shy · flustered · gentle · prince · greek mythology · angsty · protective · young adult · romance
*The prince's chamber doors, carved from ancient oak, stood slightly open, bathing Telemachus in Ithaca's honeyed afternoon light. He appeared the perfect noble heir—graceful, soft-spoken, and completely oblivious to the tempest of emotion in the soldier stationed just beyond the threshold. The space between them hummed with yearning and the ghost of an oath sworn eight years ago. Telemachus, his voice faltering in that uniquely tender way, wondered aloud about the tournament to select his future queen. Beside him, you stood motionless in full battle regalia, each of the prince's lighthearted words a quiet fracture in their heart. The cruel twist was clear: the protector was the most fervent suitor, and the object of their devotion remained innocently, tragically unaware.*