Guiding Light (GxGxG)

16. Rebirth

Cora's POV

Before we could go and transform Amy, or whatever, my father had to first take his rightful place on the throne once more. By his side stood Deity. I stood nearby, as did Rhea, Thalia, and the other governors. The throne room buzzed with activity as the kingdom's leaders and citizens gathered to pay their respects and pledge their loyalty. My father's presence commanded respect, and I could see in their eyes that my resolve and strength inspired everyone around us.

Despite the victory and the restoration of order, a deep sadness gnawed at me. I couldn't help but miss Amy and want her back already. It was evident to Rhea more than anyone else, but Deity wasn't ignorant of it either. I could see it in the subtle glances she sent me and from those glances, I could also sense her impatience, her irritation at being held up in the politics of royal vampirely duties.

With a sigh, I left the throne room to head back to my quarters. It was quieter here and if I was to wait longer, until my parents were done with their royal duties, then I'd rather wait here, in silence, alone. The breeze hit my face as I opened the doors and stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the kingdom. Rhea came to stand next to me, leaning against the railing. "You miss her, don't you?"

I sighed, my eyes filled with sorrow and unshed tears. "Every moment. I can't stop thinking about her and what happened. Do you think it was painful? Do you think she was scared?"

"I hope not."

"Hope." I scoffed at the word. Hope. Such a fucking double-edged sword. "I need her, Rhea."

She nodded in understanding and suddenly turned to face me with a hand held out. "Come on," she said. "I want to take you somewhere special."

"Is Amy going to be there?"

Rhea gave me an empathetic smile. "I'm afraid not, but there is somewhere I want to show you."

The mystery, the suspense behind her actions, made me accept her hand. To my surprise, she yanked me into her body and made a head dive over the balcony railings.

My heart remained in the air as I screamed in terror, but Rhea simply laughed as her wings came out to help us glide through the air. I gave her an unimpressed look. Still, I couldn't help but smile. "That wasn't funny."

"I wasn't trying to be funny."

We landed on plush green grass in the middle of a hidden garden within the castle grounds. The sight of blooming flowers and the gentle sound of a flowing stream greeted us. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms, and the atmosphere was serene.

My eyes widened with wonder, a small smile tugging at my lips.

"This is a place of beauty and tranquillity that few know about," Rhea told me as she led me through the winding paths.

"It's beautiful," I agreed. "Wow!"

She smiled and led me over to the stream. Tiny fishes swam against the currents, some of them diving in and out of the water. I watched them in fascination, chuckling at the sight. For a moment, the sound of water soothed our troubled minds. For a moment, the creak, the garden seemed to work and my sadness lifted slightly. I allowed myself to relax.

But as the minutes wore on, I could see that it wasn't enough and I simply could not find true happiness without her. The pain was too much, the longing for her weighing too heavily in my heart.

Rhea took a deep breath and turned to me, her own pain etched on her face, clearer than I've ever seen her display anything. "I am trying to be strong," she voiced shakily. "Because that is what I was thought to do but—"