Page 126 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
Kisano shook his head, his grip tightening on Sephen’s hand. “But I am not a wolf shifter. How can I rule citizens whose natureI do not share? They will never accept a dragon as their king, especially one who has never proven himself in battle.”
“That’s why you’re perfect. You won’t be bound by their traditional thinking or ancient grudges. You can bring a fresh perspective to problems that have festered for generations.”
“But what if I make the wrong decision?” Kisano asked, his brow furrowed with concern. “I do not have the military might to protect them from threats like Ishibiya.”
The vulnerability in Kisano’s words prompted Sephen to squeeze his hands, anchoring them both with physical contact.
“Isn’t Reskin’s philosophy that true leadership is not measured by using the sword but by the wisdom to know when to sheathe it?” Sephen asked, drawing on the foundation of their intellectual connection. “The most reluctant rulers are often the most just, because they understand power as a burden rather than a prize.”
Kisano nodded, unable to trust his voice.
“That’s what Kunushi needs right now,” Sephen continued, his passion growing as the vision crystallized in his mind. “A ruler who sees beyond surface differences, who understands that strength comes from unity and compassion. You’ve spent centuries studying history, learning from the mistakes of past rulers. You know what works and what doesn’t.”
“Theoretically.”
Sephen’s excitement built as possibilities bloomed in his imagination. “Then it’s time to put that knowledge to use. Think of all the good we could do for the people of Kunushi. They’ve suffered under Nasume’s cruelty. We could make theirkingdom a safe place for half-shifters and shifters of every type. We could build schools and libraries to promote learning and understanding instead of fear and hatred. Maybe that’s why Kizoshi told us we’d meet Liros someday soon.”
“You would leave all this behind when you also have never left Valzerna?” Kisano asked.
“Of course I would. You’re my beloved bondmate. Wherever you go, I go. Besides,” he added with a grin as another exciting possibility occurred to him, “I bet Nasume has a library we could take advantage of.”
“I fear letting everyone down,” Kisano admitted, lowering his head in shame at his weakness. “What if I cannot be the leader they need? What if I fail them the way so many rulers have throughout history?”
The fear in his words ignited Sephen’s protective nature. He squeezed Kisano’s hands, drawing his mate’s attention back to his face. “You are the kindest, most compassionate person I’ve ever known. The only one as smart as you is Liros himself. You’ve dedicated your entire life to learning and understanding, to finding peaceful solutions instead of violent ones.”
“But what if it is not enough?”
“Then we’ll figure it out together,” Sephen promised, tightening his grip on Kisano’s hands as he poured all his conviction into the words. “Every challenge is manageable because we’re in this as partners. You’ll have me supporting you when the problems seem overwhelming.”
“Yes, however?—”
Sephen talked over Kisano’s protests. “And you have your dragon now, that incredible strength that’s been sleeping inside you for so long. You’ll have Kitsuki and Kizoshi’s guidance. Most importantly, you’ll earn the love and respect of people who desperately need someone to show them that their lives have value.”
“You think I should do it?” Kisano asked, his voice small but carrying a note of hope that made Sephen’s heart soar.
“Yes, you’re what Kunushi needs to heal and prosper,” Sephen replied with absolute conviction. “Has Kizoshi told you anything yet?”
“She confirmed it is our fate, urging me to accept with Sophina’s blessing.”
Sephen nodded in agreement. “If the Fate Power herself said this was our fate, then it’s time for us to trust in something bigger than our fears and start the next chapter of our adventure.”
The word “adventure” seemed to spark a flame of excitement that pushed back against the shadows of doubt in Kisano’s eyes. “If you believe in me that much and Sophina sees this as our fate, then I will do it. No,wewill do it.”
The smile that spread across Sephen’s face felt like it might split his cheeks, but he couldn’t contain the happiness that flooded through him. “Really? You mean it?”
Kisano nodded. “While I still harbor some doubts, I will trust in your faith in me.”
Sephen surged forward, capturing Kisano’s lips in a passionate kiss full of promise. It tasted like new beginnings and shareddreams of a love that could conquer kingdoms and heal broken realms.
When they separated, the space between them seemed to crackle with excitement and possibility.
“I love you, my king,” Sephen said, the words feeling right on his tongue.
The title sent a visible shiver through Kisano, transforming his mate’s entire posture. Whatever Kunushi held for them, they would meet it together by showing that love and wisdom could outlast cruelty and ignorance.
Chapter 43
Kitsuki
