Chapter Text
Once upon a time, in a land of magic, dragons, and mythical creatures, there were two neighboring kingdoms ruled by powerful kings. King Poseidon, the "Ruler of the Seas," governs Atlantis, a kingdom built on an archipelago of islands renowned for its underwater cities and formidable navy.
King Hades ruled over Elysium, often referred to as "the Underworld." Elysium is the largest kingdom by landmass, boasting the largest population. Its southern borders were just a short distance across the sea from Atlantis, leading to a long-standing dispute over border properties and harbor rights. After years of conflict, both kings reached an agreement to share the borders and the harbor, easing tensions between their realms.
To symbolize the new era of peace both kings had agreed to marry off their second born. This way they can continue their respected blood line with their first born but still be united by a common union.
King Poseidon had many illegitimate children but only 2 official royal sons. His eldest and heir to the throne, Prince Triton, aged 16. And his second born Perseus Jackson was 4 years old at the time of the peace treaty.
King Hades had only one child, Princess Bianca di Angelo. Although she was only 4 years old, King Hades recognized her great potential and strength. He was reluctant to see her be reduced to the role of a foreign prince's wife. His wife, Maria di Angelo, was pregnant at the time of the agreement. To ensure his daughter’s future while honoring the treaty, King Hades agreed to betroth his second child, regardless of sex, to Perseus on its birthday. King Poseidon was content with this compromise, glad to see the end to decades of conflict and begin a powerful new alliance.
Months after the treaty was signed, the sound of bells rang throughout the Kingdom of Elysium announcing the birth of the new royal baby. King Hades declared a gran celebration for the birth of his newborn son. Everyone in the kingdom from lords, socialites, to aristocrats, and commoners were invited to the festivities. For weeks the royal staff worked hard to prepare a magnificent ball at the castle.
The day of the celebration came without a hitch. Music and songs filled the street as people sang of this joyous day. The castle’s halls were overfilled with guests. Everyone excitedly awaited the introduction of the new royal baby.
In the throne room proudly sat King Hades with Queen Maria by his side. Princess Bianca sat on a smaller throne next to her mother. Her small eyes focus on the wooden cradle in front of them.
“Would you like to say hello sweetheart?” asked Queen Maria, her smile widened at the princess’s small nod.
Maria held Bianca up in her arms so she could get a better view. Princess Bianca was excited to finally meet her little brother. She couldn’t believe how small he was. He looked so much bigger inside her mama’s tummy.
“Can I hold him, Mama?” asked the little princess.
“No dear, he is far too small. Wait until he’s grown a bit more,” Queen Maria replied with a chuckle as she noticed her daughter’s bottom lip sticking out in a pout.
“Now, Bianca is that a face a princess should be making?” King Hades said, his gaze fixed on his daughter.
“No Papa, I’m sorry.” Princess Bianca quickly adjusted her expression to a cheerful grin.
“Good. Now, return to your seats. The celebration is about to begin.”
King Hades took one last look at his small family before signaling his servants to start the proceedings.
Trumpets filled the room, capturing everyone’s attention. King Hades rose from his throne to address his guests.
“Welcome, my loyal subjects and esteemed guests from distant lands. My family and I are deeply grateful for your presence on this joyous day. Today, we celebrate the arrival of my newborn son, Prince Niccolò, a momentous event that brings joy into the life of my family and growth to Elysium. His birth not only marks a new chapter for our kingdom but also strengthens the bonds of peace and trade with our neighboring realms. May this era of harmony extend beyond our lifetimes and into a bright and prosperous future."
King Hades sat down on his throne as the room filled with cheers and applause. The servant left of King Hades’ throne signal for the trumpets to quiet down the crowd.
“We will now begin the gift giving part of the ceremony once we are done then we will proceed with the feast”, announce a royal servant.
One by one everyone with a gift was introduced to the royal family before handing their gift to a guard. As the line shortened the royal family of Atlantis was finally presented to the front. King Poseidon stood with a young man and a small boy holding a present. The family resemblance is clear in their shared traits. Both boys have their father’s tan skin, jet black hair, and green eyes.
“King Poseidon I am happy to see you made it with your sons.” Greeted King Hades to his new ally.
"I wouldn’t want to miss meeting my future son-in-law. My sons were also static about visiting a new kingdom’, said Poseidon.
“Allow me to formally introduce you to the future of Atlantis." King Poseidon first gesture to the teenage boy, “this young man is prince Triton my oldest and heir.”
“Thank you for inviting us King Hades, your kingdom is so lively. I wish I had more time to explore it all.” Said Prince Triton.
“You could live here for 30 years and still have much to explore. It is best to enjoy the parts you have visited,” advice King Hades.
“I did not believe your kingdom was really this big. It’s safe to say you have more options for the wedding venue.” Poseidon joked. “Speaking of weddings meet my youngest son, Prince Percy.”
“When do I get to give this to the baby?”, asked Percy as he held up his gift.
It was a small beautifully painted music box with designs of different marine animals. The top was decorated with white pearls. The front had gold linings with small gems of sapphires. Percy held the gift with both hands careful not to break the pretty box.
“You can hand over your gift to the lovely lady in the red dress next to the baby’s crib. She will introduce you to your betrothed.” Explained King Hades.
Percy didn’t understand that last part, but he wanted to see the baby everyone was talking about. He walked up to the lady in the red dress. She was very pretty with curly brown hair and big brown eyes. Most of the people in his family have green or blue eyes. Percy must have been staring for too long since a little girl appeared next to him with a mean look on her face.
“It’s rude to stare you know. Who are you?” question the little girl.
“I’m Percy and I have a present for the baby.” Answered Percy. “Who are you?”
The little girl looked angry at him for asking who she was.
“I am Princess Bianca of Elysium and Nico’s big sister.” She said with a small bow.
“Who is Nico?”, asked Percy now feeling confused at all these new names. He was only supposed to meet a special baby not a mean-looking princess.
“Nico is the name of the baby and my son,” said the pretty lady. She kept looking between the two kids with curious eyes.
Percy pointed to the crib and said, “Baby is Nico, princess is Bianca, and I am Percy. Who are you lady?”
Maria couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her mouth. How adorable! She thought.
Prince Percy was still too young to understand the situation. She felt hopeful this arrangement may end with the two princes happily together.
“My name is Queen Maria of Elysium. I am so happy to finally meet you, Prince Percy.”
“I am happy to meet you too. Here this is my gift for Nico.”
Percy gave the music box to the Queen. Before he could walk back to his dad the baby started crying. Percy was worried he made a mistake, or he had scared Nico.
Queen Maria smiled at him and said, “it sounds like Nico has woken up. Would you help me make him feel better Percy?”
“Okay I wanna play with him.” Percy walked over to the crib and stood on his tiptoes.
A servant placed a stepping stool for him to better see inside. He first noticed how small the baby was with little bits of hair sticking out of its bonnet. Prince Nico was also wrapped in white blankets with his eyes closed. He reminded Percy of a marshmallow. Queen Maria stood next to Percy with the music box in her hands.
“Let’s see if your gift does the trick,” Queen Maria said as she wound up the music box.
A gentle melody began to play, but Baby Nico continued to cry, unable to hear the sound from the small box. Nico squirmed until his arms were free from the blankets. Percy extended his hand for the baby to grasp. When Baby Nico took his finger, he quieted enough to listen to the music. He wriggled a bit more before opening his eyes to see Percy’s green eyes for the first time. The newborn prince stopped crying and simply gazed at Percy. As the melody came to an end, Percy stared back at the baby, wondering what he was thinking. He wished Nico were older so they could play games and dance together.
Queen Maria watched the scene unfold before her eyes. Her son, at just two months old, only calmed down when she held him. Yet, here was the Atlantan prince soothing him with little fuss. She felt a small tug on her dress and looked down to see her daughter, Princess Bianca, pouting.
“Mama, why does Percy get to hold my baby brother but not me?”
Princess Bianca’s irritation was evident as she saw this strange prince receiving all the attention. She was eager to spend time with her new baby brother.
“Now my dear, this was unexpected. You’ll have your turn after Prince Percy, I promise.”
“Okay, Mama, but I want to hold baby brother with both my hands.” Princess Bianca smiled and extended both hands in excitement.
“Thank you, sweetie. Prince Percy, you can go enjoy the party. If you wish to see Baby Nico again, come to me first.” Queen Maria guided Percy off the stepping stool.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you soon, little baby. Goodbye, Princess.” Percy bowed and then returned to his father and older brother.
King Hades and King Poseidon were engaged in conversation with other adults. Percy scanned the room for his big brother Triton. He made boring grown-up talk more fun. Unable to find him, Percy wandered around the ballroom, hoping to spot his brother.
The young prince wandered back to the entrance doors where he saw an old lady with a cane. She was alone and seemed lost by the way she looked up and down the grand ballroom. His mommy always told him to be kind and help others. That old lady looks like she needs some help. Percy walked closer to notice her strange clothes.
Everyone is dressed in their best fancy clothes. Women are wearing big colorful dresses that make them look like bejeweled cupcakes. The men have on suits and puffy shirts. Some of the other grown-ups are not as colorful or fancy but they still look neat and presentable. In contrast, the old lady wore a plain, baggy black dress that trailed on the floor like a mop. Her hair was covered with a black scarf and a dark veil hid the top half of her face.
Maybe she is looking for a funeral? Percy wondered, maybe that’s why she is lost. He stood in front of her to get the old lady’s attention.
“Excuse me, ma’am, are you lost? Do you need help?” Percy waited for her to say something.
“My goodness what a polite little prince.” Said the old lady in a quiet voice. Her throat sounded dry and fragile.
“Please tell me where I can find the newborn prince? I have a gift for him.”
Percy looked at her old, wrinkled hands. She was holding her wooden cane with both hands. Her figure was thin and too skinny to be hiding a gift in her dress. For a moment he wondered if he should take her to see baby Nico, but she was just a nice old lady. Maybe her present was a poem. Percy wrote a poem for his mommy during mother’s day. That poem made her so happy. He wants baby Nico to be as happy as his mom was that day.
“Ok, I know where the baby prince is. I’ll take you to him but first you must meet his mommy the Queen.” Prince Percy gently took the old lady’s hand.
“Why thank you so much. Such a good polite prince, I hope my little boy grows up with good manners like yours.” She followed Percy while fighting off a grin from revealing her sharp tooth smile.