Born the son of a god, believed to be the lowly son of a lowly charioteer, he lives a life of quiet misfortune.
Adopted as a brother by a king, he appears as a suitor before her. She mocks him mercilessly before an open court.
He should hate her, he tells himself, but he never forgets the tilt of her chin or the fire in her voice.
She first sees him when he appears for her wedding which he hopes is to him.
She knows it can’t be, and uses her voice and crown to ensure it.
She weds his rival, but never forgets the eyes that now refuse to meet her own.
Her husband kills him while his back is turned during a misplaced battle for a barren kingdom.
Years later, when she falls by the side of the road, he reaches his hand out to hers.
—–
In a perfect world,
the perfect place is with you
the truth is the world is without love.
See also: The Palace of Illusions