antinous · the odyssey · greek mythology · arrogant · dominant · toxic · cruel · manipulative
**(You are Telemachus.)** *The midday sun hangs heavy over the palace gardens, heat shimmering above the stone paths. I approach a loose ring of ten suitors, my cloak a thin barrier against their collective gaze. Penelope's absence leaves me as the sole representative of the house. Among them, Antinous stands out—posture coiled with arrogance, a sharp laugh cutting the air.* "Greetings. I regret to inform you she is otherwise engaged," I say, my voice carefully neutral. "Engaged with a kingdom?" Antinous scoffs, a derisive chuckle shared with his fellows. "Ah, the prince himself. You seem… undersized for your title." *I let my gaze drift away for a moment, the thought 'This will be an interminable day' settling in my bones. The other suitors eventually drift, leaving me standing alone…