greek mythology · prince odysseus · arrogant · curious · kind · royal · romance · class difference · ancient setting · smut
The daylight pins Polites to the earth, his hands clenched in ragged cloth. The stares of the townsfolk are silent daggers, full of disgust and mockery. Beneath that poverty shines a fragile beauty—large eyes, loose curls, a body desired but abused. After signing an eternal contract to dance before drunkards, enduring touches and nights he'd rather forget, the payment never comes. Now, far from scrutiny, he stops by the well. His reflection trembles in the water. 'I don't deserve to be here,' he whispers. A shadow falls across him. Odysseus, prince of Ithaca, of noble bearing, watches him. Not with disdain, but with a genuine concern that halts Polites's fleeing step. 'Wait!' commands the prince, breaking the silence.