Beast Tamer: Divine Love

Chapter 3:

"Although I wish to see you under better circumstances, I am extremely grateful for your presence, kingmaker," Empress Kremva gave me a genuine smile that I couldn't help but return with one of my own. Her silky black hair was pulled into an intricate bun with a beautiful crown decorated with vines and rare red flowers attached to strings of pearls. Those small hazel-green eyes shining brightly, the red petals of make-up scattered around them made them pop out more.

Though she was ruling the Keocaea empire with no one by her side, it had been her late husband that I had placed on the throne. At the time, the two of them had just married, and the love they shared was so strong that it flowed out to their people.

It was when her beloved died that I was forced to make an appearance in front of the broken woman who had seemed so small.

Many people believed a woman incapable of ruling over other elves, but I felt otherwise. With my instincts completely clear, I ensured the Kremva and the Keocaea empire knew that they already had an emperor.

As a matter of fact, they had an empress.

Now, she stands before me with the brilliant energy that only belonged to a woman who was used to being in charge. The fur on her long white coat was so thick it was practically in her face, but with the horrid cold air of the country, it looked like it was doing its job. Kremva placed her fork down and finished her meal while I continued to eat my own.

Thankfully, it's an edible meal because Inigo and I have been surviving off nothing but snacks and hotdogs from convenience stores. Before we departed from Eshea, I hadn't been able to eat anything as most of the food they had served me was raw meat. They were always inconsiderate of the different palates of their guests.

Especially for the ones who aren't born shifters.

"I do apologize again for not being able to visit more often. How is Aena?" I asked, mentioning the first princess of the empire.

What no one here knows is that, if she continues down her current path, Aena will be the next one to take the throne.

"She's doing wonderful and would've loved to have joined us but the university she's at has a big exam tomorrow morning," Kremva had a strong expression of pride on her pretty little face, those long lashes watching me with a familiar excitement.

The one you feel after being isolated from those who won't judge you despite who you might be or what you might've done and meeting someone similar.

Loneliness.

It's a dangerous thing when you're in the position Kremva, Volke, and Kyley sit in.

"I'm sure I'll be able to catch up with her during my stay here, I should only be here for four days, I don't want to inconvenience you," I replied, truly not wanting to get in Kremva's way of work.

"Don't worry old friend, you could move in here and I'd enjoy every last moment," Kremva gave me a gentle smile, the pleading look in her eyes was as though she wanted me to see she meant it.

At the end of the day, I make kings. I am not ruled by them.

If I were to stay, there would be a moment in time where Kremva feels the need to remind me she's in charge. The realization that no one in Kreocaea has control over me could scare a lot of her people. It'll be nothing but drama.

"So, I think it's about time I go to bed. I don't want to be late tomorrow. Thank you for the meal, Kremva," Inigo grunted as he stood up, patting his belly in satisfaction.

"There's no need for you to wake up early tomorrow, I'll be undercover all day and everyone knows you as the kingmaker's chauffeur," As I explained, Inigo's face fell and I couldn't help but feel a little bad. While people might know what the kingmaker looks like, people haven't seen my face without make-up or masks.

He's always enjoyed being a part of my adventures and most of the time I keep him safe, but the issue right now requires stealth. His identity would ruin it.

Inigo is a terrible liar, so I have no faith in his acting skills.

"I do apologize, my friend," I gave him an apologetic expression while we all stood up when the servants began moving around to clean up.

Giving them a thankful smile, the three of us walked out of the dining room and down the hallway.

"Kingmaker... your presence here brings me relief," Kremva sighed quietly, those strong eyes of hers looking ahead of us.

"Are you not afraid it is your crown I have come to take?" I gave her a playful nudge, so she knew it was just a joke.

The sober look Kremva gave me was quick to change the mood around us as we made our way to her office.

"When I married Dhammazedi it was out of love for the compassionate man. I have always sat on this throne because my husband died and the kingmaker refused to allow me to believe I wasn't needed here... it is yours to take back whenever you feel necessary," Kremva let out a sigh as her eyes watered ever so slightly.

I could feel my heart squeeze for Kremva's loss as it echoed across her heart. There was no need to use my power to read her as the woman had always been an open book. That is why I wondered what her reaction would be if I told her that she would die on the throne.

That there would be a day when her people would accept her after a brave act that saves their entire empire.

Would she grow scared over time? If Kremva knew, would the knowledge guide her to accept or try to change her death? Not everyone can risk their lives for duty.

"Perhaps it is the knowledge that you're the only other person in this world that remembers Dhammazedi before he had become a king, but your presence brings me great peace," Krem spoke and I wanted to tell her it's because of who I am.

Who my parents are.

Even though I'm currently a demi-god, I'm not like the others who roam the world of Accurah because I'm not even from this dimension.

Halitawa, the island of the gods.

Many believe the island to be hidden by magic, but no one can find it because it's in an entirely different dimension. Those who have found the island of Halitawa are those who have physically been blessed by a god or were born there. Unfortunately for those who believe the rumors, there is no island people can find as it's hidden within a thin veil that could kill a normal person.

"I don't have many friends, so when one of them visits for whatever reason, the past seems so much easier to handle than when I'm stuck with people who didn't know my love before he passed," Ah, there Kremva goes.

Proving me wrong.

I'm being selfish and narrow-minded in assuming that the reason Kremva enjoyed having me around is the same reason everyone else does. There isn't anything wrong with it, though that's what happens when you run into what these people call demigods.

"Isn't that the beauty of history? Those living on the outside will see a different side of the man who is changing the time of flow for everyone. You grieve for your husband Kremva but all your people see is a woman who picked up the mantel of responsibility when it was thrown in her face," I told her, thinking of the best way to go about it so that Kremva could find a way to hold on for just a little longer.

There was still love out there for her, she just needed to lift the veil of grief and depression that clouded her ability to see it.

Even though Dhammazedi wasn't her soulmate, the love they had for each other was just as genuine. They were the best example of two people capable of loving someone else despite knowing their true mate is out in the world.

A lot of people assume that when your soulmate is gone, you die because you have given up half your soul and can no longer love another. It's a lie. Yes, many have died after their loved ones passed on but their heart and soul could not handle the pain.

But maybe if they properly grieve, love, and respect the soulmate that has passed... love isn't out of their reach. I've had so many visions of people in the past who have gone through it but had a chance to be once again loved in the warmth of someone's arms.

They just ignore it because they won't allow themselves to move toward the future.

Even though Kremva and Dhammazedi aren't soulmates, I've noticed how it's affected Kremva. When I got to touch Kremva's present and future to check on her, I saw her pass by the very soulmate meant for her. A man who is right underneath the woman's nose.

She just can't see it yet, despite the glances of sadness I've seen him have when her back is turned toward him.

As we reached the heavy double doors that led outside, the two guards beside us gave a deep bow.

"Your Majesties," They both spoke at the same time on their way down, addressing us with the same title. Already I could feel the confusion on my face.

"You may rise," Kremva gave them a smile when they began opening the doors to a cold and chilly night.

"The title of your majesty belongs to those of the royal family, it could be an insult to your empress," I said, wondering why Krem was just allowing them to address both of us the same.

Yes, I'm the kingmaker, but that's just a title given to me by the temple. It's my job to ensure that the rulers of our world aren't making their people suffer. That does not mean I am on the same level as they are, but they also don't have any power over me. Not even the temple has any rights over what I can and do.

No matter what they believe.

"Our empress informed us that you taught her a valuable lesson. One does not need a crown to stand with dignity and the beauty of one's soul," For a second, I watched them surprised before looking toward Kremva, who smiled proudly at her men with a bit of red in her cheeks from slight embarrassment.

No matter how hard she tries to hide it, I know Kremva looks up to me. The only difference between her and others who do the same is that it's always in a sisterly way. To correct these men would be me telling Kremva that I had lied to her.

By definition, I'm not completely wrong, but at the end of the day, that isn't how any of this works. But I can't even speak about it without taking some confidence or pride away from Kremva.

So I smiled at them as they opened the doors to the cool night. Despite the darkness, I could see the gates where several guards stood on watch. Though I can see in the night, it's my magic that gives me the gift to see them from such a far distance.

"Alright, I'll be back tomorrow. Make sure you send several spies into the city in the morning. Any sightings of the wolves will help us track them down before they do any more damage," I pulled Kremva into a hug, never sure when my last day would be.

It doesn't matter that no one is allowed to legally kill me because laws don't prevent people from crossing the line.

And that's why I'm here in Kreocaea in the first place.

To ensure I dethrone Volke the proper way but... I can only allow myself to be pushed into a corner for so long.

I still have things to do.

Even though it doesn't look like it, there is a lot I can lose.

My future and all the possibilities that lie within it.