Someone was lightly shaking my shoulders, trying to wake me up.

I sat up straight away, fearing a Rebel attack but I felt a warm familiar hand cup my cheek, startling me.

"Morning, Wise Girl." I looked up groggily at the person where the voice had come from. I was met with huge, clear sea-green eyes with black strands of hair falling into them. I blinked at Percy and resisted the strong urge to brush his hair away.

I grumbled about how he's annoying and laid back down, putting my face into my pillow hoping that he was apart of a dream and that I could go back to sleep.

"Aw," He placed his hands on my shoulders squeezing them. "Come on, Annabeth, up you get."

"What time is it?" My voice came out muffled from the pillow.

"Five in the morning."

I groaned. "Go away, Seaweed Brain."

"Fine then," He turned to leave. "I'll take someone else on a hot air balloon ride to watch the sunrise."

I raised my head. "A date?" I asked.

He nodded smiling. "I thought you said to leave?"

I sighed and flopped back down on the bed, scooting over and patting the spot next to me.

He chuckled and sat down, and I rested my head on his chest, moving with his chest as he breathed. He was wearing a casual grey top and black jeans, showing off his tanned arms. "Did you really mean it?" I asked.

He nodded playing with my hair. "I've organised for a dawn hot air balloon ride. How does that sound?"

"Amazing," I sighed closing my eyes.

He kissed me lightly on the forehead. "Don't go back to sleep, Wise Girl."

I groaned and slowly got out of bed, the warmth and comfort of my blankets leaving me. "How much time do I have to get ready?"

He shrugged. "Ten to fifteen minutes."

I stared at him with wide eyes. "What?"

"What?" He asked and gestured to my wardrobe. "Just pick a dress, brush your hair and teeth and we can go."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Something I've learnt about in this Selection is that it takes at least twenty-five minutes to look decent."

"You look beautiful now in your pj's and bed hair. In ten minutes you can look stunning." He shrugged.

I blushed and patted my hair to try and get rid of the curls flying everywhere. He chuckled and rested his head on my headboard and closed his eyes. I walked into the wardrobe picking something to wear.

"I hope my maids know about this," I yelled out to him from the bathroom where I was doing my hair after picking out a short dress that was fitted around my stomach, white with a pretty pink design near the bottom and no sleeves. To match I decided on hot pink flats and after I brushed my hair I decided to leave it out in its natural curls.

"They were excited when I told them," He told me. "They get to sleep in".

I walked back into the bedroom. "Yeah, and I don't," I mumbled unhappily.

He smiled at me and got off my bed walking towards me.

He put his hands around my wais.t "Now you look even more beautiful." He kissed me lightly on the lips, his just brushing mine.

I pouted when he stepped back and his eyes twinkled mischievously but I took his hand anyway and he led me out of my room.

"How are Jason and Thalia?" I asked him swinging our hands in between us.

He smiled at me. "They stayed up really late last night talking. They're so happy. Tonight we're telling Tyson, but we'll tell Zoe after the Selection cause she has a big mouth-"

"And will tell everyone," I finished for him. "Good thinking. But how are you feeling?"

"Is it weird that I'm nervous?" He started to rub circles between my thumb and index finger with his thumb whilst he chuckled nervously. "I mean, I love Jason and I really like Thalia, and I'm glad they're my family but it's a lot of work for after. Plus there are a bunch of what if's."

We came to the big front doors of the palace and walked down the steps together, towards Percy's car. "What are you so scared of?"

He sighed and opened the car door for me. I slipped in, feeling the cool leather on my legs, putting my seat belt on (safety first kids), as Percy rushed around the front of the car. He opened his door and took a seat, putting his seatbelt on. I didn't talk because I knew he was thinking. His eyes were scrunched together in an adorable way. He turned the car keys and slowly went down the driveway, driving us away from the palace.

"I'm scared of the change," He said finally not making eye contact and keeping his eyes on the road. I watched as the city started to spring up around us, with some people already up and about. The sun shone low in the sky, breaking away from the morning clouds.

"What change?" I asked quietly, putting a comforting hand on his knee.

"Change. Change in every way. I'm scared it will change the family, change Jason and I's relationship. What will everyone think? How will they be received?"

"Perce," I squeezed his knee. We were getting closer to the city, and Percy pulled off the main road and pulled into one that followed the River Styx. "This will not change you and Jason, it will only make your relationship stronger. Your family will be happy, and I can't deny that there will be no change, but this one is a good change. Two more places at the dinner table will be added, two more people to laugh with, two more people to cry with, two more people to live with. Two more people to call family. That's good."

He stayed silent as I looked out the window, my hand still on his knee. The sun was reflecting off the river, the birds were waking up and there was a slight breeze making the trees dance in the wind. "This country will rejoice with the new family members, everyone will love them. They will be welcomed and they will be loved. Have faith in your country."

I turned back to look at him. I studied his face. How the light cast shadows under his thick eyelashes, how his mouth was parted slightly and his jawline could easily cut a stick of butter. I felt an overwhelming sense of love for my best friend, but then I thought back to our fight. I thought about what we said, why we said but a thought stayed with me, nagging me to no end.

I had wanted to take off my bead necklace. A piece of jewellery I considered to be apart of my body, my mind and my soul. It meant so much to me, and just like that, I wanted it off. I wanted it to snap as I ripped it off my neck and I wanted it to smash as I threw it hard at the ground. I wanted to feel no comfort and warmth from it, but worst of all I wanted to see the hurt on Percy's face.

Close to tears I looked away from Percy, and back out to the window where houses were becoming further apart. I took my hand off of Percy's knee and placed both of mine in my lap.

"What prompted this date?" I asked.

I heard his t-shirt move as he shrugged. "A sorry I guess-"

"Seaweed Brain," I turned my face back towards them. "There is absolutely no reason to be sorry. You're allowed to kiss whoever you want."

"But I should have told-" His worried eyes flickered to mine then back to the road.

"Percy," I said. "If I accept your apology and you accept mine, we forget about it, alright? I hated it, I hated every single second of it."

He sighed. "There's something you're not telling me."

I raised my eyebrows at him trying to seem surprised. I wanted to look away from him, but that would just give everything away. "Oh?"

"Yeah, oh," His hands tightened on the steering wheel. "You're thinking something and it's not going away and it's affecting you."

I bit my lip looking down, hating how he could read me like an open book. Sometimes it was a blessing, sometimes like a curse. "I don't want to say what it is because it will ruin what we have and I desperately don't want that."

He rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on. You're stuck with me no matter what, Wise Girl, and you should know that already."

He turned off onto a small dirt road, dust flying up around us. His eyes meet mine for a second, telling me to go on. I sighed in defeat and looked out at the green landscape not wanting to say this to his face.

"During our fight, I was so hurt Percy. I was so hurt, and angry and jealous that I wanted to rip off my bead necklace. I wanted to smash it." I whispered.

I looked over at him scared that he was going to turn around and take us back home but he didn't. He kept on driving.

"When I found out that you had kissed Luke," His voice cracked. "I wanted to do the same."

I numbly stared out of the front window processing everything.

"You know you're my best friend," Percy continued. "And nothing is going to change that."

I nodded, smiling at him feeling slightly relieved. "I know, Seaweed Brain"

He smiled back at me and took a left exit. We drove for another twenty meters then he took another left into a parking lot. He stopped the car once he had parked it, got out and quickly rushed to my side to open my door before I could even undo my seatbelt.

"Thanks," I stepped out of the car and took in our surroundings. We were standing in a dirt/gravel parking lot, with a wooden lodge on the other side of the parking lot. It had a sign on the top indicating that it was reception. There were only three other cars in the parking lot, which had tall green trees surrounding it. The sun was setting off an orange glow in the sky now, and the morning clouds had cleared opening up a big beautiful sky full of colours.

"This way, Wise Girl," Percy took my hand and we walked over to reception together.

He opened the door for me and gestured for me to walk in like the true gentlemen he is. The smell of wood and heat greeted me. There was a fire off to the left, with a plush red rug in front of it, with three large comfy chairs surrounding the rug. The far wall was completely glass, with tables set for two lined up underneath. In the middle, a large chandler made out of antlers brought a warm glow to the room. On my left was a desk, with a small woman typing away on a computer. Her blonde hair was done up into a tight bun with a pencil stuck behind her ear. From what I could see was that she was wearing a green polo and blank pants with the company logo on it. When the bell rang above the door she looked up, and I was surprised that her hazel eyes were wide awake. I would very much dislike waking up early every morning to come to work.

She sprung up from her chair once realising who we were and hurried around the desk. She curtsied politely, "Good morning, Your Highness and Lady Annabeth."

"Morning," I chirped back smiling at her.

She stood up straight. "I'm Ashley."

"Nice to meet you, Ashley." Percy held out his hand and shook hers.

She walked back around the desk and took a seat, seeming a bit flustered. She looked a couple of years older than us, maybe in her early twenties. "Carl just left a moment ago to set up your balloon," She handed a piece of paper to me. "That's an information package so you know what to do in case of any emergencies," She looked at Percy. "Would you like breakfast now, Your Highness?"

I turned to Percy too. "You're feeding me as well, Seaweed Brain? Aren't I lucky?"

Percy ignored me and spoke to Ashley. "Breakfast would be great now Ashley, thank you."

She smiled, dimples appearing on her cheeks, and showed us to one of the tables that were under the window. "I'll bring out menus," She curtsied then left.

I sat down opposite Percy and looked out the window. Large green hills rolled out in front of us. "Where is everyone else?"

He looked around sheepishly and scratched the back of his neck. "I kind of maybe booked out the whole place."

I leant over the table and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."

Ashley came back into the room with our menus. We both decided for a serving of eggs, bacon and toast.

"Good choice, the bacon is delicious."

We waited for our food talking about everything. When it was brought out we dived in, and Ashley was right, the bacon was delicious. After breakfast, Ashley led us outside and took us down a small winding path that led to a large open area. There on the ground, was a large big rainbow balloon, being heated up. It slowly rose, and a man was pulling a lever to release fire. Another man was holding onto the basket, checking to make sure that the ropes didn't break.

"Perfect timing. If you could both make your way to the basket, Tim will help you in and Carl will be your driver today. Thank you for flying with us, Your Highness." She curtsied.

Percy shook her hand as thanks, and I did too, and then we walked over to the basket.

"Tim?" I asked the man who was holding the ropes;

He turned his face to me. "Lady Annabeth, Prince Percy. I would shake your hands but I'm afraid I must watch these ropes."

Percy smile shaking his head. "That's quite alright."

The man who was releasing hot air looked over at us. His blonde hair was swept to the side, his blue eyes lighting up when he saw us. "Your Highnesses." I blushed at the plural. "I'm Carl, I'll be your driver today."

Tim rushed around the other side of the basket, securing a rope. He walked back to us and opened the gate of the basket and gestured for us to step in. I walked in first, Percy following behind me.

Tim shut the gate. He started to talk to Carl and then walked around the basket, untying ropes.

"Whoah," I slipped my arm around Percy's waist as the basket wobbled, nearly losing my balance.

He put his arm around my shoulders. "Are you going to be okay?" I asked him looking up at him as we slowly lifted off the ground.

He peered over the edge of the basket and jumped back, even though we were only a few meters off the ground. "Uh, um, yeah. Totally, yep, sure."

I raised my eyebrows. "How are you feeling?"

"G-Great. You?"

I turned around to face Carl who was busy driving the balloon. "Carl? What's the chance that we could die?"

Carl chuckled. "Very rare."

I turned back around to face Percy. "See Perce, rare. Very rare."

He kissed me on the forehead and turned us both around to look at the scenery around us. We were high up now, and we could see the vast green landscape below us. Little house were here and there, one with black smoke billowing out of the chimney. As we moved more towards the city, more and more house cropped up with different coloured roofs. The sky was turning into pink from the orange of before and there was a slight breeze flowing through my hair. The view took my breath away.

I wiggled out of Percy's embrace and stood next to Carl. "Who invented the hot air balloon?"

He smiled at me. "In June 1783 two French brothers made the first practical hot air balloon using a linen envelope, which is the balloon, lined with paper. But they didn't use the burners we have now, they just used a simple fire made out of wood and straw."

I soaked the information in. "How do you fly one?"

"See this here?" He pointed to a rope. "If I pull this, it will open a hole up the top of the balloon, which is called the crown. When I open it up hot air escapes and cold air rushes in-"

"-that will make the balloon go down." I finished.

He nodded. "Yep. Because I'm an experienced I can move the balloon up and down, catching air currents to move sideways."

"What-"

"Okay!" Percy spun back around facing me. "Seriously, Wise Girl? You probably already know all this."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "I didn't actually Percy. I-"

"-like to learn." He finished for me rolling his eyes. "I know. You can read up on hot air balloons when we get home and construct a ten thousand word essay on why-"

"Thank you, Carl." I smiled at Carl and stepped over to Percy slapping him on the shoulder lightly.

He chuckled and slipped his arms around my waist, and I slipped mine around his neck. I rested my head on his shoulder, looking out at the scenery, and he rested his chin on top of my head.

We stayed like that for a while in comfortable silence watching as the city started to wake up below us. I looked up at Percy and kissed him. His hands tightened around my waist as he kissed back. Happiness flooded over me, and we pulled back for air resting our foreheads together. "Thanks, Seaweed Brain."

"Only for you, Wise Girl."

Thirty minutes later Carl lightly landed the balloon back at our starting point. After thanking everyone and making sure they wouldn't call the press, we drove back to the palace.

"You know how the fourth of July is coming up?" Percy asked as we drove through the city, which was now alive with people moving around.

"Yeah?"

"I'm choosing the Elite tonight so there will only be ten of you-" My breath caught in my throat. Did he just tell me that I'm apart of the Elite indirectly? "-so I thought we could celebrate it like the Americans did before World War Three. Just the eleven of us on the rooftop, how does that sound?"

"Fun."

"Don't worry." He squeezed my thigh. "You're apart of the Elite."

I squealed and kissed him on the cheek, not wanting to distract him from driving by kissing him on the lips. "Thanks, Seaweed Brain."

He chuckled. "Stop thanking me. You deserve all of it."

I was about to mumble a thank you blushing madly but he held up his hand chuckling, stopping me from continuing.

When we got back to my room we had to part because Percy had to attend a meeting.

I kissed him on the lips as a way of saying thank you.

My maids weren't in my room so I flopped down on my bed with a dreamy smile on my face.

But it was a short-lived moment of peace as there was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" I called.

I sat up as the door entered and was surprised to see Thalia.

"Thals?" I asked.

"Hey, Annabeth. Mind if I talk to you?"

I nodded my head and patted the spot next to me for her to sit down on. She was wearing a short silver dress that had long sleeves with white converses on her feet instead of heels.

"What's up?" I asked.

She laughed. "I think you know. I just found out I'm freaking royalty. Royalty! I have a brother, two aunts, two uncles and four cousins. It's so crazy."

I smiled at her. "A good crazy though. Have you been spending time with Jason?"

Thalia nodded smiling "We caught up to about his tenth birthday. Everything major thing he can remember. He's telling his adoptive parents today and I'm going to meet them before dinner. I came to you cause you're the only one that knows."

I laid down on the bed, Thalia next to me. "That's exciting. Are you nervous?"

"Hell yes. I hope they like me."

"They have to." I laughed. "You're his sister and you're not going anywhere."

Thalia laughed too. "True."

"How do you feel about being a princess?"

Thalia groaned. "It sucks. I came here not to be a princess and now I am. They're not making me wear any more dresses though. After the Selection, it's ripped skinny jeans, band t-shirts and leather jackets."

"Have you got anyone in your life to tell?"

Before she could answer there was another knock on the door.

"Come in!"

The door opened and Luke walked in. He was in his guard uniform, "Annie-" He stopped short when he saw Thalia. "Thals?"

"Luke?" Both Thalia and I sat up straight.

We both looked at each other, "How do you know Luke?" We said at the same time.

Scarily in unison, we said, "We lived in the woods together."

Both Thalia and I bust out laughing from our in sync answers. Luke was smiling at us.

"Seriously, how do you know Luke?" Thalia asked.

"I ran away from home and we lived in the woods together," I answered.

Thalia looked over at Luke. "You've lived with two girls in the woods?"

Luke shrugged still smiling. "Annie was only 7."

"How did you two meet?"

"You know how when we meet here I told you another person came and lived with me in the woods, and then she had to leave because of an opportunity? That was Thalia."

I pouted. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Luke shrugged. "I've been busy with work?"

Thalia threw a pillow at Luke, which he dodged. "Jerk."

Luke threw the pillow back at Thalia. "Princess."

Both Thalia and I froze at Luke's word. I ask Thalia silently if she had told Luke, but she shook her head a little bit indicating no.

"What?" Luke asked suspiciously.

"Nothing," Thalia and I said, and then we threw some pillows at Luke ultimately starting a pillow fight.

Luke left first and then Thalia left to go met Jason parents. Pretty soon it was time for dinner and I sat down in my usual spot next to Piper.

"Where the Hades have you been?" She gripped my arm.

"Went on an early morning date with Percy, then Thalia and I talked in my room."

"Oh," Piper looked at her plate. "Did you have fun?"

I smiled. "Yeah. What have you been doing?"

She slapped me on the shoulder playfully, "I had a boring day in the Women's Room no thanks to you."

"Sorry, Piper." I grinned.

The Royal family entered and we started to eat dinner. I filled in Piper with more details about my date but I left out the parts about Jason and Thalia. She told me that Drew was again a piece of work.

"Excuse me, everyone," Percy stood up getting everyone's attention. "I know this may cause some panic, but please stay calm. Tonight, I'm announcing the Elite."

I knew it was mean and wrong but I smirked as I watched all the girls faces go into panic mode. Drew was staring at Percy in shock, Rachel had stopped breathing and Nancy looked like she was about to burst into tears. I locked eyes with Thalia and saw, with no surprise, that she was about to burst into laughter.

Percy looked around at all the faces and wince inconspicuously. "The following girls, I extend congratulations, you've made it to the Elite. To the other five, if you could leave and head to your rooms, your head maid will take you to your cars. The Elite are, Calypso Nightshade, Katie Gardener, Silena Beauregard, Nancy Bobofit, Thalia Grace, Reyna Avila Ramirez-Arellano, Piper McLean, Rachel Dare, Drew Tanaka and Annabeth Chase."

I breathed out a sigh of relief. I had made it into the top ten.

Ahh

Schools back. 9 weeks of term and then SUMMER HOLIDAYS!!! YASSSS

I will have exams in late November so I'll have to take a few weeks off updating cause I need to focus on my school work, but you don't need to worry about that now

Any John Green fans? Have you read his new book Turtles All The Way Down? It's fantastic !(no surprise really)

Please comment, vote and follow! Thanks so much guys. Nearly 60k reads. I never thought this day would come!!

Love you all

-Squirrel