Their fathers weren't dead. That would have been easier, somehow—a clean absence, a noble sacrifice.
No, the truth was far more complicated and far more painful.
While the mares regularly risked their lives riding out on dangerous guard patrols to protect the Queen, the males stayed behind in the safety of the settlement under the guise of 'defending the territory.'
And when the mothers were away, the fathers were tasked with watching the children.
But 'watching' was a generous term.
Following ancient, rigid centaur traditions, the men simply left the young fillies to their own devices.
Basically, handing them basic rations, assigning them chores, and then lounging around doing absolutely nothing.
No head pats. No hugs. No goodnight kisses.
No walks through the village.
No stories before bed.
None of the warmth and affection that a father should provide.
Nothing.
They simply didn't care.
Of course, if the children had been male, things might have been different.
