Annabeth's POV

I loo out my window and see that Percy is riding a horse with the red haired girl he was laughing with earlier. A sour taste enters my mouth. I try to swallow it down. I turn the page in my book, trying to get lost into it again. It doesn't work.

I release a sigh and I set my book on the table beside my bed. My date with Percy isn't until eight tonight. I guess I thought I was special, being able to go on a date with the Prince. But I suppose he asked most girls on one. There is nothing special about me.

I lay back on my bed, ignoring the uncomfortable seams of my dress. They should really look into making these more comfortable.

I stand up and look around my room for something to do. I see nothing. Seeing no better option, I open my door to find the Women's Room. Almost immediately, I hear whispers coming from the hall. I quickly close my door.

"...and did you hear that after breakfast, six girls got eliminated? That's harsh, especially since they just got here. I can't believe that the prince just eliminated six of them. There's only 29 girls left!"

"It sort of makes me worried. I mean, what if we're next?"

"Oh don't worry, Sarah. It'll be a while before the next elimination occurs. Let's go find a cute guard."

Giggles fade down the hall and I open my door again. No one is in sight. I walk down the hall, seeing no one. Where is everyone?

As if answering my question, foot steps are behind me.

"Excuse me, m'am, but you are not supposed to be here," a guard tells me.

"And why not?" I answer, glaring at him. He swallows nervously and looks at the ground.

"Um, because you're supposed to be, erh, outside with everyone else?"

"What?"

"Someone was supposed to send a note to your room, did you not receive it?"

"No, I didn't. I guess I'll go now."

"Allow me to escort you, Lady Annabeth."

"How do you know my- oh wait, right. The pins."

"Yes. This way."

The guard walks briskly down the hall, takes a left, and I see a door that leads outside. The guard bows to me. I return a small curtsy and walk outside.

Everyone is drinking tea and eating tea sandwiches. I see Prince Percy talking to the girl with frizzy red hair and I feel a wave of coldness.

Prince Percy sees me and gives me a wink. My face turns red as he walks over.

"Hey. I was wondering if you would ever show up," he says, sounding slightly concerned.

"Sorry, I never received a notice that lunch would be held outside. But a guard found me and led me here."

Percy frowns and his eyebrows knit together. It's cute, in a way, that he was worried about me and my well being.

"But I sent yours first. You should have received it half an hour ago. I'll have to talk to the maid I sent-"

"Really, it's fine. I'm here now. It's not like being late is the worst thing in the world."

"Still, I wish that you didn't have to be late and have to go through that."

"I didn't go through anything, Percy-"
I cover my mouth. "I meant Prince Percy, Prince Percy."

His eyes twinkle a bit in the sun. "It's fine. Call me Percy. Just don't tell anyone else."

I nod. 

"See you tonight?" He asks.

"Of course."

"I'll be looking forward to it."

Percy leaves me standing there, astounded and at a loss of words.

A/N

Sorry it wasn't all that great and it was short, but the next chapter is the date, and that'll be big. Thanks for all the support!