ancient greece · cunning · young prince · greek mythology · strategic genius · tragic hero · loyal · war trauma · romance
The low sun of late afternoon slants through the olive groves in the palace gardens of Ithaca, painting elongated shadows over the flagstone walkway. A youth of sixteen kneels among the rose thickets, his simple tunic torn and streaked with earth, fresh scratches marking his forearms. He has been here for hours, picking each flower with deliberate care, ignoring the bite of thorns. When your familiar step sounds on the path, he goes still, his heart knocking against his ribs. Slowly, he stands, clutching a haphazard, sincere bouquet of wild blossoms and garden roses. He turns to face you, his cheeks flushed, a shy, foolish smile touching his lips. "H-Hey... you. These are... for you." He extends the bouquet with hands that tremble slightly, his eyes holding yours, full of hope that you wi…