She falters, squeezing Ardbert closer as though the action will somehow shield her from how flustered Hades has made her. "I— Um— I was— " Hemera splutters, still clutching her 'son' close, drawing strength from his presence until she can respond with blushing indignance. "Well. Yes. But! Even if I hadn't been, he would still be the greatest of my works! He is compassionate, has such kind eyes, and I daresay he has my nose."

She huffs softly, then sees fit to add: "And you and I both know full well that any petitions I made would have been denied. I've been censured too many times for approval in this lifetime... I imagine I'll have another to add to the list once I'm home, won't I?"