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The little girl gazed up at her royal mother, "But Mumma, if I have short hair they can't pull it and then Rayne won't have to protect me. I want hair like yours in the story!"

"Sweetheart, I had cut my hair because I was going to war, not because of issues at home. Please reconsider, you should just think about it a little longer in case you change your mind before dinner."

"But Mumma, I'm at a war! Everyday they pull my hair and kick me and call me names, then they hurt Rayne when he runs over to help! "

Mala's heart broke at the confession of what was really happening after school these past few days. She turned to Gale a moment before kneeling, "Lets think about it while we eat dinner. No good choices are made on an empty tummy."

Tess nods before running back to her room to play with Rayne.

When they call for dinner Tess comes out of her room shyly, her hair cut in random patches close to her head or a couple inches long. Mala had to bite back a cry as she turned to see her. "Tess, dear, I thought we said after dinner?" Tears were in both their eyes when Rayne followed up behind Tess.

"I cut her hair, Mumma. It hurts her and I didn't want sissy to get pulled by the hair no more."

Mala nods and keels down to examine the boy's handiwork. "Well, Tess, short hair does look good on you. Would you like me to clean it up and even it out for you?" Tess gave an excitable nod, "Yes please!" Mala nodded and continued, "And I'll heal up these scabs real quick too. Is this from where they pull?"

"Yes Mumma." Tess's voice was smaller when she answered that, her gaze finding her father's eyes. Not sure how he would react to her new haircut and the news.