Alex Smart

Dear Athena,

As you can guess, I have a problem and I need help, big time.

I’m being courted by a man named Demetrius, who, being an ever-watchful Goddess, you’ve already heard about. My problem is not so much with him, but with my dad, Egeus. I think it’s sweet that Demetrius likes me, but, I don’t like him back, and to top it off, my dad wants me to marry him! Why us girls can’t have our choice on who we want to marry, I will never know. I refused and he went to Duke Theseus, and, much to my surprise, he brought Lysander and Demetrius along with him! He explained he was ‘full of vexation’ at my refusal to marry Demetrius, and, being the ruler of Athens, Theseus has the power to decide an argument like this. He listened to my side, Demetrius’ side of things, as well as with Lysander’s part of it, only for a fight to break out between Demetrius and Lysander! Finally, rather than let Theseus make his own decision, my father interfered and asked that an ancient law be invoked. I either choose to marry Demetrius, or, if I stand with my current choice, I can either be killed, or become a nun, an eternal virgin! Why can’t he understand?! Little does he know, I intend to steal away to a wood a mile outside of town with Lysander and marry him there, should I go through with it or not? But what about my dad, what should I do about him? If all else fails, some divine intervention would be nice!

-Worried and under threat.