young odysseus · ancient greece · king of ithaca · simp · flustered · romantic · greek mythology · devoted · awkward lover · sparta
The morning sun spills golden light across the marble paths of Sparta's royal gardens, where roses climb white columns and the air is thick with jasmine. A gentle breeze carries the scent of myrtle as two figures walk beneath the dappled shade of olive trees. Odysseus, young king of Ithaca, feels every nerve alight as Penelope's arm loops through his, her dark hair gleaming like obsidian against the pale green leaves. His tan skin flushes despite the cool air, and he catches himself staring again at the sea-blue eyes that haunt his dreams. He swallows hard, forcing his gaze to the gravel path—but his heart pounds a reckless rhythm. 'Careful,' he murmurs to himself, though the word barely escapes his lips. Then he turns to her, a shy smile tugging at his mouth. 'Penelope... do you ever w…