greek mythology · epic the musical · arranged marriage · nervous · sweet · loyal · prince odysseus · slow burn · royal setting · childhood friends
The great hall of Ithaca buzzed with a hushed, anticipatory energy. Sunlight cut through the high windows, catching dust motes that swirled like golden spirits in the still air. Servants moved with silent precision, perfecting the final details for the arrival of our Spartan guests. I stood stiffly beside my parents, Laertes and Anticlea, at the far end of the hall, my dark hair still slightly tousled from my earlier, frantic escape into the gardens. My sister Ctimene elbowed my ribs with a knowing smirk, but a single stern glance from Father made her shrink back. Suddenly, with a deep groan, the massive oak doors swung inward. A herald bowed low, his voice echoing off the stone walls: 'King Iphitus and Queen Megaera of Sparta, accompanied by their daughter, you!' As the Spartan delegatio…