________________________________________________________________________________
Hyacinthus, who is almost as against adultery as Hera, gets propositioned by two married men.
Icarus has his first brush with misandry and seeks advice from the sun.
Chiron tempts fate.
________________________________________________________________________________
Prince Hyacinthus of Sparta stood at the threshold of manhood, his fifteenth birthday marking the moment Spartan males came of age. But this was no ordinary celebration; it was an opulent affair orchestrated by his father, King Amyclas. Hyacinthus was not just any prince—he was the chosen heir, supposed to ascend the throne.
The festivities unfolded in the grand hall of the palace, adorned with tapestries depicting heroic battles and marble statues of gods. As guests arrived, the air hummed with anticipation, their fine linen robes brushing against the mosaic floors. Argalus and Cynortas, Hyacinthus's older brothers, watched from the shadows, their expressions a mix of envy and resentment.
Argalus, the eldest, nursed a deeper grudge. His wife, Parthenia, had eyes only for Hyacinthus. The young prince's charm and grace had ensnared her heart, leaving Argalus bitter. To make matters worse, Parthenia had not borne him an heir, and whispers of her blatant longing for Hyacinthus echoed through the palace corridors.
Cynortas, the middle brother, fared no better. After the scandal involving Parthenia, he remained unmarried. Amyclas struggled to find him a suitable bride, fearing another family scandal. The noble families hesitated, wary of aligning their daughters with a man tainted by association. No one wanted to risk their daughter falling in love with her brother-in-law and disgracing the family.
But Hyacinthus cared little for such matters. His mind was consumed by the unfinished temple of Hera, rising on the outskirts of Sparta. The goddess demanded perfection, and he supervised the workers day and night, keeping watches as they chiselled marble and invoked blessings. He worried about how strangely the wind behaved around him, making him seek refuge in holy temples. Yet, for this night, he played the dutiful son, feigning delight as the festivities unfolded. He drank wine, sang along, and danced through the feasting hall.
His two friends, Crocus and Smilax, stood by his side. Having inherited his grandfather's property and fought in multiple conflicts for Sparta, Crocus was in a high position. His wealth and influence now rivalled even the noblest of Spartans. Smilax's father had finally allowed a betrothal between them. They would be wed when Smilax turned eighteen, as it was custom for women of Sparta.
And then, she arrived in godly splendour—the muse Clio, Hyacinthus's mother. Her ethereal beauty stirred memories of a time when love flowed freely between her and Amyclas. But that love had shattered, leaving scars on the family. Diomede, their deceased first queen of Amyclas, had suffered the most. Argalus and Cynortas blamed Clio for their mother's heartache and feared her wrath.
Amyclas greeted Clio with a mixture of longing and regret. He knew she had moved on, but old flames die hard. The tension in the room thickened. Argalus and Cynortas exchanged glances, their silence a testament to Clio's immortal power. She was no ordinary woman; she was a goddess, and her wrath could unravel kingdoms. She had little tolerance for any slight towards her beloved son.
As the night wore on, Hyacinthus danced with Smilax and Crocus, their steps echoing the rhythm of the stars. Clio watched, her eyes filled with both pride and sorrow. She thought she knew her son's destiny—the throne awaited him. But would it bring joy or heartache?
YOU ARE READING
Feel the Burning Light by Dewy_Pink_Morning_Roses52
FanfictionWhen Hyacinthus died, Apollo grieved the loss of the love of his life. He asked Hades to return his love to him but was denied. Less than a century after the disc struck, Hyacinthus of Sparta was reborn as Icarus of Crete. Once more, he loved and wa...
