I'd trusted with smaller jobs, and before I knew it, he was showing up more and more, handling things with an ease that surprised me. For the first time, I found

was fiercely protective of the empire I'd inherited. I walked Makidi into their home, our steps echoing through the grand hall as we approached the main ro

ed him with that sharp gaze that had once been enough to make me cower as a kid. I could feel the te

ng the silence. "This is the man you

idi," I replied, my vo

t flinching. "Mr. Jackson, it's an honor. I understand

ood to hear. But respect doesn't mean trust. Tell me, Makidi, why

sir. Trust is earned. I'm here because Julianna asked me

. "Makidi, do you understand what it means to be

my own, and I've lived with risks my entire life. I wouldn

ion neutral. My father, however, was harder to read. He looked between Makidi and

lly turning to me, "you'r

kidi understands what it means to protect what's ours.

inced. "Very well. But understand this, Makidi-if you ever betray

oice steady as he replied,

my mother smiled, breaking the cold formality. "Makidi, come sit with us.

silent way of extending a cautious acceptance. The evening stretched on, filled with conversation, probing questions, and shared st

ped an arm around my shoulders. "You know

long time. But you handled yourself well. I've

iousness that made my heart skip. "Thank you, Juliann

from my life for too long. "I know you won't. I woul

ten, just a little. With Makidi by my side, I knew I could face whatever