The Royal Pain

Annabeth crossed her arms over her chest and frowned at her oh-so-insensitive parents, who were deep in conversation. At that moment, she was on her way to Neptune to meet yet ANOTHER suitor. This would be the what, sixth one?
That morning, Annabeth had ranted to her best friend, Princess Piper of Venus. Piper had to go through an hour of her best friend venting about how her parents were forcing her to date a guy she never met.
Annabeth knew who he was, everyone in Domino did. Prince Perseus of Neptune.
Ugh.
Piper had told her that maybe Annabeth would like him, but Annabeth doubted it. Piper had a storybook romance kind of thing with Prince Jason of Jupiter.
The limosuine hit a speed bump. Annabeth's frown wobbled.
"Annabeth. Are you alright?" King Frederick asked his daughter.
Annabeth scowled. "No, I'm not."
"Annabeth, I'm sure you'll love Perseus. Queen Salina has told me all about him. He sounds like a wonderful boy." Queen Athena (tried to) reassured her daughter.
"Actions speak louder than words." Annabeth retorted, using her mother's favorite proverb.
King Frederick chuckled, earning a glare from his wife. The smiling stopped.
"We're almost there, Annabeth. Fix your hair and your dress." Queen Athena told her daughter.
Annabeth looked down at her silk gray dress that matched her eyes. It had a pearl studded belt/sash thingy around the waist, and the underskirt was a pale pink. Her heels were silver and diamond studded (Mother insisted).
Annabeth's hair tumbled down her back, pushed back with a pearl gray headband studded with pearls (what's up with the studs?). Her golden blonde curls were brushed to perfection.
The only thing wrong was her attitude.
"Athena, she looks fine. Don't tear her down." King Frederick told his wife.
Annabeth smiled a bit. She might've taken after her mom, but she was a total daddy's girl.
The limo stopped. A horn sounded. A voice called out, "Presenting King Frederick and Queen Athena of Minerva, along with Princess Annabeth!"
The car door opened. Annabeth gave the servant her hand. She stepped out of the car.
The King and Queen followed Annabeth into the front hall, where the Royal family of Neptune was waiting.
"Salina! How are you?" Queen Athena surged forward. She wrapped Queen Salina in a hug.
"It's so good to see you again, Athena. How are the boys?" Queen Salina asked when they broke apart.
"Mischievous as usual. They are up at Olympia visiting their cousins." Queen Athena answered.
"And Annabeth?" Salina asked.
"See for yourself!" Athena gestured towards her daughter. Annabeth resisted an eye roll and stepped forward. Salina gasped.
"My goodness! You've become quite the young lady, my dear. So beautiful! You'll make a fine bride for my boy. Help him settle down and stop acting like a fool." Salina gushed.
Annabeth laughed at the last part. "Thank you, Queen Salina."
"You're welcome, my dear. Perseus! Come forward." Salina answered.
Prince Perseus stepped forward, very red faced. Annabeth internally smirked.
"Hello, Princess Annabeth. It's a pleasure to meet you." Perseus bowed.
Annabeth plastered a perfect smile. "As to you, Prince Perseus."
"Please, call me Percy." He smiled a smile just as fake as hers.
Annabeth nodded.
"Come on, let's take a walk." Percy held out his arm.
Annabeth raised an eyebrow. "Alright..." She answered, trying to ignore the squeals and "They're bonding already!" whispers coming from the Queens behind her. She grabbed hold of Percy's arm. It was warm.
"What time should we come back?" He asked.
King Frederick spoke up, "Try to bring her back an hour before the ball begins. There'll be paparazzi everywhere trying to get a shot of you two."
They nodded.
"Be careful, son. And TRY to stay out of trouble." King Poseidon said.
"I'll try." Percy answered. Then he pulled Annabeth away.
"So, where do you want to go?" He asked.
"You were being serious?" She gaped at him.
Percy turned red. "Yeah."
Annabeth sighed. "Wherever you take us. I don't mind."
Percy rocked on the balls of his feet. "Cool. Let's go to the pond."
Annabeth resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose. "Okay."
Percy grabbed her hand (none too gently, mind you) and pulled her towards the palace gardens.
Annabeth sighed. This was going to be a long day.

Notes

Hope you liked Chapter Two!!