Percy POV

Percy was in a daze. Annabeth looked beautiful when she was with him. Her princess curls so wavy, making him want to twirl them on his fingertip.

Percy tapped his finger on his desk in the meeting room, bored and alone with his thoughts. It's been two days since he had seen Annabeth. He was packed with so many meetings and with Rachel's arrival.

Tomorrow is when Rachel would officially move in. He would have to deal with it - but he knew he could never love her. Annabeth is what made him happy - and he didn't care if that was too cheesy. How could he marry someone he didn't love?

Being in a royal family is always tough. Princes and princess being forced into a marriage that they aren't happy with. They never get to experience true love, and that's what makes everything depressing.

It wasn't fair that the arranged marriage had to happen to him. His father and mother found each other and get to experience true love. Why can't he?

"Prince Perseus, please report to the main ballroom." The intercom went off, and Percy got off his desk with a tired sigh.

When Percy entered the ballroom, he found the red head speaking with his mother and father. Percy walked appropriately for a Prince, and put on a fake smile.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Dare." Percy took Rachel's hand and kissed it.

"Good afternoon, Prince Perseus." Rachel smiled, her green eyes twinkling.

Percy released her hand and looked at his parents. "Good afternoon, your Majesties."

Percy mocked bowed in front of them then stood up with a grin. Queen Sally was holding back a laugh. King Poseidon however did not think it was funny.

"Percy, as you know, Rachel will be moving in today. You will spend the rest of your time with her, and make her feel comfortable." King Poseidon said sternly.

Percy hated the idea. He was hoping he could see Annabeth today at the library, to make up his absence for the last two days.

"Fine." Percy grumbled.

He turned to Rachel and took her hand.

"Farewell, son." King Poseidon walked away with Queen Sally, and Percy was left with Rachel.

"Look, I know you aren't happy with me. But can we at least try?" Rachel spoke up, raising an eyebrow.

"Fine. Alright." Percy led her to the garden, the most beautiful place in the Palace.

"Woah." Rachel gawked as they walked through the garden.

"Yep." Percy smirked and brought her to the center of the garden. There was a beautiful white bench there, and around it were different kinds of flowers.

They sat down as Rachel continued gawking.

"Oh gods, I should draw this. It would be beautiful for my art gallery!" Rachel said excitingly.

"Wait, you can draw?" Percy asked.

"Duh. It's a hobby. It's like my connection to the world. Maybe I can give you painting lessons." Rachel smiled.

"Sounds great." Percy smiled.

She's not too bad, Percy thought.

Rachel smiled and Percy and he smiled back. Maybe he could get to know her better and find her inner core. Then he won't have to complain.

"So, is there lunch? Because I have to tell you, I have a big appetite." Rachel rubbed her stomach.

Percy laughed. He thought of a place to eat, and finally came up with a special place.

"There's a special pizzeria I know of. I went there with a friend before." Percy suggested.

The Pizzeria that Percy took Annabeth to was the perfect option. But there was one problem. How could he get there without being noticed by Annabeth? He couldn't let her know his true identity.

But he'll just have Jason and Frank protect him.

"Pizza? Yes!" Rachel got up and smiled widely as Percy led the way.

They walked back into the palace, and he went to find Jason and Frank. He found them guarding the front doors of the Palace.

"Yo, Jason! Frank!" Percy called from inside.

They turned their heads, and they groaned when Percy made his way towards them.

"What? Don't want to see me?" Percy faked being hurt and put his hand on his chest.

"Nah, it's just your probably going to ask us to do something for you. We were going to play cards after this shift." Jason complained.

"Well, you're right. I'm going out in the city with Rachel to a Pizzeria. Need some protection."

"Alright, fine." Frank groaned.

Rachel smiled as Percy led her towards the horse stables.

"Hey Rachel, ready for some horse riding to the Pizzeria?" Percy asked.

"Of course." Rachel looked through the stable, and picked out a black Stallion.

"That's Blackjack. He's my horse. We'll just ride together." Percy smiled as he went up to Blackjack.

"Hey, buddy." Percy patted his neck.

The horse let out a whine.

"No, I didn't bring any sugar cubes, sorry bud." Percy sighed as he got the horse ready.

The horse let out a neigh.

"Don't call me boss, it's annoying." Percy climbed onto Blackjack, and held out his hand for Rachel.

She gladly accepted it, and mounted the horse.

"Seems like you can read Horse." She laughed.

"Blackjack and I just have a good connection." Percy patted the horses neck and ruffled his hair.

The horse let out a whine and shook it's head.

"Alright, alright. C'mon buddy." Percy let out a clicking sound and Black jack started leaving the stables.

Soon, Blackjack started galloping through the streets, and exited the Palace's doors. Jason and Frank were on their horses right behind them, guarding Percy from any danger.

As they entered the busy streets of Crete, the citizens gasped at the sight of their Prince. They bowed in respect, which bothered Percy.

As Blackjack trotted in the streets, Percy searched for Annabeth. He didn't want her to figure out his identity or she would leave him. He spotted the library and Blackjack trotted towards it, since it was in the route to the Pizzeria.

He looked through the windows, and spotted Annabeth frowning at the seat across from her. She looked upset and distressed, which made Percy's heart ache. He wanted to ditch Rachel and run to Annabeth to console her.

He saw a tear fall from her face, and Percy restrained himself from leaving the horse. It was the hardest thing for him to watch Annabeth all alone.

But then her face turned and looked out the window. She looked at the horse then made eye contact with Percy. She squinted her eyes as Percy stared back.

"Percy?" Rachel tilted her head.

Percy broke the gaze and looked at Rachel.

"Yeah?"

"You okay?"

"Yeah." He sighed.

He looked back to the library, only to find Annabeth gone. He sighed as Blackjack trotted away from the library. When they reached the Pizzeria, Percy helped Rachel get off the horse. Jason and Frank took care of the horses as Percy entered the Pizzeria.

The fresh smell of Pizza filled the air, making Rachel's mouth water.

The workers of the Pizzeria widened their eyes.

"Prince Perseus! What a nice surprise! And a wonderful lady to accompany you. Please, pick any table you would like." The owner of the Pizzeria welcomed him.

"Nice to see you too, Luis." Percy was great friends with the owner, and he was glad Luis didn't notice him when he came with Annabeth.

As they sat in a booth next to a window, Rachel was immediately looking at the menu.

"Eager now, are we?" Percy chuckled.

"I'm starving! You can't blame me." Rachel pouted as she continued looking through the menu.

Percy though she looked cute when she pouted. Was he judging her too fast? Maybe giving her a chance won't be so bad.

As Percy laughed with Rachel about his jokes, he noticed blonde hair in the corner of the window.

He looked at the window, and saw the quick movement of a person with blonde hair run from the window.

He shrugged and continued talking with Rachel.

He was having a good time.

-oOo

Uh Oh. Uh Oh. Uh Oh.

Perachel coming in like a wrecking ball.

Poor Annabeth. We'll figure out what she thinks in the next chapter. Thanks for reading!

Comment, vote, and ENJOY!

Peace Out

-DaQUEEN234