(Annabeth dress above🔝 because describing it is vague )

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"Nothing brings on jealousy like happiness and laughter."

- Anonymous.

"Insecure people only eclipse your sun because they're jealous of your daylight and tired of their dark, starless nights."
― Shannon L. Alder

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Annabeth was sitting with the other Privileged before lunch.

"You are a witch", says Drew looking at Annabeth.

Annabeth is lost. Drew wasn't rude to her before, why is she now?, "Excuse me?"

"You heard her, what did you say to Percy huh? Using your friendship to eliminate people now? You want the throne, don't you?", asks Katie.

Katie now? What happened?

"Katie, not you too, you don't seriously think that do you?", asks piper, "If there is anyone here who is genuinely only in it for the Prince then it is Annabeth"

Drew scoffs.

"What happened?", asks Annabeth.

Piper rolls her eyes at Drew. "Some idiots think that you got Marcy Hills and few others eliminated. Marcy Hills mainly."

"Which she did", says Drew.

Calypso is looking stern next to Annabeth. "Prince Percy eliminated 10 people. You can't point fingers at everyone just because random facts connect. I say she was probably being rude in general", then she turns to Annabeth, "but that said, Prince Percy eliminated 10 people and it hasn't even been a week yet. I wonder why."

Annabeth frowns at her. "What are you implying?"

"Nothing"

Piper comes forward, "Whose side are you on?"

"No one's"

Piper talks again. "Stella was the one who trolled Annabeth anyway and she is still on the table."

Tracy says in anger, "Maybe this was her way of warning us. Real low though, eliminating an eight. Must have been easy for you, right?"Something seems to flash in her eyes.

"What? I didn't even know she was an eight. Why would I care about caste here? If we leave, we leave here as twos anyway"

"Does that make it easier for you then? Do you find it as some twisted sort of mercy because you're gonna get him in the end anyways?", she retorts.

WHAT?

Annabeth face twists in anger. "WHAT KIND OF A PERSON DO YOU SERIOUSLY THINK I AM?", she challenges, voice absolutely not lady like and words filled with venom.

She doesn't see Miss. Willow staring at her.

"I'm the one who persuaded Percy to persuade Queen Sally to sign the EE & FLTW schemes in between war situation on east wings eight years ago!"

Tracy looks taken aback. "You--You did?"

Drew rolls her eyes. "What crap are you making up now Annie? What the hell is EFW- ah, whatever... Some idiotc scheme doesn't change what you are now."

Clarisse defends Annabeth. "It is the Equal Education AND Fair Land Taxes and Work scheme. AND IT IS NOT STUPID. Of course YOU won't care about something like this being a two."

Tracy looks down, "EE scheme is the reason my brother and I could complete school. We were broke. We couldn't afford schools. FLTW is the reason my brother has work now. We lost our parents in the war", she looks at Annabeth, "Can you tell me one line from any of the schemes?"

Piper says,"Tracy that was years ago, how do you expect her to remember something like that?"

But Annabeth has already started speaking. "EE's head statement is 'Whether born a royal, priest, noble, guard, farmer, miner, worker or not, Whether born in hands of the rich and influential or the poor and needy, Whether interested in Arts, Science, Language or History --"

Clarisse finishes, "-- Born in this land, you are entitled a choice path for thee. My gosh, you really aren't kidding, are you?"

Almost everyone at the table glances at Annabeth some in disbelief, some in awe, some in surprise and some in vengeance.

______________

Later during lunch,

Queen addresses them, "Congratulations on making it to the Privileged. The ordered seating pattern is only for the day. Eliminated will be leaving today. Miss. Willow will inform you about the changes in the routine."

Miss. Willow continues, "Etiquette classes will start now that you are in the top 25. You will be tested on history, etiquette and strategic thinking. The next elimination will not be for another three weeks --", some girls let out a breath at that," -- but those who are not able to cope up with the pressures of her majesty's life will slowly be eliminated overtime. Although you are now The Privileged, you will still be referred to as The Selected by many so do not take any offence on that. "

The maids start placing the food when Jason comes inside the room and bows, "My apologies for interrupting, Perc--Prince, --", both Tyson and Percy look, "Lady Athena told me that she is expecting the construction report back. She told she needs to make a decision by evening." He passes a file to Percy.

Shit, I forgot.

Percy's eyes widen and he puts a hand on his forehead,"Shi--, Ahem...okay. I'll take care of it", he nods to him and turns to Rachel, "Lady Rachel, please exchange seats with Lady Annabeth."

Everybody stare as they exchange seats. Sally and Estelle are now sitting in between Percy and Annabeth. Percy passes the file to Annabeth. " That's the reason and reconstruction project for the collapsed bridge. Council Woman Athena marked the points that need to be verified by you...", he looks around.

"I get it. I'll do it as soon as I get to my room."

He looks at his family. "Actually... Will it be okay if she does it now? Athena is a harsh critic, she won't take the delay lightly", he looks apologetic.

Percy's grandpa who is the eldest royal looks at him,"Where is my Percy who used to have food fights in the royal dinner?", Percy blushes,"Honestly Percy, you thought we'd be mad?"

"Well it isn't exactly a normal day for us..."

Since selection started. But he skips that part.

Annabeth looks at Paul for confirmation and he nods. She opens the file and starts reading the plan. "Why does this start directly with the materials. Where is the sketch?", she asks Percy.

"Ah... I think I shoved it in-between...",he scratches his neck.

Annabeth shakes her head at him and starts searching. All the Selected stare at Annabeth.

"Okay Ladies. Why don't we do foods today? Percy, I like anything blue but I love my mom's blue pancakes most. Oh yeah, skip 23--", he gestures to Annabeth, "22 please"

Around five minutes later, Annabeth interrupts the conversation,"Prince, the numbers don't make sense. Using only 7000 tons of steel isn't strong enough, the tensile strength doesn't match, then there is atmospheric pressure and bending effects --"

Percy looks blank, "Translation requi-"

King Paul interrupts, "Percy why don't you sit next to Lady Annabeth and discuss it in silence. Let us talk to the ladies."

Can I?

Percy takes one look at his father and all the Selected then nods. He shifts seats and plates with Estelle and makes space in between his and Annabeth's plate to keep the file.

Around 5 minutes into the conversation, Percy realises that Annabeth doesn't expect him answer at all. The he notices her empty plate and decides he'd at least fill it. He notices several eyes on him but he keeps his mind on doing something for the sake of sitting here at least.

After he is done, he calls Annabeth and asks her to eat before starting to eat himself. She says okay and goes back to the files. Percy joins in on the table conversations again and talks to a few girls.

After about 10 more minutes, he realises that Annabeth hasn't started eating yet. "Lady Annabeth, please eat" He takes her fork and waves it in front of her eyes.

"Huh? Yeah", comes his reply and she slowly starts cutting her meat with one hand.

Rachel picks up a conversation with him and he figures Annabeth wants some alone time anyway. So he talks to her about her paintings and interests and a few more join in the conversation.

He feels closer to the girls now that he is actually sitting with them.

He notices subtle flirty comments but he decides to ignore it or dodge it. Another 10 minutes later when 4 girls get up together to leave, he notices that one girl particularly is staring right at him.

No she is staring right at Annabeth.

Percy frowns and looks at her. He chuckles but it doesn't have any mirth. Annabeth has maybe taken five spoons till now. "Wise girl seriously! Do you want me to feed you?"

Paul looks up at his comment and Sally is lifting one eyebrow. Miranda and Edward are looking at each other like one just lost a bet to another. Tyson's look translates to "Smooth brother".

Estelle jumps in her seat, "Feed me!".

Annabeth blushes and looks at Percy.

He just revealed her nickname to the entire Selected.

Maybe they didn't really think it was a nickname but the comment itself is embarrassing enough.

She eats properly after that.

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Annabeth isn't sure if it is all in her head or if Miss. Willow is really trying to find a fault, one fault, any fault in her cutlery placement.

Their first lesson wasn't hard. Well... not for Annabeth who has seen and done it a million times now. They were given instructions on arrange a table in a formal diner. Annabeth knew in her heart that no matter if Willow rushed the lesson or just didn't care to correct her deliberate mistake when they were doing trial runs, that she would get it right. With everyone else learning or doing it for the first time, errors were bound to happen.

Especially because of her slightly incomplete lesson.

Miss. Willow is staring at her arrangement for at least two minutes now. They were placed in 5 X 5 rows and Annabeth somehow found herself at the centre.

Annabeth smiles sweetly at her and she walks to Piper muttering a "Hmm..".

After a while, when the session is done, she calls Annabeth over.

"How long have you stayed in the palace Lady Annabeth?"

"Since I was 18. I have come here before it though."

"Hmm... And what can you tell me about the girls?"

"The girls? As in the Selected? I don't know them much to judge miss. All I know is that we don't really know everyone's story. People have their own reasons to do what they choose."

"No complaints?"

"Sometimes we are too competitive or jealous but I guess that much is expected out of the Selected", she chuckles.

"Why do you want to be in the Selection?"

"Percy. That's why."

"Elaborate"

"Percy is my best friend. I would be with him through anything. He would too. It is how we are. No matter the results", she says confidently.

"And what if he chose someone else?"

"I admit. It would break my heart. I can't keep away from him though. We'll go back to friends again. Eventually."

"Bit more honesty is welcome Annabeth. What do you see in Percy? He is nothing if you remove the Prince title"

Annabeth frowns. "What? What do you mean he is nothing without the Prince title? He is the most loyal, friendly, pure, just person I know. Oh... I forgot! Of course YOU don't see it because your eyes are covered with all the lies that media feeds you!"

"Dismissed"

"Huh?"

"I. Said. Dismissed"

Annabeth walks out still having a frown on her face.

Piper is waiting for her outside.

"What was that about?"

"No idea. Is it just me or is she extra spiteful to me?"

"I think that is because she sees potential in you", Piper wiggles her eyebrows. "Hey... I know this is a weird question to ask... But.. have you ever been on dates with Percy?"

"Percy? Huh? First name now?"

"Your influence"

"No. We have never been on dates. I think we have done may things though, over the years. So shoot. What do you wanna know?"

Annabeth thought she won't give others her ideas. She doesn't know what it is about Piper but she finds herself being open around her.

"How is he?"

"Meaning?"

"Is he nice? Is he flirty? Arrogant?"

"Hmm.. he is mostly nice. There is an arrogant side though. I think being a Prince in that authority figure does that to him. Tip, friendliness gets you past his arrogant side. He'll tease you once he is comfortable with you so I guess it can come off as flirting at times. Overall, he is fun"

"He sounds like a dream Prince"

Sometimes.

"This is the part where I disconnect. I'm his best friend and going gaga for him hasn't exactly started yet"

Piper smirks, "Hasn't exactly started yet?"

"What? I'm also in the Selection. I'm allowed to gaga over the Prince!"

Jason comes over just then. "Well look who we have here. The one who almost broke my arm because everyone was trying to get Percy jealous"

Piper freezes where she is when Jason slowly takes her hand and kisses her knuckles. "I'm Jason Grace. Nice to meet you"

Annabeth rolls her eyes. "Don't worry, it isn't considered treason for him"

Piper blushes.

Jason smirks ,"Definitely not when I have carried her all across the hallway in Percy's presence."

"Huh?"

"It was a game which was manipulated by the Stoll brothers", explains Jason.

"The who now?",asks Piper.

"Hmm.. what do you say Jason? Should we introduce her to the gang?"

Jason looks surprised. "You sure?"

"Let us start small", says Annabeth. "Come on, Piper! You have new people to meet."

.......

The easy way to let Piper get introduced to half the gang is to walk into the guards area. So Annabeth decides not to do that.

Not just yet.

So they walk her to the garden to introduce her to Silena. Only, when they arrive, they realise that Charles, Leo and Percy are all there, chatting.

"What is the traitor doing with two of Percy's Selected?", asks Leo.

Jason replies, "Annabeth thought of introducing Piper to the gang"

Percy raises an eyebrow at Annabeth. "Really Wise girl? The last time you introduced someone to the gang was...", he trails off.

"Never", Jason finishes.

Percy stretches his hand out, "If you wanted to meet me, you just had to wait for a while. I'm planning on taking people on dates anyway", he winks at Piper who blushes.

Charles starts,"How many times have we agreed on keeping the Selection out of the gang?"

Silena, "Is that even possible with the future King and Queen of Ichor right here denying feelings for each other?"

Percy ignores them, "--- But all things aside, I'm crown Prince Perceus Jackson of Ichor but I swear, if you ever call me Perseus, I'll never talk to you again"

Everyone but Piper say "Perseus"

Piper shakes his hand and gestures between Percy and Annabeth. "Wise girl. That's a nickname then?"

"Yes and I call him Seaweed Brain--"

Percy cuts her, "For which she'll tell you the story later. Now if you excuse me, I have a report to attend", he sighs.

Percy starts leaving and Annabeth follows. Once they're out of eyesight, she wordlessly intertlocks their fingers. Percy looks up. "It is gonna be fine okay? You are doing great", she gets on her tip toes and kisses him on the forehead.

He sighs again,"What do I tell them?"

"That you were following your heart"

When Annabeth comes back, everyone have finished introductions.

Leo whistles, "Something is going on between you two, isn't it? Any smoochy-smoochy action?", he makes a kissing face.

Annabeth finds it weird that Piper smirks at her.

They are supposed to be competitive.

"What is happening is that Percy is about to announce to the entire world that he just eliminated 10 people in a week", says Annabeth.

"Oh, that can't be good."

"So guys, what do we have planned for the day? Jason shouldn't you be with Percy now?", asks Silena.

"Yes. I'm leaving. Leo, follow. I'll see you around Lady Piper"

Annabeth finds Piper still a little jittery around him.

Charles speaks up, "He is just messing with you. People find it very amusing to make each other flustered, jealous or angry here. Not to mention flirt with the Selected without being scolded by the Prince."

"Oh", she sounds disappointed.

Silena catches Annabeth's eyes and mouths "ORANGE". Annabeth nods.

Silena, "Come on girl, let us show you around the palace... well.. upto the second floor anyways"

Piper is a good friend. She doesn't get dramatic like others do. She doesn't get jealous either. She has never proven anytime before that she is a threat and to top it off, she is genuinely nice.

But, orange, yeah. Just like Luke but that wasn't Annabeth's say.

She tells herself that it is time to put the Selection behind and see Piper as her friend.

Later that day, Piper gets asked to a date by Percy.

Percy's first date.

Annabeth tries not to sound too off when Piper insists they eat at the back and whisper screams the entire story to her. She replies with equal enthusiasm and doesn't let her smile flatter once.

Am I being selfish here to want to be his first date?

Or am I just jealous and competitive?