Six months later

The Princess of Athens had a marvellous time exploring the ocean with the Son of Poseidon over the past few weeks.
They'd spent hours underwater, traversing through caves, corals and of course, doing important diplomatic work.

Annabeth smiled as she faced the sea, settling herself down on a little perch. She'd had it commissioned a few months ago. It was an oasis for both her and Percy, a place no one knew about. Where they could be themselves with the company of each other.

It had been a hectic month for her, plagued with constant stress and unending errands. She still bad a lot of work to do to undo the damage her aunt's reign had caused. Athen's economy was in turmoil, and its people were on the verge of hunger.

She was lucky however, to have powerful allies. The kingdom of Olympus, ruled by the freshly cornoated Luke and Thalia were kind enough to send her financial aid, as well as rations to distribute among herself.

Her reign was being celebrated as a new era in history, for which she was truly grateful. She'd often wondered whether her mother was looking down at her from the stars, proud of what her daughter managed to accomplish.

Her quest to restore her kingdom's glory was going to continue for years to come, but she knew she could do it. She had faith in herself.

Things were improvemt at a minuscule pace, yet her people were grateful for the change. According to her brother, her story was being heralded as local folklore. A fascinating tale of how the Princess of Athens and the son of Poseidon joined forces, ending a war and overthrowing a tyrant.

Speaking of the son of the sea....

Annabeth procured a dagger from her satchel, tossing into the sea before her. She leaned closer, watching its ripples cut through the once still waters as her bejewelled weapon sank.

She did not have to wait too long before she felt Percy's lips crash into hers without warning, sending her mind into a tailspin. She kissed him back eagerly, forgetting to breathe.

She'd missed him every waking moment now that he didn't live with her. It was almost painful to be apart from him.

From what he told her, it was equally painful for him, If not more. He'd explained to her what a power source was, and the history behind it. And what she meant to him.

It left her shocked and dazed, yet oddly pleased with the turn of events.

Because, whether he knew it or not, he'd become the source of all her strength as well.

"You dropped this," Percy rasped as they pulled apart, a light smile gracing his lips. He held up her dagger.

"I love you," Annabeth laughed, retrieving her weapon. Hearing his voice sent waves of excitement through her, a sort of giddiness she hadn't felt since she was a child. She'd grown to enjoy the feeling.

"So tell me," he asked, planting a wet kiss on her cheek, "what does my future wife require of me?"

"I suppose I just missed you," she admitted, "It's quite...quiet without you."

"It was quiet with me as well. I couldn't speak, remember?" he smirked.

"Nevermind that," Annabeth rolled her eyes, smiling, "I take it back. It's very peaceful without you"

Percy's green eyes glistened with amusement. He ducked underwater for a few moments. He then jumped onto the pier next to her, having acquired a fresh pair of legs and a loincloth wrapped tight around his waist.

After his first transformation, the pair of them realised that Percy's shift to his human form resulted in...an all natural appearance. He had since adapted to tying a firm cloth around himself before arriving on land, careful not to frighten any bystander who encountered him.

He'd gotten quite good grip over his powers. According to his mother, Sally, whom Annabeth had bonded with instantly, Percy's ability to control or manifest his capabilities improved drastically when Annabeth was around.

So, she made it a point to help him as much as she could, as he had helped her. She sat for hours on this very pier, watching Percy practice his magic as she reviewed court documents. They didn't talk much during those sessions, but they meant the world to her. His presence was comforting enough, gave her the courage to face the world.

Percy rested his head against Annabeth's lap, closing his eyes, "I cannot believe we'll be wed in a fortnight...even in my dreams I couldn't imagine I'd have such luck."

Annabeth smiled, playing with his tangled hair, "I'm the one who should thank my lucky stars for giving me you."

She watched him smile, and smiled. There was a certain peace in the air, in her soul. A feeling she'd only get when she was with him.

To usher in this new age, Percy and Annabeth, along with the blessings of Lord Poseidon decided that the best way to cement the peace treaty between land and sea, and to show both their worlds how to trust and coexist with one and other, a marriage arrangement would be ideal.

Knowing that Queen Athena herself had suggested this years prior made feel surreal. For the first time in years, Annabeth felt true happiness.

"What are you thinking of, my princess?" Percy asked, voice soft as he rested against her.

"It's all so...surreal. I feel as though I'm in heaven."

Percy's eyes flew open, "Heaven? Why do you want to be there?"

"Isn't that where happiness is supposed to be?" Annabeth questioned.

Percy was up in an instant. Before she could blink, the princess of Athens was underwater.

She could make out Percy's form changing as she blinked her eyes open. It was supposed to be quite painful, but he'd never complained once.

"Heaven is just a place on earth with you," the merman smiled, taking Princess in his arms, claiming her lips.

It was...the best underwater kiss in history

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One chapter left until the end of the story everyone!

(Posted 23/2/23- 12:14am)

Stay tuned!!
—S