Page 9 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“That does not resolve the complication of Maseo having a valid claim to the Kunushi throne owed by birthright,” Kitsuki argued.
Maseo shook his head. “That won’t be a problem because I was never named as heir to the throne.”
“As his only child, you inherit his throne by default.”
The half-wolf shifter frowned. “I want no part in ruling my pack’s lands. Almost everyone there has treated me with hatred and contempt. Besides, I don’t want to be burdened with those responsibilities. I’m much happier traveling as I please.”
Auslin sensed Kitsuki wavering through their bond. “What if Maseo signed a document renouncing all claims to the lands of Kunushi?”
“I swear, I have no interest in being a king,” Maseo added. “I’ll sign anything you want or make a public declaration. I’m willing to do whatever will put people’s minds at ease.”
“Nasume can’t touch Maseo while he’s under our protection in Valzerna.” Auslin looked at Kitsuki with a puzzled expression. “Why are you fighting this so hard when we’ll both feel better knowing Maseo is safe in our lands?”
Kitsuki’s gaze drifted from Auslin to Maseo and back, but he remained silent.
“I will gladly pledge my life to your service,” Maseo told the dragon shifter monarch. “I’ve trained in my father’s army, so I know how to fight. I’d be proud to wear Valzerna’s uniform and battle alongside your people.”
“There will be shifters in my ranks who may treat you cruelly because they refuse to believe your sincerity,” Kitsuki warned.
Maseo snorted. “How is that any different from the scorn I faced every day at home and on the road for being a halfling?”
Kitsuki ignored the sarcastic remark. “Are you certain about this?”
The half-wolf shifter stood and gave a formal bow to the ruler. “If you will accept me in your ranks, I swear on my life to fight for the glory of Valzerna. I will do everything in my power to ensure we defeat my father and keep Auslin safe. I am yours to command.”
“Very well,” Kitsuki conceded, tilting his head in acknowledgment. “You will travel with us to Tiora. Once we arrive, we will discuss the best course of action with my clan.”
Maseo gave another formal bow. “I appreciate the opportunity you have generously bestowed upon one as unworthy as me.”
“I hope for your sake that Auslin is correct,” Kitsuki said with a concerned frown.
“Kizoshi told me I would find a hidden ally on our way home and to trust my instincts about Maseo,” Auslin insisted. “This is surely what she was talking about. It will bring us a step closer to victory.” Auslin had no doubts protecting Maseo was the right decision.
After breakfast, Kitsuki transformed into his enormous dragon form, complete with a saddle to make the journey more comfortable for his passengers.
Maseo stared at the massive white dragon in awe. “Wow. Talk about impressive.”
Auslin stroked the dragon’s side with a loving smile. “He’s so beautiful.”
Kitsuki fluttered his wings, preening at the praise. He lowered himself closer to the ground to allow the two men to mount him.
Maseo embraced Auslin from behind to hold on. “Is this okay?”
Auslin’s heart skipped a few beats at the warmth of the embrace. He placed his hand over Maseo’s and gave it a squeeze. “Yeah.”
Once he was satisfied that his passengers were settled, Kitsuki took flight.
Maseo yelped and held Auslin tighter. As they soared into the clouds, Maseo glanced around at the Balsimi mountains below. “This is incredible,” Maseo said in an awed tone, still clinging to Auslin. “I’ve never seen the world from this height before.”
“It never gets old,” Auslin replied, settling in for the ride.
They fell silent as Kitsuki flew with steady flaps of his giant wings, interspersed with gliding. Eventually, Maseo asked, “What did you mean when you said you’ve known my father for a long time?”
Auslin hesitated before telling him the truth. “The first time I met Nasume was over six hundred years ago.”
“What?” Maseo exclaimed in shock. “Surely, I misheard over the sound of the wind. Did you say you met my fathersix centuries ago?”
The mage chuckled at Maseo’s incredulity. “I did.”
