??? POV
(Next day)
I had just awoken from my slumber, my eyes adjusting to the soft morning light. As I turned my gaze to the side, I saw my newborn son sleeping peacefully beside me. With careful tenderness, I lifted him into my arms, causing him to stir and reach out his tiny hands towards my face, emitting sweet coos that melted my heart. "Good morning, my son. Today, we shall meet one of your sisters," I whispered, a smile gracing my lips. I gently rocked him back to sleep, cherishing this precious moment.
Once he drifted off again, I reached for the bracelet, determined to unravel its significance. With a shrug, I stepped outside and made my way towards the garden. There, amidst the enchanting beauty, I spotted a group of nymphs. Approaching one, I made my request, yearning, for a meeting with Athena. "Could you please fetch Athena for me? It is urgent," I implored.
The nymph bowed graciously and disappeared to fulfil my request. Finding a serene spot on a bench, I sat down and glanced at my awakening son. His eyes welled up with tears, signalling his hunger. I immediately began nursing him, ensuring he was shielded from the sun with a blanket. As I fed him, my mind wandered to the bracelet's mysteries and why it held such significance for him. Lost in thought, I failed to notice the approaching footsteps until a cough startled me. I turned to find Athena standing there, curiosity mingling with confusion on her face. "One of your nymphs informed me I was needed here, Hera. What is it that you wish to discuss?" she inquired, perplexed.
Sighing, I scooted over on the bench, gesturing for her to join me. "There is something of great importance I wish to ask you, Athena," I began, and as she settled beside me, I couldn't contain my excitement any longer. I lifted the blanket to reveal my son, who had just finished nursing, cooing happily as he looked at Athena, his little hands reaching out to her.
"What is the meaning of this?" Athena stammered, her astonishment evident. Tentatively, she reached out and gently lifted him into her arms. I observed her face, witnessing a soft smile emerge.
"Athena, when he reaches the age of five, I beseech you to teach him the art of reading and writing. And when he turns eight or nine, I implore you to guide him in the ways of swordsmanship and spear-fighting," I beseeched, hoping she would accept this crucial responsibility
She hesitated for a moment, her finger hovering in front of my son, who grasped it tightly. I smiled, my heart swelling with gratitude. "I-I...*sigh* I will accept this honour and teach him all that you ask. However, when I require assistance in the future, I shall call upon him to fulfil my tasks," she replied, seeking my agreement.
"Agreed, Athena. But I must ask you to swear on the river Styx that you will not disclose my son's existence without my consent," I declared, my tone growing serious.
Without hesitation, she responded, her words intertwining with the sound of thunder in the distance. "I swear on the river, Styx, that I will not reveal your son's identity without your permission," she vowed.
As we conversed further, Athena inquired about the child's origin and why he was not with his birth mother. In the quietude that followed, I divulged everything, including my suspicions regarding his father. She was shocked, yet understanding of my decision to raise him. Glancing at my son, a surge of love filled me, and I gently took him away from athena and now cradling him in my arms, humming a soothing melody until he drifted into slumber. After bidding Athena farewell, I stood at an opening, marvelling at the grandeur of Olympus. Looking down at my sleeping son, I smiled with pride. "You will accomplish great feats, my son. No matter what lies ahead, I am proud of the person you will become," I whispered, gently planting a kiss on his forehead.
(Thoughts on this short chapter)
(Sorry for the late upload. I've been busy with work and some other things, but I will try to get my uploading schedule back to normal)
