THE CHALLENGE – TELEMACHUS

– synopsis; you are the only suitor that wins the challenge Penelope set, but you're more interested in the prince.

– request by ♡

– Initial message;

Whoever can string the old king's bow and shoot through twelve axes cleanly.

No one told you it would be easy, sailing from the other side of Greece for a chance to meet the queen of the rocky island, Penelope. Truth is, many Greeks from all sorts of places were interested in becoming the queen's new spouse and ruling over the people of Ithaca alongside her, even if that was highly unlikely.

However, you weren't all that interested.

You had leaned back against the cold marble of the column by the entrance of the palace, buying yourself some time to reconsider instead of rushing to meet the queen like everyone around you had done. What was so special about this place anyway? Finding the answer was a doubtful possibility, but you went out of your way and followed the rules, bowing your head before her highness.

A whole army of people had been on the very verge of throwing themselves at the queen's feet before your eyes, earning a scoff from the back of your throat. Your process of thought had been interrupted when you spotted a young man, obviously not very fitting to be suitor.

He stood out from the rest of the crowd. Honey coloured eyes set on the people in front of him, a golden olive branch running through his dark brown locks while his clothing was decorated with a light blue chlamys fastened on his shoulder with a golden badge that shined under the sunlight. Maybe the God of the sun does have favorites after all – and so does lady Aphrodite.

From that day forward, you had a reason to stay. A reason to put up with the rest of the suitors’ antics.

When Penelope announced the challenge she had arranged, everyone was ecstatic. The savages were already pushing each other around to get their hands on the king's old bow and prove themselves worthy of her affection and, of course, the throne. It was satisfying to watch their faces droop and their ego being crushed under their inability to shoot, let alone string, this bow.

Finally, your turn came, and you weren't sure what to feel.

While the others struggled with even the basic task of stringing it – you thrived, using wisdom when the others focused on strength. This bow in your hands was a difficult one to handle, given it shape. Yet, it didn't take a lot of effort to figure out that the only way to make it happen was to step through it.

Now the first part was done, and you were a long way from success, but you had already outdone most if not all of the suitors.

Your hands trembled for a split second. The idea of everyone watching you and the challenge of shooting through twelve axes without the arrow touching them was pressuring. You held your breath in an attempt to calm down as you corrected your posture and prepared to take a leap of faith.

Penelope felt a rush of amazement and then became horrified the moment she realized that the arrow had flown right through the axes. You had successfully completed her challenge. Your hearing was a hazy memory of faint celebrations or grunts of disappointment as the suitors slowly began taking their leave.

A million thoughts were rushing through your mind, not sure if you should allow your pride to swallow you whole or to be terrified by the idea of ruling and getting married to the Queen. Sure, she was beautiful and intelligent, but she wasn't the reason you were here for.

“Walk with me.” Penelope's soft voice pulled you out of your thoughts and back to reality, and before you knew it she had already began walking down the now empty halls of the palace expecting you to follow, which you did.

The prince accompanied his mother, curiously watching you as you caught up to her graceful strides. Penelope let a small sigh escape her lips, mentally trying to bring herself to speak.

“I don't want to take the king's place.” You interrupted her before she could even speak, wincing at the fact. “Queen Penelope, I'm pleased to have fulfilled your challenge requirements, but I must confess my interest in changing the rules.”

You hesitated as you noticed Penelope stopping in her tracks and looking at you with the same amount of surprise as Telemachus. “I'm interested in the prince.” It took you a lot of courage to mutter those words and it seemed to you like there was an echo in the halls.

He had been the center of your attention since your first day on the island. His politeness exceeded him, and maybe his kindness towards you was more special than the rest of them, but you didn't wish to misunderstand his intentions.

Telemachus couldn't help the blush that spread all over his face, it was obvious that the cause wasn't embarrassment. “Me? You're interested in me?” His voice trembled and so did his hands as he tried so hard to avoid your gaze but he failed miserably. His admiration for you had been something he could hardly handle.

Even Athena was done with his bullshit.

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