A Crown of Golden Leaves: A Percy Jackson Fanfiction

Caput VII: The Slave Girl

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." -Nelson Mandela

Caput VII: The Slave Girl

"IT'S alright being scared... it's alright being scared... it's alright being scared..."

Percy climbed the stairs that went up to his chambers, Annabeth's words echoing inside of his head. 

"I know you're no coward..."

But he was a coward— she was the brave one, she had just displayed that when she started to speak out against Octavius like that. In fact, he should arrest her for treason against the Caesar, but for some reason, he just couldn't. He couldn't even summon more than a slight twinge of annoyance on his pater's behalf, and that almost made him feel scared for some reason. Not even Rachel could get away with talking like that against the Caesar, and he had loved her. A lot. But somehow, Annabeth could...

And he wasn't sure if that was because he was older than he was back then, or if it was something more.

"You're thinking again," a smooth voice spoke up, and Percy didn't even jump. He just plunged on ahead.

"Yes."

"That's dangerous."

Percy rolled his eyes, "Not particularly. I'm getting a cloak, Reyna. From my chambers." He added for good measure, finally glancing at the brunette. "And I'm pretty sure you don't need to guard me in my own resting place."

She smirked, "Why I wasn't even thinking about guarding you. I just wanted to go on a pleasant stroll with one of my closest friends."

He arched an eyebrow, "No, you would go on a pleasant stroll with Jason. You just tag along so you can taunt me."

Reyna shrugged, looking unconcerned. "Guilty. But you already knew that." Percy struggled with his temper for a moment, and she added on, "So, why are you going back to your chambers?"

"Annabeth."

Her expression turned sage, "Ah. What did she do?"

"...she taunted me."

His friend laughed, abandoning all attempts at looking wise. Percy looked at the ceiling and nodded his head from side to side, waiting for her laughter to die down.

"She's getting to know you well, Percy. Attacking your pride, that's a strategy Lady Minerva would be proud of."

Percy sighed, and interlocked his fingers behind his head, dropping all royal protocol. It wasn't like anyone could see them. "I think she's a demigod, actually. No normal mortal would have eyes like hers. They're rather captivating... and scary."

(If Percy happened to look at Reyna, he would see that her eyebrow had shot up, before her lips curled up into a sly smile, although there was also a softer emotion in her eyes. But he didn't look at her, so he didn't know.)

"She's quite pretty."

He nodded without thinking, "Gorgeous, actually."

"And she's going to be more than capable when she's Caesar at your side."

"Oh yes."

Rachel smiled a little, "It's nice to see you finally beginning to move on after Rachel." Then her eyes got that hint of sadness, and Percy looked away.

"I don't know I would say that, Reyna. I definitely don't feel the way for her I did for Rachel."

Reyna's gaze fell to the ground. "Maybe you'll be surprised, Percy."