Hey everyone!

I know this chapter was posted a little late..........alright a lot late, but I made up for that by making it extra long!

It has proceeded the usual 1000 words.

Word count: 3040

Hope you all enjoy!

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I woke up Thursday morning to the sight of my maids scurrying around.

"Good morning girls" I said rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

"Morning miss" Bella said her voice just above a whisper.

"Is everything alright" I asked getting out of bed.

It was Thursday, Christmas Eve, usually the staff were more cheerful than possible but something seemed off.

"Oh everything is fine Annabeth, why don't we get you ready for the day it is Christmas Eve after all." Her cheerful tone sounded faker than Athens ski lodge snow.

I couldn't figure out why, which was annoyed me to no end.

After the bath the girls did my hair and I was on my way.

As I walked down the hallways to the dinning room I saw all the guards missing from their usual posts.

First my maids were acting off and now the guards are gone, in the pit of my stomach I knew something bad was going to happen.

But what, I didn't know; but you could bet your sweet gluteus maximus I was going to find out.

At breakfast I saw how the royals kept looking at the staff and around like they were afraid someone was going to storm the castle.

Besides that everything was going fairly well until a loud piercing scream brought everyone to their feet.

"Its alright ladies, nothing to worry about" Queen Sally's reassurance fell onto deaf ears as all the girls followed the royals out of the room and towards the sound.

What we came to made some girls turn away and puke.

A guard's body lay dead at the end of the selected hall.

Suzy, Rachels maid, stood over him sobbing.

At this point I was in front with the royals observing the scene.

I heard Percy mutter something that made my stomach drop.

"Not again."

*____________time skip____________*

"Not again" I growled at my best friend.

"What in the god's name do you mean not again."

After all the selected where herded away from the scene Percy and Jason tried to defuse the questions and assure us there was nothing to worry about.

But after what I had just heard, I was not about to let it go.

As we were leaving I grabbed his hand and dragged him to the nearest deserted hallway.

"Annabeth....I truly don't know what you're talking about." The prince said rubbing the back of his neck.

"Perseus Achilles Jackson I swear to Olympus if you lie to me one more time I will tell the royal prophet that you used to run around the castle with minotaur undies on your head singing under the sea until you where 6." I threatened.

"You wouldn't."

"You really want to bet."

"I can't tell you Anna."

"Why not?" I said choosing to ignore what he called me.

"Because it's dangerous and puts you in danger." Percy said crossing his arms.

"Percy if it puts me in danger don't you think I deserve to know, and besides you know that I will try to figure it out on my own which could be even more dangerous." I knew I hit a nerve.

"Fine, I'l tell you but you have to promise not to tell a soul." He said looking down almost ashamed.

"I swear."

"Alright, a few nights ago one of the guards came in my room informing me a guard had been killed in the middle of the night and a message was left. Paul was already down stairs reading the note. It said how there is an insider giving the Northern rebels information. We still don't know who it is. They said that if you weren't handed over to them that more guards would die. This would only stop if we handed you over or if the mole was found. They said we had until the last stroke of midnight on Christmas or the castle will be under attack."

I was so shocked I couldn't speak.

I knew something like this was going to happen but I never thought it would be about me.

"So whats the plan?" I asked regaining my voice.

"Plan? What plan? Do you seriously think we are going to negotiate with them and hand you over?!" Percy said standing up looking madder than I had possibly ever seen "Think Wise Girl. You're so smart yet you think I would ever let this happen to you. No, never I care to much about you to ever let something like this happen. Gods some may even say love!"

"I..I never said you would let this....me" gods Annabeth pull yourself together you look like a fool.

"I never thought that you would hand me over Seaweed Brian I mean...wait did...did you say love?"

I was about to question him further when Leo came running down the hall. Talk about saving the day, not.

"Hey lovebirds sorry to cut this short but Percy man you're needed in the war room, everyone has already gathered."

He looked at me sheepishly "Sorry Annie but no scary blondes."

I knew it was a joke but I couldn't help keep the glare off my face.

"Right right I ruined the moment. Gotta work on that, but that is for another time come on man."

And just like that he was going back in the direction he came from being trailed by an almost to happy looking Jackson.

I slid onto the floor trying to process all that happened.

My mind was going a mile a second. Why were the rebels after me, who's the mole, and did Percy actually say he likes scratch that he LOVES me.

Gods I need a nap. I got up dusted off my dress and headed to my room hoping to get some peace.

I wanted to know more but that would just confuse me even more.

I woke up after noon closer to dinner with a semi-clear mind.

At least my pounding headache was gone.

I rolled out of the bed, quickly flattening my hair, and headed to the dinning hall.

After sitting down I realized Catherine was missing along with Rose.

I badly wanted to assume they were the moles, but I didn't have enough evidence to prove anything.

Besides the King and Queen would have already figured that out, right?

Dinner was unusually quiet. All that could be heard was the sound of utensils clinking and drinks being placed.

"If I can have everyone's attention please." Sally said standing up. The room fell into a dead hush.

"As you all know Officer Hawthorne was found dead this morning, I know this is scary and that some of you may know him but I can assure you that everything is fine. The castle is taking special measures that insure all you safety. The annual Christmas Ball will continue as planned. If there are any questions feel free to ask them now since it is your only and last chance." The look in her eye held a finality like no one should question her but someone did.

Mya raised her hand and spoke "I don't see how better security measures will insure our safety when they didn't do anything for Nancy. Also Officer Hawthorne patrolled where we stay. That could have easily been one of us again."

This time Percy spoke "I understand the confusion and I do remember you were fairly close with Lady Bobofit. Her death and all others were tragic and should never have happened. But rest assured you are all safe."

"Yeah right" Mya said standing up "I'm outage if any of you had half a brain you would leave too." She looked at us and left.

Everyone sat their in shock. She was one of the main contenders and very vocal on her "nearing win". Though it did make sense. Everyone was dismissed soon after.

Walking back to the selection hall I saw Mya hugging a teary-eyed Rose.

"Don't worry I'll come back for the wedding just nab a Prince, okay." She said before picking up her suitcase and leaving.

It was Christmas Eve and the numbers dropped again. 'Gods give us a normal Christmas' I pray before falling into a deep slumber.

Waking up was not a piece of cake but when you have 3 overly excited maids it makes the process faster.

I groggily rubbed the sleep out of my eyes as they worked on my hair.

"Now the ball is tonight so come back after lunch so we can start getting you ready." Lily said with a tone almost as cheerful as jiggle bells.

I smiled and bid the girl good day before heading to the hall.

As I walked down the corridors my mind had officially woken up and was running overtime trying to piece the information I received yesterday.

Looking around I realized that it was like Christmas Spirit had taken ahold of the castle and forced its presence to be known.

Everyone was joking and laughing have a grand ole time, it was like none of the events that took place just hours ago didn't even happen.

I knew it would be best to let this go and enjoy today but I couldn't.

The royals, crown, and my life were all at stake and I didn't have a single clue who the mole was.

I served the girls, watching their expressions and movements hoping to see a crack, a tell, something, but no.

Sighing I started to eat wondering if maybe Mya was the spy.

But even as the thought crossed my mind I knew it was foolish to even think that. Why would a spy leave on her own accord.

I had barely touched my plate once breakfast was over but I could care less.

While I was on my way back to my room I heard a voice coming down a deserted hallway.

Now usually I would have ignored it and kept on my path except this voice was familiar and seemed to be arguing with someone so I followed it.

Quieter than a mouse I made my way to the wall hoping to hear them better.

"What do you mean you want out you can't it's impossible and not allowed and you know it girly." This voice was one I had never heard before. It was deep and gravely.

"You don't understand!" The other voice pleaded "I never wanted this! I didn't have a choice! You forced me to do this!"

This voice was higher, girl like, sounding somewhat like Selina. No that's impossible, she is sweet and could never be a spy. Right it's not her and whatever this conversation is, is none of my business.

Sadly I was once again proven wrong when the deep voice said "Oh quit with your complaining  Beauregard! You never had to join."

"Yes because I was about to let you kill the love of my life, you gave me no choice. And anyway you rebels got what you wanted so the deal is done I'm free." Selina said with a gut wrenching desperation in her voice.

"You and I both know you are only done when the big guy says so." The deep voice said with a tone that seemed to end the conversation. "You know you can't tell anyone or they will have you head."

"I know." She sighed defeatedly.

I stood there in shock at what I just heard.

I heard the sound of heavy boots move away until you couldn't hear them at all and then a sob broke out.

I walked around the wall I was behind to find Selina crumbed on the floor tears streaming down her face as sobs continuously racked her body.

I rushed forward and embraced her. Cooing and holding her in my arms as she sobbed like there was no tomorrow.

"I'm sorry...I'm so so so sorry." She said between tears.

"I know Selina."

We sat there until she had cried all the tears out.

When she finished she looked at me with sad, broken eyes relaying a silent message.

I helped her up and we went back to the selected rooms.

Once we had entered her room and the door was locked she spoke.

"So I'm guessing you heard all that." She said looking down and twisting the fabric of her dress which was a nervous habit I've seen her do before.

"Selina-" before I could say anything  she cut me off.

"I didn't have a choice, they threatened my family and Charlie. I never wanted to and the information I gave them they already knew. And I know that this is horrible especially with all the deaths happening but you need to know and believe me I had nothing to do with them. I have been working with the Southern rebels."

"Selina I believe you and I understand, but you need to tell Percy. There is a mole here and if they find out on their own about you the repercussions will be even worse." I took her hand giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I know Annabeth, and I am going to once you leave."

She than sprung up and captured me in a bone crushing hug.

"This is in case I won't be able to see you late. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend Annabeth."

I hugged her back and stayed that way until my arms went numb.

I walked back to my room with my mind racing again.

I knew Selina couldn't have been the mole since she was "working" with the Southern Rebels. Now the real question is who is the true Mole in the Selection.

*____________time skip____________*

The sun had already set as I finished wrapping my presents.

I had presents for all the royals, Piper, and Selina if she was going to be there.

I wasn't sure what to get my maids so I decided, against my better judgment, to give them each a homemade pass that they could dress me up however they wanted for the day and I couldn't complain. I just know they will have a field day with that one.

I opened up a book and read for a while until my door banged open.

Michelle had a long, black, garment bag draped over her arms.

"I'm so sorry we are late, there was a lose thread that pulled unraveling the hem" Lily said looking at her shoes embarrassed.

"Oh it's no problem at all." I told them

They quickly got to work curling, twisting, pulling, and pinning my hair.

They put on some natural makeup after zipping up the dress.

As always I was in awe of their skin and hugged them tight.

"Thank you so much girls. I have a little something here for you since it's Christmas." I told them smiling and watching as they each open the wrapping paper.

Bella's eyes lit up once she read what it said.

"Are you serious" Michelle asked.

"Of course" I heard the clock sound signaling that the ball would start soon, "Well good night girls, see you in the morning."

I walked down the stairs to the ballroom where I was met with the twinkling lights and stunning decorations.

Walking around I saw Piper looking stunning and laughing at something Jason had said.

I took a small plate with few appetizers and walked over to a empty table.

The camera crew had already started filming and were most likely live streaming this event to the whole nation.

The doors creaked open to reveal Selina.

I ran over to her quickly wrapping her in a tight hug.

"Oh my gods Selina what are you doing here." I asked after pulling back.

"Well I told Percy about the whole situation and that I would leave right away, but him being the wonderful person he is told he to stay for the ball and save my goodbyes for tomorrow."

"Oh Selina I'm thrilled. You dress is stunning, very sparkly." I laughed lightly.

"Well I thought if I'm going to leave might as well go all out for my last ball as a selected."

Everyone was having a grand ole time dancing to the music and stuffing our faces with castle delicacies.

I saw Rachel dancing with one of the guards though every so often she would gaze over to the royals obviously looking at Percy.

Looking around I realized there was a common theme with the outfits.

Everyone was wearing either green or red except for the Jackson's who were all wearing blue.

I mentally made a note to ask my maids about it.

Percy came up half way through the night asking me to dance.

We spun around and laughed for what felt like hours.

When a slow song came on I expected him to pull away and dance with another girl but quit the opposite happened.

He pulled me closer and rested a hand on my waist taking my other in his.

I looked over at the other couples on the dance floor.

They all seemed to be in the same position as the prince and I except for Calypso.

She was dancing, rather reluctantly might I add, with an over enthusiastic Leo.

He had a huge smile on his lips and looked to keep whispering things in her ears making her roll her eyes.

My silent laugh caught Percy's attention when he too looked over at the scene.

"Leo looks rather happy." I joked.

"Yeah well Calypso looks the opposite." He replied before spinning me around once more.

We were having a wonderful time before the sound of glass shattering surrounded us.

Everyone started screaming and freaking out.

The ballroom had been broken into which meant  we had to leave immediately.

All the girls started running out the room with the Royal families right behind.

As I turned a corner to find a safe room a hand reached over and grabbed me pulling me into a room.

My first instinct was to fight. So I did just that.

I elbowed the person in the gut turning around and grabbing their arm twisting it behind their back.

But the person who stood in front of me shocked me to my core.

"Rose"