The birthing chamber of the palace was a flurry of activity as Circe, the witch, writhed in pain on the bed. Her face was contorted, and her brown hair was damp with sweat. She screamed through another contraction, her tan skin flushed.
"Circe, breathe. You can do this," Galatea, one of Circe's loyal nymphs, urged. She tried to soothe her mistress, but Circe batted her away with a playful insult.
"I don't need your potions, Galatea. I need Hermes!" Circe cried out.
Galatea rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at Circe's feistiness. "He's not here, Circe. You know he's been avoiding you since the fight."
Circe growled in frustration, but another contraction took her attention. She screamed, and the door to the birthing chamber burst open. In strided Hermes, the god of speed and messengers.
Hermes took in the scene with wide eyes, taking in Circe's labor and the nymphs' frenzied activity. He looked relieved when Galatea reassured him that both Circe and the baby were okay.
"You're late," Circe snapped as she glared at Hermes.
Hermes had the grace to look sheepish. "I was... busy," he stammered.
Circe rolled her eyes. "Of course you were. Busy chasing after your next conquest, no doubt."
Hermes looked hurt, but he knew Circe's words had some truth to them. He'd been avoiding her since their latest argument, unsure of how to fix their relationship.
Circe's labor pains intensified, and she screamed again. Hermes rushes to her side, his guilt forgotten in the face of her pain.
"Hurry up, Hermes. I want this over with," Circe growled.
Hermes nodded, his eyes fixed on Circe's face. He took her hand in his, trying to offer some comfort.
Circe snorted at the gesture but didn't pull away. She was too focused on the task at hand.
With one final, earth-shattering scream, Circe gave birth to a baby girl. The nymphs cheered, and Hermes looked relieved and awed.
Circe collapsed back onto the bed, exhausted but elated. She looked at Hermes, her eyes softening. "We did it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hermes smiled, his eyes shining with tears. "Yes, we did," he agreed.
The scene ended with the two of them gazing at their new daughter, the tension of their argument forgotten in the face of their new family.
Circe looked at Hermes, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You know, you're going to have to help me raise this one. I can't do it alone."
Hermes grinned, his earlier guilt forgotten. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Circe smiled, her exhaustion melting away as she looked at her new family. She was strong, controlling, and direct, and she was ready to take on the challenge of motherhood. And with Hermes by her side, she knew they could do anything.
Want to know how it ends?
This is just the opening chapter. Continue the saga — or write a steamy tale starring you.