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Naya lifted her shoulders. "I don't have that many duties, to be honest. If there’s anything to do with Omegas—any announcement or event, I normally organize and arrange it. If I’m not, I make sure I attend. Any Omega business that my mother is unable to see to, I take that on. I visit all of the regions in the countries and familiarize myself with the micro cultures that exist within them. That’s obviously a big job…." Her voice faded, unsure how much to say. In truth, she hadn't done much of that in the last six years.
"Being a ‘keeper of peace,’" Prillu said. "Does that mean peace with other nations? It seems that there is no need to keep the peace with them if there is no conflict."
"It can mean that," Naya said. "But it also means peace between Alphas and Omegas, peace between the different nations and regions; it means peace between the Imperial Empire and its people… It can be many things. But it is about upholding a life that reduces potential conflict between people."
"And as part of those duties, do you intervene in disputes?"
"Sometimes, depending on how big the dispute is. Our laws are still trying to catch up with some of the issues that happen out in the lands. But peacekeeping can be very rewarding, as I'm sure you understand."
Prillu stared at her for a moment, her face guarded. "Do you ever use force to keep the peace?"
"Sometimes it's necessary," Naya said. "But more often, it is about protecting the land and its people from itself."
"What do you mean?"
"Natural disasters can sometimes take a toll on people," Naya said, her throat tightening. "Sometimes it requires thinking quickly and finding a solution that is the most peaceful, even though it is a hard and difficult situation. In those circumstances, there is no one to blame and yet people find blaming others cathartic."
Her eyes lowered as her mind was dragged back, smoke drawing to her nostrils, acrid choking feeling. She took a deep breath, aware that Akoro as probably watching every single action.
“As the first born daughter of the emperor and empress, there haven't been any unions between your family and the other families that rule in the Known Lands, is that right?"
"Not yet, no," Naya said.
"But you are familiar with them? Would you say you’re friends?"
Naya lifted a shoulder half-heartedly. "We have known each other since we were born because our parents have to engage with each other for trade and other things. I wouldn't necessarily say we're friends."
"It is rumored that you and the first daughter of the Southern Lands High Chef are close."
Naya lifted a brow. "You want me to confirm a rumor?"
Prillu’s head tilted and she pressed her lips together, but she took the bait and didn't press for an answer. "Have you given birth to any children?"
Naya frowned, a sudden jolt shooting up her. "What? What kind of question is that?"
"As the zmola kindly explained when you first met the council, we need to know everything about you and your life. That is part of what we need from you. Often, older daughters of a royal family don't always declare when they've had children out of marriage; it is suppressed for fear it may mar their reputation. In our experience, it's not uncommon that, at your age, you could have potentially given birth to children secretly."
“And what exactly is the experience you have with that?” Naya asked harshly.
Akoro growled and stepped toward the table. “Answer the question.”
Naya glanced at him, annoyed. His eyes were locked onto hers, and he held himself tense, as if anticipating she might cause trouble.
"No," she said tightly to Prillu. "That isn't how things are done in my family."
"How are they done?" Prillu asked. "Again, at your age, a pairing or marriage or mate would have been decided by now.”
Naya glanced again at Akoro. So he hadn't told his own people that she was his true mate? Interesting.
“You are twenty-five,” Prillu continued. “Are you or your family not concerned? Or does being an Omega mean everyone is less worried about the abundance of children in your empire?”
Naya narrowed her eyes, observing Prillu for a moment. then lifted her chin in understanding. “You have your children young in your culture.”
Prillu jolted, surprise bleeding into her large eyes.
“I assume by fourteen…” she watched Prillu’s expression change, “no sixteen, your females are expected to give birth. Maybe Omegas are given some leeway to have them later?”
“Answer the question,” Akoro growled again.
