She-Ra : Princess Of Power [BOOK 1]

Chapter 4: The Roses And Their Thorns

As she looked at her reflection in the mirror after a well deserved shower, Adora couldn't help but smile. She could get used to non-uniform clothes like this. The t-shirt Glimmer gave her was way too baggy, especially around the shoulders and waist. She had to admit, however, that it was comfortable, a big change from her skin-tight uniforms. She heard a light knock on the bathroom door. 

"Hey, everything okay in there? We're going to start dinner soon." Glimmer's voice called out. 

"Yeah, I'm coming!" She answered before unlocking the door and swinging it open. Glimmer smiled as she looked her up and down.

"See? I told you it'd look good on you." She said. 

"Thanks! I still need to get other clothes later." Adora added.

"I can't wait to see what style you'll go for." Glimmer admitted.

"...Style?"

"Oh honey, you've got a lot to learn." Glimmer said before leading Adora out of the bedroom, the two of them heading towards the dining room. 

Bow has already went home by now. Glimmer and Adora sat next to each other, anticipating Angella's decision. Earlier that day, Adora has vouched for Glimmer, assuring Angella her daughter would make a splendid commander. Glimmer has also asked her mom to let Adora stay in the castle. Angella said she would think it over and tell them later. 

The three of them ate in an awkward silence, sometimes stealing quick, unsure glances at the Queen, who pretended she didn't notice them. Once they were done, Angella cleared her throat. 

"About both of your suggestions..." She said, instantly catching their attention. Glimmer and Adora held her stare, hopeful but still prepared for the worst. Angela sighed and looked away. "Against my better judgement, I am willing to give you two the benefit of the doubt." Glimmer squealed in happiness and teleported next to her mother, kissing her cheek, and teleporting next to Adora and hugging her tightly.

"Thank you mom, you won't regret it, I promise!" She assured.

"Thank you so much your Majesty." Adora thanked, hugging Glimmer back before she teleported back to her seat.

Once they were done, they got up and exited the room. Right before leaving, Angella turned around to face Adora. 

"Just like a lot of families who have joined the Rebellion, we have lost someone dear to us because of the Horde. I am fighting not only for me and my daughter, but for thousands of other people who have suffered the same pain as we did. I'm only allowing you inside my home and our Rebellion because Glimmer trusted you despite your background, so I am only asking one thing out of you." She lowered herself and locked her piercing gaze with Adora. "Do not disappoint her." Adora was left speechless, unable to respond as Angela simply walked away like nothing happened. Glimmer winced, visibly embarrassed.

"Sorry about that, mom can be uh... A little intense."

"No, it's fine..." Adora assured. "I mean, I can understand where she's coming from." She added. Glimmer knew that her mom's warning made Adora uncomfortable and as much as she wanted to comfort her about it, she didn't want to insist and add to Adora's discomfort. 

"If you say so." She ended up saying after a moment of silence. "Still, I hope you two can get along soon." 

"I mean, I can't expect her to warm up to me immediately, it'll take some time, and I'm fine with that." Adora concluded. They wordlessly headed back to Glimmer's bedroom and fell asleep almost immediately. 

.

When Adora woke up, she was standing in a place she never saw before in her life. She was in the middle of a long hallway, so long she couldn't see the end of it. On her right, the rest of the corridor was blocked off by pure darkness. On her left, a blinding light came from who knows where. Adora looked down and realized she has already transformed into She-ra. The walls were covered in First One's writing, meaning they were the ones that must have built this place. Adora squinted, and realized they meant The Heart. She was about to head towards the light, hoping it would lead her out of this place, but she suddenly stopped dead in her tracks.