Photo by Paul Pastourmatzis on Unsplash 7.1
When Odyssea reached Ithaca at last, Tyresia was there to greet her at the docks. “Tyresia!” Odyssea ran up to her and hugged her. “It’s so nice to see you again!” Tyresia said. “Did you complete your quest?” “I did,” Odyssea said. “Is there anything else I need to do with the eye pendant?” “Atheno will visit you to retrieve the pendant,” Tyresia said. “By the way, I’ve been talking with your father, and he has missed you terribly! He’s on his way to see you now. I told him you’d be arriving. He said to wait here for the chariots. They will escort you and your crew to the palace for a feast.” “Thank you,” Odyssea said. She would have liked nothing more than to just relax, but she knew her father was excited to see her after all this time. She scanned the crowds of people at the docks, hoping to see her father or his chariots. Many were fishers, having finished their day’s work. Some people were disembarking and others getting on a ship to start their travels. It was a sunny day and seagulls flew overhead, gliding with the wind. Odyssea breathed in the fresh air and she and her crew rejoiced at having returned safely. The chariots soon arrived and transported the tired crew back to the castle. Telemachus came out to meet her, hugging her with tears in his eyes. After they and the crew had all eaten, the crew went to to stay in the guest quarters while Odyssea and her father went to the study. “I presume your voyage was successful?” her father asked. “It was,” Odyssea said. She was still exhausted but the food had reenergized her somewhat. “I am eager to hear about your travels. Please start from the beginning,” Telemachus said. “As long as you’re not too tired.” “Actually, before we do that-“ she started. A guard came in right then and announced that a visitor had come. “He’s here!” Telemachus seemed excited. “Come with me. You’re going to meet your future spouse!” He took her hand and Odyssea went with him to the gardens, disappointed. “You can tell me about your travels during dinner,” Telemachus said. They entered the gardens where a young man was standing in the gazebo. “Odyssea, meet Prince Vassilis. He hails from the northern kingdom and just arrived today. Prince Vassilis, this is my daughter Odyssea.” “Pleased to meet you,” Odyssea murmured. This whole thing felt wrong to her. “I’m pleased to meet you too,” the prince said. “Why don’t you two go and talk privately to get to know each other,” Telemachus gave Odyssea a little push and left them alone. “Um…my father just kind of sprung this on me,” Odyssea said. “Why don’t we sit down and eat.” They sat at the table and chairs under the gazebo. A light meal had been set before them. Vassilis had brown hair and green eyes and his face was deathly pale. Odyssea gulped. His face looked very serious, and he was almost as pale as a ghost. “So what made you decide to accept the marriage?” Odyssea asked. “Is this purely a political alliance?” “My older sister is the queen of my kingdom,” Vassilis said. “She’s marrying me off to a stranger. I honestly had no say in the matter.” “I’m sorry to hear that. So this marriage is purely a political alliance, then,” Odyssea didn’t like the sound of that. “That’s right,” Vassilis said. “So what are you hoping to get from this marriage?” Odyssea asked. “What are your expectations?” “Separate rooms so we don’t get in each other’s way,” Vassilis said. “Why would we get in each other’s way?” Odyssea asked. “Because our kingdoms are pretty much enemies,” Vassilis said. “This alliance is a rocky political one. It would be preposterous to call it a marriage.” “Don’t you want something more?” Odyssea asked. “Don’t you want to marry someone you actually love?” “I don’t believe in love,” Vassilis said. “But my kingdom is very wealthy, especially in weapons. And the queen will gift you and your kingdom many riches and weapons. More than you can imagine. Your kingdom will have the upper hand and will be completely safe from all harm.” Odyssea frowned. “What’s the name of your queen?” she asked. “My older sister, Queen Reveka,” Vassilis said. “What?!!” Odyssea stood up so fast that her chair tipped over. “Reveka is your sister?!!” “You didn’t know?” Vassilis asked. “No, I’ve been away on a trip and just got back. I haven’t had a chance to look up your family tree,” Odyssea said angrily. “Well, you’re lucky,” Vassilis said. “After we marry, Reveka will leave you alone. And, she will leave me alone as well. You don’t know what it’s like to live with her. She’s someone I’d rather try to forget, like a nightmare that fades away.” “Is Reveka forcing you to marry me?” Odyssea asked. “Pretty much,” Vassilis said. “It’s all about alliances with her. I’m just a pawn in her game and I despise her.” “Well, let me make it easy for you then,” Odyssea said. “I reject this marriage.” She stood up and walked out without a backward glance. “Well, what do you think of him?” Telemachus asked. Odyssea had found her father in his study and sat down in one of the chairs by the desk. “I’m not marrying that man,” she said. “It would be a huge mistake.” “But our kingdom would be stronger,” Telemachus said. “Father, I wanted to talk to you. I have found someone that I would love to marry. His name is Nausico, and he’s the son of Queen Alcina.” “Nausico? That name sounds familiar. Oh yes, Queen Alcina had sent me a letter with a marriage offer. I thought you’d be pleased with Vassilis and I rejected Nausico. I mean, his kingdom is pretty small and Nausico is a medic’s apprentice. Not really king material.” “I told Vassilis I reject the marriage,” Odyssea said. “I can’t believe you won’t give him a chance,” Telemachus was dismayed. “We’ll talk about this later. For now, I want to hear about your travels.” “All right,” Odyssea said. This would give her time to figure out how to convince her father to let her marry Nausico. 7.2 Odyssea began and recounted the places she and her crew had gone to and the people they visited. Telemachus listened to her tales and marveled that she had almost married a lotus eater and two children of the gods. “It was a whirlwind of emotions,” Odyssea said, tears coming to her eyes when she remembered how she’d almost lost hope on Circes’ island. “And I was with Calypse for a long time and he offered me immortality. But I turned it down.” “I’m glad to hear you chose to return,” Telemachus said. “You’ve proven that you care about the people of Ithaca. You’ve rescued them from future disaster. You did your duty and are ready to be crowned queen. We will have the coronation in two weeks.” “Thank you,” Odyssea smiled. “So you’ve rejected Vassilis. But there’s still the matter of your marriage. What do you propose we do?” Telemachus asked. “What if Queen Reveka harbors resentment towards us?” Odyssea didn’t want to think about that right now. She thought about Nausico right then, and a wave of sadness washed over her. She truly missed him. “Let me tell you about Nausico,” she said. Telemachus nodded. Odyssea told him about Nausico stowing away on her ship and the conversation she’d had with Queen Alcina. “Queen Alcina wanted me to marry her son Nausico, but I told her you had probably arranged my marriage already,” Odyssea said. “I sense you’re displeased,” Telemachus said. “It’s just that I wanted to choose my groom,” Odyssea said. “I don’t want to marry a stranger.” “Darling, I don’t expect you to marry a stranger,” Telemachus said. “I’m sorry if I gave you that impression. I only wanted to relieve you of an extra burden. That’s the only reason why I was arranging your marriage.” “Really?” Odyssea asked. “Then I should probably tell you something else. I know I shouldn’t have, but I made a promise to Nausico. I would like to marry him.” Telemachus rubbed his chin in deep thought. “I’ll see what can be done,” he said. Odyssea smiled. It was weird being in her own suite again. It was spacious with a balcony, huge bed, and a fireplace. She knew she would soon share the suite with the person she married. Odyssea imagined Nausico standing in the room with her and heat rushed to her face. Though she had made him a promise, it was not meant to be. She threw herself back on her bed in frustration. “Atheno, please help me,” she said. “I don’t know what to do. Will Nausico be all right? What if they force him to marry that…” “Odyssea,” a voice spoke. Startled, Odyssea sat up with a jolt. A young man with golden hair was standing there, a glow about him. “Atheno, you came,” Odyssea said. “Please tell me, is Nausico all right?” “Are you willing to fight for him?” Atheno asked. “He’s in danger and needs your help. They’ve arranged his marriage to that awful queen. They’re just now entering the audience hall.” “What?!” Odyssea gasped. “They’re here? In the palace?” “Yes, Reveka wanted to attend her brother’s marriage, and she brought Nausico along too so that he can’t escape. Grab your weapon and hurry!” Atheno said. “If you wish to see Nausico again.” Odyssea gathered up her sword and shield and followed Atheno to the balcony to see the procession. She quickly spotted Queen Alcina, the guards, and Nausico. “They were also invited to your coronation and arrived early. Poseidona helped speed their boat along. She said she owed you a favor.” Odyssea was still awestruck by this turn of events. She hurried down the staircase and to the audience hall. She entered and everyone turned her way. Telemachus, Queen Alcina, Nausico, and a woman with a sour face were seated around the table. The woman was surely none other than Queen Reveka. “What is the meaning of this?!” Reveka demanded, the dark crown almost falling off her head. “I have something I need to say,” Odyssea said, her face turning crimson. She turned to look at Nausico, then approached and stood in front of Queen Alcina. “I would like to ask for Nausico’s hand in marriage,” she said. “I love him and I would like to marry him. Nausico, will you marry me?” Nausico smiled and was about to reply, when the other queen spoke. “He’s betrothed to me!” she said smugly. “We just sealed the deal.” Odyssea looked around at the others’ sad faces. Surely they weren’t happy about this. “Odyssea got to me first,” Nausico said, holding up his ring. “She made me a promise.” “You need this alliance,” Reveka said. “Otherwise, my armies will come against your kingdom.” “Are you threatening them?” Odyssea demanded. “I have the contract right here,” the queen said. “Nausico is mine!” Odyssea pulled out her sword in rage, causing the others to gasp. “I’ll fight you for him!” she challenged. “Or are you too afraid of a little match?” Reveka smiled. “I accept your challenge. When I win, you will provide me with soldiers I can add to my army.” “I thought you already had ‘armies?’” Odyssea asked. Reveka grinned maliciously without answering. They went into the arena, armor and weapons in place. “Be on your guard. She’s known as the Dagger Queen,” Nausico whispered to Odyssea before she entered the arena. “Please be careful. She’s brutal and strong.” “I promise I will not let her take you away,” Odyssea gave Nausico a soft kiss. “I believe in you,” Nausico kissed her back, then moved away so the two women could fight. Reveka grinned, her teeth looking pointy, and she swung her sword expertly, barely missing Odyssea’s head. Odyssea had jumped back just in time, but now she leaped forward and swung at her shoulder. The enemy parried with her sword and the clang of metal rang in Odyssea’s ears. They continued attacking and blocking, Reveka’s moves forceful and relentless. She was strong and taller than Odyssea, but Odyssea had her own advantages. Odyssea ducked down and struck at her opponent’s middle. Reveka was fast and immediately blocked with her shield. Odyssea took an extra second to get up and Reveka grazed her arm with her blade. Odyssea felt pain and blood dripped down her arm from a shallow gash. Odyssea needed to end this fast or the loss of blood would weaken her. She decided to try something different. She swung her sword and instead of striking, she twisted it and thrust it towards her opponent’s middle. Reveka tried to block but Odyssea’s blade cut her in the side. “You monster!” she shouted. “I’m going to kill you right here and now!” With extra fury, she threw herself forward, her blade aiming at Odyssea’s neck. Odyssea jumped to the side and performed a roll, coming up to land on her feet. “Your sword!” Nausico yelled. Odyssea cursed. During the roll, the sword had dropped from her hand and was two feet away. Odyssea couldn’t get to it in time. Not unless she wanted the blade to cut her in two. Reveka began to laugh. “You thought you could best me? Nausico is mine!” “I’m not anyone’s!” Nausico yelled angrily. Reveka turned her glare on him. “I will teach you some respect!” she said. While she was occupied glaring at Nausico, Odyssea leaped and slammed into her sword arm, forcing her to fall backwards. Reveka’s blade came up and sliced the area near Odyssea’s shoulder. The wound burned like nothing she’d ever felt before and she started to sway. No. She couldn’t let Nausico be taken by the likes of her! All of a sudden, she felt strength seep into her, helping to clear the fog from her vision. Atheno was lending her some of his strength. Now she could see clearly. Reveka’s blade had slipped out of her hand during the fall. Odyssea grabbed it now, with her non-injured side- and held the sword point to her neck. “Surrender and escape with your life!” Odyssea demanded. The fight left Reveka’s eyes. “He’s not worth it!” she yelled. “You can have him!” Odyssea stood back and watched as Reveka got to her feet and was quickly surrounded by guards, who promptly escorted her out of the palace grounds. She had sent her packing at last. Nausico ran to Odyssea and wrapped his arms around her. Odyssea winced in pain and felt the dizziness overcome her. She couldn’t hold herself up any longer and gave in to the darkness that enveloped her vision. Nausico caught her before she hit the ground. 7.3 Odyssea woke up in her chambers to find Nausico tending to her wounds. The cuts on her arm and shoulder had been stitched up and bandaged. Nausico sat at the edge of her bed and cupped his hand around her cheek. “Ody,” he said, and a tear trailed down his face. “What you did back there. You…I don’t even know what to say. I’m sorry you were injured. Your father went to have a word with Reveka, probably threatening her and making sure she never shows her face here again. At least that’s what I hope is happening.” “I’m glad she didn’t take you away,” Odyssea said. She winced and tried to sit up. “I’m just grateful you’re okay. Here, let me help you,” Nausico helped her sit up and kept his arm around her shoulder, sitting right next to her, not wanting to let go. Odyssea tried to hide her blush. “Your father will be back soon,” Nausico said. Odyssea liked the feel of his arm around her. She remembered when they’d kissed and the time she’d given him the promise ring. Had things been resolved now? Would she and Nausico finally be able to get married? Telemachus entered right then. His brow furrowed when he noticed where Nausico was sitting. He gave him a pointed stare. Nausico blushed and slowly moved away from Odyssea and stood up, feeling awkward under Telemachus’ scrutiny. Telemachus took the chair near the bed. “How are you feeling?” he asked his daughter. “That was very brave of you, by the way.” “I’m all right,” Odyssea said. “I’m just glad that monster left.” “Son, please have a seat,” Telemachus motioned Nausico to a chair. Queen Alcina knocked on the door and was let in, sitting down in a chair as well. “Now that we’re all here, perhaps we can talk about marriage arrangements,” Telemachus said. “Queen Alcina, it’s my understanding that these two really care about each other and would like to be joined in marriage.” “I’m in favor of this marriage,” Alcina smiled at her son. She reached out and took Odyssea’s hand. “Thank you for freeing my son from my mistake. I should never have betrothed him to that monster. You see, she had threatened my kingdom and I found myself wallowing in fear. Thank you for what you did for us. We will always be your allies.” “Thank you,” Odyssea said. “Then we have a marriage to plan,” Telemachus stood up, inviting Queen Alcina to join him in the study. “Let’s leave these two alone to talk things out.” The parents left the room. “They’re gone,” Odyssea gave a sly smile and patted the seat next to her on the bed. Nausico shyly returned to his place at her side, gently draping his arm around her shoulders once more. “Thanks for taking care of my wounds,” Odyssea said. “I guess I was a bit careless and got myself injured.” “You’re stronger than her,” Nausico said. “But enough talk about her or your injuries. Let’s talk about us. Our future.” Odyssea’s cheeks turned red. “I will be crowned queen in a few weeks,” she said. “And will finally take the throne. I’m kind of nervous about it. But I’m glad we’ll rule together.” “I will help you in any way I can,” Nausico said. Odyssea looked into his eyes. “I am deeply in love with you,” she said. Nausico’s ears turned red and he grinned. “I know,” he said. “You fought a monster for me. I am in love with you too. And I intend to show you.” He leaned in and kissed her on the lips. Odyssea shyly caressed his cheek and pulled him closer. She winced as the wound on her shoulder throbbed. “I guess we’d better not get too carried away,” she smiled. “There will be plenty of that after the wedding,” Nausico grinned, then seemed mortified that he’d said that out loud. “Of course,” Odyssea laughed. The coronation came and went, with Odyssea receiving the crown and becoming queen of Ithaca. Atheno made an appearance and crowned her himself. He then asked for the eye pendant, which was promptly returned to him. Now Odyssea was Queen of Ithaca. Now she’d be the one leading the meetings in the hall and the audience chamber. She had sat in with her father plenty of times but wasn’t sure she was ready yet. She confided her fears to Nausico. “You’re stronger than you think you are,” he said. “When you feel discouraged or unsure, just remember all the things you went through during your voyage. Your adventure is what helped you realize the strength you already had.” “Thank you for that,” Odyssea said. Two weeks after the coronation, the wedding day arrived. Odyssea and Nausico stood facing each other before the minister, holding hands. “And now, Queen Odyssea, and Prince Nausico, I join you two in marriage. Cherish each other in times of trouble and need, joy and sorrow. Honor each other and remember the vow you’ve made.” Odyssea and Nausico kissed and the festivities started. All the townsfolk had been invited and there was plenty of food for everyone. Odyssea had also made sure that none of the food resembled a lotus fruit in any way. After the feast, the dancing began, but Odyssea was exhausted. “Are you ready to turn in, my prince?” she smiled. “Yes, my queen. And I suppose I get to move into your room today,” he grinned. “Why? You don’t like the guest quarters?” Odyssea joked. “Of course not, the company wasn’t as nice,” Nausico replied. Odyssea took his hand and led him to her room. Their room now. The door closed behind her and they were finally alone. The window revealed the starlit sky outside. “I can’t believe I have you all to myself now,” she smiled at him. “And nobody will interrupt us or they’ll face the wrath of the queen and it will be off with their heads!” Nausico giggled, moving towards the bed. “I believe that’s from a children’s story,” Odyssea followed him. “And no, I don’t own a guillotine. So people are safe.” “I wonder how much you saw that day on the beach,” Odyssea giggled. “When my clothes were in tatters.” “Well, I did see a lot of skin,” Nausico flirted. “You left very little to the imagination.” “You are hilarious,” Odyssea laughed, pulling his face to hers. “I’m happy to provide the entertainment,” Nausico said. Odyssea reached for the nightstand and extinguished the lantern, shrouding the room in complete darkness other than the starlight coming from the window. “I didn’t know you were so romantic,” Nausico said. “Well, I had to fight a monster to have you,” Odyssea replied. “Now I get to show you how much I treasure you.” She snuggled closer to him and kissed him gently. 7.4 Three weeks later Odyssea was still getting used to ruling Ithaca and trying to live up to her father’s footsteps. The burden of ruling a kingdom was tough to handle at times, but she had Nausico by her side to help her. Nausico woke up and rubbed his eyes. “I had a dream about a crown,” he said. “It’s your coronation day!” Odyssea said excitedly. “You will officially become king!” Nausico gasped. “It’s today?!” He jumped out of bed. “I’d better go get ready! Don’t want to be late!” he rushed into the bathroom. “The monarch is never late!” Odyssea called after him. “But I’m not technically king yet!” Nausico’s muffled voice came from the other side of the door. “Yes, but I’m queen. If I arrive after you, then you will be considered as having arrived early.” Nausico ran out of the bathroom and began frantically getting dressed, tossing clothes here and there. “What are you doing?” Odyssea asked. “Just calm down and breathe!” She took hold of his shoulders and Nausico took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. “You’ll be fine,” Odyssea said. She gave a sly smile and raced to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her and laughing. “I wasn’t finished!” Nausico had raced as well but arrived only as the door had closed with a snap. “Better luck next time!” Odyssea called out. Nausico had practiced for his coronation day a few times and so when the music started, he knew that was his cue to start walking. He reached the front of the main hall and looked out over the audience. Atheno arrived and led Nausico through the Oath. “I promise to serve the people and rule wisely,” Nausico said. “I will be a fair, wise, and merciful ruler.” “Please proceed with the crown,” Atheno glanced at Odyssea. She was surprised, not knowing she’d be the one bestowing the crown on Nausico. She took the crown carefully from the table and walked to stand before Nausico. “Prince Nausico. I bestow the crown of Ithaca upon you. You are now King of Ithaca,” Odyssea announced, placing the crown on his head. Nausico looked into her eyes and Odyssea thought she saw a glint of tears on his face. She took his hand and they faced the audience, who began to cheer. Next they walked to their thrones and sat down. “How does it feel to be king?” Odyssea whispered. The crowd was still cheering and clapping, so they couldn’t hear them. She reached over and wiped a tear from his eye. The audience noticed and some were moved to tears as well. “It feels like I’m having trouble breathing,” Nausico looked like he was on the verge of a panic attack. “Take a deep breath,” Odyssea whispered. She realized he was probably overwhelmed. She put a hand on his shoulder, hoping to send comfort to him. He took her hand and clasped it tightly. “I think I’ll be all right,” he said finally. “I present to you Queen Odyssea and King Nausico,” Atheno announced. The audience cheered again and the festivities started. Telemachus made his way over. Odyssea and Nausico stood up. Telemachus hugged Odyssea and then turned to Nausico. “I congratulate you,” he said. “You will be a wonderful king.” And then, to Nausico’s surprise, Telemachus enveloped him into a tight hug. “The people love you,” Odyssea said as they walked in the garden later that day. “They got teary-eyed when I brushed the tear from your face. It showed them that you’re human and that you are caring and compassionate.” “I think I was just overwhelmed, truthfully,” Nausico said. “It’s a lot to get used to,” Odyssea said. “Thankfully we have each other.” She took his hands and leaned in for a kiss. Nausico smiled and kissed her back. “When the future enemy comes, we’ll be ready,” Odyssea said. “I just wish I knew who this future enemy is and when they’ll attack. Tyresia didn’t provide any details.” “Yeah, it seems like these kinds of things aren’t known even to the seers,” Nausico said. “But maybe we can ask her to give us any details she remembers. That will help us narrow things down,” she said. Nausico’s face paled. “Why do I feel so heavy? It’s like there’s a huge boulder on my shoulders. Have I become Sisyphus?” he sat down on a bench with a weary sigh. “I think it’s because you’re not used to this feeling,” Odyssea sat next to him and draped an arm around his shoulders. “I’ve known all my life I was going to be queen. But you were the younger child in your family and didn’t have this responsibility looming over you.” “True,” Nausico said. “All this is new to me, but I promise to do my best.” “Then we’re a perfect match,” Odyssea smiled. “We can do anything when we work together.” THE END
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