He winces hearing that. The thought of Diomedes being one of the voices in his head, crying out in fear and pain... It makes his stomach turn.

"No, not yet..."

"Honestly, that's a relief. Despite the whole wooden horse thing, woodwork is not my specialty...

You should have seen the raft I made to get home. It's a wonder it made it this far, honestly."

He thinks back, and concludes it probably has a little bit of Hermes' help there.

Sighing into Diomedes' arms, Odysseus relaxes.

"Yes... Now that I am done being an idiot, what can I do to help with you with your project?"

"Is it too late to tell you I was going to ask you if you could help me train the green palace guards...?"

He chuckles, chagrined.

The anxiety he was feeling bleeds off almost immediately, realizing where his assumption has gone wrong.

"Genentì..." He whispers, hanging his head. "Forgive me for being an old fool. Of course you need something to keep your mind occupied - I should have... I'm sorry."

A frown of consternation. "Why would I think that? Because you are actively moving out? Because you don't seem interested in being in the palace with us anymore... Because you started this project without even consulting me, so I found out about it seeing you from the walls?" He points up the hill.

There is a tense pause, but he allows himself to be held. Finally, he speaks in a whisper, choked with emotion.

"Do you... not wish to be our husband anymore?"

He is trying so hard to put his feelings aside and look rationally. But his fear and hurt is pointing out every minute detail. He barely stops himself from pointing out any exposed nail or rough edge - things that don't make a difference to the structural stability of the hut.

In truth, (+)

The king's face is carefully neutral, which is already a sign he is upset. He never hides how he feels with Diomedes.

"I came to check on your progress," Ody replies, grey eyes surveying the home with a mix of interest, critical eye for the quality, and irrational desire to kick it to the ground.

Odysseus had been avoiding talking about it. He would greet Diomedes home each night, trying to show him how good his life could be in the palace...

Maybe he pushed too hard.

In any case, he arrives at the hut, knocking gently on the door frame.

She jumps at the sound of his voice. Her head hitting the small fireplace he had built. She let out a groan rubbing the back of her head.

"Dio, I'm sorry, I was just inspecting your work."

She came out of the hut and looked at the basket and jug. Picking them back up she offered them to him.

"I-