A Slow Process

Chapter 8

It wasn't a secret to anyone that she's been having a hard time sleeping after the war. Percy was hoping that somehow, someway, she would be able to get proper rest last night.

Today was her coronation after all. 

But alas, she was wrong. Percy scoffed, what else is new.

She woke up the same way she always did, her heart rapidly beating in her chest as she struggled to find air.

It was worse today though. Her head hurt and she was sore.

Why was she so sore?

Percy tried to get up but her legs wouldn't cooperate. They burned and they ached and she couldn't move them.

The feeling was familiar to her. Too familiar, her mind traitorously whispered.

Percy ignored it. She was in the ocean. The ocean was supposed to protect her. It was supposed to keep her safe.

And even with all his flaws, her father wouldn't-

He wouldn't let anyone touch her like that. Not again. Percy was sure of it.

And even though her siblings hated her, they had their boundaries. Sure, their words hurt but they haven't hurt her physically.

Percy was just overreacting. Something probably happened yesterday that she forgot. She's been forgetting lots of things lately. Lots of important things.

Like the fact that she invited Apollo over last night.

She doesn't know how that slipped her mind. Apollo was someone in her life that was easily becoming important to Percy. There was no way that she forgot his planned visit.

And there was no way that she would have forgotten what they did. Percy scrunched her eyebrows, thinking hard.

She remembers staring at the dress. Apollo appearing, her becoming confused because she forgotforgotforgot. She remembers his teasing remarks, how he caressed her hand, how his eyes didn't give her the same warmth they usually did, and how-

"Percy." A knock interrupted her thoughts, "I'm coming in."

Before she could utter a word, her dad was in the room, a big smile engulfed his face as happiness radiated off of him in waves, distracting her enough to realize that the burning stopped. She's never seen Poseidon like this. Not even when they won the wars.

"Today's the day." He exclaimed as he walked around her room, a small hop emphasizing every other step he made. "Today's the day my daughter officially becomes the princess of Atlantis. Today's the day you become a part of my family."

Percy stayed quiet, not knowing what to say. This was it. This was what all her lessons were preparing her for. Percy would have to be on her best behavior today.

She couldn't afford to mess up.

Percy glanced up at her dad, if not for her. Then she'd do it for him. She doesn't know what she'd do if she was the cause of his ruined mood.

- - -

"Thank you," Percy softly said as she met the mermaid's eyes through the mirror.

Keani's light blue skin flushed as her gaze lowered, choosing to focus on her hands as she styled Percy's hair. "I'm only doing what I've been ordered to do, princess." She faltered before continuing, "This mere assignment should not be enough to earn me your gratitude."

Percy forced a soft smile on her face, clenching the fabrics of her dress. Before she could respond to the mermaid's statement, a voice cut in. "You should accept the acknowledgment." The tone was surprisingly gentle, "It is not every day that Atlantis hosts an event like this. To be chosen to help; well- it is a great honor." Rhode's blue eyes shifted in her direction, surveying Percy's looks for a long minute before a seemingly genuine smile graced the goddess's features, "And from what I'm seeing you deserve that honor. You made the demigod look breathtaking."