Momma wraps her neck around him and tells him everything was going to be okay. He feels safe and warm in her embrace, but something was off. He was smart enough to see the wounds on his mother and know things were not okay. His mother was hurt, hurt by Xiomara, and the dynamic of the Inlet has changed. He was confused at what everything meant and why everyone kept fighting over who would be the leader next. He wishes things back how they used to be when he was being taught this land would be his next and Warsaw protected them all. He knew his mother wouldn't let anything happen to his brother and himself, but she looked so damaged. How could she keep fighting?

Mother rejects father, he watches in shock, and then she sets her sights on Xiomara. The colt felt a knot in his throat. His tummy began to feel upset. He loves his momma, but he couldn't let her do this. In his tiny mind, Xiomara was his future and he had to protect her. He was one of the only ones to build a relationship with the blue mare while she owned the Inlet and he was happy with her. Ironclad touches his nose to Vita Nova's side before walking towards Xiomara. He turns himself to stand in front of her with daring blue eyes staring back at his mother. "Mother please!" He begins, unafraid to stand up for what he wants in life even at a young age.

"Xiomara has been so kind to me and plays with me. I don't want to see her go. Please, let her stay if she wants to. I'll make sure she stays in line." He speaks like he knows what it means to follow the orders of your leader. Ironclad still had a lot to learn, but he knew enough to stick up for the ones who show him kindness. "Father made mistakes, but it is not Xiomara's fault. She shouldn't have to pay for them." Whatever his father has done to bring Xiomara here, or to keep her here, it was his own doing. His father would have to fight his own battles, but Ironclad felt responsible to help Xiomara. She was the outsider and his future Queen.