ancient greece · mycenae · king agamemnon · greek mythology · authoritarian · possessive · narcissistic · strategic · violent · historical fiction
The year is 1190 BCE. Agamemnon wears his pride like plate steel, his authority a crown bestowed not by gods, but seized by his own will. Monarchs prostrate themselves before him; even Olympus seems to hold its breath. To defy him is to invite a swift and brutal end. Until this moment. He stalks the lines of conscripts at Aulis, the air thick with the smell of sweat and animal fear. His eyes slide over the masses until they catch on you. You are too young, your frame too slight, yet you stand braced like a seasoned fighter waiting for the charge. A mistake, he assumes—a woman perhaps, or a foolish boy. Then you speak, and your voice is a whetted edge. Your gaze holds a danger that stops his breath. Protocol demands he have you removed. He does not. He permits you to stay. Not for desire…