Accidental Surrogate, Chapter 384: Road Trip

Ella

I watched Cora struggle with her decision, biting her lip, trying to understand her feelings. My heart ached for her; I knew she considered it impossible to request a coronation postponement for a temple visit.

But suddenly, I desperately wanted this for her. Cora had been our unwavering support, and she deserved answers. I opened my mouth to speak, but Sinclair was faster.

"I think we should go," he said, offering a casual shrug. "It'll only take a few days," he added, glancing at me to gauge my reaction. "Frankly, we could use a break before the madness resumes."

A small smile played on my lips. "Would it…" Cora began, hesitating. We waited patiently, allowing her to find her voice. "Would it be safe?" she finally asked.

"We believe so," Roger replied steadily, standing beside her. "Xander's on the run, scrambling. He's old, and we eliminated the forces he used to attack us. Even if he's recruiting more, we think we have a small window of opportunity."

"We'd have to move quickly and discreetly," Henry added, more cautious than usual—still shaken, I think, by our last plan's disastrous outcome. "No planes or anything flashy—just a small, anonymous family trip."

I focused on Cora, eager to know her thoughts. She remained perfectly still and quiet, clearly considering her options.

"I can't ask you to do this," she said after a long silence. "We need to proceed with the coronation to ensure our safety."

"You don't have to ask, Cora," Sinclair replied softly, and I looked up at my mate. "We're telling you we want to do it. Right?" He looked at me, and I nodded eagerly.

"Honestly, Cora," I said, leaning forward. "That's what I was thinking. It's right—we should go."

Roger remained silent, standing supportively beside Cora, letting her decide. But she shook her head. "There's so much to do here." She sighed, resting her head in her hands for a moment.

"The Cult, the priests, Xander—it's already a distraction from the complex aftermath of the human war. There's still so much work, and Ella," she looked up at me, "we could be helping refugees in the camps, using our gift—"

My face fell. She was right. There was so much to do; considering this felt selfish.

"Two days, Cora," Roger said quietly, taking her hand. "Two days, then you can return, save the world, and tackle those problems, and whatever else comes. But," he squeezed her hand gently, "two days would be okay. You deserve it. You've earned it."

I nodded in agreement. Considering our future, it would involve significant dedication to our nation and world. Helping people would make me happy.

But Cora was one of the people I wanted to help. She deserved it as much as anyone else. Plus, she's my sister.

"Let's go, Cora," I said, leaning forward with an encouraging smile. "Two days."

She bit her lip, tempted, though still hesitant.

"Would it help," Sinclair asked, tilting his head, "if I mentioned a very fancy RV? With a real bed for you and Roger, instead of that hospital bed?"

Cora sat up straight. "You should have led with that," she said, her eyebrows shooting up. "Sold at 'real bed.' Let's do it." A smile touched her lips.

I cried out joyfully, lifting my free hand (the one not holding Rafe) to my chest. "Yes!" I shouted, laughing. "Road trip! This is so exciting! I've never been on one!"

"Really?" Sinclair asked, smirking, pleased by my excitement.

"Really!" I cried, looking excitedly between him and Cora. "This will be so cool! I've always wanted a road trip! This will be the best vacation ever!"

"Well," Henry said, chuckling, "it's not exactly a vacation—"

"Nope!" I said, standing, swept away by my excitement. "Two days," I said, holding up two fingers. "Two days before we dedicate our lives to helping people, destroying our enemies, and running a nation. So, if I get two days respite from all the awful things? They'll be the best vacation days ever!"

I laughed and danced around the room, holding Rafe aloft, asking if he was excited for his first vacation. My joy was infectious; everyone was smiling, laughing, and making plans.

Cora bit her lip again, but this time with excitement. I moved to her side, kissing her cheek. "I'm so excited," I said, grinning. "You'll talk to Mom! Get answers!"

"I know," she said, hesitant excitement building. "I just hope…she tells me what I want to hear."

"She will," I said, placing a hand on her cheek. "Things will look up, sis. I can feel it. Now let's pack! Road trip!"

I whooped again and threw my hand in the air. Sinclair laughed, pulling out his phone to start planning.

"Come on, trouble," he said, glancing at me. "Let's pack—we need to move fast."

"Okay," I said, glancing back at Cora to ensure she was alright. She waved me off, standing to make plans with Roger. Henry, equally ready, headed for the door. Excited, I took Sinclair's hand. "So, where do we get an RV?"

"Leave it to me," he said as we left the room. "You pack, I'll get our ride."

"Okay," I said, heading to our room. But before we parted, I tugged on his hand.

"That big-bed offer," I said, frowning. "Better be for me, too. Because if I have to squeeze into another single bed with your gigantic self…" I poked his chest, "I'm out."

He laughed, kissed my fingertip, and turned. "Your wish! My command!"

"Damn straight," I muttered, smirking as he walked away. I sighed contentedly. My mate had stolen me two days from this crazy world, and I couldn't be more thrilled.