Shining

Danae stroked her growing belly. "This is Zepter's child."

"But how is that possible?" said Aganippe in disbelief.

Danae ignored the question. The dimness of the candles partially illuminated Danae's face. From beneath her unkempt hair rose a grin. Calmly Danae said, "This child will be my justice."

"Danae, if your father finds out ... you will not survive."

Danae squeezed Aganippe's hand, "Please help me protect him, Mother." Aganippe stood up and left Danae without another word. The stone door was closed again by the summoned guards. Danae was locked again in total darkness.

The next day, light entered slowly as the stone door opened. Danae moved away, clinging to the cold stone wall. Five people arrived. After laying out the food, the servants were ordered to leave as usual.

"Y-you didn't tell father, did you?" Danae asked.

Aganippe sighed heavily. "Danae, actually ... I don't know if this is right or wrong anymore. I don't know what I should do. I'm really not sure if I should side with you or your father. But I know I can't let this innocent child fall victim to your father's fears. If fate says he will be the cause of Acrisius' death ... then so be it."

Danae hugged Aganippe tightly. "Thank you, Mother."

Aganippe's feelings were still uncertain and turbulent. All of this was so sudden and so unexpected for her. Moreover, her daughter claimed that this was the child of the god Zepter. But she hid all her anxiety and confusion in front of the pregnant daughter. Aganippe smiled slightly. "Well, do you have any requests?"

"I want the golden fruit from Erenoe's garden," Danae said with sweet smile.

"T-that's ... a very difficult request. Even with your position in Argos, I'm not sure I can get it."

"Get it for me," Danae urged.

"I'll try." Aganippe brushed Danae's hair as she stroked her daughter's head.

"I want to wash my hair, too," Danae said.

"Very well, I will have the servants prepare it right away. Eat something while you wait."

As her mother was leaving, Danae held her mother back, "I know you are in a difficult situation too. I'm only going to ask for your help until the child is born, so promise me. Promise that you will help me until the child is born."

Aganippe held Danae in her arms. "Of course, my dear. For the sake of the great Asvollios, I promise to help you until the child is born."

It was easy for Aganippe to keep Danae's pregnancy a secret from Acrisius. Acrisius already paid no attention to Danae, and even if Danae died, the king would not care. It would be good for Acrisius if the prophecy was broken. If that happened, he could also boast that he had managed to avoid the Oracle's infallible prophecy. In fact, if Aganippe had not warned Acrisius that he would lose the throne and be banished from the kingdom, Acrisius would have killed his own daughter.

Aganippe had replaced Acrisius' guards and servants with her own. She had also asked them all to remain silent. Day after day, week after week, month after month passed, Danae's pregnancy was reaching its peak. Aganippe still managed to keep the secret and care for the pregnant princess. While groping Danae's belly, Aganippe felt a kick from her granddaughter's small feet. "Your son is very energetic. No wonder you've been so cheerful while cooped up in here."

Danae smiled softly, "Yes, he's the one who gave me a reason to endure." Suddenly Danae whimpered in pain.

"Are you feeling it more frequently, dear?"

"Yes."

"It's about time. Your child will be born soon, Danae," Aganippe said. "'I will come more often just in case."

"Thank you, Mother."

Unfortunately, even Aganippe could not help Danae at this moment. Danae was suddenly awakened by an excruciating pain in her stomach. Danae remembered the last time her mother had come to bring her afternoon meal. But she had no idea how far she had come through the night and how close she was to morning. With no light, no sun and no sky to tell her, Danae really didn't know the passage of time.

'Aaaarrghhh ... it hurts. Mother ... help. Is it the middle of the night? If it is, she can't possibly come .... Hopefully it will be morning soon.'

Danae felt her bedding get wet. She felt and smelled the liquid that soaked her bed.

'It doesn't smell! I can no longer expect Mother to come! This kid is really coming out!'

Without thinking, Danae got into position. She spread her legs and began to push with all her might. Sweat poured down Danae's body. She was panting heavily after pushing a few times.

"Aaaargh!" Danae's scream echoed loudly in the dark underground dome. The screams bounced off and back into her ears, making Danae even more dizzy with her current situation. Danae decided to stop screaming because it was only adding to the problem. Tears rolled down Danae's cheeks. If only Mother were here.

'Arrgggghhh .... Please Asvollios, come, light up the land of Argos immediately. Tell my mother to come soon.'

Danae moaned loudly as she strained. She was also trying to push with her hands. She wasn't really sure what to do. Danae just relied on her instincts and tried everything she could to get her baby out. Danae felt the tip of her baby's head emerge, but she was starting to feel tired. Her energy had been drained. Danae lay down, catching her breath. A moment later she was pushing again. She got up to catch the baby that was about to come out. Danae pushed hard with her stomach and pulled the baby gently with her hands. Danae was about to embrace the baby, but the umbilical cord that was still connected bothered her. Danae pulled the umbilical cord that connected her to the baby and bit it off. When she realized the baby was still not moving at all, Danae freaked out. She patted and shook the baby. Soon, the baby cried loudly and began to open his eyes. The loud cries filled the dark, stuffy room. But Danae smiled with relief. Danae was relieved to have delivered her baby safely. Danae's eyes glistened, reflecting the light from her baby's eyes that shone like lightning in the dark.