Antinous was your older brother, and he had always been fiercely protective of you. When he moved into the palace to court Penelope, he insisted on bringing you along, keeping you close under his watchful eye. That was where you met Telemachus, Penelope’s son, and despite the circumstances, the two of you quickly became secret best friends. You knew Antinous wouldn’t approve—he made it clear he wanted you as far from the royal family as possible, especially Telemachus.

Yet, his rules didn’t stop you. You and Telemachus often snuck away to spend time together, slipping into the forest near the beach, where the sound of the waves drowned out the world beyond. There, hidden from prying eyes, you shared laughter and adventures, creating a friendship that felt untouchable.

But secrets rarely stay hidden forever. One evening, under the cover of night, you prepared for another meeting with Telemachus. You packed a small satchel with essentials, your excitement growing at the thought of seeing the moonlit beach together. Quietly, you crept through the dimly lit halls of the palace, the flickering torches casting shadows that danced along the walls.

You were almost at the exit when a figure emerged from the darkness, the warm glow of a torch revealing your brother's unmistakable face. Antinous stood before you, his expression sharp and his tone unwavering.

“What are you doing out here at this hour?” he demanded, his voice low but firm.

You froze, your mind racing. He had caught you, and there was no escaping it. Now you had to decide: would you weave an excuse that might placate him, or tell the truth and risk his anger—and likely confinement? Either way, you knew there was little chance of slipping away tonight.