AN: Thank you so much for everyone reading this story and reviewing it too! It makes my day every time I read a new review, I'll guarantee that. Now here is chapter six, as I promised!

Dane was moments away from the door separating him from the baby cradle when Apollo's foot stepped in front of it.

"Hello, ill-bringer," the god said coldly, closing the door behind his back. Dane gulped. He really shouldn't have lingered with Vanni, and now he was being punished for it.

"Apollo," he whispered. Clearing his throat, he attempted a stab at bravery, "Hera has already handed down a heavy punishment, just like you wanted."

"Apparently not heavy enough," he said. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be here."

Dane's eyes flickered to the closed door. Perhaps Hera was in it. If he yelled…

No. Apollo could reach him a lot faster than Hera could reach him. He was only an inch away from him, after all. "Hera told me you hated for me for my future," he said at length, hoping to stall him. If he kept him talking, perhaps Zeus might show up and stop him.

"Yes."

"Well, that isn't fair at all!" Dane burst out. Apollo's face flickered with annoyance, but he plunged on, "I didn't do anything yet! Look, I'm as worried about my future as you are, maybe even more so. If you could just tell me what's going to happen, I can prevent it."

"It is impossible to exchange your fate for another, ill-bringer. I too am sorry that you are an innocent, but since our entire world depends on your death…" He didn't continue the sentence. He was reaching back for his sword.

"Apollo, what are you doing?" Dane was never happier to see Hera than he was now. "Dare you interfere with my charge?"

Apollo swept a courteous bow. "I only think of your well being," he said, his eyebrows brought together in frustration. "Perhaps you should think of a worse punishment. After all, if the other humans catch word of this—"

"The humans will not hear a peep, as he will be locked in this room at all time."

Apollo was not impressed. "Doors that lock can open."

"And doors that are open will be locked. Now get out of the way."

As she sidestepped him, taking Dane along with her, Apollo said softly, "You are making a great mistake." He smirked. "Remember, Hera, to err is human."

Hera slammed the door in his face. Her face registered no emotion as she handed a soft bundle to him. "The baby," she said in answer. "Take care."

He wasn't sure if she meant the baby or him.

DANEDANEDANEDANE

Aristedes, the baby, was proving to be a royal handful. Dane was sure he was going to go crazy…who knew that even the gods had diapers to be changed?

"Shh. Please? I'll never go to sleep if you carry on like this," he pleaded. Aristedes merely burped loudly before crying again, beating his tiny fists on Dane's chest. "Am I to sing you a song? Hush little baby, don't say a word…" He stopped abruptly as the wails increased. "I get it. You hate my voice," he huffed. "No need to be rude."

He rested the back of his head against the wall, rocking the baby as he closed his eyes. He had been here for a week, and Hera hadn't come to see the child once. As for Dane, he had seen enough of any baby for his lifetime. It was always feeding him nectar or keeping him away from his father's lightning bolts. At the moment, he was terribly tempted to slip in a bit of strong wine in Aristedes's nectar.

"Come on, Aristedes. Easy does it now." He kissed the babe lightly on the head. The cries quieted and before long, Aristedes fell asleep, a dollop of drool rolling down his round chin and onto Dane's lap. He placed the baby into the cradle and sighed tiredly. When he grew up, he would never get children…but then, he probably would never get married at this rate either.

Once he blew out the candles and the moon shone pearly white on the cradle, he sighed and sat on the floor, intent on a good night's sleep. However, it was hardly a few moments when he heard the click of the door. An ill foreboding rose in his chest. Was this what Apollo meant when he said locked doors could open?

Feigning sleep, he opened his eyelids to slits and saw not Apollo, but Hera drift into the room. The light from outside illuminated her pale face and the smooth trails of tears down her cheeks. Like a phantom from a grave, she approached the cradle before reaching down to Aristedes. The baby awoke with a soft cry, and Hera's eyes turned bright.

Dane watched in the shadows as Hera slowly walked over to the window with the child in her arms. Instead of rocking him or cooing, she stared at the chubby little face, mesmerized. She picked him up from under his arms, and Aristedes sobbed at the unfamiliar touch. Arms shaking, she lifted the baby high and dangled him out the window.

Hera was going to kill the babe.

"NO!" Dane sprang out of his corner, and for one terrible moment, he thought she'd drop him in surprise. He ran to the window and tried to take the baby, though Hera would not let go. Aristedes screamed in pain, and he dared not pull him back to safety. "Hera! What are you doing?"

Hera stared into the light of the stars, and her voice was dreadful. "I will teach him how to fly away."

Dane watched her with wide eyes. Surely Hera hadn't lost her mind? "But it won't work," said Dane, trying to pry the baby from her hands. "He's still a baby."

"But he's not mine," she whispered, and her arms trembled, whether from the effort of holding the child or the struggle within, Dane was not sure. "He is a stranger in my home. No." Her voice shook. "I am in the house of a stranger. How does it feel, Dane, to be the prisoner of a prisoner? How does it feel to be locked up by someone who too shares your keys?"

"Hera. Please stop," he said.

Hera would not look at him. The tears in her eyes sparkled before sliding down her eyelashes. "Dane. Zeus will not love me. He never did. I feel like I spend each day in a web of lies and scorn. How will I ever be free?"

"You are," he insisted. "You were never Zeus's. You are not his."

At these words, her lips parted, and she took Aristedes away from the window, disappearing into the shadows. Dane joined her and pulled the little boy away from her limp hands. Her fingers were cold.

"If I am so free, why am I still here?" she asked softly, sliding to the floor.

Dane tucked Aristedes back into his blankets and turned to her. "Because it's late, and you have to sleep." He threw his cover over her shoulders.

"Perhaps I am only trapped inside. Even if it were morning, where am I to stay? And truly," she said, though her words were turning dreamy and her eyes were closed, "a goddess's place is at Mount Olympus."

Dane didn't reply as he laid down himself. And truly, he thought, a prisoner's place is at the foot of the bed. Ah well.

Have you noticed how something read a second time is never as satisfying as the first? That's how I feel with my story. It seems I'm never satisfied! What about all of you? Give me your opinion on this chapter please! Review!