The hive was once again filled with happiness...mostly. Many were holding loved ones tight, long awaiting their return from battle, while others watched, waiting for somepony who wasn’t coming back, no matter how much they wished and hoped. Not many were lost, but it was enough to cause sorrow to those who missed them.
“Mother! Father! You’re both okay!” Purity rushed forward, embracing both of her parents as they entered the throne room.
“We’ve seen better days.”
Purity backed away and looked over them both. “Oh…” Amor was scarred, no longer hiding any previous marks. His shoulder still had a small amount of burnt fur that hadn’t quite grown back properly yet. The blood was still dried to his chest and hooves, various scratches, chips, dents and cuts in his armor. His recovered sword was coated in blood, and two holes were burrowed into the hilt where Amor had bit down hard for the last few months. The convalescent Chrysalis was much worse. Her torso was bandaged, blood seeping through the wraps. Her tail and mane were scraggly and bloodied as well. She had dark bags under her eyes, surprisingly noticeable against her almost black coat. There were numerous bruises and what looked like hoof marks covering her entire body. Her wings were bent, possibly broken, and some of her fur was singed as well from the paralysis spell. Dirt was matted through her coat from being dragged across the lands. “Mother...what happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about it. Just...just don’t talk about it. I need some time alone.” Chrysalis limped to her and Amor’s chamber, leaving the other two standing in the throne room.
Purity looked at Amor. “Father?”
“Her...disappearance. Hornet was torturing her when we found them, and had me convinced more than once that she was dead.”
“I see...and what of Hornet? Where is he?”
“In the badlands. I left his head severed to be picked at by the vultures. He won’t be coming back, I made sure of it.” Amor began following Chrysalis, but was quickly cut off.
“Wait, father.”
Amor stood before his daughter, looking down into her sorrow filled eyes. “What is it?”
“I...attended the burial ceremony. For Escara. He...was a good soldier.”
Amor now shared the same look with Purity. “No. He was a great soldier. He guided me, protected me, saved me, gave his life...for me. He was a much better leader than I’ll ever be. I should be dead instead of him.”
“Don’t say that. He gave his life because he believed in you. Just don’t waste it.”
Amor nodded. “I should go check on her.” Amor quickly trotted up the stairs, pushing the door open to see Chrysalis standing on the balcony, overlooking the river Amor had ,so long ago. He approached her side and leaned his head against her’s. “Nothing, none of what has ever happened to you, has ever been your fault. You’ve never done wrong, but we’ve all made mistakes and sacrifices for the greater good of our people, and our kin. Just know that I’ll always love you and stand by your side.”
Chrysalis turned with tears in her eyes. “I know. It’s just been too much to handle these last few days. I’m just sick of it.”
Amor pulled her closer. “It’s okay, it’s all over now. He’s gone, and you’re safe. I swear to you, I won’t let anything else happen to you.”
Chrysalis began to smile as she wiped the tears from her face. “You’re still the same, always feel like you need to protect me.”
Amor smirked. “Yeah, same old, same old. Let’s get ready for bed.” Chrysalis lied down into the bed as Amor unclipped the pins around his waist holding his back plate down. He leaned his sword in one corner of the room and threw the armor nearby. Then another thought entered his mind. “...Chrysalis?”
“Hmm?”
“He didn’t...touch you...did he?”
“What do you mean?”
“Please don’t make me spell it out.”
What Amor meant slowly crept into her mind. “Oh. Oh! Nononononono, it never came to that! Had it of he wouldn’t have survived the night.”
Amor sighed in relief. “It’s getting really late. I’m looking forward to replacing that helm with my crown once again.”
“Yeah. Good night, my love. We have a big day tomorrow.”
“I know. First day back in the hive.”
“Oh there’s much more to it than that.”
Amor sat up. “How so?”
“She didn’t tell you? I guess she wanted it to be a surprise.”
“Tell me what? What are you and Purity hiding from me?”
Chrysalis giggled before rolling over. “Good night, Amor.”
“Hold on, tell me what? You can’t do this to me! Please?”