Teala heard the snickers at her back and stiffened. She reached for the goblet and took a long drink, closing her eyes to the sweet liquid that slid smoothly down her throat. She opened them and grinned as her insides began to warm deliciously. The cup disappeared from her hand and she bowed her head.
As she took a deep breath, she looked up into the face of Zeus, "I am the Lion Tamer, in search of her perfect mate." With a boldness she had never felt before, she locked eyes with Hercules and her blood raced, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.
Zeus threw back his head and roared with laughter, soon joined by the rest of the gods—except Hera, who only gave a cool stare.
"The Lion Tamer, is it? Well, little tamer, you have been chosen as my favorite tonight, so your wishes and fantasy will be the first to be granted."
Teala felt herself being lifted off the ground and suspended in the air before the king of gods. She was breathless and her body began to quiver.
"Tell us, Lion Tamer, which of us is to grant your fantasy?"
Teala did not hesitate as her eyes instantly locked with deep green ones. "Your son, Hercules."
Zeus smiled knowingly, his pleasure easily read in his eyes. "Then you shall have him."
Hercules rose from his chair and held out his hand; Teala did not hesitate to accept it. Together they floated from the great hall, leaving the rest of the guests behind to fulfill their own fantasies.
Hercules smiled at her as they past through the large oak doors, "I must warn you, little Tamer, I wear the skin of the Nemean Lion."
She had studied the story of the Nemean Lion. He was a vicious monster in Greek mythology that lived in Nemea. It was eventually killed by Hercules.
Teala felt her breath stolen from her as he spoke. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she forced the words from her mouth. "And I also warn you, my Nemean Lion slayer, you are to grant me any wish and fantasy I desire. Whatever it may be."
Hercules bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Whatever it may be," he repeated.
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