. The furniture, the clothing. The only thing he could call his own was his sword and mother's recipe box he had come across in Thebes. He opened it up and looked through each item. The smell took him back to the sweet shop. He could feel the tears pricking his eyes as he began grieving for his mother again. There were a few necklaces and rings thrown in. This was the sum of her worldly possessions: her favorite recipes and some worthless jewelry that she didn't want Gabe to get his hands on. Percy pulled out a plain necklace with a seashell attached to it. The seashell looked delicate and fragile, yet it had survived so much.

"Your highness." A voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He focused in on a young soldier who looked kind of pudgy and had a round face that almost looked like a baby. He was dressed in an Atlantian uniform.

"What?" Percy felt weird being addressed like royalty.

"Queen Amphryte requests your presence."

Percy suddenly felt nervous. He put everything back into the box, straightened his uniform and followed the Atlantian soldier. He led him through the main doors of the palace, which Percy had only done on one other occasion when he had returned with Zeus' lightning rod. He led him into a large room where several tapestries lined the walls. Queen Amphryte sat on a long cushioned chair behind a table with some grapes and other treats. She took a drink from the goblet she was holding. "Sit." She ordered.

Percy didn't feel like doing anything of the sort.

"I'm not going to hurt you, but this talk, I am afraid, is unavoidable."

Percy carefully sat down.

She eyed him for a minute before she finally spoke. "So my husband says you won't come to Atlantis without my express permission. Is that right?"

"It's your home too. You have a right to decide if someone like me comes in."

She chuckled at that. "Oh, I've been forced to endure several unsavory characters entering my home without my approval, but that is neither here nor there. Rumor has it that Athena has kicked you out of Athens."

Percy couldn't look her in the eye. "Rumors fly fast around here," Percy observed.

"Only regarding things of interest, and right now, you are of great interest. Well?" She said impatiently.

"I have twenty-four hours to hand in my uniform and leave Athens. Evidently, she doesn't want a son of Poseidon in her city." Percy said all this while looking at the ground. He couldn't bear to look at her.

"That stupid feud. So, you are now forced to come to Atlantis."

Percy looked up at her. She had an unreadable look. "Not necessarily. I could try enlisting elsewhere."

"Why do you care about my opinion on this matter? You're risking a lot by putting this decision into my hands." Amphryte challenged.

Percy shrugged. "Not really. I didn't have anything before, so I really don't have much to lose."

"Humph." Athena sat back in her chair. She studied him some more. "Triton is missing, so another heir is important to the kingdom. But just because he may be missing, doesn't mean he couldn't come back."

"If you're worried if I would challenge him, I wouldn't. I'm not interested in power."

"What are you interested in? A certain princess?" Percy blushed furiously as he looked at her with surprise. "Poseidon told me about what he walked into."

Percy suddenly felt defensive. "Queen Amphryte, with all due respect, a lot of things happened that night, that I am still trying to wrap my head around. As for Annabeth, we have kept our feelings for each other in check for some time now. But make no mistake, I would never take advantage of her, just because I suddenly have a title. You have your reservations about me, a bastard son of your husband. I understand. You're probably furious at Poseidon and at me for existing. I don't blame you; I'm angry at him. But you're right. Right now, the only real advantage of me accepting the title 'Prince of Atlantis' is Annabeth. But even that is looking slim."

Amphryte was quiet for a moment when she said, "You are surprisingly more forthcoming than I thought you would be," Amphryte admitted. "Athena can be a bit stubborn, but she likes me, even if she doesn't like my husband. Perhaps I could sway her."

Percy studied her. "Are you saying you want me in Atlantis?"

"I'm saying that having you in Atlantis serves all parties. A union between you and a daughter of Athens could end the feud. Atlantis would have an heir. And I think we could tolerate each other if we continue to respect each other's positions in this awkward arraignment."

Percy let that sink in. "So, I'm really a prince?" Percy ran a hand nervously through his hair.

"Looks like." She went to take a drink, then stopped suddenly. "Please tell me you have a decent pair of clothing once you turn in your uniform."

"Uh . . ."

Amphryte put her cup down and gave him an exasperated look. "We have no time to waste. The market closes soon. I'll have you go with my maidservant. We only need one outfit for the trip tomorrow. I'll get you better clothing once we are in Atlantis. So much to plan. Daphne!" She called out.

A woman came in and curtsied respectfully. "You called, your majesty."

"I need you to take the new prince to market and find him something decent to wear for the trip."

"Yes, your majesty. If you'll follow me." The girl motioned for him to follow.

Percy stood up and followed her. As he did, Amphryte began making a list. "We'll have to have lessons on ediquite, social courtesies, . . . ."

Percy felt like someone had just ceased control of his life. Daphne had obviously navigated the market before. She took him past all the other shopsand only stopped when they reached a more classier shop. She chose a few outfits and made him put them on. He showed her each one until she picked the one she like over the rest. She paid for them and then they went to look for shoes. Once Daphne was done with him, it was approaching evening. He put his things in his bunk. Dinner had been brought to his quarters, which he hungrily ate. He pulled out his mother's box and pulled out the necklace with the seashell on it and pocketed it. He wandered over to Tyson's bunk and told him the news. Tyson, however, had already packed. He was very excited about the trip. At least one of them was. Percy then wandered around the camp thinking about how this had become his home and now he was leaving it. Before he knew it he had wandered into the training arena. The place brought so many memories.

He was just staring at a practice dummy when a familiar voice snarked, "Are you saying goodbye to it or are you going to kill it?"

Percy smiled as he turned around to see Annabeth. "I thought your mother had locked you away to protect you from the bad son of Poseidon."

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Since when can I not get away from my mother's guards? It's sad, really."

"I never had such problems," Percy noted.

"True, but did I want to get away from you," Annabeth said as she approached him.

Percy felt flush at that. "You can't sneak to Atlantis." Percy noted.

"So you're going." Annabeth affirmed.

"Not that I think it'll do any good."

"What do you mean? You'll make a great prince."

"I meant your mother. She is never going to let us be together."

"She is being rather unreasonable." Annabeth frowned. "She thinks that Poseidon wants Athens for himself. We just need to figure out how this rivalry started."

"How are we going to do that?" Percy asked.

Annabeth sidled closer to Percy. "Well as a son of Poseidon, I'm sure you can find out what your father knows."

"And let me guess, Athena is going to tell you everything?"

"That may be more difficult than we think. I'll have to think about it. But finding out what started it, will help us figure out how to stop it."

"Do you think that will work?" Percy said doubtfully.

"It will. It has to." Annabeth looked down at her hand doubtfully.

Percy grabbed her hand. "If anyone can figure it out, it's my Wise Girl." Percy smiled. Annabeth looked up at him and smiled back with a faint blush. "I, um, hoped I'd see you tonight."

"Oh? If you're looking for a spar, I'm afraid I am unable to." She looked at her arm still in a sling.

Percy shook his head. "No, no. I wanted to give you something," he stuttered as he pulled out the necklace, "to remember me by when your mom is pushing princes at you."

Annabeth covered her mouth with her hand. "It's beautiful."

"Do you like it? It belonged to my mother."

She placed a hand gently over his. "I don't know what to say. I'm deeply honored. I know how much this means to you."

Percy fiddled with the clasp. "She would have loved you."

"I would have loved her too. She raised an amazing son." She said as she allowed Percy to put the necklace around her neck. Once it was on, Annabeth looked at him softly. He'd seen the look before, and it made his heart race and his chest warm. But this was the first time he allowed himself to take action. He leaned down and their lips met. He fell into their kiss, letting the rest of the world dissapear. There was nothing but her lemony scent, her soft lips moving with his, and her warmth. He wanted her. He wanted to be the only man that was allowed to be with her. He kissed her with all the love he had ever carried for her. When the kiss ended, they rested their foreheads against each other.

"I won't fail." Annabeth whispered.

"We won't fail." Percy breathed.

There was a clang, that startled them both, making them jump apart. "I should go." Annabeth said nervously, looking around.

"O-okay." Percy said with some reluctance. Annabeth fled the arena before Percy could say anything else. He looked toward where the sound came from and went to investigate. He found Chiron. "Chiron! What are you doing here so late?"

"I could ask you the same thing." He smirked.

Percy looked back at where he and Annabeth stood. "That was, I mean, . . ."

"Come to say goodbye to me, eh?" Chiron said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Of course." Percy instantly agreed.

"It has been my honor to be your teacher. I don't say this lightly when I say, 'You will be missed.'" There was that twinkle again.

"Um, ah, I'll miss you too." Percy stammered as he tried to not look so guilty. "Well, I should probably go to bed. I have a long trip tomorrow."

"Of course." Chiron smiled a little sadder this time. "I wish you well on this next journey of your life."

"Thanks. Take care of Athens for me."

"Always. I'll keep an eye on the princess, too."

Percy nearly choked. "Good night."

"Good night, legend."

Percy had a hard time sleeping. He kept on thinking of things that the soldiers would need to do, but wasn't his responsibility anymore. Then he'd worry about Annabeth and how he could possibly win Athena over. It felt as though Percy had just fallen asleep, when dawn arrived to wake him. He dressed in his new clothing, which felt weird to him. He had never worn anything so fine before. He folded up his uniform and left it on the bed. He packed up his mother's recipe box and then looked around the small room that had been his. When he left, he stopped short at the sight before him. Every soldier that had fought by his side in Olympus had lined both sides of the path.

"Ten hut!" Otic cried. "Present arms!" Every soldier drew their sword and raised it in the air, making a tunnel of sorts to walk through.

"What's this?" Percy questioned.

"We would like to honor, the legend, Perseus Jackson, for saving our lives." Otic said proudly.

"There's no need for this." Percy could feel his face heat up from all the attention.

"Humor us, your highness." Otic tried to hide his smirk, but wasn't very successful.

Percy sighed. Guess he wasn't going to be able to sneak out of here. He began walking through the tunnel with the swords glinting overhead. Percy walked quickly, to try and get it over with, but the tunnel led all the way to the courtyard, where he embarrassingly stepped out to see Poseidon, Amphryte, Athena, and Malcolm. Annabeth was no where to be seen. "I'll just get, Blackjack." Percy mumbled.

"Here's BlackJack." Tyson grinned as he walked beside the stallion toward Percy.

"I thought you would be riding with us." Amphryte looked at him determinedly. "We have much to discuss.

"Oh." Percy looked at Blackjack disappointedly.

"Let the boy ride his stallion. After all, it completes the image." Poseidon argued.

"Oh, I suppose so." Amphryte conceded. "But once we are past the gates, you will need to ride next to us. We have so much to go over."

"Yes, your majesty." Percy replied.

"I'm all ready, Percy." Tyson said excitedly.

"What's this?" Amphryte looked at the cyclops with some disgust on her face.

"This is Tyson." Percy realized his error in not bringing him up before. "He saved my life. We've been looking out for each other ever since. He wanted to come with me." He looked at Amphryte pleadingly.

"We're brothers!" Tyson exclaimed.

"Of course, you're welcome." Poseidon grinned. "Well, we had better get out of here, before Athena sets the carriage on fire with her glare."

Percy turned to see Athena glaring at him. He swallows his fear and addressed her, "Thank you, your majesty, for taking me in. I will always be grateful to you."

Athena didn't respond. Instead, she turned on her heel and stormed into her palace. Percy tried not be hurt by the action, but it still stung. He mounted Blackjack. Tyson, climbed on his horse. The carriage lurched forward and Percy followed behind. Percy could see that the streets beyond the palace gates were packed, strange for this time of morning. He couldn't help but look back at the palace one more time. Annabeth stood on a balcony on the second floor. Her golden hair shone in the sunlight. His heart kept in his chest as she raised her hand in farewell. He did the same, hoping he would at least get to see her again.

The End

To be continued in Heirs of Olympus: The Son of Poseidon