"Gods, I could use a drink," she muttered under her breath, causing one of her handmaidens to chuckle softly.
A knock at the door interrupted the moment, and Athena's handmaiden opened it to reveal the doctor, a stern-looking man with a bushy beard.
"Ah, Doctor," Athena greeted him, her voice strained from the pain. "I hope you're ready for a long night."
The doctor nodded solemnly and approached the bedside. "Indeed, my lady. But I have a question for you. Do you want Hercules present for the birth?"
Athena's eyes narrowed at the mention of Hercules, the father of her twins and the demigod she had a one-night stand with. "Hercules?" she scoffed. "The man can barely take care of himself, let alone a child."
The doctor raised an eyebrow but didn't respond, waiting for Athena's decision. She sighed and ran a hand through her sweat-drenched hair.
"Fine. Send him in," she conceded. "But if he tries to take credit for my pain and suffering, I'll strike him down myself."
The doctor nodded and exited the room, leaving Athena to ponder the man who had once captured her heart. A few moments later, the door opened again and Hercules entered, looking nervous and out of place.
"Athena," he greeted her, his voice shaky. "I heard you were in labor. I had to come."
Athena rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. "Hercules, you're the last person I expected to see here."
Hercules approached the bedside and took Athena's hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her body.
"Athena, I know I'm not worthy of you," he admitted, his eyes downcast. "But I promise to be there for our children."
Athena looked at him, her gaze softening. "Hercules, you may not be the wisest man I've ever met, but you have a good heart. And that's all that matters to me."
Hercules squeezed her hand, and Athena felt a surge of warmth and love for him. Despite their differences and the pain he had caused her in the past, she couldn't help but feel a deep connection to him.
"I'm here for you, Athena," he whispered in her ear. "Always."
Athena closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling another contraction coming on. She gripped Hercules' hand tighter, drawing strength from his presence.
"Together," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We can do this together."
Hercules nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "Together," he echoed.
And with that, Athena pushed, feeling the first stirrings of new life within her. She knew the road ahead would be long and difficult, but with Hercules by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges came her way.
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