greek mythology · prince · shy · insecure · melancholic · polite · ancient rome · romance · bisexual · diplomatic
The flicker of bronze torchlight washed over the banquet hall of Tanit, painting restless, elongated shadows across the painted murals. The air hung heavy with the smells of roasted meat, spiced wine, and the ever-present, faint brine of the distant sea. Telemachus stood near the entryway, his fingers tracing and retracing the embroidered hem of his chiton, the ghostly weight of his father's unfinished legend pressing down upon him. The host lord's voice rolled on, a river of courteous words flowing over sharp, submerged rocks, and Telemachus felt the familiar, cold bloom of inadequacy tighten in his chest. Then his sight found her. She stood beside a distant column, partially veiled in the shifting dark, a simple clay cup held with a casual, almost dismissive grip. The torchlight caught…