credit goes to @/saradika-graphics for divider
Antinous was but only a man.
That was how he rationalized his thoughts. Thoughts, yearning, for more. Fighting for a home, for a place to be seen. He knew himself to be vain – spending meticulous moments fixing the twisted strands of hair that becomes undone during his sleep. Adorning his skin with jewelry from what was once his home, no matter, Ithaca will be his new home soon enough. Along with the queen, that is.
He was just a man. A man with a never-ending hunger that pitted in his stomach. Akin to a little voice whispering in a stoic man's ear, urging to do the right thing. Only, Antinous’ voice spoke of what he deserved. He's been a patient man after all, it's been twenty years, Odysseus was most likely left to the gods and their thoughts of mercy. Antinous has been, what he deems, more than patient in allowing for the queen to weave her shroud rather than take what he wished. Allowing for the hushed words of the old king when he'd rather cut off the tongues of whomever spoke of the man.
He’d be a better king. A better man. One who wouldn't abandon his wife for so long, what a fool Odysseus was.
His time was dwindling, the other suitors gaining his own impatience. The prince was still away from the kingdom, his prize was simply waiting to be claimed. Yet there was still the chance that she would accept him– as her new king, as her husband – Antinous would still give her the olive branch if she learned to just give in to him.
But if she wasn't willing, well, desperate times come along with desperate measures. Of course.
He was just a man, after all. His patience could only strain so much before the thread snapped. Was he ever truly become good enough to become king? Of course. That was what he deserved. What he was rightfully owed and one Antinous planned to take, no matter the lost. Eventually she could grow to love a monster, he wouldn't give her a choice otherwise.