Page 12 of The Warrior
“Then what do they show?”
“Mostly inspirational stories, tips on gardening, self-help advice, and some videos with pets that do silly things.”
Magni rolled his eyes. “Figures.”
“I guess I also avoided seeing the news because I didn’t want to be reminded of home in case something came up.”
“Sounds like you’ve been living under a rock, Laura.”
“Pretty much.” I massaged my temples, a headache brewing. “I can’t wrap my head around the fact that you kidnapped an innocent woman.”
“Yeah, you almost started a war. Did you think I wouldn’t try to get you back?”
Guilt gnawed at me. I had been impulsive and taken off without realizing the consequences it could have on others. “I had no idea you would get that desperate.” My head hung low in shame.
“It’s not all bad,” Magni said and lifted my chin. “Pearl is a major pain in my ass, but she and Khan have created an experimental school with kids from both sides of the border. Mila is one of the students.”
“A school with girls?” My eyes widened. “But girls don’t go to school here in the Northlands. We’re home schooled.”
“I know, but these are Motlander girls. There’s eight of them and two boys.”
“Ten children from the Motherlands?”
“Uh-huh.”
I blinked my eyes, trying to catch up on all this new information. “I can’t believe it.”
“I know, it’s crazy how much has happened, and now with the border down, we have a chance to conquer the world. It’s fucking time men take back power.”
His words upset me. “You would attack a neighbor country that’s already suffering?”
Magni looked at me with disdain. “What better time to strike than when your enemy is weak? It’s a fucking miracle that we didn’t suffer much from the earthquake. I take that as a sign that some higher power is on our side.”
“The people in the Motherlands aren’t our enemies. They’re peaceful people.”
“Who rule the world and keep us isolated up here,” Magni pointed out in a hard voice.
“I thought you liked the Northlands,” I said.
“Sure, but I would like to see more of the world. Wouldn’t you?” His laugh was hollow. “Oh, I almost forgot. Youdidsee more of the world.”
“Tell me about Mila,” I said to change the subject.
Magni’s eyes softened. “Mila is pure and innocent. She looks like an angel and has the cutest dimples.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah, and you know what the most amazing thing is?”
“What?”
He pounded a palm to his chest. “She asked me to be her dad.”
“What do you mean?”
“Boulder and Christina adopted one of the Motlander girls and since Mila’s mom died, she asked me to adopt her.”
“Why?”
