Lucifer frowned, then nodded.
“I've spoken with my uncle already and explained that the attack on the Embassy and the outpost didn't originate from you. The truce holds.”
“Why would Braxis allow you to do that?” Lucifer narrowed his eyes at me.
“Braxis was manipulated by a Triari—an ex-prince named Gregory.”
“The one who killed your parents?” Lucifer growled. “The man who the Triari have been hunting?”
“The same,” I confirmed. “He stole a Triari artifact and bartered it to Braxis in exchange for Braxis breaking the truce.”
“By my horns,” Lucifer whispered. “Fucking Triari.”
“One Triari,Father,” I used the title to remind him that I was Triari too.
“Yes, of course. Sorry, Amara.” He peered around me. “Where is he? Is Braxis there?”
“I am.” Braxis stepped forward.
“It's a good thing that you haven't hurt her, boy,” Lucifer growled. “Had you, there would be nowhere that you could hide from the fury of the House of Starsiene.”
“Braxis, do not respond to that.” I pointed at him. “Let me handle this.”
Braxis grimaced but kept his mouth shut. When I looked back at Lucifer, he was gaping at me.
“What in Hell is going on here?” Lucifer demanded.
“I've gotten to know him. I've spoken with his people and have learned a lot.” I paused to spear Lucifer with my stare. “You haven't been entirely truthful with me, Your Majesty.”
Lucifer stiffened. “Amara, this is my world and you have no right—”
“I am Princess of Hell!” I shouted. “You crowned me yourself so you will—at the very least—give me the courtesy of listening to my concerns.”
Lucifer sighed. “Very well, child. Tell me of these concerns.”
“I understand why you've treated the Reaksarians as you have. It's hard to trust and even harder to forgive but sometimes, you have to offer forgiveness first before it can be returned.”
“Amara, the Reaksarian Tribes are not your average citizens of Hell.”
“I know that. Believe me, I know that,” I said pointedly. “But, Lucifer, you've denied them harvesting equipment? Drones? Machines that could make their lives easier. Why?”
“Because I need to have the upper hand.” He shrugged. “It's about control. If I don't exert my control over them, they will attack Abaddon. You saw it for yourself.”
“We attacked because you gave us no choice!” Braxis snarled. “You treat us like primitives and then are surprised when we behave as such.”
“Braxis!” I snapped.
Braxis bared his teeth at me.
“Oh, I don't think so, darling,” I held up an imperious finger. “Rein it in.”
Braxis took and released a deep breath. “I am calm.”
“What have you done to him?” Lucifer asked me in wonder. “Did you use your color magic on him?”
“Do not answer that!” I snapped at Braxis before I turned back to Lucifer. “I didn't enchant him, I merely listened to him. I listened to himwith compassion. There has been very little compassion shown to the Tribes of Reaksar and you know it. You had a chance to change things when Braxis left but instead, you just used it as an opportunity to push your heel down harder upon their throats. Why can't you see that this kind of behavior only leads to war?”
“We are a brutal people, Amara,” Lucifer said calmly. “And—”
