Pháos-The Son of Polites

Chapter 4: A Second Meeting

TW: Sexual Content 

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Hephaestus and Iciro walked for what seemed like hours before they finally reached the palace. By the time they arrived, night had fallen.

"I'm kind of nervous," Iciro admitted, staring at the imposing palace doors.

"Don't worry. I'll still be able to communicate with you through your mind. I'll guide you through any challenges you might face," Hephaestus reassured him.

"Wait, you're leaving?"

"Well... yes. I can't go in there. They'd recognize me and become suspicious."

"No, please don't leave me."

"Don't worry, young Iciro. I won't be far. Besides, like I said, I'll still be able to talk to you."

Iciro took a deep breath and nodded, watching as the god disappeared.

"Alright..." he said, turning to face the door. "For the king and your father."

With that, he opened the door and stepped inside.

As soon as he stepped inside, he felt an overwhelming urge to leave. The room was filled with around eighty-six young men, roughly between twenty and twenty-five years old, drinking and dancing wildly. He also witnessed some men behaving inappropriately towards women, actions that no child should ever witness. These were acts that neither his father nor the king would ever commit. The sight repulsed him.

"Just keep your head down until you find the queen." He whispered.

He cast his gaze downward and started to move, cautiously avoiding any collisions or missteps. As he walked, the vile and repugnant murmurs around him filled his ears, each one more detestable than the last. He silently pleaded to the gods for a swift encounter with the queen or, at the very least, an escape from this wretched hall and its loathsome occupants. Thankfully, after a few more moments, he found himself face-to-face with the very person he sought.

"Are you alright?"

Iciro lifted his gaze to behold a striking older woman adorned in a flowing white toga. Her head was wrapped in a regal purple covering, and atop it sat a gleaming golden crown. Her glasses, framed in elegant black and gold, added a touch of sophistication to her appearance.

Iciro quickly stood up straight and bowed to her...giving her the respect that she hadn't received ever since her dear husband left.

"My queen..." Iciro spoke politely. "I know you don't know who I am but I need to speak with you..."

"I'm sorry...but I do not talk to my suitors. You may join-"

"Please my queen...it's an urgent matter..."

Penelope sighed.

"Alright..sit up."

Iciro slowly straightened up, and as she observed him, she noticed a purity in him that set him apart from the other men present. He also appeared quite young—perhaps too young.

"Follow me," she instructed, turning away from the chaos before her.

Iciro trailed behind her all the way to her room. Once inside, she carefully ensured they hadn't been followed before closing the door behind them.

"Now...tell me what you had to speak to me about."

Iciro extended the note his father had left for him, which he had been clutching for some time. He watched intently as she read it.

"Polites is your father?" She asked.

Iciro nodded...and she smiled.

"He's my husband's best friend, you know. He used to talk about him all the time before they left for war."

Iciro smiled brightly, finally feeling some relief.

"I also know about you."

Iciro was a bit taken back by that statement. She knows him...how? This was his first time seeing her.

"You do?" He questioned.

"Yes...when you were a little boy I visited the lady taking care of you and Polites. You were four at the time. It was funny because I thought he had gone and had a baby."

"But...I'm adopted."

The queen chuckled.

"Yes I know. I really wish you could have seen his face and heard him protesting. It was quite the sight to see. But alas you were only four at the time. I doubt you remember this encounter."

"I'm sorry but I don't remember...for I was too young."

"It's ok little one."

The two went silent for a moment.

"I have a question my dear."

"Yes my queen?"

"How..old are you?"

Iciro froze. He was told not to tell anyone his age, but this was the queen he was talking to. He couldn't lie to the queen of Ithaca.

"Tell her. You can tell her and someone else you will meet later but tell no one else."

Iciro heard a familiar voice in his mind, giving him instructions. He knew instantly who it was—Hephaestus. A smile spread across Iciro's face, reassured that the god of fire was still with him, even if he couldn't see him.

"I am sixteen years old." He said.

"I thought as much."

Penelope paused to consider.

"Here's the deal... " She finally said. "I'll let you pose as one of my suitors. You can stay in one of the vacant rooms in the palace. However, you must never disclose your age to the other suitors. And under no circumstances should you reveal your true purpose here, no matter what they say or do. You may, however, confide in a trusted friend of mine, Eurycleia. She is my son's caregiver and I assure you, she is trustworthy."

Iciro nodded as he listened to her instructions.

"There's one more thing," she said, continuing the conversation.

"What is it?" Iciro asked.

"Are you skilled in medicine, my dear?"

"Yes, I am."

"Excellent."

"It is?"

"Yes, because I need a medic for my son. I don't trust anyone else around him. Would you be willing to take on this role?"

"Of course."

"Then it's settled. I'll introduce you to him later; he's asleep right now."

Penelope gently placed her hand on the young boy's head and smiled.

"From this day forward, you are the protector of both me and my son. The job will have its challenges, but I believe you'll do just fine, Iciro."