Crave To Conquer (Myth of Omega, #1)(2)
“It is impossible to detect them when we don’t understand the Talent, Drocco,” Torin said wearily, like he had done many times before.
Drocco stopped abruptly, turning to look Torin in the eye. “That excuse is wearing thin, Torin. If we cannot protect the Empire from that asshole, we don’t deserve to keep it. I don’t want the Talent to even exist in my Empire and certainly not in my Palace. Those who manipulate magic can never be trusted, and that is the only way that bastard operates. Find a way to get rid of his fucking spies.”
Torin dipped his head in a nod. “I will, Drocco.”
Drocco held his eye for a moment. Torin was the only one permitted to call him by his first name, and the only person he truly trusted and confided in. Having known each other since childhood, Torin had weathered all aspects of Drocco’s mood and yet still remained by his side. Drocco had never known Torin to let him down but leading an army was not the same as running an Empire. He needed to consider that Torin may not be up to this job. He was a Beta, after all.
Torin seemed to read his gaze. “It will be done,” he insisted.
Drocco turned and continued down the corridor. “I’m going to the training grounds.”
“The historian from Vamore arrived an hour ago during the trial,” Torin said. “I thought you might be interested in meeting her.”
Drocco slowed. “Where is she?”
“In the research room. She was eager to get started.”
“Good,” Drocco said. He had demoted the ruler of Vamore from king to duke, and since then the man had been reluctant to send any of his accomplished historians to Drocco’s Palace in Ashens. Drocco had been close to sending a small fleet to destroy Vamore and remind the Beta ruler that he resided in the Lox Empire now and could not refuse the Emperor. Luckily the man had seen sense before it had been necessary. If the historian the duke sent was eager to help him push his investigation forward, that was even better. “I’ll go and meet her first. Begin the preparations for the celebration.”
Torin’s brows rose. “You still want to have it?”
“Yes. It’s not just for the army, it’s also about solidifying the Lox Empire. I want the rulers of all of the cities and territories in attendance. They need to know the expectations of them if they are to keep their positions. I will decide later if the army will attend.”
Torin nodded. “They should if you want to display your power.”
Drocco grunted in agreement. “Make the preparations.”
Torin stopped to bow and then turned back the way they came. Drocco watched him, a bubble of amusement bursting through his somber mood. That bow had been a salute only two short months ago. Now he was worthy of a bow. He turned and continued down the corridor.
The Palace Drocco had inherited after destroying the King of Ashens was enormous. In fact, it was almost a small village, a ridiculous size for the king’s family and small army. Drocco would have been surprised if they managed to fill even a quarter of it. However, it was clear it had been well built, with materials like marble, glass, and crystal being used in the king’s private areas. The Lox filled it out nicely and it provided all necessary areas and rooms for them to settle comfortably.
A general air of peace drifted on the horizon for the Lox for the first time, and Drocco looked forward to it. He was finally in a position to address the vow he’d made to himself and his army—the one that had had every Alpha clamoring to be by his side—and now he had unlimited resources at his disposal to devote to it.
He turned down a series of corridors until he reached the library wing and then swung open the double doors to the main room where his research was stored.
Most of the books had been pulled from the shelves and stacked in short piles on multiple tables across the space and on the floor. Sheets of parchment seemed to be spread along every surface and balancing everywhere, while the folders that had held them were open in various areas of the room.
Drocco pinpointed the woman hunched over a desk in the far corner, peering at a sheet of parchment through handheld glass frames while bouncing tendrils of her hair dangled over the desk.
He maneuvered through the mess of the room to where she was, becoming increasingly annoyed that she hadn’t addressed him when he entered. She didn’t even straighten as he approached—surely she couldn’t be that absorbed in her work.
“Found something worth sharing?” he asked, breaking the silence.
“When I need something I’ll let you know,” she said, in an efficient tone tinged with annoyance. “That will be all.”
A shot of irritation flared through Drocco. “I didn’t realize historians had the authority to dismiss me.”
The woman’s head shot up, her face in a scowl until she saw who stood before her. Her deep brown eyes widened and she immediately straightened and dropped her head, her hands clasped in front of her. “My apologies, your Imperial Majesty. I wasn’t expecting you.” On the small side for a Beta, she stood straight and confident, suggesting she had experience with statesmen or royals.
Drocco found himself slightly irritated. Although he appreciated her professionalism, it was rare that someone of her size remained unfazed by his. He was the largest Alpha known in the Eastern Lands, and while it was a petty reaction for him to have, he found it bothered something innate within him. “This is my investigation, you will be working directly with me.”