The waves crashed against the towering undersea palace, sending echoes through the halls of Atlantis. The grand throne room, filled with shimmering coral columns and glowing sea plants, now bore a new atmosphere—one of anticipation and uncertainty. The Atlantean royal family had departed after the coronation, leaving Percy, Thalia, and the others to adjust to their new roles in the palace.

Percy sat on the throne, which felt far too large and regal for him. He tried to settle into the ornate, coral-carved seat, but it felt like he was playing dress-up rather than being a king. He shifted uncomfortably, glancing around the room at his friends.

Thalia stood beside him, her posture rigid and alert as she surveyed the empty hall. Even with her new crown resting atop her head, she seemed more like a warrior preparing for battle than a queen. Her gaze softened as it landed on Percy, who looked anything but confident.

“You don’t have to do it alone, you know,” she said quietly, giving him a nudge with her elbow.

Percy offered a small, wry smile. “Yeah, I know. But I never thought I’d have to do it at all.”

“None of us expected this, Percy,” Jason said, leaning against a pillar nearby, his golden armor glinting under the bioluminescent lights. “But you’ve got us. And hey, at least the crown looks good on you.”

Nico snorted softly from where he stood in the shadows, arms crossed. “Not sure if ‘looking good in a crown’ is what qualifies someone to be a king, but sure, Jason, let’s go with that.”

Will elbowed Nico, a faint glow still lingering around him from his new divine powers. “Let him have this one, Nico. It’s been a rough adjustment for all of us.”

Piper, who had been examining a mosaic depicting the ancient history of Atlantis, turned back to the group. “It’s not just about adjusting. We’ve got to figure out what comes next. The Atlanteans aren’t going to wait forever for us to make a decision. We’re running a whole kingdom now, Percy.”

Percy groaned, resting his head in his hands. “Yeah, no pressure, right?”

Thalia squeezed his shoulder. “You’ve faced worse. Remember Gaea? Kronos? Titans and giants? Atlantis is just another challenge.”

Percy looked up at her, the weight of his responsibilities heavy in his sea-green eyes. “Yeah, but back then, I was just a demigod with a sword. Now I’m supposed to be a ruler. It’s different.”

The tension in the room lingered, the enormity of their new roles pressing down on them. But then, Thalia’s lips twitched into a smirk. “Well, if you get too overwhelmed, I’m always here to shock some sense into you. Literally.”

Percy managed a chuckle, grateful for the levity she brought. “Thanks, Thalia. I’ll keep that in mind.”

The doors to the throne room creaked open, and an Atlantean messenger hurried in, bowing deeply before addressing them. “My lord, my lady,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “The people of Atlantis await your first decree. They wish to know what changes will come under your reign.”

Percy exchanged a glance with Thalia, who nodded slightly. He took a deep breath, rising from the throne. The moment he stepped forward, the ocean’s energy seemed to swell around him, giving him the strength he needed.

“Tell them that… we will maintain the traditions of Atlantis,” Percy began, trying to find his footing as he spoke. “But we will also bring new hope to the seas. We will protect those who live in the depths and those who come from above. And… we will ensure that no one has to stand alone against danger.”

The messenger nodded, his eyes wide with awe. He quickly bowed and hurried out of the room to deliver the message.

Thalia gave Percy a small nod of approval. “Not bad, Seaweed Brain.”

“I’m trying,” Percy replied with a half-smile. “I just hope it’s enough.”

They spent the rest of the day discussing the state of the kingdom, trying to familiarize themselves with the complexities of Atlantis. Maps and scrolls covered the long tables in the throne room, and they worked together to understand the city’s defenses, alliances, and economy. It was a lot to take in, but with Thalia’s strategic mind, Jason’s leadership experience, Nico’s knowledge of the Underworld, Will’s healing expertise, and Piper’s diplomacy, they made steady progress.

As night fell, they gathered in one of the palace’s private chambers, their regal clothes exchanged for more comfortable attire. Percy sat by the window, staring out at the glowing undersea landscape, still struggling to comprehend how much their lives had changed.

Thalia joined him, leaning against the window frame. “Hey,” she said, her tone softer now. “You did good today. We’ll figure this out.”

Percy nodded, his gaze distant as he watched the sea creatures glide by outside the glass. “I just hope we can keep Atlantis safe. And that we can handle whatever comes next.”

Thalia reached out, her hand brushing his shoulder. “We’ve got each other, Percy. That’s all that matters. We’ll face whatever comes—together.”

Percy finally allowed himself to relax a little, leaning into the comfort of her presence. Despite the uncertainty of the future, he knew she was right. They had faced impossible challenges before, and this time, they had the power of gods and the bonds of friendship to carry them through.

Whatever the future held for them as rulers of the sea, they were ready to face it—together.