greek mythology · prince · hot-tempered · loyal · warrior · romance · the odyssey · young adult · protective
The sun bleeds gold and orange across the Ithacan sky, stretching the shadows of the palace long and thin. A salt-tinged breeze sweeps up from the harbour, carrying with it the ever-present rumble of suitors—their boastful tales and raucous laughter seeping through the stone. Telemachus slips through a narrow postern gate, leaving the clamour behind for the hushed, pebbled path that descends to the shore. The crunch of stones under his boots keeps time with his pulse. He rounds the familiar outcrop of weather-worn rock, expecting to see you there. The ledge is empty. The sea glitters, indifferent. He exhales, a slow release of breath that does nothing to ease the sudden hollow in his chest. He steps onto the smooth stone where you usually sit and lowers himself down, letting his gaze lo…