Page 118 of Consort of the Dragon King

When Kitsuki returned, Auslin was reading a book on the veranda, with Hibiki asleep on his lap.

“Sorry for getting out of bed,” Auslin playfully apologized. He sat his book aside to give Kitsuki his full attention.

“As I said earlier, I am more than capable of getting you back into bed the instant I wish for you to be in it.” Kitsuki pretended to be indignant, but Auslin could feel his amusement radiating through their bond. “Are you questioning my ability to get you back into bed? It is a challenge I am more than happy to win.”

“Of that, I have no doubt,” Auslin replied with another laugh as he petted Hibiki. “I would much rather hear about how your meeting with Kisano went, though.”

“He is amenable to acting as my regent while we travel. We could leave as early as two days from now.”

“I’m going to bring him back so many books as a thank-you!” Auslin could hardly believe he could reunite with his friends soon.

Kitsuki chuckled at his enthusiasm. “Where would you like to visit first?”

“We have to go to Barlatan in Zinnia,” Auslin answered. “I have dear friends there who have probably been very upset and worried I’ve been gone for so long.”

“That is fortuitous since I would welcome the chance to meet with Zinnia’s ruler, King Lenwat. He is one of the most accepting shifters about humans, so I believe we would have a lot to discuss.”

“I’ve never met King Lenwat, but I’ve only heard good things about him.” Auslin’s mood darkened. “What about Kio? I don’t want to run into him on the road and have it blow up into a huge fight.”

“You have nothing to fear. He remains trapped in the dungeon where he belongs.”

“Still?” Auslin asked in shock. He wasn’t sure why he had assumed Kitsuki had released Kio after the Fatebonding ceremony.

Kitsuki nodded. “He is safe in a place where the only person he can hurt is himself. You have no reason to fear him any longer.”

“I don’t know if that makes me feel any better.” Guilt ate away at Auslin. “Having Kio being chained up like an animal is awful.”

“He either remains locked in his cell, or he dies,” Kitsuki said in a gentle tone, which was a stark contrast to his harsh words. “I will not risk releasing him to wreak havoc and chaos on our lives. Do not forget, him being free also puts Maseo in danger.”

Neither option was good, but Kitsuki’s reminder about Maseo’s safety made the mage realize his mate was right. Auslin wished not for the first time that Kio would stop being so stubborn and move on with his life.

“I appreciate your desire for leniency, but you must understand him being locked down there so long will have warped his mind further with thoughts of revenge. The consequences of his release are far too disastrous for me to allow.”

Auslin sighed heavily. “What you’re saying makes sense, but it still feels so wrong.” Even though he knew it was hopeless, the mage still wished there was some way he could make Kio understand that there was no chance for them to get back together. “Can I talk to him?”

Kitsuki was silent for a moment. “Why would you wish to do that?”

“For closure.”

“It is not a wise idea,” Kitsuki hesitantly warned. “There is no need for you to subject yourself to any more of his abuse. It will only upset you further.”

Auslin looked at his mate with a pleading gaze. “Please, Kitsuki. I need him to understand.”

Kitsuki sighed in defeat. “I will take you to see him if you truly wish, but I fear you are making a dangerous mistake because of the kindness in your heart.”

“Even if it is a mistake, I have to try,” Auslin insisted.

“Very well.” Kitsuki offered his hand to Auslin. “I will take you there now. But prepare yourself for him to say cruel things to punish you.”

“I’ll be fine.” Auslin accepted Kitsuki’s outstretched hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you for understanding.”

Kitsuki led the way down to the castle dungeon. It pained Auslin to see Kio caged like an animal. He looked at his ex with a mix of pity and guilt.

“If you feel so fucking bad about it, you should make your guard dog let me out,” Kio snapped, glaring at Auslin.

Auslin didn’t take the bait for the argument. “None of this would be necessary if you would move on. You could have your freedom if you left me and Maseo alone.”

Kio spit on the floor. “Like I have any use for that bastard? Maseo could die for all I care. He deserves it for betraying me with that asshole you call a mate.”

---