Odysseus’s smile widened. “I must say, you’ve had quite the change of appearance since our meeting this morning.” He made a point of glancing over her attire. “Is there a new fashion in Sparta I am unaware of?”
“From what I hear, Prince Odysseus, you are no stranger to a disguise,” Penelope countered.
His eyes flashed at that, like a fish slipping the net. “Then may I ask what your purpose is?”
“I merely wished to go for a stroll, but a princess is not permitted to wander at this hour.”
“Ah yes, whereas a slave can slip byundetected.” He drew the word out, letting it curl into a chuckle. “Tell me, what secret business could a princess possibly have on a night like tonight?”
“Nothing of interest, I assure you,” Penelope said.
“If a beautiful, enigmatic princess should not interest me, then what should?”
I stifled a huff. Odysseus looked old enough to be Penelope’s father.
“I assure you, Helen is the only true beauty here,” she murmured, meek and bashful and entirely not herself.
“Beauty is subjective,” Odysseus countered, edging closer.
I had a sudden, intense desire to be anywhere but there. As we turned off down another passageway, I glanced around us, wonderingif I could slip away without either of them noticing.
“I have been thinking about what you said this morning, about allowing Helen to choose her own suitor,” Odysseus continued. “I intend to discuss the idea with Tyndareus.”
“That is good news,” Penelope replied.
“Do you think he would take my counsel?”
She nodded. “But I would not give it freely. I would ask for something in return. My uncle will respect a man who knows his own value.”
Odysseus’s teeth gleamed as his smile widened. “And what, princess, do you believe I should request from him?”
“That must be your decision, Prince Odysseus,” she said carefully.
“Well, thereissomething in Tyndareus’s possession that I greatly desire.”
Penelope gazed up at him from beneath lowered lashes. “And what might that be?”
Odysseus leaned closer. “I would love nothing more than to discuss such a thing with you, but alas, it appears your slave’s injury needs tending to.”
Penelope whirled to look at me, that bashful poise instantly draining from her face.
“I’m fine,” I muttered, but the words were thin, my head woozy.
“Melantho,” Penelope breathed, eyes widening as she surveyed the blood spattered on the floor, trailing behind me. “Let me see.”
Reluctantly, I held my hand out, blood welling in my palm.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” she asked quietly as Odysseus observed the wound.
“I could take you to my chamber. I have remedies there. If you would like—”
“No, thank you,” she cut across him. “We will retire now. It was a pleasure to see you again, Prince Odysseus.”
“I assure you, the pleasure is all mine.” Odysseus bowed low. “Until next time, Princess Penelope.”
11
I felt empty as I walked into Penelope’s chamber.
