Valerie sat in her throne, her fingers tapping on the walnut inlets. It was way too big for her. She looked at the book nook, still expecting to see her sister there, reading as usual.

Stupid.

She stood up and stepped out onto her balcony overlooking the town.

The sight made her stomach turn.

The smoke stung her eyes, the stench was unbearable. Valerie could not help but vomit on the stone floor of the castle.

She wiped her mouth and looked at her beloved town, burning.

The bakery, known all throughout the kingdom, crumbled into embers.

The forge created colorful flames that kissed the dark sky.

Her childhood home was reduced to just two walls and a stove.

It was the first fire she had ordered her troops to set.

She screamed at the stormy sky:

“Eli!” Her voice was cracking. “You don’t care about me! You don’t care about my sister! But do you care about your people?”

Through sobs, she pleaded:

“Your beloved kingdom is dying, burning! When you left you said that we would never be alone! You promised you would be there for us! Where are you?”

“Princess Valerie.”

A guard had appeared in the doorway. Valerie used her sleeve to wipe the tears and vomit off her face. Exuding elegance and leadership, she turned gracefully.

“Yes?”

“The troops do not want to continue setting the town on fire. And they don’t want to desert their loved ones inside the walls.”

Valerie’s world started spinning. She just wanted to let herself fall, hit the stone floor and give up. Burn with her town. She gritted her teeth, clenched her fists and took big breaths. Somehow, she managed to slip back into her regal demeanor.

“I don’t want it either. But it’s the only way.” She paused for a moment. “Gather the troops and any citizens still present on the town square. I will do a final short address.”

She herself rang the bell of her balcony, signaling the announcement.

After a few moments, the square was shockingly full. Valerie was surprised so many citizens had not left the city yet. Angry, distraught faces.

“My beloved people, my strong troops, and Patron Eli. I set fire to this town. It is the only way to get rid of the plague. I am sorry that we had to leave the bodies of your families and friends in our burning houses.”

She paused, taking a deep breath:

“I grieve with you, as the body of my beloved sister, taken by the plague, is burning in my house too. But this is the only way to ensure the survival of this town and its people!”

The crowd muttered. Valerie had already held the speech earlier today, but the people must have been occupied with work and caring for the sick. Attendance had been very low.

She continued with a loud, strong voice:

“Eli did not hear my pleas. He did not hear the pleas of the townspeople, even when we were calling him all at once. But he will come for us when the smell of smoke and burning flesh fills the air. Because he loves us! Because he loves this town! And he will cure us of the plague and help us rebuild!”

The crowd cheered.

With her deepest, most determined voice, she thundered:

“This is our only chance! Civilians, leave this town. Plead to Eli! Guards, continue creating fires! The flames and smoke must reach the sky!”

She watched the people drain from the town square, wondering if she believed herself anymore. But it did not matter. Because there was no other way left.