Chapter 4: The Bond Beyond Battle
The days had become a blur of intense training, physical exertion, and moments of reflection. Kaito was beginning to understand his place in this new world, yet there were still countless mysteries surrounding his role as a king. The power he had unlocked was growing stronger with every passing day, but so too were the questions in his mind.
It was late in the afternoon when Miya called him to a secluded part of the training grounds. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the trees and the open field. Kaito walked toward her, feeling the weight of the silence that had settled between them. Miya had been more distant these past few days, focused and contemplative. Today, though, she seemed more intent on explaining something to him—something important.
She motioned for him to sit beside her on a large rock, her crimson eyes meeting his with an intensity that made his heart race. There was a quiet strength about her, something more than just her power.
"Kaito," Miya began, her voice unusually soft, "you've come a long way, but there is still something crucial I must explain to you. You need to understand the true nature of the bond between a king and his queens."
Kaito looked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean? You've told me about the power, about how we fight together. But there's more to it, isn't there?"
Miya nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, there's more. You see, being a king is not just about leading battles and commanding your queens in the fight for survival. That's part of it, yes. But the relationship between a king and his queens is much deeper. It goes beyond the battlefield, Kaito. It is a bond of love, trust, and partnership. You will not only fight alongside us—you will be our lover, our man, our husband."
Kaito's eyes widened in shock, his mind struggling to process the words. "W-What? But… I mean… this is all so sudden. I didn't know what to expect, but I didn't think…"
Miya interrupted gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I understand that this is overwhelming. But the bond between a king and his queens is meant to be complete. We are not just warriors. We are partners in every sense of the word. As our king, you will not only share your strength with us in battle, but you will also share your life with us. In time, you will form a family with us—a family that will support and strengthen you, just as you will support and strengthen us."
Kaito swallowed hard, trying to wrap his head around the enormity of what she was saying. "So, I'll have to… I'll have to be with you and the other queens in that way, too?"
"Yes," Miya replied, her voice steady and unwavering. "As your queens, we are bound to you, and you to us. The connection between us is more than just a contract for battle—it's a deeper connection, one that will shape your future. When you meet your other queens, you will form bonds with each of them. They will be your companions, your partners, and yes, your lovers. You will be the foundation of your own family, Kaito. The family of a king."
Kaito felt his chest tighten. He had never imagined such a responsibility, let alone a connection as intimate as this. He had always been a loner, a boy who had lost his parents and never truly understood love. Now, here he was, thrust into a world where love, power, and duty were all intertwined in ways he couldn't yet comprehend.
"And what does that mean for me?" Kaito asked, his voice quiet. "You said I'll be the foundation of a family. But I'm only 15. How will this work?"
Miya's eyes softened as she gazed at him, understanding the depth of his confusion. "Your age, Kaito, has stopped. You and I, as well as all of your queens, are frozen in time. You will not age beyond 15. As for us queens, our age stops between 30 and 40. This means you will remain young and strong, but you will also experience the centuries ahead of you, as will we. Your body will stay in its prime, but your mind and heart will mature with time."
"Wait… so I'm going to live… forever?" Kaito's voice faltered. The thought of never growing older, of never experiencing the natural progression of life, was both a blessing and a curse.
"Yes," Miya said, her tone both matter-of-fact and comforting. "But with that immortality comes responsibility. You will see the world change around you. You will witness the rise and fall of kingdoms, the shifting of time itself. But you will never age, Kaito. You and your queens will stand together through it all, growing stronger and more united with each passing year."
Kaito sat in stunned silence, the weight of her words sinking in. Immortality, love, power—all of it was now his reality.
"There's one more thing you should know," Miya added, her gaze turning serious again. "The seven of you—your queens—will be the strongest of all. Your bond, your power, will surpass that of any other king and his queens. You may meet other kings in the future, and you may encounter their queens. But I can assure you, none will compare to the strength you and your seven queens will have. Together, you will be a force the world has never seen."
Kaito took a deep breath, trying to process everything. His life had already been turned upside down, and now he was being asked to embrace a destiny far greater than anything he had ever imagined.
"I don't know if I can live up to all of this," Kaito said quietly. "Being a king, being with you all in that way, being immortal… It's a lot to handle."
Miya placed a gentle hand on his cheek, her touch warm and reassuring. "You don't have to carry this burden alone, Kaito. You have us—your queens. And we will help you, guide you, and stand by you. Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way. You are not alone in this. You are our king, and we are your queens. Our bond is eternal."
Kaito looked into her eyes, a newfound resolve forming in his heart. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges he couldn't yet comprehend, but Miya was right. He wasn't alone. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough to start.
"I'll do my best, Miya," he said, his voice steady. "I'll become the king you need me to be."
Miya's smile was soft, her eyes filled with pride. "I know you will, Kaito. Together, we will shape the future."
And as the sun dipped below the horizon, Kaito knew that his journey had truly just begun