Page 71 of Lord of the Lone Wolf (Bonded Hearts #3)
Kisano
M aseo stepped through the library doorway, moving with the stiffness of someone still recovering from serious injuries. The necromancy wounds inflicted by Nasume had yet to heal, leaving the young man paler than he should be.
His eyes widened as he surveyed the vast collection surrounding him.
Floor-to-ceiling shelves stretched in every direction, filled with volumes on everything from ancient history to modern magical theory.
Ladders on wheeled tracks provided access to the highest shelves, and reading nooks tucked between sections offered quiet spaces for contemplation.
“This is incredible,” Maseo breathed, his usual guarded expression softening with genuine wonder. “I’ve never seen so many books in one place. The collection at Kunushi was impressive, but this is extraordinary.”
The awe in Maseo’s voice filled Kisano with a flutter of pride. His library was his greatest accomplishment, the result of centuries spent collecting rare texts and preserving knowledge. “Thank you.”
Maseo’s posture remained straight and respectful as he bowed to Kisano. “Your Highness, you summoned me?”
“Please sit wherever you are comfortable,” Kisano gestured toward the various chairs scattered throughout the library. “And there is no need for such formality between us.”
Maseo gingerly sat in an oversized leather chair by the fireplace, where Kisano joined him. His wry grin was disarming. “If there’s one good thing that’s come out of my injuries, it’s been impeccable posture. My mother would be so proud.”
Kisano chuckled. “I applaud you for finding a bright side to such a grim injury.”
“It’s the best way to make sure my father doesn’t win.” Maseo shifted, his expression growing puzzled. “I must admit I’m confused about why you wanted to speak with me. Have I done something wrong?”
Kisano’s stomach clenched with nervous energy. It was why he had avoided the conversation for so long, dreading the awkwardness of addressing his past behavior. But leaving for Kunushi without speaking would have been cowardly.
“No, you have done nothing wrong. Quite the opposite, in fact.” Kisano clasped his hands together and bowed his head. “I wanted to apologize to you.”
“Apologize?” Maseo’s brow furrowed with genuine confusion. “For what?”
How could Kisano explain the weight of his regret when Maseo seemed unaware he had any reason to feel it?
“For how I treated you when you first arrived here. I showed you suspicion and hostility when you deserved better. I misjudged your character and your intentions, and I am deeply sorry for that.”
Maseo stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. “You don’t need to apologize. You were looking out for your family’s best interests, which is what a good brother should do.”
“But I was wrong about you.”
“In your defense, all you knew was that I was Nasume’s son and Kio’s former lover. Assuming I might be a spy or a threat was a reasonable conclusion. It would have been stranger if you had been fine with my presence.”
The kindness in Maseo’s response only made Kisano feel worse about his past behavior. Here was someone who had suffered tremendous abuse, who had every right to be bitter, yet he offered forgiveness that Kisano was unsure he deserved.
“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 respect you 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?”
“He’s everything my father wasn’t. Iston is kind, thoughtful, caring, and gentle.
He has a brilliant mind and knows more about Kunushi’s history than anyone alive.
” Maseo’s voice grew soft with affection.
“Iston took care of me when everyone else turned their backs on me for fear of facing Nasume’s wrath. ”
Kisano leaned forward, intrigued. “How was he able to protect you without consequences?”
“The Venrik pack owes his family a significant debt that dates back generations. Iston used that leverage to his advantage, offering me protection in small ways. He allowed me to spend hours in the library, gave me books to take to my room, and often shared his meals with me when the kitchen staff was instructed not to feed me.”
The casual mention of deliberate starvation made Kisano’s hands clench into fists. The more he learned about Maseo’s past, the more his respect for the young man’s resilience grew.
“He sounds like a remarkable person. I look forward to meeting him.”
“I regret I couldn’t see him before we left Kunushi in such a hurry. With my injuries and everything that happened, there just wasn’t time,” Maseo said with a disappointed sigh.
“You have my word that I will make inquiring about his well-being one of my first priorities when I arrive,” Kisano promised. “Once Sephen and I have settled into our new roles, would you consider coming to Kunushi with my brother and Auslin?”
Maseo’s eyes widened in shock. “You want me to visit?”