Everyone stood in front of their easels. There were 69 participants, all of them girls, most of whom were princesses, while others were daughters of high-ranking senators or noble clans from across the world. Anxiety filled the air as they glanced at the man studying the sheepskin scroll.
"The theme for today is... The Creation of Athens. You have three days," he announced.
A collective gasp echoed through the hall. The Creation of Athens was one of the most revered myths, known not only to Athenians but to nearly every corner of the world. It recounted the divine contest between Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and Poseidon, the god of the sea, as they vied to become the city's patron deity.
