The Forest of Lights

Chapter 7: Under Control

The dawn was breaking as Khalida, Ellisar, and Emily reached the edge of the Forest. They walked slowly towards the South and it didn't take them long to find Emily's family at the very border of the Forest, waiting and despairing. Khalida's face turned to stone as she realized someone else was with them. Thana. The princess took a deep breath and continued walking.

As soon as the three walked toward them, the previous sadness vanished from the girl's parents' faces. All in tears, they welcomed her return, thanking Khalida a thousand times at least. Khalida simply said: "You're welcome," and then, with a wide smile on her face, watched Emily meet her brother and sister. With that, the princess remembered the bond she shared with her sister and all the times they spent together. But not anymore. She looked at Thana and smiled shyly, hoping for a warm word of welcome. The queen looked back at her, her face stern and cold. And again, she heard Honor's voice, warning her of the upcoming danger. Again, she remembered the prophecy. Could it be true after all? Thana has been acting strangely lately. What has changed? Khalida frowned. She was no longer sure...

After Khalida said goodbye to Ellisar at the edge of her family's lands, she met the Guerrillas in their garden. Thana was questioning them about some stuff that concerned the last night's fire and people in the town that have lost their homes.

"We managed to put out the last flames after everyone was evacuated," Gertrude reported quietly. "The situation is terrible. Almost half of the town has nowhere to go." Thana looked at her thoughtfully, measuring her friend's words.

"Nowhere for sure?" she asked. Gertrude nodded. The other girls looked quite devastated. If they'd come earlier, they could have saved many more people and their homes.

"We can take some in, at least until we'll have rebuilt most of the buildings," suggested Khalida. "Our castle is big enough to offer shelter to about 50 families!" Thana narrowed her eyes at her sister, as if in disgust.

"So you say. As a matter, where have you been the whole time we were saving others?" Thana indeed held suspicions towards her sister.

"I- I was helping too, just on my own," she lied.

"And that is why Leroy had to save you, huh?" Thana asked smugly. "I want to have a word with you, Khalida, after we find a proper solution."

"Why can't we take them in? It would solve so many of our problems!" Khalida cried, shocked by Thana's sudden change.

"I have a better idea," Thana said slowly. She was smirking. "Why don't you take the people to the Forest? I've seen you go there many times, it can't be dangerous." She confronted Khalida, menace dripping in her voice. Khalida stared at the queen, surprise reflecting on her face. Her heart was racing.

"No, that.. I'm sorry, but I can't do that," she replied at last, her voice quiverring.

"That was an order, not a question," Thana purred and smiled wryly, piercing Khalida with her intense green gaze.

"Thana, I can't take them in," the princess desperately tried to convince her.

"Oh, yes, you can. And you will."

"But-"

"Khalida!" yelled Thana. "You will obey my order," she said in a low voice. Khalida stared at Thana still, full of disbelief, holding back her tears.

"You are changed," she whispered, her voice full of sadness. She was trembling. "You are not Thana I know." But Thana just smiled, her head high up, and turned her back on her sister, who still couldn't believe what had just happened. Thana dismissed the Guerrillas, who watched the conflict wide-eyed. Thana left them, too, speechless. They returned to the castle, following Thana. She already forgot she had wanted to talk to Khalida. She was too proud of being able to control the princess, and everyone else.