A Regent

"How exactly do expect that to happen?" Emir asked intrigued.
"To challenge me, you will need to invoke the 9-vote system kid. You're just not old enough to do that," he added.
Ezra held his stomach in pain, "Maybe not now, but I will be."

---
There were 53 Territories in total in his realm. Each was governed by a Regent and each was independent of the other. Each territory divided its subdivisions differently. While some had 3 subdivisions, others had more, while others had less. Native tribes, however, were different. All territories had at least 9 because of the 9-vote system.

To challenge a Regent, you needed to collect a vote from 9 Native packs. Challenges meant close or open quarter combat all of which always ended in death or defeat.

His territory was Territory #2. Their capital was Saina and with it came their 3 subdivisions; High Hill, Rosewood, and Evergreen. Each provenance had 3 Native packs, all of which he needed to challenge and win.

Maybe then it would prove that he was stronger than that day and strong enough to protect her.