Rule of a Kingdom (Kingdom Duet 0)

He snuggles to my side, so his thigh touches mine and looks up at me with wide grey eyes. I see myself in the awe of those eyes, and it’s the best way to ever see oneself. “Yes, please.”

I take a piece. “This is the king, and you need to protect it at all costs.”

“Like our last name?”

“Exactly. The king takes one step in all directions.”

“Why only one step?”

“Because winning wars takes patience.”

“Really?”

I nod and place the king piece in his tiny hands. He continues staring at it, his eyes doubling in size and his lips parting. It’s his special way of processing things. Despite being a highly intelligent kid, he’s still learning how to store information for later use.

After giving him some time to study the kind, I take another piece. “This is the queen, and you also have to protect it.”

“Why?”

“Because she can move in all directions.”

“That’s so cool.”

“It is. However, if you can win, you can sacrifice her.”

His brows crease. “But wouldn’t the king feel lonely?”

“It doesn’t matter if he’s lonely as long as he wins.”

I go on to explain the other pieces, and Aiden’s awe-filled eyes follow my every move like he’s caught in a trance.

Lifting him up, I sit him on my lap, so he can have a better view of the simulation game I’m setting up. He grins up at me, his little features breaking in joy.

I didn’t know he could smile like that, and not in front of Alicia or James or Levi, but in front of me.

That’s a first.

Who knew my son and I would be able to bond over chess? I will teach him to be the striker, to defend not only his name but also himself and anyone he holds dear.

I might not be the best father out there. I’m not as affectionate as Ethan or as good in expressing emotion, but I have one point over him.

I will not sugarcoat life for my son. He’ll learn early on that he needs to be a wolf so he won’t be eaten by wolves.

He’ll be the king everyone bends the knee for.

That’s my legacy.

Somewhere along the way, Aiden falls asleep in my arms, his long lashes fluttering over his chubby cheeks. His lips are open and his tiny fingers clutch my shirt as a safety net.

I brush my lips against his forehead.

Aiden will grow up to be the son I’m proud of.

2

Jonathan

I carry Aiden in my arms to his room. His head falls against my chest and he snores softly while his small hands hold on to my shirt.