Happy (Belated) Mother's Day!
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers (and grandmothers) in the world!
I'm incredibly blessed to have both my father and mother in my life, and even when I'm
a state away, we still keep in touch! It's always so soothing to hear your Mom's comforting voice on the phone whenever I'm stressed!!
My mom is also one of my biggest supporters (and fan) in my writing journey. Always reminding to "Just Write" the stories Papa-God gives me, and trust HIM for the rest of the details. Who sparked the idea of just using horses for my middle-grade series "Light Horse Dark Horse". And who fell in love with the first draft of The Horse Queen, the book that brought forth "The Aethon Chronicles", my YA high-equine fantasy series. So much so, that I even dedicated it to her!
In case you're unfamiliar with The Horse Queen, (or forgot, take a look here!)
An empire in peril.
A dangerous task to ensure its survival.
Sophia, a young servant-mare, witnesses the horrific downfall of her homeland Aethon, conquered by the powerful winged pegasus race. Within a few short years, her sheltered life is shattered when she is taken from her family to the capital city of the Pegasus Empire. There, though urged to conceal her identity, she unwittingly wins the heart of the newly crowned emperor.
Amidst political intrigue and societal barriers, secret plots against the emperor leaves the empire on the brink of collapse. At the same time, a prophecy warning of an enemy seeking the horses’ demise lurks into fruition. Sophia will soon face a decision that could save both her loved ones and her kind. But it will cost her own life.
Speaking of The Horse Queen, I realized that this novel is the only book in "The Aethon Chronicles" where main character's mother is present! I wanted to make an illustration of my protagonist, Sophia, with her mother Lyra, in one of my favorite scenes. But... since it's last minute, enjoy this (slightly) spoiler-free snippet from the book below!
Shame fell on Sophia’s back like a heavy mantle. How could she marry a stallion who has no belief in Theos, , much less love him?
Then there’s her own faith. It’s not as strong as Mother and Father’s. What if she is influenced to stray…?
“Sophia,” Mother’s gentle but firm voice cut her thoughts. “I can see you’re beginning to worry.”
“I’m sorry, Mother. I cannot help it. I’m afraid that the Emperor might—”
“Don’t. You mustn’t assume what you may not know. Theos will protect you and scold you if you were beginning to falter. Just as any father would.”
Sophia blushed. “Oh, of course, but… I still don’t understand why Theos would want me here. I don’t know anything about being an empress. I faint whenever I’m in crowds. I’m only a mare…”
Mother sighed again. “I wish I could tell you, dear. Even your father doesn’t understand Theos’s plans. None of us can, really. But you know what your father would say: trust in Theos.”
How could she forget?
“What’s more, there is strength in you, Sophia. Strength of your father, but more so from Theos. I’ve seen the moment we entered the atrium to deliver your gifts. You’ll see it, too, one day. When the time comes. Just be yourself, as you always have been.”
Her spirits lifting, Sophia extended her neck to nuzzle Mother’s face. “I’m glad you’re here, Mother. I missed you.”
“And I you. And you’re never alone. Never were.”
And if you're even more curious, check out these books full of mothers and mother figures!
(Note: I HIGHLY recommend Jaye L. Knight's Resistance (book 1 of the Illyon Chronicles. Which is the ONLY book I've read from this entire list.)
That's all for now! But keep an eye out for an exciting announcement (regarding "Rider of Wind and Sky")
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