Worf is a king. Not in the monarch sense, but the fact that he treats women with respect and appreciates the strength in them. As opposed to William T. Riker, who takes Deanna Troi’s affections for granted, Worf regards her as the queen she is no matter the status of their relationship. In the episode “Parallels”, Worf and Troi’s relationship takes on a new dimension as Worf is hurled through several parallel universes.

Brought closer through professional circumstances, Worf and his son Alexander had begun seeing Troi seeking her help as a ship’s counselor (“New Ground”). Worf, Alexander, and Troi began to spend a lot of time together in many meetings, and Troi gets more involved in Alexander’s life. As a single dad, Worf struggles to balance work, relaxation, time with his son, and his Klingon traditions. Their counseling sessions together allowed Worf and Troi to develop a friendship and she often looked after Alexander acting as a nurturing female figure in his life. In the episode “Ethics” Worf is prepared to undergo a life-threatening surgery on his spine and asks Troi if she will take care of Alexander in the event that he dies. Worf does not die, and this is the time where the three of them grow exceptionally close. However, throughout up until “Parallels”, Worf and Troi regard each other only as friends.

In the episode “Parallels”, Worf decides to ask Troi if she will Alexander’s Soh-chim, a type of surrogate mother in Klingon culture. When Troi expresses nervousness at this proposal Worf quickly explains that the role of Soh-chim would be like a step-sister to him, which puts Troi at ease. Throughout this conversation, he takes care to make Troi feel as comfortable as possible while asking her to take on an important role in his son’s life. Additionally, Worf repeatedly praises Troi’s kindness and helpfulness in his journey to raise his son. He demonstrates genuine concern for her confusion, never once trying to influence her decision to accept. Worf respects Troi’s boundaries and emotional autonomy. When Troi agrees to be Alexander’s Soh-chim, Worf expresses his gratefulness. The communication in this one scene, as well as the emotional sensitivity demonstrated by Worf, is more poignant than many of the discussions between Troi and Riker. Worf treats Troi as a being without obligation to him and does not take their history of friendship for granted when asking her to assume a new role in his and his son’s life.

During the episode, Worf repeatedly experiences dizziness followed by a change in events or circumstances that he does not remember. After a specific change, Worf finds himself in his quarters with Troi who is attempting to get him to relax. He grows uncomfortable by her intimacy and says her actions feel inappropriate. Troi reveals that she is his wife. While Worf panics and begins explaining his situation, Troi shows deep concern for him. She prioritizes his feelings and tells him that she believes him. Worf finds great comfort in the promise, sparking the notion that the bond of trust between the Original Worf and Original Troi is similarly powerful.

Additionally, Troi tells Worf that she is worried that she may not see her version of Worf again and that it disturbs her that there is a reality where he does not love her. This touches Worf. He explains that, while he always considered Troi a close friend, she would not be opposed to a romantic relationship. Again, this conversation demonstrates a deep emotional sensitivity and causes Worf to reexamine his feelings. The strongest effect of this episode is the way it addresses the transition of feelings from platonic to romantic. Worf’s connection to Troi grows as he meets different versions of her. He begins to see the passion that Troi has for family and love. He also fains a better understanding of the role Troi has played in his life for the three years since his injury, causing him to appreciate her even more. Original Worf’s relationship with the Troi from another dimension forms itself around Worf’s respect for her and her care for him. In the moment where Worf is to leave for his own dimension he comes to the decision that Troi is a strong, caring, capable, intelligent, and passionate woman who he trusts and cares for. This shift in feelings sets the foundation for Worf to begin to pursue a romantic relationship with Original Troi once everything returns to normal. In later episodes, as their relationship develops, it is revealed that the differences between the empathic counselor and reserved Klingon warrior does not hinder their bond of mutual trust and admiration. Both respect each other’s boundaries and do not push the other to make decisions, nor do they take the other’s affections for granted. This forms the basis for a healthy relationship that is unfortunately cut short by the end of the series, but it is implies that Worf is a true king who treats Troi as women ought to be treated, never once considering her a commodity but instead cherishing the qualities that make her an strong and loving soul (“All Good Things”).