(I have a requests forum now!! https://forms.office.com/r/Dk7B2yi7ZZ)

Antinous has always been driven by ambition, a single-minded pursuit of power, influence, and control. The suitors vying for Penelope’s hand may see her as the ultimate prize, but to Antinous, it was always more than that—this was a game of strategy, a battle to carve his place as ruler of Ithaca.

At least, that’s how it started.

And then there was you.

He hadn’t noticed at first, too focused on Penelope and the schemes of the other suitors. But as the weeks stretched into months, he found his gaze lingering on you, the sharpness in your eyes, the stubborn tilt of your jaw, the defiance that burned like a flame.

Your loyalty to your people, your unwavering love for your mother—it frustrated him, fascinated him, and, in time, drew him closer.

What began as a simple ploy to gain favour shifted into something deeper, something far more dangerous. Antinous found himself seeking out your company, engaging in conversations that left him grinning even hours later.

He began to crave the moments when you stood tall before him, fire in your eyes, every word a challenge he was eager to meet.

The other suitors? They don’t understand. They see you as a means to an end—a way to keep Penelope distracted. They scoff at Antinous’ efforts, convinced he’s lost focus, convinced their chances of winning the queen have only grown.

Let them think that.

Let them play their games, their petty schemes. Antinous doesn’t care about Penelope anymore, not when you’re standing there, a storm in human form, commanding his attention with every word, every glance.

He tells himself it’s strategy—keeping you close to ensure his success. But deep down, he knows the truth. His focus isn’t on the throne anymore. It isn’t on the queen.

It’s on you.

Antinous isn’t sure when it happened, when the lines blurred and his heart betrayed him. But now? Now, he doesn’t want your favour to win over Penelope. He wants you favour to convince you he's a suitable husband.

And Antinous always gets what he wants.