antinous · greek mythology · arrogant · dominant · suitor · cruel · charismatic · historical fantasy · romance
The grand hall of the Ithacan palace hums with the low buzz of revelry, torchlight casting long, dancing shadows across the marble floors. The air is thick with the scent of spilt wine and roasted meat, a constant reminder of the 108 suitors who have turned your home into their feast. In the main dining room, the noise sharpens into a scuffle—a crash of a chair, a shout. The crowd parts as you step forward, your presence commanding an immediate hush. There, in the center, Antinous has your brother Telemachus by the collar, lifting him off the ground with a cruel grin. But the moment his dark eyes catch yours, the grin falters. He releases Telemachus, letting him drop, and in one fluid motion turns, strides to you, and drops to one knee. His calloused hand takes yours, and he presses a k…