And the Cat's in the Cradle

He wanted to let himself be swallowed back up by his grief, to mourn the child he’d lost or give his own life to bring him back. None of those options would drive him forward in life though. There were more lives than just his own to think about now. Five tiny little souls that had to be his priority despite how much he wanted to lay on Darilnor’s grave and never stand up again. Valentine would help him see the folly in his wants though as he went on to tell him what he might miss.


He asked if he loved his children, though it was a given Rhyme whispered a reply anyway. "More than I thought possible." He let his gaze return to Valentine’s features as he spoke. A spark of hope seemed to reignite in Rhyme’s chest. The reality of what Valentine said hit him hard. He had to focus on the living. If he remained fixated on death he would miss those that went on. He’d be too focused on death to see the hope and promise of life that remained this side of the void. Rhyme couldn’t smile, not yet, but he could feel himself turning back towards the light instead of darkness. "Do you look back and regret?" He asked softly, wondering if his father spoke from experience. Rhyme couldn’t imagine the old king regretting much in his incredible life.