Work Text:
PJatO || Jercico || PJatO || Tributes to the Shadow Kingdom || PJatO || Jercico || PJatO
Title: Tributes to the Shadow Kingdom – Writer's Month 2022
Fandom: Percy Jackson and the Olympians / Heroes of Olympus
Disclaimer: All rights reserved to Rick Riordan. Aside from the Gods, they belong to the old Greeks. This fanfiction and its OCs on the other hand are entirely mine. No money is made with this, though reviews are more than welcomed.
Tags: polyamory (m/m/m), alpha/beta/omega dynamics, arranged marriage, fluff, pining
Main Pairing: Nico/Jason/Percy
Percy Jackson Characters: Perseus Jackson, Jason Grace, Nico di Angelo, Hazel Levesque, Annabeth Chase, Piper McLean, Maria di Angelo
Summary: Writer's Month Prompts: shadows + ancient times. Nico, the alpha prince of the Shadow Kingdom, is offered omega-suitors from both the Ocean Kingdom and the Storm Kingdom. The pressure that his choice may bring war with the rejected kingdom is a huge burden.
Tributes to the Shadow Kingdom
Writer's Month 2022
Nico was the second child of King Hades and Queen Maria of the Shadow Kingdom. As his older sister, he was born an alpha. However, instead of taking her rightful place as heir to the throne, Nico's older sister Bianca had joined the military and worked her way up to become a general, forfeiting her claim to the thrown and consequently putting Nico on the spot.
As heir to the throne, one of his most important duties was to pick a queen to rule at his side. A good omega match who would support him and who would help secure relations for their kingdom. Now, the hard part here was choosing. Because he actually had multiple offers.
Both neighboring kingdoms had an omega heir in around Nico's age. The three kingdoms had been at war for oh so long. Peace was fragile and Nico feared that his decision would break it for good.
If he chose Prince Jason of the Storm Kingdom, that may make King Poseidon of the Ocean Kingdom angry and provoke war. If he chose Prince Perseus of the Ocean Kingdom on the other hand, that may make King Zeus of the Storm Kingdom angry and provoke a war.
He couldn't make his decision blind. He needed to at the very least make an informed decision, if it would lead their country into disaster. Which brought him here, to the window of his room, looking out with tenseness. There was a coach, nearing from the distance. One of his potential fiances.
"Are you sure about this?" asked his younger sister concerned.
She rested a hand on Nico's shoulder. "Yes. I am. I have to meet them, if I have to decide the fate and future of our kingdom, Haze. I just... hope there won't be a war before that..."
His biggest concern about his plan was that the two omegas would come and react to each other in a hostile manner, potentially causing a war before any marriage was decided.
"The coach bears the insignia of the Ocean Kingdom," Hazel informed him. "Ready?"
"No. No not at all," Nico straightened. "But let's do this."
/break\
Their first meeting was awkward and stilted at best, Nico bowed before the prince and tried not to be too distracted by the beautiful sweet and salty scent – like the ocean kissing strawberries. And he was gorgeous too. So Nico found himself superficially enchanted by Prince Perseus. Alas, they didn't know each other so their interactions were stiff. He personally accompanied the prince and his handmaiden toward the chambers assigned to them so the two could freshen up and rest.
Just two hours later did Nico repeat the whole process to greet Prince Jason. Pretty blonde omega who smelled like rain and the forest. He too was gorgeous to look at and to smell, which wasn't making Nico's decision any easier. Somehow, he had hoped for some love at first sight kind of situation where he would just know who to pick as soon as he laid eyes on them both.
Instead, he went to show Prince Jason and his handmaiden their chambers before Nico finally got to retreat himself. He went to his own room to regroup. Both were good choices, based on initial physical attraction alone. How was he supposed to chose? Who was he supposed to chose...?
/break\
"He's cute," Percy grinned as he watched the prince from afar.
His best friend and handmaiden made a face at that. "If that's what you're into."
"Oh come on, Annie. You may not be into men but you got two eyes."
"Yeah, and they both see trouble," replied Annabeth dryly. "But fine, I guess, you finding him attractive does make this arranged marriage... more bearable."
"There is no marriage yet," Percy turned to instead watch his 'rival'. "He may still pick pretty blonde over there. Which... mh... very pretty to look at too."
"Percy, stop leering at your competition," Annabeth slapped him lightly on the arm.
All Percy offered her in return was a cheeky grin. He was a man of taste and it didn't matter much to him if the other was a man, woman, alpha, beta or a fellow omega. So yes, Percy could absolutely appreciate both Prince Nico and Prince Jason. Gorgeous men.
"C'mon. I want to talk to the other omega in the room," declared Percy.
Annabeth groaned, but as his best friend, she still followed him over to where Jason and Jason's handmaiden stood. The blonde prince turned toward Percy curiously when he noticed them.
"Hey. I'm Percy, it's nice to meet you," Percy grinned in a carefree manner, offering his hand.
That seemed to startle Jason for a moment before he accepted it. "Uh. Yeah. Sure. Hi. I'm Jason."
"I figured we could get to know each other, seeing as our 'suitor' is currently busy with diplomatic nonsense," Percy bounced on the balls of his feet. "So—o... I was thinking about exploring the city a little, how do you feel about joining me? We could go undercover together."
Jason still looked at him in confused surprise but in the end he nodded his agreement, probably as eager to get out of here as Percy. Being locked into this castle was boring and they'd both arrived yesterday afternoon already. But today, the prince seemed 'busy'. Their prince.
"Cool," Percy's grin spread more. "C'mon then."
/break\
Jason heaved a deep sigh as he collapsed backward onto his bed in his room in the castle. It was a pretty room. Pretty castle. Not that this was a surprise; the Shadow Kingdom sat in a valley and was famous for its many mines. Gem stones, gold. It was an incredibly rich kingdom. One of the reasons why an alliance with them would be so beneficial for Jason's own home.
"You look down. I thought you had fun?" Piper asked. "I had fun."
"That's the problem, Pipes," Jason rolled over to look at his best friend.
She'd accompanied him to the Shadow Kingdom as his handmaiden. She sat on the windowsill, looking out into the incredibly lush and beautiful garden. Jason sat up and glared at her.
"I was supposed to come here, leave a good impression on the prince of this kingdom and try avoid starting a war with the Ocean Kingdom," Jason recounted his mission. "Instead, I'm spending probably as much time with Percy as I am with Nico and I kinda... urgh..."
The expression on Piper's face changed, her eyes widened. "Oh. You have a crush on Percy."
Jason narrowed his eyes at her. Yes, he had a crush on Percy. How could he not? Percy was adventurous, funny, cute, bit quirky and he could hold his own. The two of them had explored the castle together, the town around the castle, gone swimming at the nearest lake (Percy also had no shame and had gone skinny dipping, causing a near-heart-attack for Jason). The two had sparred with each other too, because despite being omegas, both had received the proper knightly training.
"...I mean, I think your father would not object to that either," Piper looked thoughtful. "Two male omegas can reproduce together so heirs wouldn't be a problem. And a strong alliance with the Ocean Kingdom would be incredible too, it had just not been an option ever since your older brother Hercules attempted to court Prince Triton... This would be unconventional, but..."
...Huh. Jason blinked repeatedly. He hadn't even considered that option. But yes. He could very well marry Percy. Two male alphas would be a problem, but two male omegas could produce heirs. And the Ocean Kingdom? While the Shadow Kingdom was desired for its wealth, the Ocean Kingdom, as the name suggested, was the kingdom located at the ocean. All harbors of their island. Every delivery went through the Ocean Kingdom, maritime trade was important for their island kingdoms, then the fishing and of course its impressive naval fleets. This would be a strong match too. But...
"But I kinda like Nico too," argued Jason crestfallen. "I mean, he's nothing like how I imagined? He's really funny and very cute when he talks about these fantasy books that he loves to read? He's nice to be around with, after the awkwardness faded..."
Piper heaved a sigh. "You're a walking disaster, Jason."
Jason couldn't argue with that. He definitely was. Not his fault all the princes were pretty though.
/break\
Nico had a new favorite pastime. He used to sit on his private balcony to read in peace, but ever since their royal guests had arrived, the view from his balcony had considerably improved. Because, against his worst expectations, the two visiting princes got along quite well. No quarreling. Instead, sparring. Like right now. From his balcony, Nico could watch Jason and Percy spar with each other in the garden and that was truly a divine sight. The only problem about it was that Nico couldn't decide because of whom it was a divine sight. They were both attractive. Had been since day one, but now that he got to see them in various settings? Picking only got harder.
Especially since he got to know them both. And he found it equally nice to spend time with them. They weren't much alike. Jason had clearly received a stricter upbringing than Percy, who – from all Nico had seen – most likely got to goof off a lot. Which also made sense. The Storm Kingdom had a reputation, nearly all of Jason's older siblings had careers in the military, each matched with someone who directly benefited the royal family. Percy was the second youngest of his siblings and they had various careers; one of his sisters, Rhode, was the governor of a small island off the shore of their continent, others were generals, Triton, the heir to the throne, was married to a distant cousin twice removed of Nico's. He had most likely grown up pampered as the precious baby of the family, until his younger brother Tyson had come around.
"Son," Maria's voice was gentle yet firm as she approached. "I'm sure you are carefully considering your options right now and not just... leering at their sweaty bodies."
"Mother," Nico flushed and turned to glare at her. "Yes. I... Yes. Of course."
"And have you?" Maria came to stand next to him, her eyes also on the two omegas. "Decided?"
Nico's face screwed up, his eyes darting between Jason and Percy. They both had their perks and they were so different. And so beautiful. He thought both had the potential to be strong co-rulers for Nico, not just a pretty piece of arm-candy. Over the past two weeks of their stay, he had picked their brains on politics and ruling style too and he thought both were brilliant. Jason was a more analytic brain, while Percy decided based on his instincts and feelings, always leading with compassion. Nico thought that both had valuable input to give and he thought both would be great assets.
Pursing his lips, Nico turned toward his mother. "How do I even decide, mamma?"
"I'm... afraid I can't help you with that, sweetheart," Maria replied in a soft voice, carding her fingers through his curls. "I was a peasant when your father fell in love with me. He decided to defy royal tradition. You can too, if neither of them appeal to you. I do not want you to be stuck in a loveless marriage, bambino."
Nico heaved a sigh. That wasn't the problem. The problem was having to send one back...
/break\
"You are a menace to society and I am terrified that Queen Salacia trusted you with this."
Annabeth had her best scolding-mom look on, not that it affected Percy. He was totally immune to that, unless it came from his actual mom. Now Sally, she had perfect that. But Annie? He knew her too well to take it seriously. Percy just grinned lazily at her, his fingers playing with the hair of a happily sleeping Jason and an equally content, sleeping Nico, each resting their heads on one of Percy's thighs. Apparently, Percy's scent was very soothing to them both.
"What did I do? I'm just sitting here, innocently."
Annabeth's glare bored into his skull. "You're supposed to charm Prince Nico. Not Prince Jason."
Wiggling his nose, Percy turned to look at the sleeping alpha and omega. "...Can't I just keep both?"
Annabeth heaved the deepest sigh and rubbed her face. "No, no I am not having anything even close to that conversation. I am going to town with Piper. I'll see you later."
With his head tilted, Percy aimed a carefree smile at her and waved. Though his face fell some once she was out of sight. His eyes found the two sleeping princes, both so peaceful. Nico smelt like Earth, warm and deep. Jason was like a fresh breeze after rain. And Percy loved both their scents, maybe as much as they seemed to love his scent. After all, both had fallen asleep in his lap. The three of them had been sitting together, talking about their older siblings. But the weather was kind of drowsy and both his crushed had fallen asleep.
"Why can't I have both?" Percy asked himself softly, twirling one of Nico's curls around his finger.
Blue eyes fluttered open as Jason slowly woke up. Turning his head a little, Jason looked up at him.
"You know we're overstaying our welcome, right?" Percy kept his voice soft as he spoke. "Nico's supposed to make a choice and send one of us away."
"Considering the comfy pillow he's currently sleeping on, my guess is that he'll choose you."
"I dunno. Considering yesterday when you two were dancing, I'd say he chose you, actually."
Finally, Nico woke up. Groaning softly, the alpha stretched and sat up. His eyes were gentle as he looked at them both and it was really impossible to tell which one he had chosen.
"I haven't chosen at all yet," said Nico after a moment. "Because I like the both of you. I've tried to choose, from various angles. But I... I just can't. Every criteria I come up with, it ends in a tie."
Huh. Percy blinked with large eyes, curious and intrigued. And here he'd thought he was the only one torn about it all. Biting his lower lip, Percy turned toward Jason again, trying to seize his reaction. The blonde was hard to read, including his scents.
"I didn't mean to like you, Percy," Jason frowned. "I meant to like Nico and secure this arranged marriage. But then you had to come and be all... you. And now I like the both of you."
"Then maybe," Percy licked his lips nervously. "Maybe, there's a solution where none of the kingdoms will be left angry and starting a war. Maybe I can have both...?"
Both Nico and Jason looked at him as though this thought had never crossed their minds and Percy was an absolute genius for offering this. His dorks were really cute. This was the perfect solution.
~*~ The End ~*~