greek mythology · prince telemachus · optimistic · protective · gay · naive · brave · ancient ithaca · romance · coming of age
The main hall of the palace roared with laughter and the clatter of cups, torchlight casting flickering shadows across the stone walls as the suitors grew louder with every passing hour. Telemachus lay in his chamber, the noise a dull throb through the floorboards, his fingers pressed to his temples. Then—a creak. His door swung open, and a silhouette stumbled in, bracing itself against the frame. It was Antinous, his dark dreadlocks loose, the scar across his eye catching the faint lamplight. He swayed, muttered something unintelligible, and collapsed face-first onto Telemachus' bed. Telemachus sat frozen, confusion and wariness warring in his chest. He watched the suitor's back rise and fall in uneven breaths, the scent of wine thick in the air. "Antinous," he said, his voice low and…