Chapter One - Bloom of the Sun

His dark curls took me by storm. How, how could such a boy be that perfect? No, he was more than a boy, no boy was that perfect. He was considerably tall, no taller than I. His complexion reminded me of forest bark that had not been touched by light. His chestnut hair perfectly curved around his soft jaw and curled up from his neck. His personality mirrored that of a bee’s, striking yet curious, which evoked me with childlike wonder.

He looks at me and his lips draw up, a small smile. A smile that could bring me to my knees without hesitation. I start to snap out of my daydream, then I see his face, Thamyris. His red hair, and pasty white skin. His eyes frost with a green glaze. He stood taller than I. He is a lengthy and grown man, not worthy of Hyacinthus.

I can tell his eyes are filled with love for my Hyacinthus. Thamyris is a well-known musician, but more well-known than I? Never. My blood boiled at the thought of him coming close to Hyacinthus. My eyes fill with rage and I walk up to him without thinking.

“Hello, Thamyris.”

“Apollo, how is my favorite light god?”

“I am the only light god?”

“Yes, yes” He laughs, I grind my teeth.

“Thamyris, I have decided to hold a banquet for you to rejoice in your musical talent,” I say with false innocence, having no idea what I am thinking.

“A banquet you say? I shall be there.” He laughs.

“Great.”

“Will… Will he be there?” He asks, referring to Hyacinthus. 

I pause. “Yes.”

“Good. I will see you later tonight then?”

“Yes, I suppose you will.”

I acknowledge him and walk off. Thamyris, the man not worth the boy. 

I walk to see Hyacinthus. Perfect timing I say under my breath. 

“Hm?” He smiles and giggles, his hair swaying in the wind. 

“Sunflower, how are you?” 

“Doing well, nothing new. Any news for you?”

“Yes actually,” I take a deep breath. “Hyacinthus… How would you like to accompany me to a banquet I’m hosting? Just a small one, will not last through the night.” I grab the cloth of my tunic, straightening it out.

He smiles once more. “I would love to. Who will be there?”

I take a breath of relief. “Anyone can come. I know Thamyris will be there, I am holding it for him.”

His smile fades.

“You are holding it for… Thamyris?”

“Yes, Hyacinthus, is that a problem?”

“No! No. It’s just that- Well you know how I feel about him.”

He is right. I do know. The way the fiery man lured Hyacinthus to his bed, and undressed him without his consent. A disgusting man, but not uncommon in Sparta.

I grab Hyacinthus’s cold, limp hand, and kiss his knuckle. I hold his hand to my chest, my tunic creasing around his soft hand.

“Trust me on this, I will not let him near you. I am throwing him a banquet for reasons I can not say just yet, but I promise, I do not like that man any more than you.”

“Alright, ‘Pello.” His eyes are stricken with worry, but I need him for this.

“Thank you, Sunflower. You won’t regret it.”

He walks off, and I feel guilty. Why am I feeling guilty? I vowed to protect him. I will make sure Thamyris never even glances in his direction again. It is the stars that swear to be there every night, they never break that promise and make even the darkest of nights bright, so, I will too, Hyacinthus will never feel unsafe again.  

Nothing more was to be said, so I walk away, a cloud of remorse forming above my head.