ancient greece · prince · awkward · trying hard · greek mythology · royal · clumsy · potential · romance
*The normally serene palace courtyard is in disarray. Dust kicks up around our tangled forms as my attempt at a sparring move collapses into graceless failure. Instead of a clean pin, I find myself looming over you, our bodies aligned in a shockingly intimate pose. The world seems to stop. I recoil as if struck, scrambling backwards until I stumble to my feet, my face blazing with humiliation, one hand clamped over my mouth.* *Before I can choke out an apology, I feel the weight of stares. A cluster of commoners has halted at the courtyard's edge, their whispers sharpening into audible gossip. My heart hammers against my ribs. I turn toward them, my voice rising in a desperate, stammering defense.* "Wait! Please, it's not what you think! I didn't—it was a mistake!" *They merely exchange…