Double update! Read the authors note at the end to find out why! It's very special!

I woke to the feeling of Percy's thumb brushing my cheekbone. I opened my eyes slightly and was greeted with a small smile.

"Morning Wise Girl," His voice was deeper than normal, which is how it is in the morning.

"Morning Seaweed Brain," I closed my eyes again. "Have you been watching me sleeping?"

His hole hand cupped my face. "Maybe. Only for twenty minutes."

"Where's the child?" I asked, my face reddening as I remembered that Zoe had spent the night with us as well.

"She kicked me off the bed near two am so I put her on the couch. She's snoring her tiny adorable head off."

I yawned. "Why would you kick her off the bed? She's your little sister!"

"Hey! She kicked me off the bed first!"

I pushed his shoulder slightly and turned around so he was looking at my back. "You should have moved to the couch."

"How?" He asked wrapping an arm around my waist. "In case you haven't noticed I'm six foot which means that half of my legs would hang off the couch. She's tiny, three of her could fit on that couch."

"That's your fault," I grumbled.

"That the couch is so big? I picked that couch cause it was nice and Mum said to pick that one. How was I meant to know that I would be spending the night here with you and my sister and that she would kick me off the bed? I mean, when I was picking out the stuff for your rooms I didn't lie down on each of the couches to see which one would fit my spectacular body on it!"

I scrunched my eyebrows together and turned back around to face him. "You okay? You're a bit defensive."

He sighed and brushed a hand through his hair. "Sorry. I'm just-I'm just a bit nervous."

"Why?" I put a hand on top of his.

His sea-green eyes connected with mine. "You'll find out soon enough."

I gazed suspiciously at him. "Will I like this thing that you have planned?"

"Very much," He played with a piece of my hair. "How are you feeling? Big night tonight."

"Huh?" I raked my brain trying to figure out what was happening tonight.

"It's Friday. The day of the Report... you're presenting your project today."

I gasped and covered my face with the blanket. "Really? That's tonight?"

"Yeah..." He pulled the blanket down away from my face. "You have written it, haven't you?"

"Of course I've written my speech! I'm not like you and leave it to the last minute."

"Just remember that you're the Annabeth Chase and that you'll do great."

I nodded wearily thinking about the speech that was resting on the top of my desk, waiting to be presented to the whole nation. Yesterday, Thursday, had been uneventful. Apart from the fact no one sat down next to me in the Woman's Room, except for Piper.

"Well, I better wake the princess." Percy got out of bed and slowly walked over to his sister as he was still waking up.

"Zoe," He gently shook her shoulders to try and wake her up. "Time to get up, bub." She opened her eyes but quickly shut them again.

He rolled his eyes and looked back at me to sigh exasperatedly. "I'll just have to tickle her awake, won't I Annabeth?"

I nodded and smirked as I got out of bed and stood next to Percy. "We might just have to."

We both lent in and the tips of our fingers only just touched her before she let out a squeal and sprung off the bed. "No, no, no, no! I'm awake!"

We both laughed as Zoe rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. Percy grunted as he bent down and put his arms under her shoulders, lifting her up onto his hip.

"Morning, sweetie." I kissed her on the nose.

She giggled and wiped it away. "Morning, Bethy.

Percy carried her half asleep body back up to her room, but of course not leaving until I gave him a kiss.

I didn't talk much at breakfast, just listening to Piper babble on and on about every topic under the sun. I enjoyed it though, it distracted me from the new tension at the table which had nothing to do with the presentations tonight.

I decided to go back to Piper's room so we could talk and have lunch together.

"You okay?" She asked once the door closed behind her. "You didn't talk much and I'm sensing it's not nerves for tonight."

"Can you keep a secret?" I sat on the edge of her bed and took off my shoes.

"Of course. What's up?"

"I overheard a conversation between the other girls... and let's just say that they don't like me very much."

Piper swore softly and took my hand. "Already moved on the next enemy after Drew, have they? What did they say?"

"They were pretty angry that Percy and I have been spending time together."

She rolled her eyes. "If he and I went through the Styx that you two went through I wouldn't leave his side. They're just jealous."

"Are you okay, though?" I shuffled around on her bed so I could get more comfortable. "I mean you're also dating him. You guys have been on a date since we got back, right?"

She nodded. "Yeah, of course. After you guys got out of the hospital."

I bit my lip and nodded. There was a knot of jealousy in the pit of my stomach but not as big as I thought it would be.

"So," I said, changing the topic. "How's your speech? Want to practise?"

She nodded gratefully and took the pieces of paper out from the draw on her desk. "That would be great. I've never had to talk so much in front of press before. And I'll be under a microscope this time."

"Alright, let me hear it." I rested on my hands behind my back.

"In today's society, both young men and women are subject to body shaming, in many different forms. Young girls are expected to have a flat stomach with no stretch marks or the perfect sized chest..."

Pipers speech was extremely well written. She talked about the press and media, and how they photoshop pictures of models so they look 'perfect'. She talked about her experiences about body shaming and she went into detail of a letter she received telling her she was too fat and ugly to be on the front of magazines. Some parts made me tear up a little because I had been told too that my arms were too muscular for a woman and that I wasn't pretty enough to be seen with Royals. That had happened a year or two ago and I went pretty ballistic. So did Percy.

"Any good?" Piper asked once she had finished.

I wiped a tear away from my cheek. "It was fantastic. You did an awesome job. Well done."

She smiled her thanks. "It's stupid how this is still going on. I just hope that my speech will change someone."

I smiled sadly. "Let's hope."

I gave my speech then and Piper congratulated me on it. I was pretty proud of myself for the way it turned out. I just hoped that everyone else would like it.

Piper and I separated soon after and I went back to my room. But at the time, I didn't know that it would be our last conversation as fellow Selected.

Once getting back to my room, the girls gave me some tips that were ridiculous and would not help me in the slightest, but they made me laugh which helped with my nerves.

"Good luck, Annabeth." Hazel wrapped her arms around my shoulders and squeezed me tightly. "You'll do fantastically."

The studio was buzzing even more than usual. More chairs we set up next to the Royal family, six in total for our six guests. It seemed the New Asians and Italians would be sitting in on the proceedings tonight. Someone rushed up to me and double checked what I was wearing and how my makeup looked then ushered me over to the rest of the girls who were huddled round Apollo and Percy.

"Ah, there she is," Apollo winked at me. "Fabulous. So tonight will go like this: The King and Queen will introduce the show as normal, but it will be quicker than usual as we have lots going on tonight. I'll jump straight into calling you up alphabetically according to province to present your projects. All you have to do is stand at the podium and read your speech. Make sure you look into the camera with the red light blinking. After you are all done, I'll ask our favourite, Prince Percy, some questions and maybe you guys some question, depending on the time. I'll then seal off the night with a charming smile and a wink!" He looked at us with his 'charming' smile. "Any questions?"

Percy raised his hand slightly and looked at us for a second then whispered something in Apollo's ear.

"Holy me!" He muttered as Percy kept whispering. "Well yes, of course. Already? Wow."

"What?" I asked concerned.

Percy turned back to us and raised his eyebrows at us. "What I'm about to tell you ladies, I don't want you to worry about it until later. You have to get through your presentations first. I'm telling you this now because otherwise I'd be telling you live on national TV and I don't think that would be good."

I glanced at Piper and I was sure her face was mirroring mine.

"And?" Rachel asked, twisting with the skirt of her dress nervously.

"I'm going to announce the final three tonight."

Even though the room was loud, all I could hear was silence. My breathing slowed as his words sunk in. I'm going to announce the final three tonight.

The final three? As in the last three girls standing to his heart. That must have been what he was talking about this morning. What did he say? That he was nervous and that I would...like it. Does that mean I'm apart of the final three?

"The final three?" Katie asked slowly.

Percy nodded. "I'm sorry to spring it on you and everything, but I thought it would be better that you knew now instead of finding out later."

I nodded, rubbing my forehead in distress. "Thanks."

He nodded to us and then left to go join his family.

"Oh my gods," Calypso fanned herself.

"If your name is called," Apollo smiled grimly at us. "I suggest keeping the tears at bay until the cameras have turned off."

Piper rested her forehead on my shoulder and groaned. "Now I'm nervous about two things. What a jerk."

I rubbed her shoulder in comfort as I watched the other girls react. "I know."

"You know?" Rachel snapped. "You don't need to worry. Of course, you'll be in the top three." Her tone of voice seemed offensive.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I stepped closer to her.

"That you've manipulated your way into his life."

"I've known him for eighteen years. I haven't manipulated him."

Rachel scoffed. "Percy's-"

"Okay!" Piper stepped in between us before it could get any further. "Both of you, stop it. Now. Focus on your speech."

Rachel glared at me for a moment and then turned around, her fiery red hair nearly whipping me in the face.

"Come on," Piper grabbed my arm and pulled me over to the chairs. "We better get seated."

Thoughts of Rachel and the final three left me as I sat down, realising that I would go first.

"Live in 5! 4! 3! 2! 1!" Someone called off to the side and once the countdown was finished Sally and Paul welcomed everyone.

"Good evening wonderful citizens of Illèa," Sally smiled kindly at the camera. "Tonight is a very special night. First, we have some overseas guests. Please welcome the Royal families of both New Asia and Italy." Everyone politely clapped as the cameras captured the other Royals smiling and waving at the camera.

"The other part of tonight, which I'm sure you've all been waiting for, is the presentations of the Selected women! I'd like to welcome your host Apollo to get the ball rolling!" Paul nodded to Apollo and took Sally's hand as they walked back to their seats.

"Hellloooo!" Apollo winked at the camera. "It is lovely to see you tonight, and I'm sure you're excited to see me too! We better start soon as we have a lot to get through tonight! A few days ago our beloved Selected girls were given the task to pick an issue in today's society and write a speech about it. In that speech, they are meant to deliver a solution to said problem. This is to help prepare them for the task of being queen! Let's wish them all the luck for tonight. Please welcome our first speaker, Lady Annabeth Chase of Angeles!" Apollo waved his hand towards me.

I stood up shakily as I walked to the podium, making sure my head was held high. I looked over to Percy who smiled at me, reminding me to smile. I plastered said smile on my face as I came to a stop in front of the podium.

With shaky hands, I put my speech in front of me and looked into the camera with the blinking red light.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of Illéa. Tonight, I will be discussing a very important, and personal, topic with you. As you may already know, I grew up in the palace, and one aspect of that life was always having a good education." I gave up on reading from the paper in front of me and recited the speech from memory. "I had a professional tutor who I had classes with five times a week and a limitless supply to books. I am privileged with the knowledge of the world, but not everyone is. Two thirds of the Illéan population do not attend school. Two thirds. These are men, women and children of the lower castes who haven't been to school, haven't learned to read, haven't learned anything at all. They are expected to grow up without the pursuit of knowledge and get a job that has been given to them from birth because of the number they have been labelled as. It is a never-ending cycle, and it always comes back to no education. These people have no schooling, which leads to them having jobs, such as farmers, miners or waiters, that require no further intelligence given by education. And these jobs don't pay for the requirements of living a healthy life. No money for food, water or clothes, because they had no education. And when they have their children, the child will be no better off than their parents, expected to work the job their parents did." I paused for a second and glanced over at Percy. He gave me a reassuring smile. "Recently, Prince Percy and I were placed in a dangerous position because the lower castes were not happy. A group known as "The Rebels" kidnapped both the prince and I, holding us captive for a week. Indeed, the leader of this coup did not have the same intentions as his followers, but his followers had a strong message and reason for their actions. They want to be treated just like the upper castes and have a fair and happy life. If they were given this education, they could strive for a better job that would bring them a better life. They could be doctors, or veterinarians, professors or engineers." I let out a shaky laugh. "Granted, the kidnapping and torture could have been avoided and wasn't necessary, but they just want better living conditions. If only they had an education." I repositioned my feet as they were starting to hurt. "I propose that the government buy the vacant plots of lands owned by the wealthier castes and build public schools in every major city in every province. This can be done if we cut a small piece of the private school education budget. There are already teachers and professors out their that would be willing to work in these schools for minimal wage because they want to help children learn. Fill these new public schools with children and open their minds to the wonderful world of reading, mathematics, geography and history. Free them of their never-ending cycle that is their life by giving them books and pencils. An anonymous person once said that: "A man without education is like a building without foundation." A lot of people out there have no foundation-" I paused for a moment for effect and stared directly into the camera. "-and we need to give it to them."

The end of my speech was greeted with a loud round of applause. I smiled once again into the camera and turned around, finding my seat and sitting in it. Percy flashed me a discrete thumbs up and Piper patted me on the back.

"Fantastic and powerful words, Lady Annabeth. A great speech. But next, we have Lady Calypso Nightshade from Atlas!"

Calypso stood up and delivered her speech with only minor errors. Her speech was on freedom and choice, which kind of tied in with mine about the choice of jobs. Katie talked about the issue of global warming. Reyna spoke about equality of races and genders. She did a great job. Rachel talked about employment and security and Piper talked about body image. I was glad I went first, it meant that I could somewhat relax, even though I could be eliminated in only a matter of minutes. Halfway through Katie's speech there was a disturbance over by the Royals. A maid had run up to Queen Emily and whispered something in her ear. Emily gasped, nodding and ushered her family out of the studio. The cameras didn't film the moment so only people on set saw what happened. I hoped everything was alright.

"What an amazing group of girls we have here," Apollo waltzed onto the stage and took a seat in a comfy looking chair. "All of them are suited to be Queen. What did you think of the presentations, Your Highness?" Apollo turned to Percy.

Percy was smiling as he sat down opposite Apollo. "They all did a superb job. I'm very proud of each of them."

Apollo nodded. "I'm sure you would be. Let's get into the romantic side of things. How are your relationships going?"

"Better than ever."

"Have you told anyone you love them?" Apollo asked sitting on the edge of his seat.

Percy's eyes flicked to mine for a brief second and then back to Apollo. "You'll have to find that out after the Selection ends."

Apollo turned his head towards me. "Did I just see your eyes flicker over to here, Your Highness?"

Percy chuckled. "You wish, Apollo. My little sister just got my attention, that's all." I nearly scoffed. Good cover, Seaweed Brain.

"Oh!" Apollo exclaimed. "Little Princess Zoe! Do you want to come out here and answer some questions, princess?"

I heard a giggle behind me and turned to see Zoe stride over in a cute little denim skirt and gold sequin top. She crawled up onto Percy and got comfortable on his knee. "Good evening, Apollo."

Apollo smiled charmingly at Zoe. "Hello, Your Highness."

Percy wrapped his arms around his sister's waist. "You're stealing my thunder, Zo-Zo."

Zoe smiled politely at the camera. "I'm always stealing your thunder, Blue."

Apollo burst out laughing and shook his head. "She is right, Prince Percy. We all love her."

Percy rolled his eyes and pinched Zoe's waist. She giggled at the ticklish sensation and slapped both of his hands away.

"Can I ask you some questions, Princess Zoe?"

Zoe nodded eagerly. She wasn't quite old enough to appear regularly on the Report. It went past her bedtime and she was a little too witty for camera.

"Out of the six lovely ladies in your brother's Selection, who do you want to become your sister?"

Zoe sighed and rested her chin on her palm. She looked over at the six of us. "Any of them. Rachel is such a good drawer, she's even been teaching me how to paint. Calypso is an amazing singer and we've been learning songs together. Piper's funny and she's really good at doing my makeup. Katie made me a flower crown, that was so cool. Reyna's pretty awesome too. And Annabeth is already like a sister to me."

I looked lovingly at Zoe. She's the little sister that I've always wanted and always had.

"Aw, that's so sweet. I'm sure all the girls are looking forward to becoming your sister."

"Yeah," Percy rolled his eyes. "It's about becoming her sister, not my wife."

I tried to hold in my laughter as Apollo dropped his smile. "Speaking of choosing a wife, I believe you have some news for us."

Percy nodded and helped Zoe down from his knee. She ran over to her mother. "I decided that tonight would be the perfect night to eliminate three girls."

Gasps rang out across the room as the words sunk in. Piper gripped my hand tightly as I let out a shaky breath.

"Three girls?" Apollo asked. "That would mean we'd be in the final three." He then smirked. "I hear wedding bells in the distance."

Percy laughed and brushed a piece of hair from his forehead. "Maybe Apollo, maybe."

"So? Who is being eliminated tonight?"

Percy looked over at us with a sad smile. "I just want to thank these three girls for an amazing time together and I hope to remain friends afterwards. I'm sorry if this contradicts your feelings, but I have to listen to my heart." He paused for a moment so the cameras could capture our nervous faces. "The girls who have not made it into the final three are Lady Katie, Lady Reyna and Lady Piper."

Piper released my hand and stared at Percy with an open mouth. I looked over to Reyna to see a stony expression on her face and Katie was holding back tears. Rachel was trying not to smile as she looked at Calypso. I closed my eyes for a second as relief washed over. He was right, I did like this. I liked it very much.

"Congratulations to Ladies Rachel, Calypso and Annabeth for making it to the final three." Percy nodded to us and then looked away.

"There you have it folks, the final three ladies of Prince Percy's Selection. Thanks for tuning in tonight and we'll see you next week with a special report celebrating Prince Percy's eighteenth birthday!"

The cameras turned off and there was a moment of silence before Piper broke it. "Ah, well." She got up and gave Percy a hug. She waved goodbye to me and mouthed "See you at your wedding." before she walked out. Katie and Reyna followed suit, without the "my wedding part."

I stood up to leave as Percy gave me a thumbs up. I gave him two in return and left the room before people could bombard me with congratulations. I held my screams until I closed my bedroom door behind me.

"Ahhhhh!" I jumped up and down on the spot as Alicia and Justine came running towards me, screaming as well.

"I can't believe this!" Justine hugged me tightly. "You could be Queen!"

"You're going to get married!" Alicia sang, flapping her arms around excitedly.

My excitement fizzled out once I realised that Hazel wasn't in the room.

"Where's Hazel?" I asked.

Both Alicia and Justine's faces dropped. "She left you a note." Justine walked over to my desk an handed me an envelope.

"A note?" I turned it over and opened it, reading Hazel's neat writing out loud.

"Dear Annabeth,

I'm sorry to leave like this but the opportunity rose up and I took it. Franks grandmother is in her last hours. His mother got a phone call during the Report and they decided to leave straight away to say goodbye. Frank found me and asked if I wanted to go to New Asia with him. He said he needed me and I couldn't say no. As your reading this I'm on a plane to New Asia. I'm sorry to leave you at this time, especially because Percy will probably propose next week (and when he does make sure to call me straight away. I don't want to hear it from the press, I want to hear it from you!). Tell Alicia and Justine to dress you like the queen you are. I'll see you soon.

Love Hazel."

I looked up from the letter to see Alicia and Justine's saddened faces. "Poor Frank."

"This is amazing," Alicia muttered. "I know the future Queens of Illèa and New Asia!"

"There are still two other girls left in this competition."

"But your the best bet!"

I did the maths in my head.

Seven more days until his birthday.

Seven more days until he chooses his wife.

So, on the 28th of January 2017, the prologue and first two chapters of A Loophole (Percabeth Selection) were published! That's right, my favourite people in the world. Today marks the one year anniversary of A Loophole!

It's crazy to think that it's been a year, and a wonderful year at that. When I first thought about doing this, I never expected to be nearing 200k reads and hitting #63 in Fanfiction! I am so grateful to the people who have stuck with me from the very start and the people who joined this book along the way. This fic has helped me with my writing in more ways than one. I've improved so much and now am confident with my writing. Thank you for every comment (no matter how crazy), vote, share, follow and read. I can not express how thankful I am for your support.

ANNABETH'S MADE IT TO THE FINAL THREE!! I'm sure y'all are very excited for whats to come!

FRAZELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL. SO CUTE.

Last chapter I asked you guys what Annabeth should get Percy for his birthday and you guys are saying a bead and a scrapbook. I'm screaming over here! I already have a plan for their bead for this year and Percy made Annabeth a scrapbook for her birthday!!!! GAAAAHHHH. But I did find a suggestion that I really liked so you shall be expecting a follow closer to the chapter of his birthday!

Four days until school starts. *cries* I'm hoping to get this fic wrapped up and tied with a bow by the middle of Feb cause I need to focus on school this year. No prequel or sequel will be happening, sorry to disappoint! You will get a Epilogue and a Bonus Chapter though.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and double update. Thank you again.

- Squirrel