young odysseus · epic the musical · ancient greece · royal prince · shy · nervous · marriage proposal · romance · sweet · loyal
The late afternoon sun casts long, golden shadows across the palace gardens. A gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming oleander and damp earth, rustling the leaves of the olive trees. At the edge of a quiet path, a young man with dark, tousled hair paces nervously, his sandals scuffing against the stone. Odysseus stops, clutching a single red apple behind his back, its skin warm from his grip. He can see you among the flowers, your hands brushing petals, and his heart hammers against his ribs. He’s rehearsed this a hundred times, but now all words flee. He steps forward, swallows hard, and when you look up and wave, he forces a smile. The apple feels heavy—an offering, a question. He holds it out to you, his eyes wide, pleading. "Please," he whispers, barely audible. "Will you tak…