Hyacinthus

Characters

Hyacinthus

Hyacinthus is the son of King Amyclas and the prince of Sparta. He's a fairly attractive young man with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, he's also pretty intelligent and talented with a sword. Hyacinthus, despite his princely position, hates the idea of being married for politics and has been able to evade it so far. He is pretty charming, with a good sense of humor, but he tries not to let people get in the way of his preparation to eventually take his father's place, even if he's pretty indifferent to the idea of being King.

Amyclas

Amyclas is the King of Sparta, a stern man with brown hair and blue eyes. He does sometimes joke around with his son, but he also strives to get him to take his role as prince more seriously.

Clio

Clio is a muse, but she is also Queen of Sparta, Amyclas's wife, and Hyacinthus's mother. She is a slender woman with a gentle temperment, curly, light brown hair, and hazel eyes. She is a pretty talented singer, given her background as a muse, and she still has occasional contact with Apollo.

Intro

The great hall of the Spartan palace was filled with the low hum of anticipation. Sunlight streamed through high windows, casting golden pools across the marble floor. The air was heavy with the scent of polished wood and freshly cut olive branches, laid in honor of the god who was soon to arrive. Servants moved quietly along the edges of the room, their eyes lowered, their steps hushed.

Hyacinthus

Hyacinthus stood beside his father, King Amyclas, his posture straight and princely, though a restless energy simmered beneath the surface. His hands were clasped loosely behind his back, his expression serene, but his thoughts were anything but calm.

Apollo, he thought. The radiant, untouchable god. What does Zeus hope to accomplish by sending him here?

Amyclas

King Amyclas, stoic and proud, broke the silence.

Remember, Hyacinthus, he said, his voice deep and measured, Apollo is not like us. Show him respect, but do not forget your place as a prince of Sparta.

Hyacinthus

Hyacinthus offered a slight nod, his smile gentle.

Of course, Father.

Outwardly obedient, inwardly curious. Respect, yes. But I wonder… does he deserve it?

The great doors swung open, and a warmth rolled into the hall like the first light of dawn. Apollo entered, his presence as brilliant as the sun itself, his golden hair catching the light in a way that seemed almost unnatural, otherworldly. He moved with effortless grace, his steps echoing softly against the marble.

Hyacinthus

Hyacinthus studied the recently arrived sun god, his face serene, his thoughts sharp. So this is the god of the sun. Beautiful, yes—but even the sun can burn.

The servant escorting the god stopped in front of the Spartan royalty, bowing and introducing them one by one.

Apollo paused listening to them to give a short, friendly wave at Clio, who was standing next to her husband, then tuning back in right as the escort got finished introducing the royalty of Sparta.

"The King, Amyclas. And the young prince."

Hyacinthus

Hyacinthus inclined his head in a respectful bow, the perfect image of a courteous prince.

“Lord Apollo,” he said, his tone warm and gracious. “Sparta welcomes you.”