Page 45 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
Kitsuki refused to change his mind about waiting until after the war to figure out what secrets his sister was trying to make them see. For now, it was enough to hold Auslin close, to feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and to know that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
Chapter 18
Maseo
Maseo entered the war room expecting strategy maps and grim faces, not the most beautiful woman he had ever seen standing at the head of the table.
She was as tall as Kitsuki, holding herself with regal bearing. Sparkling jewels adorned her hair, swept up into an impressive updo that enhanced her elegant air. Her flowing dress resembled liquid gold, showcasing her curves in a way that left Maseo too intimidated to appreciate, especially as she looked as if she could kill him with a snap of her fingers. It was clear she was a woman not to be trifled with, but Maseo had no idea who she was.
To his surprise, her full lips curved into a charming smile. “There you are.”
Unable to believe such a stunning person wanted anything to do with him, Maseo glanced over his shoulder, half expecting her to be addressing someone else behind him. But there was nothing there but a closed door. “Me?”
She stifled a laugh behind her hand. “Yes, Maseo. It is finally time for us to speak. I have been looking forward to this for quitea while.” She gestured for him to come closer with a finger that glittered with a bejeweled ring that put everything in the Venrik pack treasure room to shame. “Come.”
His feet couldn’t disobey. He walked over to stand before her, feeling unworthy of being in the presence of such greatness. Maseo flinched in fear of being struck when she reached out with a manicured finger to curl under his chin, forcing him to look up and meet her gaze.
Her dark amethyst eyes seemed to see straight through to his soul. In front of her, he felt like the failure his father always accused him of being. His breathing hitched when she moved her hand to cup his cheek, brushing her thumb against his cheekbone with a tenderness that made his heart ache.
“Your suffering is almost over,” she said.
His eyes widened with fear. “Because you are here to kill me?” He reverted to his more formal court language, as everything about her conveyed royalty.
Her laughter sounded like music. She patted his cheek with a fond look he didn’t understand. “How delightful to discover you are as precious as promised.” She gestured to a chair at the war table. “Sit. We have much to discuss.”
Once again, his body obeyed without question. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she settled into the seat, maintaining her regal posture.
“Who are you?” Maseo asked.
“I am Kizoshi.”
If he hadn’t been sitting down, he would have fallen over. “TheWar Power?”
“Indeed I am.” She tilted her head in acknowledgment. “And I have been waiting a long time to meet you.”
It was an unbelievable claim. “Why?”
“Endless curiosity.”
He blinked several times in confusion. “Why would you know who I am?”
“Because you are of vital importance to my brother and his beloved mate, who saved your life.”
Maseo wasn’t sure which part of that sentence confused him more. “I am?”
“Oh, yes. They cannot live without you.”
Maseo’s head swam as he tried to keep up with her vague claims. “Do you mean literally or figuratively?”
“Yes.”
For such a direct answer, it left Maseo more baffled than before. “I would do anything for His Majesty and Auslin.”
“Of which I am well aware.” She smiled at a private joke he didn’t understand. “You will do what only you can do.”
Her riddles baffled Maseo. “Meaning?”
“You will have the honor of doing what I have wished to do for many long centuries.”
