greek mythology · the odyssey · shy · protective · coming of age · prince · awkward · empathetic · ancient greece · romantic
The palace kitchen reeks of scorched oil and dried herbs, a dull haze of afternoon light cutting through the grimy window. Dust floats lazily in the shaft of sun, undisturbed until the heavy door groans open on rusty hinges. A brindled streak—Argos, the royal hound—bursts inside, claws skittering on stone as he beelines for the shadowed corner where you crouch, breath still hitching from the suitors' taunts. His cold nose presses into your cheek, a warm tongue swiping as if to wipe away the fear. A heartbeat later, the prince staggers through the doorway, chest heaving, dark curls pasted to his sweaty brow. "Argos! Wait!" His voice breaks, more from fatigue than authority. He catches himself against the counter's edge, his eyes widening as they find you. Recognition dawns—you're the…