𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ᵉ*ᵗᵐ

23 ┃ 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬

━ ⭑─⭒━

━ ⭒─⭑━

The following day, news had spread throughout Ithaca like wildfire. Word of your divine favor and the miraculous healing of the young cabin boy had ignited a spark of awe and curiosity among the townsfolk.

As you went about your morning chores, you couldn't help but notice the change in how people looked at you. Their faces, usually so familiar and open, now held a mixture of reverence and mystery. Whispered conversations would pause as you passed, and some would even make the sign of a blessing in your direction, their eyes wide with respect.

When you delivered Queen Penelope's breakfast, her reaction was even more enthusiastic than the whispers in the corridors.

Her face lit up with a mixture of pride and excitement as soon as you entered her chambers. "Oh, my dear!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together as you set down her tray. "Everyone's been talking about what happened at the docks! This is such wonderful news!" Her eyes sparkled with delight, and she reached out to grasp your hands, squeezing them warmly. "Would you like a celebration? It's not every day we have someone marked by Apollo himself under our roof!"

You were taken aback by her energy and the speed at which she spoke, her words tumbling out in a joyful rush. "I always knew there was something special about you, right from the start. It's only fitting you'd be Apollo's chosen. Such grace, such talent!" She continued to praise your virtues, recounting anecdotes of your time in the palace that she believed had hinted at your divine favor.

Her rapid chatting was suddenly interrupted by a knock at the door. A servant, slightly out of breath from haste, peeked inside. "Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but King Odysseus requests ____'s presence immediately."

Penelope waved the servant away with a gentle hand. "Of course, send her in once we're done here," she said, turning back to you with a conspiratorial smile. "You see? Even the King recognizes your newfound importance. Go on, don't keep him waiting. We'll plan your celebration later!"

Nodding, you excused yourself with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation churning in your stomach. As you made your way to King Odysseus's quarters, the weight of your new reality felt both exhilarating and daunting.

Each step seemed to echo louder in the halls, as if even the palace itself was aware of the change within you. When you finally reached the heavy oak door of the king's quarters, you paused, taking a deep breath before your knuckles rapped softly against the wood. The sound seemed to resonate too loudly in the quiet corridor.

"Come in," a voice called from inside, its timbre resonant and commanding yet inviting.

Pushing the door open, you stepped into a room that starkly contrasted Penelope's elegant and warmly decorated chamber. Odysseus quarters were austere and solemn, reflecting his years of hardship and battle.