Page 131 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“Your understanding means a great deal to me, but I still regret how I handled the situation. I know how much Auslin cares for you, and I should have trusted his judgment from the beginning.”
“Auslin is special to you, isn’t he?” Maseo asked. “More than just your brother’s mate, I mean.”
Kisano nodded, surprised at the perceptiveness of the observation. “He was my first friend. We understand each other in ways that are uncommon for me. I do not form connections easily.”
“That’s obvious from how protective you were of him and Kitsuki. I don’t begrudge you that reaction at all.” Maseo’s expression grew thoughtful. “If anything, it made me respectyou even more, knowing how much you care about the people important to you.”
“That is kind of you to say. But there is another matter weighing on my mind as well,” Kisano said.
“What’s that?”
Kisano took a deep breath to steel himself. “Part of me feels as though I am stealing your birthright by accepting the throne of Kunushi.”
Maseo’s response was immediate and emphatic. “That throne was never mine.”
“But by blood, by inheritance?—”
“No, I have no claim to ruling Kunushi.” Maseo’s voice carried absolute conviction. “I was formally disowned from the Venrik pack. My father made it clear I was unwanted, unwelcome, and had no place in his succession plans by never officially naming me as heir.”
Kisano watched the young man’s face, searching for any sign of resentment or bitterness about the situation. Instead, he saw only relief.
“Beyond that,” Maseo continued, “almost everyone in that castle abused me for my entire life. Do you believe the people who tormented me would accept me as their ruler in a kingdom that hates halflings? Do you think I would want to rule over citizens who despise me for something I can’t control?”
The pain underlying those words hurt Kisano’s heart. How could anyone have treated this thoughtful, honorable young man with such cruelty?
“I have never had any interest in ruling a kingdom,” Maseo said. “Being Nasume’s son would only cause more strife and division. The people of Kunushi deserve better than that.”
“You are selling yourself short,” Kisano disagreed. “Based on your actions during the war, your sense of honor and justice, I believe you would be a far more thoughtful ruler than your father ever was.”
Maseo shook his head. “I want nothing to do with it. I’m genuinely glad you’ll be the new king instead of me.”
The conviction in his voice was unmistakable, but Kisano felt compelled to press the point. “You should not have such a low opinion of yourself. The way you have conducted yourself and the sacrifices you have made for people who were strangers to you reflect the qualities of true leadership.”
“Maybe, but that doesn’t mean I want to be a leader. I never asked for this burden, and I’m relieved someone else will take it on.” Maseo’s expression softened. “While I don’t know you personally, Auslin has told me so many fond stories about your kindness, intelligence, and dedication to learning and helping others. I’m sure you’ll do amazing things for Kunushi.”
The vote of confidence warmed Kisano more than he had expected. Coming from someone who had grown up in Kunushi and understood the challenges the kingdom faced, Maseo’s approval carried significant weight.
“I appreciate your faith in me, but I must admit I have concerns about a dragon taking over wolf territory. There will inevitably be those who see me as an outsider, regardless of my good intentions.”
Maseo’s expression turned sympathetic. “Everyone was sick of my father’s cruel and capricious whims. They’ll welcome the rule of a sane king who prioritizes the well-being of the citizens over his own desires.”
“And what if there are those who have reservations about accepting a dragon as their ruler?”
“As long as you don’t tax the people into starvation like my father did, they’ll soon come to value you as a monarch. His cruelty affected everyone, not just me. They’re desperate for someone who will treat them with basic decency.”
The matter-of-fact way in which Maseo spoke about his father’s abuse made Kisano’s stomach turn. How had such a gentle young man survived such a horrid environment while retaining his compassion?
“I want to help them,” Kisano insisted. “I have been trying to learn everything I can about Kunushi’s history, customs, and current challenges to better serve the people.”
“That right there is why you’ll succeed,” Maseo said with a small smile. “Because you care. It’s been a long, long time since the citizens of Kunushi could say that about their king.”
The simple statement carried profound weight. Kisano sat straighter, feeling the responsibility of the crown he would soon wear settle more heavily on his shoulders.
“Is there anything specific I should know when I arrive? People I should seek out or avoid, customs I should be mindful of?”
Maseo’s expression brightened. “There’s a wolf shifter named Iston who serves as the head librarian. I think you’ll find a good friend and confidant in him.”
“What makes you say that?”
