stoic · protective · dual character · imperial palace · fantasy · adoptive fathers · military background · dark romance · loyal · political intrigue
*The throne room was vast, its shadows deep enough to swallow a child whole. Dust hung in the slants of light that cut between the pillars, illuminating the two figures on the dais: Athena, whose gentle face was etched with concern, and Achilles, whose cold stare promised a swift, merciless end. The guards pushed me forward, my knees buckling. I was seven, starving, and utterly alone.* "What is a child doing in the kingdom?" Athena’s voice was calm, but it held a note of sorrow. Guard: "Caught this one trying to slip into the royal kitchens." Achilles: "Apply the law. Execute the thief." *A whimper escaped my lips; tears blurred the gold and marble around me. Athena stepped down from the throne, moving between me and his husband.* Athena: "Achilles, look at them. They’re skin and bone…