Page 134 of Plug and Tame

As he bit his wrist and held it to her mouth to drink, their mental connection filled the emptiness of his soul, and neither of them needed words.

They were one.

Chapter 43

The Empress

Nathaniel

Three Weeks Later

Having defeated Henrikk, Kira was the new ruler, and Nathaniel was satisfied being prince consort, and relieved he no longer needed to marry Gloria.

Henrikk’s Throne Room had been demolished, and Kira held court where her father, King Bakker, once had: in the Great Hall. The old hall was located at the heart of Wintermaw Keep and was made of sturdy stone and rustic beams, restored to its former glory.

Kira sat upon the throne that had once been her father’s—a tall seat carved into the Great Hall’s northern wall, which was made of grey stone. Polished timber steps led up to where she sat overlooking her court.

Nathaniel sat at her right on a slightly lower seat, murmuring advice when she requested it.

The assembled courtiers were a mix of unlikely creatures that had not peacefully shared a room in more than a decade.

Wolf shifters stood shoulder to shoulder with vampires—a dispersion that was obligatory by Kira’s decree. She did not tolerate a room split in two, and she dismissed those who thought themselves too superior to stand near another faction. This had been met with apprehension, but after only three weeks of rule, the new courtiers had quickly adapted, with the early signs of new friendships and alliances showing promise.

Hopefully, old wounds would mend, and they could look to building a better future with equal opportunities.

Humans were present in the Throne Room too, and were the only faction permitted to stand in groups, and to bear arms.

Witches had returned, much to his surprise and delight. Over fifteen years ago, when Henrikk had tried to wipe out the witches, Barbara had managed to save one of the covens, mainly because they’d been away during Henrikk’s invasion. Some of the witches and wizards had been in a portal world called Spring Plane—another one of Barbara’s closely guarded secrets.

“They were celebrating the Winter Solstice,” Barbara had explained as the court watched the robed witches and wizards enter the Throne Room in single file. Most of them appeared old, and seemed a cheerful party, with more than one who was ruddy-faced. “I sealed the portal after them during the attack. They’ve been trapped over there for years! Not that they’ve got anything to complain about. They’ve been drinking and feasting all this time, and taking goodness knows what substances. You should see the state of Spring Plane, it’s a mess! If you thought the Throne Room was bad—”

Kira tensed at the mention of the Throne Room. Her response was so imperceptible that Nathaniel only noticed it from the way her chest went still mid-breath, as if she’d stopped breathing.

Nathaniel steered the conversation to safer waters, placing a gentle hand on Kira’s shoulder. She looked up at him, and they exchanged a small smile.

Oblivious to their reaction, Barbara continued talking. “…but once this lot have detoxed, you can put them to work, Kira, dear. Oops, I meant, Your Royal Highness.”

“The correct address is Your Imperial Highness,” the herald interrupted.

“Thank you, Bromley,” Nathaniel said. The new title reflected not only Kira’s expansive rule over multiple factions, but over multiple territories. Kira was not the Queen of a mere kingdom. She was the Empress, ruler of the newfound Vulpire empire. She had quickly eclipsed Henrikk’s leadership, masterfully uniting the wolf territories, vampire enclaves, human settlements, and the budding witch covens harmoniously and effectively.

“Your Imperial Highness,” Barbara said with a low sweeping bow that was almost elegant but slightly off-balance. “We are at your disposal.”

“Thank you,” Kira said. “Your support is greatly welcomed. May we grow stronger together.”

“May we grow stronger together,” the entire room echoed, repeating the new royal motto.

Barbara did not take the hint and continued to chatter away as Kira’s eyes glazed over. Nathaniel stroked her arm with his thumb, wondering where she was. Her daydreaming was frequent, and he wondered if they were happy thoughts that brought her respite, or if she was remembering recent events…

His hands clenched into fists. He should have done more to protect her, which haunted him. He would spend his entire life making it up to her, if she would let him. Even so, he wasn’t sure if he would ever forgive himself for failing her.

A hush fell over the assembled courtiers as Kira rose from her throne.

Today’s agenda included discussions to elect a political leader for the humans. Several lords were present, but if they hoped to leave with a crown, they were mistaken. For all Nathaniel had seen of Kira’s fiery temper, she was calm and unhurried in her decision-making. She seemed to weigh up the magnitude of the responsibility she held, and had taken his advice to heart: sometimes, the best decision a leader could make was no decision.

Kira had always been serious and reserved, but she was quieter now, and not as outspoken. It was as if she’d aged quickly in a short span of time. Her inner fire burnt low and steady, without crackling flames and flying sparks that had lit up the darkness. Now, her amber eyes were muted. Often, Nathaniel looked into their depths, searching for the golden flecks that had once brightened them. Sometimes, when he held her at night, he could coax a laugh from her, and witnessed a flicker of hope and optimism reflected in her eyes.

Although Kira was not ready to talk about it, Nathaniel was certain his father’s assault had triggered her change in disposition. The man was gone, but the trauma remained, and it had changed their relationship too. Their moments together were careful, every touch soft and gentle, their words loving. Soon, he hoped, Kira would open up to him.