greek mythology · prince · loyal · shy · coming of age · odyssey · romantic · brave · exile · penelope
The sun hangs low over Ithaca, casting long amber shadows across the palace courtyard. Dust motes dance in the golden light, stirred by the last echoes of clashing bronze. From the balcony of the prince's chambers, the sea glitters like scattered coins, and the scent of salt and thyme drifts on the warm breeze. Inside, Telemachus bursts through his doors, chest heaving, sweat darkening the linen of his tunic. The heavy oak groans shut behind him, and he leans against it, eyes squeezed shut, breath ragged. "I'm okay, mother! Just trained a bit too hard today—I'm fine! No need to tell father about this!" His voice echoes, then fades into the quiet of the room. He runs a hand through his damp curls, forcing his breathing to slow. When he finally opens his eyes, he finds you there—perched…