The carriage wheels ground over rough stone, and Lita watched the mansion's silhouette shrink until it disappeared entirely.
Her mother sat across from her, composed, a document already in her hands, or maybe just the appearance of one. The motion of the carriage rocked them gently, and neither spoke for a while.
Then her mother looked up. "Don't dwell on it, Lita. We'll return when the time is right. For now, focus on what lies ahead."
Lita nodded. Looked out the window at the dark trees. Asked the question that had been sitting in her chest since the first soldier had come through the gate. "Why are the Northland forces invading us, mother? What could have driven them to attack? Is it because of the princess?"
Her mother's eyes sharpened slightly, some internal calculation running beneath the surface. A pause. Then: "The Northland has always been a force of aggression. They've coveted our lands for years, seeing our resources as something to claim. But this time… this invasion is different. The timing is too precise, too coordinated."
"What do you mean?"
A breath out. Her mother leaned back against the seat. "It's possible the Northland is moving on more than just territorial ambition. There are rumors, whispers that the Northland royalty is trying to consolidate power. They may be after something—or someone—here in the South."
"The princess?"
"Possibly. The princess is a symbol of unity and hope for the Southland, and if she were to fall into Northland hands, it would be a devastating blow to our people. But there are darker forces at play as well, ones that seek more than political gain."
The trees moved past the window. Lita's skin prickled. "Darker forces? Like what?"
Silence. Heavy and deliberate. "The Northland may be after ancient power, something that could tip the balance of this war in their favor. I suspect they believe someone in the South possesses it—or they think they can find it here."
Lita's heart rate climbed. "Does it have anything to do with our family?"
Her mother looked at her directly. Expression locked. "It's possible. Our family has deep connections to the history of this land, and the Valliere name carries more weight than most realize. That's why we must stay cautious."
Lita bit her lip, mind pulling in three directions at once. "So, what do we do now?"
A small smile. Controlled. "We keep moving forward. We regroup in the Southland capital, gather our allies, and prepare for what's to come. There are many layers to this war, Lita, and not all of them are as clear as they seem. But we'll face it together."
Lita nodded. Turned back to the window. The dark rolled past.
Hours later, the carriage stopped.
Horses blowing breath into cold air. The driver giving them rest. Somewhere ahead in the dark, something burned.
"Madam."
Flare's voice, low. She was already out of the carriage, standing at the tree line, eyes fixed on the horizon.
Her mother stepped down. Followed Flare's line of sight.
Orange. Red. The distant sky lit from below, a Southland base reduced to a smear of fire and smoke against the dark.
"The Southland base..." Her mother's voice came out barely above a breath. "They've reached it already."
Flare's fists were tight at her sides. "The battle must've been fierce. The fire is spreading fast, and no sounds of resistance remain. It's only a matter of time before they push further south."
"They're advancing more quickly than I anticipated." Flat. Precise. "At this rate, the capital will be in danger soon."
Flare's eyes moved to the carriage window where Lita was visible, still asleep, her face untroubled. "Should we wake her, madam? The situation is worsening by the hour."
Her mother looked at Lita for a long moment. "No. Let her rest for now. She'll need her strength for what's to come. We may not get another peaceful moment like this."
Flare kept watching the fire. "The Northland is relentless. If they continue at this pace, they'll overwhelm us soon. We need to move quickly."
"I know. But we won't rush blindly into their hands. We'll reach the capital and regroup. There are still forces in the South that will stand against them. The Northland may be strong, but they're not invincible."
Silence. Just the distant fire and the cold.
"We'll rest here a little while longer. Gather your strength, Flare. We'll need it soon enough."
"Yes, madam."
Flare didn't move from her spot at the tree line right away. She watched the fire burn, and her jaw worked once, and she said nothing.
Later. The sky starting to grey at the very edge.
Her mother sat beside the sleeping Lita and brushed a strand of hair back from her daughter's face, the gesture quick and quiet, something not for anyone else to see. She whispered something too soft to hear.
The carriage rocked back into motion.