“Hercules! What are you doing here? Can’t you see I’m bathing?” she exclaimed, her voice sharp with annoyance. She didn’t bother to cover herself, used to the presence of men in various states of undress in her father’s palace.
Hercules, the demigod known for his strength and stupidity, blinked at her in surprise, his eyes lingering on her full breasts and round belly. “I-I’m so sorry, Athena. I didn’t mean to intrude. I was just looking for the gym and I must have taken a wrong turn,” he stammered out, his face turning red.
Athena rolled her eyes, her irritation growing. She ran a hand through her long, damp hair, pushing it back from her face. “Of course you were. Well, you can see yourself out now,” she said, gesturing towards the door with a wave of her hand.
Hercules hesitated, his eyes still locked on her body. Athena fought the urge to cover herself, her pregnancy making her feel more vulnerable than she had in centuries. “Uh, Athena, I didn’t know you were pregnant. Whose child is it?” he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Athena’s glare deepened. “It’s yours, you fool. From a one night stand, if you must know. And don’t think you’re getting out of your responsibilities as a father,” she said, her voice low and dangerous.
Hercules’ eyes widened in shock, his mouth dropping open. “M-mine? But how? I thought you took a vow of chastity along with Artemis and Hestia,” he said, his mind scrambling to make sense of the situation.
Athena snorted in amusement, her anger dissipating as quickly as it had come. “Yes, well, apparently that vow didn’t stick. I guess even a goddess can’t resist your charms,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Hercules rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “I-I’m sorry, Athena. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I’ll do whatever I can to help,” he said, his eyes filled with genuine concern.
Athena nodded, her expression softening. “Good. I’ll hold you to that. Now, please, leave me to my bath,” she said, her voice tired.
Hercules nodded and quickly exited the bath chamber, leaving Athena to her thoughts. She sank deeper into the water, her mind racing with the implications of her pregnancy. She knew she would have to tell Zeus, and she wasn’t looking forward to that conversation.
She closed her eyes, her hand resting on her belly. This child was a part of her, and she would do whatever it took to protect and care for them. Even if it meant going against her own vows and facing the wrath of Zeus.
She couldn’t help but smile at the thought of her child. A demigod, half-human and half-god, with the potential for greatness. She just hoped Hercules would be up to the task of being a father.
She sighed, her contentment returning as she let the warm water soothe her muscles. She would deal with the challenges ahead when they came. For now, she would enjoy the peace and quiet of her bath.
Want to know how it ends?
This is just the opening chapter. Continue the saga - or write a steamy tale starring you.