Disclaimer: (haven't done one for a while) The plot goes to my girl Kiera Cass and the characters to Rick Riordan

Percy smiled.

"Good." He kissed me on the forehead and got up from my bed, bending down to put his shoes on.

Just as he was about to leave he turned back around. "Up early tomorrow, I don't want to be here for breakfast."

I smiled at him and nodded, anticipation crawling under my skin at the idea of going out with Percy tomorrow.

He closed the door behind him and just when the door shut Hazel stuck her head out of the bathroom door. "Did I hear Percy tell you to get up early?"

I nodded and got up, a new spring in my step. "Yep! We're going on a date in the city tomorrow."

Hazel placed her hands on her cheeks. "How lovely!"

"Yeah."

Maybe I could get a chance to talk to Percy about Drew. How I'm having a miserable time and the only thing good about this whole thing was him.

Him and only him.

The next day I was woken by Justine who gently shook me awake.

"Time to get up, miss. Prince Percy is going to be here soon."

It didn't take long to get ready. I had a quick shower but didn't wash my hair so we wouldn't have to go through the painstaking task of drying it. I had little makeup on and pretty summer dress which didn't take forever to get into.

I was just finishing buckling up my shoes when there was a knock at the door signalling that Percy was there.

I opened to door for him, bending down to finished doing my other shoe.

"Need help?" He asked.

I blushed and stood up, him bending down to do the buckled for me.

"Thanks," I mumbled as he stood up. My breath was taken away from me as I looked at him, his looks still getting the better of me. He had on a white collared shirt with short sleeves and navy shorts on. His tan arms and legs were muscled, his dark hair messy, sea-green eyes heart melting and smile heart-stopping.

"Finished looking at me?" He smirked.

My eyes widened and I turned back around to my room blushing like crazy. "Do I need to bring anything?"

He grabbed my hand. "I've got everything."

I shouted loudly a quick goodbye as Percy pulled me out into the hallway, leaving my door open for someone else to close.

We held hands as we walked down the stairs to the first level. "And how did you get out of your royal duties today?" I asked.

He smiled crookedly at me. "You have to have some sort of perks of being royal."

I rolled my eyes. "Your mum is filing in for you isn't she?"

Percy sighed. "Yes and only because she wants us to spend more time together."

I smiled at him. "Me too."

We walked down the main hallway of the first floor and stepped outside.

I was silently surprised at how early it was. The sun was in the sky, but not at the same height it would be when I normally woke up. There was a slight fog and early morning gardeners were walking around the gardens. We spotted Grover and waved at him.

At the bottom of the massive steps was a black car. I didn't know much about cars, but I knew it wasn't the most expensive type out there, but it wasn't cheap either.

Percy opened the passenger door for me. "My Lady," He bowed.

I smiled and sat down on the seat, clicking on my seat belt as he closed the door and jogged around to the driver's seat.

Once he sat in and clicked on his seatbelt, he started the car.

"Wait, your driving?"

I raised an eyebrow at me. "Is that a problem?"

"No," I said lying. Percy sometimes got very distracted when he was driving and that could easily result in our deaths.

Percy stepped on the accelerator and drove down the long driveway out into the city.

I rested my elbow on the side of the car, my chin in my hand looking out at the scenery. The warm sun was blazing down as the car drove towards the city. Animals were up and about in among the trees and the grass was a beautiful green. The sky was clear and as we drew closer to the city, building popped up and other cars joined us on the road.

The centre of the city was only a five-minute drive from the palace and as Percy tried to find a parking spot panic went through me

"What if we're spotted? Everyone will follow us."

He winked at me as he turned around, reversing into a car spot. "We can wear sunglasses."

I held up my hands and dropped them in an exasperated manner. "What are sunglasses going to do?"

"Hide your beautiful eyes."

I blushed. "What about the rest of our faces?"

"Why would we want to hide to hide those?" He opened the door and got out.

I rolled my eyes but inside I had butterflies flapping around like crazy in my stomach. He thought my eyes were beautiful?

I didn't get a chance to open my door as Percy had opened it for me already. I stepped out and looked around breathing in the beautiful Angeles air.

Percy had parked his car on the side of the Main Street where shops and boutiques were lined up. People walked in and out of the shops, bags on their arms. A bunch of 5's had set up a small band on the corner, their lively music adding to the atmosphere. We were in the best part of Angeles and I knew Percy hated being here. It was where all the rich snobby people came and spent their money, but we were only here for one reason.

This place has the best bookstore in the country

That was my opinion anyway.

Percy had already put black sunglasses on his face and gave me a pair to wear. I put mine on and took hold of his hand, walking east on the pavement.

As we walked past a cafe, the door opened and the smell of freshly baked goods came wafting towards me. I slowed down and peered through the window, getting sight of the fluffy raspberry and white chocolate scones, the delicious looking lemon tarts and the heavenly looking breakfast muffins.

"What some breakfast?" Percy asked from behind me.

I nodded eagerly and I opened the door leading him to the cafe.

I walls were a pale pink, framed artwork here and there. Booths were in the corners, plush couches near the window to look out through to the busy street. Waiters walked by in their uniform serving hot chocolates, teas and coffees to important looking people sitting at the tables spotted around the small cafe.

I walked up to the large glass case with all the food in it, my finger tapping my chin in choice.

"What do you want, Wise Girl?" Percy bent down next to me, his eyes going wide as he looked at all the delicious food.

I pointed towards a yummy looking scone. "I'll have an ambrosia scone and nectar milkshake."

Percy nodded and stepped up to the cash register. "I'll have two ambrosia scones and two nectar milkshakes," He told the young girl. "Oh and a box of twelve of your best breakfast choices."

I scrunched my eyebrows together as he handed over money to pay for breakfast. "You seriously aren't going to each that much are you, Seaweed Brain?"

He shrugged. "You'll see."

After waiting for a few minutes we got handed our food and drinks.

We sipped on our milkshakes as we slowly walked down the street taking in the feeling of being out of duties and expectations.

As we came to the corner the music from the small band grew louder.

"Wait a sec," Percy handed me his milkshake, walking over and putting his bag that the scone came in into the bin. Instead of coming back to me, he walked over to the band with the box of twelve different food items.

He placed the box down in front of the girl who was singing, sending her a smile.

The man, his wife and two young girls face's lit up. "Thank you, sir!" The youngest one said, only a few years older than Zoe.

"You're welcome, miss." Percy walked back over to me, smiling as he took my hand.

We continued on drinking out drinks as we walked down the street. The sun was higher in the sky and the street started to get busier.

We walked past a cute baby clothes shop, racks of clothes out the front. We passed a fruit and vegetable store, I could see colourful food through the window.

"I've always wanted to get rid of the caste system," Percy stated bluntly.

I stopped in shock. Percy wanted to get rid of the caste system? The caste system is a system that gives each citizen a number and with that number, they are limited to certain jobs and careers. Percy's a 1, being royal, and I'm a 2 because my parents were government officials. Katie Gardner is a 7, her parents are landscapers so she can only ever be a 7 unless she marries up. Percy and I were privileged with our childhoods and our numbers, we've never experienced what it could be being on the bottom of the system.

"What?" I asked.

He turned to look at me curiously. "Do you not agree?"

I shook my head and continued walking. "No, I totally agree. I hate it. It's just, when? How?"

He shrugged. "I didn't think that far. I brought it up at a meeting and was immediately shunned by everyone except my parents."

I sighed finding his hand again. "They just don't want change"

We turned the corner into a small dirty alleyway. Boxes were lined up against one wall and rubbish bins along the other.

We continued walking away from the busy street into the alleyway. Not far down we could see the sign.

'Millie's One More Chapter Book Store.'

Percy opened the little door as the bell chimed signalling that someone was here.

As I stepped in I paused and breathed in the scent of new and old books.

On my left was a counter and register for purchasing books. On my right was rows of books, ordered by author and categorised by genre. In front were more books and a feeling of peace came over me.

"Oh hello," Said a familiar voice from behind a shelf. A petite women came out from behind the shelf, with long flowing brown hair, brown eyes, pointed ears and a smile coming on to her timeless face. She was wearing a simple white dress that showed her pregnant belly.

"Millie!" I rushed up to her, carefully hugging her as not to squash her baby.

"Nice to see you, Annabeth"

I smiled as I stepped back, even with our bad disguises on, someone who knew us would know who we are. My mum always used to come to this book before she died. After she died my dad, shockingly, would sometimes take me and I quickly loved the place. Millie's parents used to own the shop, but now she and her husband, Gleeson 'Coach' Hedge do. Coach is serving the army in New Asia, and he's extremely worried he won't be back for the birth of their first child, Chuck.

I took off my sunglasses and wondered further into the bookstore, running my hand along their spines. I heard Percy talking but I was focused on finding a book to buy then read.

"Wise Girl!" Percy called from somewhere in the shop.

"Yes?" I called back.

"We've been in here for over twenty minutes," He grumbled as he came into view. "Have you found a book?"

I nodded, shoving four books into his hands. "I can't decide which one though."

Percy sighed. "Only because your Annabeth, you can have all of them."

My eyes lit up. "Really?" I clapped my hands together in excitement.

"Really," Percy watched me as I skip up to the counter, a goofy smile on my face.

"He's letting me buy four!" I hushed to Millie.

She raised her eyebrows and Percy dumped the books on the counter. Percy handed over the money and Millie gave him a receipt in return.

"I'll give you some money when we get home,"

Percy waved me away. "No way. Think of it as one of your birthday presents."

I rolled my eyes. "My birthday isn't until next month."

He shrugged. "So?"

After organising for the four books to be posted to the palace, Percy and I left hand in hand.

We silently decided to walk along the river that ran through Angeles. There was a large pavement for people to walk, ride or run along enjoying the views of a sparkling River Styx. Trees were dotted here and there, people milling in the shade and others walking in and out of shops.

Drew floated into my mind as I saw a tall, black-haired girl coming out of an expensive shop.

"I know I'm not meant to be saying anything but I'm saying this as your best friend."

Percy looked over at me curiously.

"What do you think about Drew?"

Percy sighed and squeezed my hand. "Are you sure this is coming from best friend Annabeth or Selected Annabeth?"

I bit my lip. "Both. You're avoiding the question, Seaweed Brain."

Percy looked out towards the river. "Drew's Drew."

I shrugged. "And that means...?"

He looked over at me sternly. "Don't repeat this best friend Annabeth."

I nodded.

"She's a piece of work. Do you know how many complaints I get from her about the room she has, the food and her maids? I feel bad for the poor girls. And she's stubborn too, and I know she only here for the crown, not for my charming personality."

I rolled my eyes. "Why don't you send her home?"

"Did you know that the council has to approve who I eliminate?"

My jaw dropped slightly. "What?"

He nodded. "Yeah, Hera brought it in. I put Drew on there for the second elimination but they said no. They told me that we looked good together and that it would look bad if I dropped her. Her business would go down and our popularity would go down too because she has such a large fan base." He rolled his eyes. "It's like it's not even about my life, my feelings, my future. I want to get rid of her, I do but I can't."

I squeezed his hand. "This is coming from a best friend perspective. She's bullying the other girls."

Percy's eyebrows scrunched together in an adorable confused way. "Is she bullying you?"

I sighed. This was Drew Tanaka for the god's sakes. I wanted to be strong and fight off her words but it was getting too much.

I nodded weakly.

Percy stopped and pulled me into a hug, embracing me warmly and resting his chin on top of my head, kissing my forehead in the process.

"Who else?" He asked.

"Everyone," I mumbled into his chest.

"I'll talk to her okay? Say I've got multiple girls coming to me and telling me that they're getting bullied. I'll talk to Mum too. And if you need to see me at any time just come up to my room and if I'm not there, wait. Got it?"

I nodded, feeling relief wash over me. Hopefully, this would stop Drew.

We continued walking.

Music started to drift towards us as we got the less nice place of the city. The buildings started to get more dirty and less and fewer shops lined the pavement. The scenery was still beautiful and we neared another open area.

Small tents were set up in rows, people milling around them buying goods. From a distance, I could see another band set up playing music lighting up the place. Fruit and veg were being sold, homemade jewellery and jams set up too. It was the farmers market.

I smiled brightly as I lead Percy over, pushing my hair back behind my ear as I looked at one ladies stall. She was selling things made out of clay, bright and glossy. She smiled as she saw us.

"You two make a cute couple," She pointed at us.

I blushed. "Thank you."

We moved to the next stall where leather bags and handbags were hung up. Next to that was a stall with knitted goods for infants.

We walked up to a small familiar cart with a large orange and gold banner on the top reading, "Stolls Mystery Pranks," On the front counter were all homemade things that I was sure would cause havoc. There looked to be smoke bombs, rope, different sized buckets and other things I couldn't name.

Behind the counter stood the oldest of the two brothers, Travis, and I could see Connor talking to a young boy at the end of their cart.

"Hey, Travis." Percy greeted him whilst I smiled.

"Um, hello? Do I know you?" Travis gave us both a once over.

"Yes, can you seriously not recognise us?"

"Who? I've never seen you in my life,"

Percy leant over the counter and whispered something in Travis' ear.

Travis' eyes widened and when Percy leant back he yelled out "Holy Hermes, Your High-" Percy put his hand over Travis' mouth to stop him from revealing that the Prince of Illeá was out of the castle for the day.

Percy glared at Travis. "If you say anything about me or Annabeth being here I will cut off your prank supplies and I'll put you in jail for a year," Both Travis and I's eyes widened at Percy's threat. He doesn't really threaten anyone.

A series of muffled sounds came from Travis's mouth due to the fact of Percy's hand. He took his hand back and put it in his shorts pocket looking around as if he hadn't just threatened to put one of his closest friends in jail, and actually be able to do it.

"Jeez, Kelp Head. No need to get all 'I'll put you in jail' on me. Hello, Annabeth."

"Morning, Travis."

"Out on a little date are we?"

Percy started to pick things up from the bench, Travis slapped his hand away. I rolled my eyes. "Yes, ever heard of dating?"

"Well, yes. I have. I have a girlfriend."

At this statement, Percy's hand froze with something dangerous looking in it. I froze too.

Percy turned his head towards Travis. "A what?"

"A girlfriend. Yes, Travis Stoll is capable of having a girlfriend. Been going for a solid five days now." He brushed off the invisible dirt off of his shoulders.

"And who is the girl so unfortunate to date you?" I asked with a big sweet smile on my face.

"You know her actually. Miranda. One of the garden people," (I know, I ship Tratie too, but bear with me)

Percy looked at him in disbelief. "You're dating my garden girl?"

"Not your garden girl, my garden girl." He pointed over at me "That's your girl over there."

I rolled my eyes. "When did you meet this Miranda?"

"I've seen her around before I guess. I broke into the palace the other day-"

Percy dropped what he was holding. "What?"

Travis sighed. "As I was saying, I broke into the palace the other day. She caught me sneaking in and we kissed."

"And she didn't tell anyone that a random guy broke into my house?"

Travis clapped him on the shoulder. "Dude, no one cares."

Percy rubbed his forehead. "If you can get in so can others. Have you told anyone? Does anyone else know? Are you a Rebel?!"

"Hey," I wrapped my arm around his waist. "No politics today. Got it?"

Percy nodded. Connor was done with the young boy and walked up to us, "Hello, lovebirds."

"Hello, Connor," Both Percy and I said at the same time.

Connor rolled his eyes. "Need anything to prank anyone? Discount for a friend."

Travis slapped Connor upside his head. "They can afford full price, we can't afford a discount."

Connor grumbled something under his breath as he rubbed the back of his head.

I put my hand in Percy's pocket, taking out his wallet. I handed Connor and Travis fifty dollars, "There you go, boys."

Travis gladly accepted. "Thanks, Annabeth."

We said goodbye to the boys and walked further into the market.

We decided to grab lunch at the market, it would help out a family. I got chicken satay on a stick, Percy sushi. (without fish guys, relax. Fish are friends, not food)

We walked up a bridge, stopping in the middle overlooking the River Styx below us, the people walking around. In the distance I could see the palace, it's high walls surrounding it.

"I can't believe he actually got in," Percy shook his head. "Where were the guards?"

I bumped his shoulder. "He probably has a whole network of tunnels under the city or something."

"I hate it that we had to give them money. They deserve more."

I placed my rubbish on the bench next to us, hugging Percy. "Once your king you can fix it,"

"And you can help me do it."

And we were kissing.

There was a slight soy sauce tang to the kiss from the food he just ate and my eyes fluttered closed. He groaned as I gripped his hair, leaning into the kiss as his arms snaked around my waist. My heart was beating fast as his lips brush mine, the smell of a sea breeze coming from him. We broke apart at the sound of a camera going off.

I stumbled back slightly drunk as I looked around blindly. Someone was standing a few metres away, a phone held up possibly taking pictures or videoing of us. Once they saw us looking, they sprinted off.

"Styx," Percy cursed as he fixed his sunglasses that I had pushed up on top of his head.

I brought my hand up and whipped my lips, sighing as I did so. I loved kissing Percy.

"It was a good kiss though," I ran my hand through my hair, de-tangling it.

Percy laughed, "It was better than good."

We strolled back down the bridge holding hands, heading back to the car.

"Thank you, Wise Girl."

"For what?"

"Taking my mind off everything and making me smile."

"Anytime, Seaweed Brain."

I'm currently grieving a death right now. I will not state the characters name so I don't spoil anyone but please think of me in these troubled times (And I have to wait 2 years for the next book to come out *cries*)

SELF PROMO: please go check out a short story I've written! It's called 'The Story of How I Saw Blue'

Updates happen every weekend, and only on the weekends

-Squirrel