Page 65 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
“That’s reassuring,” Maseo replied.
“I live to serve. Now, go on. And remember, whatever happens tomorrow, you’re not facing it alone anymore.”
Maseo ducked through the tent opening. The interior of the king’s tent was a stark contrast to the utilitarian space Maseo shared with his comrades. Thick Talwynian rugs in rich blues and silvers covered the ground, layered for both comfort and insulation. A large ornate desk dominated one side, its surface inlaid with mother-of-pearl that caught the light from crystal lanterns hanging from the tent poles. Polished stone paperweights held down maps and reports.
A privacy screen of carved wood concealed what Maseo assumed was the sleeping area. Comfortable chairs upholstered in royalblue velvet surrounded a silver fire that burned in a brazier at the center of the space, emanating warmth without smoke. A small table near the fire had a silver carafe and crystal goblets, along with a platter of fresh fruit.
It was as if a section of the royal palace had been transported into the forest, preserving all the dignity and comfort befitting Talwyn’s king. The opulence should have felt out of place, but it projected the same sense of power and stability that the dragon king himself embodied.
Kitsuki stood by the desk, examining a map with such intensity that he didn’t notice Maseo’s entrance. The firelight caught the silver threads in his white hair, which accentuated the sharp lines of his face. Even dressed down, there was no mistaking the authority he exuded.
Maseo cleared his throat. “You sent for me, Your Majesty?”
Kitsuki looked up, his expression shifting from concentration to something warmer. “Please join me by the fire.”
He gestured to the chairs, and Maseo moved forward. Being in the king’s private space felt more intimate than his normal visits to the castle’s war room.
“Would you enjoy some wine?” Kitsuki asked, gesturing at the carafe on the small table.
Maseo shook his head. “No, thank you. I prefer to keep a clear head before battle.”
Kitsuki nodded as they both sat. “A wise approach. Though I confess, I sometimes find a single glass helps quiet the mind when it refuses to rest.”
The admission surprised Maseo. Kitsuki rarely showed any signs of uncertainty or vulnerability, especially regarding matters of war.
“Is your mind troubled tonight?” Maseo asked before he could stop himself.
Kitsuki’s gaze fixed on the silver flames. “The last time I was in Balsimi, I found you half-dead in the forest, poisoned by your own father’s hand.” His voice was quiet but carried an undercurrent of anger. “I cannot help but remember that night as we prepare to cross into his territory.”
“This visit to Balsimi is already an improvement,” Maseo said, attempting to lighten the mood. “A comfortable tent is preferable to being broken on the forest floor.”
Kitsuki’s expression didn’t change. “You almost died.”
“But I didn’t, thanks to you and Auslin changing my fate.”
“A decision I have never regretted,” Kitsuki said. “Though I fear crossing into Kunushi tomorrow will put you in danger once again. It will be the first skirmish of many as we fight our way to Norello, where your father and his fiercest warriors will lie in wait.”
The half-wolf shifter shrugged. “I’ve always been in danger. The difference now is that I’m fighting for something I believe in, not following orders out of fear.”
Kitsuki studied him, the firelight casting shadows across his face. “We’ve discussed what Kizoshi foretold about your confrontation with your father. How are you feeling about that now, on the eve of war?”
“I’ve made peace with it. If confronting my father is how we end this war, then I will do it.”
The dragon shifter king nodded. “Your courage continues to impress me. Many would flee from such a fate, especially knowing the power Nasume wields.”
Maseo sat up a little straighter. “I’ve been running away from him all my life, but I’m tired of always being afraid.”
“Fear can keep us alive, but it can also prevent us from living.”
“Yes,” Maseo agreed, surprised by the king’s insight. “Since coming to Talwyn, I understand what living means. Not just surviving, but…” He looked down as he struggled to find the words.
“Belonging,” Kitsuki suggested, his gaze warm and comforting. “Having a purpose beyond mere existence.”
“Yes.” The simple word felt inadequate for the complex emotions swirling within him. “I’ve never had that before. Never thought I could have it.”
“And now that you’ve found it, how does it feel?”
Maseo shrugged. “Terrifying. Wonderful. Like waking up after a lifetime of darkness and discovering the world is full of colors I never knew existed.”
