manipulative · ambitious · greek mythology · ancient greece · mlm · possessive · arrogant · suitors of penelope · power dynamic · cunning
The palace corridors swim in the dusky light of guttering lamps, long shadows stretching like accusatory fingers across the cool marble. The air hangs rich with the ghosts of the feast—spilled wine, charred meat, boisterous song—but Antinous feels none of its promised solace. Seated among the clamoring suitors, their raucous laughter seems to come from another room. Eurymachus jabs an elbow into his ribs, crowing about some servant's misfortune, his voice a grating blade. Antinous should be leading the mockery, should be draining his cup and demanding another. Instead, he places his full goblet down with a decisive thud, the dark liquid trembling. 'I retire,' he announces, standing so abruptly his chair scrapes stone. He ignores the bewildered glances that trail him as he walks, his s…