DISCLAIMER: She-ra and The Princesses of Power is owned by Dreamworks Animation. This work is purely a fan creation, for the enjoyment of fellow fans and not for any form of profit.

Swiftwind circled the castle once then drifted down to land on the bridge leading to the main gate. His four hooves touched down on the polished stone with a loud thud and he clinched his teeth to suppress a groan.

"We can walk the rest of the way," Adora said climbing down from Swiftwind's back. "Why don't you go get some rest."

"Yeah, that is," Glimmer stuttered quietly. "That's a good idea, thank you Swiftwind," the princess said and dismounted, Bow doing the same.

"Thanks," Swiftwind said. It was a long flight from Mystacor to Brightmoon, and had carried three people on an empty stomach and no sleep. Still, he hesitated as he saw Glimmer dragging her feet towards the main gate. "You think she will be okay?" he whispered to Adora.

"I think so," Adora whispered. "But me and Bow will be with her, and you need some rest."

Swiftwind nodded turned and flew off for his usual stall, leaving Bow and Adore with Glimmer.

Glimmer was finding it hard to walk. She was almost dragging her feet up the long concourse that lead to the main gate of Castle Brightmoon. She starred intently at the polished stone surface that was passing under her with each slow step. She did not want to look up, did not want to see the castle where she was born, where she had spent so many days and nights. She was afraid to look at it, afraid of what she might feel at the sight of it, or maybe what she would not feel. Bow walked beside her, saying nothing but watching her concerned, he had never known Glimmer to be this quiet.

A voice called to them from up ahead, it was Queen Angella with her personal guard approaching them.

The trio stopped, Glimmer did not look up.

"Glimmer, what is going on?" the Queen asked in a slightly demanding tone. "I received a message from your aunt, Castaspella. She said you left Mystacor and wandered into the wilderness without any warning. When you failed to return, or send word, she sent all her soldiers and half her students to find you."

Glimmer looked up from her feet for a moment, still not looking at her mother. "I'm sorry," was all the princess said before glancing back down at the ground. She tried to push past her mother but Angella stopped her.

"Glimmer, what happened in Mystacor? Your aunt was very upset."

"I need to recharge," Glimmer said, then walked past Angella and towards the entrance to the castle.

"Glimmer!" Angella shouted.

"I need to recharge," Glimmer said, her voice quivering. She did not turn to look at her mother. "We can talk afterwards," then continued on.

The Queen looked to Adora and Bow who looked back, confused and worried but saying nothing as they followed Glimmer a crossed the bridge. Angella watched them go for a moment weighing the choices of letting them go or insisting that they stay. "Bow!" she cried, deciding upon a compromise.

The three of them stopped abruptly, Bow turned and bowed towards Angella. "Yes, my queen?"

"I would like to hear your report on your mission," Angella said.

Bow looked at Adora then Glimmer. The princess gave him a weak attempt at a smile and he turned and walked back to Queen.

Angella said nothing, silently looking past Bow to watch Glimmer and Adora disappear through the main gate. It had barely swung shut when she instantly turned to Bow. "What happened?" she snapped impatiently, almost angrily.

Bow was startled sensing the Queen's state of mind and it took him a moment to answer her. "I am not sure," he confessed.

"Not sure?" Angella narrowed her eyes at Bow.

"I did not see everything because-"

"You weren't with her?" Angella said cutting Bow off.

"I was, most of the time."

"You were instructed to be with her at all times, all times!" her voice was getting louder, and anyone could tell her patience was waning.

"I was," Bow protested.

"Then what happened?"

Bow looked around nervously, trying to think of the quickest, and clearest, way to explain. He took a small breath and looked at his Queen. "Do you know someone named Lord Locust?"

Angella blinked and any anger she had vanished, like a leaf in a wind storm. "Lord Locust?" she said in astonishment and with a hint of fear.

"Yeah," and with that Bow began his report…