Page 103 of Consort of the Dragon King

“Then we will leave after lunch.”

The mage frowned. “I can’t check on my brother first?”

She shook her head. “Kisano’s dragon is too feral to accept an interruption, even from someone he loves like a brother. I promise Sephen will be fine in your absence. He is having the time of his life, I assure you.”

Auslin sighed. “Then I’ll try to quit worrying about it.”

“There will be plenty to distract you. We will be gone a few days, but I will provide you with everything you need while we are in the Divine Realm. There is no need to pack.”

“Thank you.” Auslin practically bounced with eagerness. “I’m so curious to see how different it is!”

“I think you shall find it a most enjoyable experience,” Kizoshi said. “You are always welcome to visit any time that you wish.”

He gave her an appreciative look. “Thank you for being so generous.”

“You are clan and will always have a place in the Divine Realm because of your heritage.” Kizoshi smiled at him with the affection she felt for her brother’s mate. “It is no trouble.”

While Kitsuki’s expression was stoic, she could smell his uneasiness. She reassured him, “Fate has no intention of separating you from your mate again, Kitsuki. Auslin will be back at your side in a matter of a few days. You have my word.”

Kitsuki bowed his head. “That is all I needed to know, thank you.” He took a drink of wine before asking, “Did anything happen while I was otherwise indisposed?”

She snorted at his choice of words. “No, all is well in Valzerna.”

His brow wrinkled with concern. “And elsewhere?”

“Everything is as it should be right now.” That would change soon, but it wasn’t the time to worry her younger brother about those problems yet.

Chapter 51

Auslin

For some reason, Auslin hadn’t expected Kizoshi to live in a castle in the Divine Realm. Whereas Kitsuki’s castle was made of stone towers in square shapes, Kizoshi’s was gleaming white, with impressive spires and sloping roofs with red tiles. The stained-glass windows were even more spectacular than the ones at the Tiora castle.

The inside featured ornate architecture and beautiful detailing. Everything was decorated in white, purple, gold, and red. Things in the Living Realm were earth-toned, so such pristine whites and bright colors were unlike anything Auslin had ever seen before. He had thought Kitsuki’s castle was the height of luxury, but the Divine Realm was on a totally different scale. Auslin especially admired the art and decorations.

A kitsune fox ran over to greet them. It burned with white fire, with each of its nine tails tipped in alternating red-and-purple flames. It arched up on its back feet to paw at Auslin’s right hand. Like the dragon spirit that protected Auslin, the kitsune’s fire somehow didn’t burn him. Auslin could only stare in awe at a creature he thought only existed in legends.

“I would reprimand him for his unruly behavior, but Finini is the most stubborn of creatures.” Kizoshi wagged her finger at her misbehaving pet, which nipped at the silver ring on Auslin’s hand. “If you let Hibiki out, Finini will leave you alone.”

Hibiki leapt out of his ring, pouncing on the fire kitsune. Their playful tussle was adorable as they both burned brighter now they were together.

“Should I be worried?” Auslin asked as Finini chased Hibiki around the room.

“No, they are dear old friends.” Kizoshi gestured for him to continue following her. “Let them enjoy their reunion. No harm will come to you or Hibiki here.”

“You seriously have a petkitsune?” Auslin asked in awe. “I thought they were only mythical creatures in books.”

“That is because only a few exist as guardian spirits for certain Powers. They are magnificent beings with an unbelievable command of magic.”

Auslin glanced over at Kizoshi. “I can’t imagine you need anyone to protect you.”

She laughed behind her hand as they entered a magnificent courtyard. “You are not wrong. Finini primarily serves as my beloved companion since danger has not existed in the Divine Realm for eons. But should the need ever arise, he will spring to my defense with a magic that almost no one can rival.”

Auslin looked around the courtyard in amazement. Trees surrounded it with opalescent pink-and-white leaves. An enormous waterfall spilled into a large lake with the bluest waterAuslin had ever seen. He would love to swim in it, but it felt too soon to ask in case it was a weird thing in the Divine Realm.

“Calling this beautiful almost seems like an insult,” Auslin said as he sat in an oversized white chair. The sunny day was the perfect weather as a gentle breeze brushed past them. “No wonder this place is heaven.”

“There is a reason I prefer to maintain my primary residence here.” She gestured around the area. “As impressive as my family’s castle is in the Living Realm, it simply cannot compare.”

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