What Is This?

Once upon a time, I cared.
My empire was all I craved to protect.
Mine were worth dying for to protect.
Then she came with honeyed flattering words.
She promised power like that which has never been seen before.
She vowed that she would remain by my side for all time.
Did she lie?
Not quite.

The power is here. I can warp reality to my will.
But...I don't care.
The empire will serve and worship me for all time.
My kitty, my home, my empire...
It all seems so insignificant.
I will protect them all with my unstoppable power, but why?
Not because I care. That time has passed.
There was a time that I would spend days at a time merely loving them.
Now they will serve...because I say so.
I will protect them now because they belong to me.

Can I go back? Can I return to the love and passion that came from only being able to hold my ground?
No.
I can never go back to what I was.
That man is dead. His soul having ascended to its final destination.
Now I am a force of nature. But I don't care.
I look upon my lands and people...upon those who love me & adore me.

They feared me at first when I gained this new power.
My kitty approached and showed herself bravely to me.
She was able to assure the others that, while I have changed like none before me, I am indeed still their king who loves and cares for them.

The only problem is...I don't.
I care that they worship me.
I care that they are MINE.
That None DARE take Mine from Me.
But this power has taken my heart from me.

I can't feel lonely any more.
I used to be consumed by it. Every day I needed them. I needed to not be alone. To be loved and needed.
Now, I am all that is needed. My power is enough.
My love for others isn't needed.
Only what I want matters. Only having them in my possession matters.
Not as people, but as possessions.
As objects, not as loved ones.
Objects that none dare touch out of fear of my retribution.

What is this power? Why can't I love them?

What is this?