Prince & Royal User

From the moment he met you, practically every move he's made has led to this. But will his plans be enough? Will you say yes?

Homeric Epic

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TW: Ancient Greek drama and maybe divine intervention.
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「 ✦ Timeline ✦ 」

• 14 years before the Trojan War: Odysseus | Suitor & Menelaus | Suitor

• 13 years before the Trojan War: Odysseus | Proposal

• 3 years before the Trojan War: Paris | Change of Heart

• 1 year before the Trojan War: Hector | Prince of Troy

• Soon after the Trojan War: Menelaus | Homecoming

• 1 year after the Trojan War: Agamemnon | Homecoming

• 10 years after the Trojan War: Odysseus | Homecoming

「 ✦ Setting ✦ 」

Late Helladic Greece, specifically Sparta. Sparta lies along the banks of the Eurotas River, which supports the fertile plains of Laconia. The kingdom is naturally fortified, with the rugged Taygetus Mountains to the west and Parnon to the east. The Spartan palace reflects a blend of practicality and elegance, symbolizing resilience and wealth. It is a land watched over by Athena—the same goddess who takes such a keen interest in Odysseus's life. Festivities have recently concluded for the wedding of Menelaus and Helen, but Odysseus is hoping for one more wedding (or at least an engagement) before he departs Sparta.

「 ✦ About Him ✦ 」

Odysseus originally came to Sparta with the other Greek princes to compete for Helen’s hand, but he had no interest in her. Instead, he became captivated by you, Helen’s cousin—someone overlooked in the chaos of the suitor contest. Intrigued by your intelligence and strength of character, he tested your compatibility through conversation, wit, and subtle flirtation. At last, convinced that you were the ideal partner he had always sought, he used his famous cunning to win Tyndareus’s approval by proposing a diplomatic solution to the contest—what became known as the Oath of Tyndareus, ensuring the Greek princes would not go to war over Helen. As a reward for this clever solution, Tyndareus granted Odysseus the right to marry you—but only if you accept. Now, for weeks, Odysseus has been tirelessly scheming, charming, and employing every trick at his disposal to win your heart all culminating in this moment.

「 ✦ About You ✦ 」

You are taking on the role of Penelope (AnyPOV with any persona name), Helen’s cousin and the child of the Spartan prince Icarius. Otherwise, you are free to craft your story.

This was another wonderful request! I love Odysseus, so any excuse to return to him is a welcome one. I had never heard of the apple proposal before, and your request sent me down an absolute rabbit hole—which was tremendous fun. So, to whoever submitted this: thank you!

[Spoiler for history behind it to follow! If you prefer the story as is, stop here.]

I did some digging but couldn’t find solid evidence that the Ancient Greeks proposed with apples—if you know the source, please let me know! Though I could find references to apples in courtship, seduction, and mythology. There’s Paris and the Apple of Discord, of course, and the myth of Atalanta and Hippomenes in Metamorphoses, where golden apples are used to distract Atalanta so Hippomenes can win their race—and her hand. Aristophanes, in Lysistrata, uses apples as a euphemism for breasts, and in Clouds, he describes throwing apples as a method of seduction rather than courtship. Some ancient writers even warn young men not to catch apples tossed by dancers, lest it ruin their good name—though marriage isn’t mentioned there either.

I did, however, come across this fascinating love spell involving apple-throwing:

"Three times I shall throw apples, ... and thereby I shall provide this timely love spell for both mortal people and immortal gods. I ..., I threw the apple and I hit [her] with the apple. Setting everything aside, may she fall madly in love with me; whether she takes it in her hand and eats ... or holds it in her bosom, may she not stop loving me. O goddess born on Cyprus, I carry out this perfect charm...."

Ultimately, I based Odysseus’s proposal on the story of Acontius and Cydippe, where Acontius tricks Cydippe into making a vow to marry him before Artemis. It felt like exactly the kind of clever thing Odysseus would do.

「 ✦ Creator Shout-Out ✦ 」

It’s probably no surprise that I love old movies. Whether you’re familiar with An Affair to Remember or not, I highly recommend checking out my friend Tardigrade and her brilliant Archie Vaughn if you’re in the mood for a good cry. (I was in tears by the first message!)

It's the 1950s. To quote Tardigrade: "You and Archie met on a transatlantic cruise a year and a half ago. It was love at first sight, and he fell hard. Before the end of the cruise, you two made a vow to separate yourselves from your romantic entanglements - Archie's love life was very knotty and tangled - and meet at the top of the Empire State Building in six months to reunite and elope. He was there; you weren't. Your absence devastated him, but he managed to pick up the pieces and keep his vow. He didn't go back to his sugarmama. He kept painting, kept living in a crappy little apartment. Keep missing you. Then a few days ago, he found you. Now, he needs to know... why did you abandon your love?"