“Partake of this apple,” she said, “and it will take your immortality.” “That is a heavy price,” Theseus said. “An equal price,” said Hera. He knew which had more value in the present given how close they were to battle. He would worry about deification later, when the war was won and he sat on the highest throne, exalted as the one true god of the world. “What will it be, Theseus?” she asked, extending her hand farther. He took the apple, and as he brought it to his lips, she spoke. “You may only eat from this tree once.” It was a warning that he could not return and make the exchange again.
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