Page 51 of The Tainted and the Tamed
Haruki ran his hand back through his hair. “I just want to stay here, with her. I can’t leave her unprotected.”
“Then bring her with you. You’ve already exchanged blood like mates.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“It is. Or at least it can be. What are you so afraid of?”
Junpei remained in the hall as Haruki reopened the door to his room, forcing Haruki to turn back and face him.
“Daisuke is right,” Haruki said. “I should step down.”
“Don’t be an idiot! You’ve been saying that for years, and you’ll never do it—because you know your responsibilities. You know where you’re meant to be. You’re just too frightened to do what must be done!”
“I’m notfrightened. I’m not a child.”
“Really? Because that’s all I see when I look at you.”
“That’s isn’t it, Junpei.”
“Then what is it? Tell me. You can’t keep going on like this. You’ve ruled this region for centuries. But now that you have to step up and represent it nationally, suddenly you can’t bear it?”
Haruki bared his teeth. “That isn’t it,” he repeated.
Junpei crossed his arms.
“I spoil everything I touch.”
“What?”
“Don’t laugh. I’ve always been this way. Even my sire—”
“Your sire was a vile bitch who enjoyed playing with people’s lives. Don’t tell me you still listen to that nonsense she filled your head with?”
“I always hear her voice.” Haruki swallowed. “She made me. She knew me best—”
“Iknow you best. That isn’t you, Haru. You’re not a monster.”
“I helped begin the revolution that left thousands dead and nearly ripped Kaiden apart. I tried to save an innocent young woman and left the Diet at each other’s throats. I couldn’t even help a fox and one of our own without ruffling feathers. The only good I can do is here. But if I resign my seat, I’ll lose this prefecture. I can’t let that happen.”
“They could force you to resign.”
Blood ran to Haruki’s cheeks. “They wouldn’t.”
“If you don’t show your face in the Diet soon, they might.”
Haruki combed his fingers back through his hair. “That’s an impossible choice.”
“It isn’t. You’re capable of serving as a chairman. The only one who doesn’t think so is you.”
“There are too many chairmen who wouldn’t be happy to see me back.”
“Good. We didn’t join the Diet to make friends, Haruki. We’re there to do what we think is right for the people we govern.”
“There will be a row if I return.”
“A weekly occurrence these days.”
“All the more reason for me to stay away, then. I can’t do it, Junpei.”
