"My lady, do you wish for Hercules to be present during the birth of your children?" the head midwife asked, her voice steady and calm.
Athena's face twisted in a mix of disgust and amusement. "Hercules? The man who couldn't keep it in his pants long enough to remember his vows of fidelity?" She spat out the words, her tone dripping with disdain.
The midwife nodded, "Yes, my lady. He has been waiting outside this chamber since we brought you here."
Athena snorted, "I'd rather give birth to these twins alone than have him witness my pain and sweat."
The midwife raised an eyebrow, "But my lady, he is the father of your children."
Athena's eyes flashed with anger, "He may have contributed his seed, but I am the one who carried them for nine months. I am the one who will bring them into this world with my own strength."
The midwife chuckled, "As you wish, my lady. But I must say, you have a fire in you that even Hercules couldn't tame."
Athena grinned, "And that, my dear, is exactly why I am the Goddess of War and Wisdom, and he is just a demigod with a big ego."
The midwife laughed out loud, causing Athena to gasp in pain. "Forgive me, my lady. I will be more mindful of your condition."
Athena nodded, "See that you do. I have a war to plan and a kingdom to rule. I don't have time for foolish men and their fragile egos."
The midwife wipes Athena's forehead with a cool cloth, "You are truly a wonder, my lady. May the gods bless you and your children."
Athena closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she prepared for the next contraction. "May the gods bless us all," she murmured, "for we will need all the help we can get in this world of mortals and gods."
The midwives exchanged a glance, both impressed and slightly intimidated by their patient's strength and determination. They had attended to many births in their time, but none quite like this one.
Athena's labor continued through the night, her contractions growing stronger and closer together. She refused any pain relief, determined to bring her children into the world on her own terms.
As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the chamber, Athena's body tensed for one final push. With a roar that shook the very foundations of the earth, she brought forth her twins - a boy and a girl, each as beautiful and fierce as their mother.
The midwives marveled at the newborns, their eyes shining with awe. "They are truly a gift from the gods," the head midwife whispered.
Athena smiled, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Yes, they are," she agreed. "And I will make sure they know the power and wisdom that flows through their veins."
As she held her children close, Athena knew that she would face many challenges in the days ahead. But she also knew that she had the strength and determination to overcome any obstacle.
For she was Athena, Goddess of War and Wisdom, and these were her children - the next generation of gods and heroes.
Want to know how it ends?
This is just the opening chapter. Continue the saga — or write a steamy tale starring you.