"I just don't get it," Neoma sighed, stroking Aurora's flipper. "I was the perfect wife. I did everything right. How could he do this do me?"
The young orca, who was notorious for her constant misbehavior, lay quietly beside the floating platform for once, allowing Neoma to pet her. She clearly knew that something was wrong. Neoma felt comforted by the majestic creature's strong, gentle presence and the feel of her warm, smooth skin beneath her hooves. Silver and the other mare had long since received their karma, courtesy of Luna and Cassie. The seaside seemed especially tranquil this afternoon.
Neoma's apprehension around the orcas was gradually subsiding. Aurora whistled softly and swam off, and Neoma stretched her wings and closed her eyes to savor the warmth of the sun on her face. Twenty-six years of memories floated through her mind like leaves on a crisp autumn morning. She and Silver had first met on their first day of kindergarten. Silver had defended Neoma from being bullied and invited her to play with him at recess. The two had become best friends instantly and remained the same until they fell in love in high school. The transition from best friends to lovers had been seamless for both of them. Neoma and Silver’s love story had captured the hearts and imaginations of Equestrians, especially when war broke out and Silver answered the call to arms. The couple were married privately on the night before Silver was due to ship out.
During the war, Neoma had learned that she was pregnant, but had waited to announce the pregnancy until the fighting had ended.
Neoma and Silver’s daughter was born right after Equestrian forces had won the war, which had taken thousands of lives and left Celestia’s daughter, Princess Summer, widowed. Immediately after the news of Edelweiss’ birth was reported, ponies had celebrated in the streets. The arrival of the new princess was celebrated by both the press and the public as a ray of hope after a long and brutal storm.
Neoma rose to her hooves and walked to the beach, where she flopped down ungracefully onto a lounger. Nothing made sense to her anymore. Her front hooves involuntarily moved upward, where a white gold shield inlaid with diamonds hung from a matching chain around her neck. The pendant suddenly felt unbearably heavy. Grimacing, Neoma magically removed the necklace and levitated it in front of her. She flipped it over and read the message engraved on the back of the pendant:
For my best friend, my soulmate, my sweetheart, my everything, my forever, my always, my princess, my Neoma. I love you with all of my heart.
-Your Silver Shield
“You fucking liar!” Neoma wailed as she threw the necklace out into the ocean. She had once considered passing it down to Edelweiss, but now she couldn’t imagine cursing her daughter with a reminder of a husband’s discarded promises. Neoma didn’t want Edelweiss to one day intentionally avoid falling in love for fear that her future marriage might suffer the same fate as that of her parents. Still, despite his failure to be a good husband, Silver was a wonderful father, and Neoma wanted Edelweiss’ relationship with him to remain close and happy.
“Looks like somepony has a lot on her mind,” Luna’s voice whispered from behind. Neoma jumped, then released an irritated sigh as her mother sat down next to her. Luna smiled sympathetically and draped her wing around Neoma’s shoulders, pulling her close.
“You haven’t showered in days,” the lunar princess said gently, nuzzling her eldest daughter’s forehead. Her tone held no judgment, and instead overflowed with motherly love and concern. “I’m proud of you for getting out of bed and coming down here for some fresh air, though. The sea is known to have healing powers.” She smiled warmly and dipped her hind hooves into the clear, warm water. “We’re all going swimming with the orcas later. Why don’t you join us? The exercise will be good for you, and you’ve got to stop sulking. I know it’s only been four days, Neoma, but you’ll never heal if you refuse to move forward. As your mom, I am begging you to spend time with us. Please don’t force me to order you to do it as your princess. You shouldn’t be alone, and you need to hang out with Cassie anyway.” Neoma nodded slowly after a few minutes of pondering Luna’s words.
“I… I guess I could come,” she sighed. “I could use some sun.” She forced a smile and stood to head to her bedchamber to change.
“Neoma,” Luna called after her, “I’m proud of you, and I love you.”