Chapter Seven

Summary

• The chapter narrates the period in which the protagonist and Achilles turned thirteen, their growing bodies and burgeoning maturity. This is seen in their interactions with their peers and older men, where the protagonist observes the sexual dynamics around them.
• Despite experiencing these feelings, neither the protagonist nor Achilles indulge themselves with the serving girls frequenting the palace. They witness other young men, including Achilles' father, Peleus, engage in sexual relations with the serving girls resulting in pregnancies, but they refrain from participating.
• The protagonist develops romantic feelings towards Achilles, but he struggles in admitting the fact to himself.
• In a shared private moment, the protagonist acts on his feelings and impulsively kisses Achilles. Shocked by his own actions, he retreats immediately, fearing of having ruined his friendship with Achilles.
• The protagonists meet Achilles' mother, a goddess, who threatens him and informs him that Achilles will be leaving the palace the next day for his studies with Chiron, a teacher who previously taught legendary heroes Heracles and Perseus.
• The protagonists, unable to express their feelings or bid a proper goodbye, spend their last night together. Unable to sleep, the protagonist watches Achilles leave in the early morning.