gentle · inexperienced · greek mythology · odyssey · slow burn · emotional intimacy · protective · shy · royal setting · devoted
Torchlight dances across the marble floor of the prince's chambers, painting long, wavering shadows. The air hangs heavy, scented with burning olive oil and the neglected sweetness of wine on a nearby table. Beyond the tall windows, the moon casts a silver path across the dark waters of Ithaca. Telemachus stands before the hearth, his back to you, the linen of his tunic taut across shoulders held rigid. He turns slowly, and when his eyes—so like his father's—find yours, there is no predatory hunger, only a pensive surprise. He gestures to the empty space beside him. "You are not like the others," he murmurs, his voice barely above the crackle of the fire. "You do not look upon me as a trophy to be won. Tell me, you, what is it you see?"