Page 24 of Sins of His Wrath

Drocan thought for a long moment and then sighed. “I mean, Mama’s not wrong, Nay. You’ve always had a different approach to Papa. I can see why she’d expect something different from you.”

“But does that mean the strategy is wrong? Should I be thinking about avoiding war even though they’re the ones coming here to start it?”

“No,” Drocan growled immediately. He paused and then sighed. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I can’t see how you can, but you always think of things that I don’t. If it were me, you know I’d want nothing but war.” He was quiet for a moment, his eyes drifting up as he thought. “But in everything I’ve read, most civilized nations avoid war as much as possible because the devastation is always more than everyone expects. The society is never the same afterward. You heard what it was like here after Papa won the throne. It wasn’t like it is now. If he hadn’t brought Omegas back, I don’t know if the Lox Empire would be as strong as it is now or have allies.”

Naya nodded and then exhaled. “So either way we lose our way of life, no matter what. A war will change life as we know it, but if we don’t defend ourselves, we’ll be wiped out.”

Drocan nodded, his eyes hardening. “We have no choice in this instance, no. But maybe when you speak to this ‘Mother’ you’ll figure out how to defend against their use of magic. That’s the most dangerous thing about them.”

Naya nodded in agreement.

“And I think you were right to challenge Papa. He hasn’t had a battle that has excited him in years. I know he sees the dangers, but I’m not sure he is minimizing as much risk as possible. You’re more thoughtful about those things, and you have to forge your own way.”

Naya observed him. “Has he made you marshal yet?”

“No.” The word came out as a rough growl. Drocan had been training with Uncle Torin, the Commander of the Lox army, since he was nineteen, and even oversaw Commander duties for half of the empire, but five years later Papa still hadn’t officially awarded him a role yet.

“What does Uncle Torin think?”

“He thinks I’m ready, but says it’s up to Papa. I think they’re worried about my battle experience.”

Naya exhaled long. Drocan had fought in plenty of battles, but it was obvious he wouldn’t have the extensive experience that Papa and Uncle Torin had. The older warriors had fought constantly when the army was first formed. They honed their skills. Drocan had probably fought more than any other soldier, but it wasn’t enough for Papa.

“I guess this war will give me the experience I need,” Drocan said with a smile. “Either that or I’ll die and it won’t matter.”

“Don’t say that,” Naya said sharply.

“But it’s true,” Drocan said, his smile fading. “I need more battle experience and this is a good way?—”

“No, Drocan,” Naya said fiercely. “This isn’t a good way for anything.”

Drocan’s eyes were dark and serious. “Unless you can think of something else, we have to make the best out of this opportunity, Naya. I think that’s what Mama is trying to tell you. Don’t waste an opportunity. We aren’t at fault for what’s about to happen, but we can at least be smart about it.”

“We need to talk.”

Mother Freya didn’t even turn to look at her from where she sat on the bed. “I was expecting you.”

Naya nodded at the two guards stationed outside and slowly entered the room, glancing around. It was a simple bedroom, only marginally better than a prison cell, but Naya wasn’t surprised. If Papa had his way, this woman would be in a cell—permanently. She paused, realizing something. “You came to the palace willingly?”

“Of course.”

When she offered nothing more, Naya asked, “Why?”

The old woman shrugged. “I wanted to see you for myself.” She turned to look at Naya—her eyes bore into her. “And I wanted to see what you had become.”

From the woman’s expression, Naya guessed she didn’t find her exceeding any expectations. “You never wanted to visit before?”

The Mother scoffed. “Not particularly. Your father would have burst into a thousand pieces if I were anywhere near you or the Omegas, and I have no desire to be anywhere near him. So this is a one-off. When I want to leave, your mother knows I’ll have no problem doing so. Those guards are for show—to appease your father.” She held her pointed gaze on Naya. “And that represents the entire problem with the way your parents have dealt with magic.”

Naya moved to stand in front of her. “I need you to tell me about the magic in the Wastelands.”

The Mother snapped her gaze away, turning to face the wall. “There is no information I’ll give you if it will be used to help your father.”

“Even if it will help the people of the empire?” Naya’s voice was harder than she’d intended. “Even if it will help Omegas? Even if it will stop the empire returning to a time when Omegas were forced into hiding?”

Mother Freya finally lifted her eyes. “I no longer bear that responsibility. You and your parents do.”

“So you don’t care anymore? You just switched that concern off?”

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