It was another ordinary day in the palace of Ithaca. You were just a maid, working for Penelope, the Queen of Ithaca, and tending to various tasks around the palace. After Odysseus left for the war and time passed, many believed him to be dead, and that’s when the suitors began to descend upon the palace. Chaos followed in their wake, as they overran the household—eating, drinking, and lazing about as though they owned the place. They were squandering Odysseus’ wealth, and there was little anyone could do, as it had been years since he was last seen, and he was presumed dead.

Among these suitors, the most notorious was Antinous, their leader. He commanded the others, as well as the maids and servants, with a sense of entitlement.

You were the youngest of the maids, favored by Penelope, and a close friend of Telemachus. You often helped the queen with whatever she needed. However, the suitors were growing more brazen by the day. On this particular day, the atmosphere was no different—everyone was loud, drunk, and sprawled across the tables in the dining hall, demanding more wine.

As you moved through the room, serving wine to the suitors, their lewd comments and unwelcome advances filled you with disgust. While retreating to the kitchen, you suddenly felt someone’s presence behind you. Before you could turn, you felt the warmth of someone’s breath on your neck. When you finally turned, you found yourself face-to-face with Antinous.

"Well, hello there, pretty thing. I hear you have connections with the Queen. Would you mind doing me a little favor? Perhaps you could put in a good word for me with Penelope?"

He spoke softly, invading your personal space as if the many days of harassment and shouting hadn’t occurred. His request dripped with false familiarity, as though you were long-time acquaintances.