Page 105 of Consort of the Dragon King

“They both have an insatiable desire for knowledge, so I’ve watched them both for a long time,” Liros said. He petted Hibiki in his lap. When his owl chirped, he reached up to give it some loving attention. “It’s been torture waiting to visit when I have so many things I wish to discuss with them. But I’m beholden to Sophina’s plans, so I bide my time while watching from afar.”

Sephen would be overjoyed to find out that detail. Auslin asked, “Is it weird to ask if you’d sign one of your books for Sephen?”

“It’d be my honor.”

“I am quite certain of that,” Kizoshi said with a knowing look aimed at her friend. The owl flew from Liros over to Kizoshi. It nuzzled against her neck with a trill. “Hello, Shikiji. I missed you, too. Go greet our guest.”

To Auslin’s surprise, the owl obeyed by flying over to him. It landed on his lap, tilting his head as he looked up at Auslin with inquisitive eyes. Auslin pet him, surprised to discover the feathers made of a cloud were so soft. “It’s nice to meet you, Shikiji.” He looked up questioningly at Liros. “Why isn’t he made of fire like Hibiki and Finini?”

“They’re fire spirits because Kizoshi uses dragon fire magic. I can use air magic, so Shikiji takes the form of a cloud. Thankfully, he’s impervious to fire, so he can play with his friends.”

Shikiji flew back over to Liros, dive-bombing at Finini to drive him off Liros’s shoulder. Hibiki joined the fray as he leapt into action as the three guardian spirits began a game of chase.

Auslin watched their antics for a few moments before returning his attention to Liros. “May I ask a strange question?”

“Of course,” Liros said.

“I thought Powers also spoke without contractions, the same as royal shifters.”

“That’s true for the rest of the Powers, but language isn’t static. Its changes are informed by knowledge. I revel in the evolution of speech by using it in its current iteration.” Liros continued studying Auslin with his inquisitive gaze. “I’m forever amazed at Sophina’s love for your brother, Kizoshi.”

Kizoshi’s laughter confused Auslin. He looked over at her for clarification. “What does he mean?”

“Forgive me, I thought you knew Sophina has a vested interest in Kitsuki’s happiness,” Liros apologized, but amusement laced his tone.

She sighed before explaining. “Sophina has been in love with Kitsuki since they were children.”

“Has been in love with?” Auslin repeated. “That makes it sound like she’s still in love with him.”

Liros grinned. “That would be because she is.”

“You know Sophina will be displeased with you for revealing this,” Kizoshi chastised her friend.

“Can you explain it, anyway?” Not knowing the full story gave Auslin anxiety.

“Before her mother’s crime of abandoning her post, Sophina and Shaleia could visit the Living Realm. But once Sophina assumed the role of the Fate Power, she knew she could never find happiness with Kitsuki when she cannot go to him, and he cannot come here.”

“Since Sophina is selfless, she did the next best thing by making it her mission to ensure Kitsuki’s happiness by giving him a mate who was perfect for him.” Liros gestured at Auslin. “That person would be you.”

“But if she wanted him to be happy, why would she condemn him to six hundred years of solitude?” Auslin demanded.

“Believe me when I say it was a far better fate than the alternative,” Kizoshi said.

It didn’t make any sense to Auslin. “How in the world could that possibly be better?”

“Because six hundred years is nothing compared to an eternal lifetime of misery. Sophina did what she had to do while still staying within the rules, so the council did not punish her.”

“What does that mean?”

“Fate’s Gate was her one shot at rewriting fate without breaking the rules,” Kizoshi stated. “Luckily for all of us, it worked.”

Auslin had so many questions about how things worked. “If I was the alternative, who was supposed to be with Kitsuki?”

“Nasume.” Kizoshi said it as if it was the foulest name she could speak. “I would rather kill him myself and face the consequences than allow that to happen.”

Thinking of the wolf shifter as Kitsuki’s mate nauseated Auslin. “Isthatwhy he won’t leave Kitsuki alone?”

“The good news is he’s almost outgrown his purpose in the Living Realm,” Liros said.

---