Page 129 of Consort of the Dragon King

Maseo’s heart almost beat out of his chest, as if he had been caught doing something naughty he wasn’t supposed to. He turned around to see a young acolyte, who mercifully wasn’t looking at him with suspicion.

“Is Sephen around?” Maseo asked. “I need to speak to him urgently.” It seemed safer to start with reaching out to Auslin’s younger brother than walking up to the castle gates. Just because Kitsuki had sent him a ring didn’t mean Maseo was welcome to visit.

“I’m not sure if he’s back yet, but I can check.” The acolyte perked up at the sight of an elderly mage approaching them. “Elder Bancho, do you know if Sephen is back from his errands yet?”

“He should be back soon. I will accompany our guest to the stone garden while we wait. Please send Sephen there as soon as he returns.”

“Yes, Elder Bancho,” the acolyte said with a formal bow.

“Please follow me,” Bancho requested as he gestured at Maseo. “What business do you have with our young Sephen?” His tone was curious rather than accusatory.

Maseo fell into step alongside him. “I need to talk to him about his brother.”

“In that case, why not speak directly to Auslin?”

He was distracted from immediately answering as they walked past the Fate’s Gate monument. Something eerie about it sent shivers of fear down Maseo’s spine. “Honestly, I’m not sure I would be welcome at the castle.”

“I cannot imagine Auslin would turn you away.” Bancho led them over to a bench when they entered the beautiful stone garden. There was something peaceful about the space, which surprised Maseo, considering how anxious the temple made him.

Maseo hesitantly sat next to the mage. “I’ve given him a lot of reasons to hate me.”

“You must not know Auslin very well if you believe he’s capable of hating you,” Bancho said with a chuckle. “He and his mate are very understanding people.”

Maseo reflexively touched the ring Kitsuki had gifted him. “It’s…complicated. I have a past I’m not proud of, so I’ve given Auslin a lot of reasons to keep his distance from me.”

“The important thing is that your past stays in the past.” Bancho leaned back against the bench as he rested his hands on top of his cane. “Do not let it burden your future.”

Maseo’s stomach twisted with anxiety. “I wish it was that easy.”

“Despite your past you seem so ashamed of, it seems you care for Auslin a great deal.” For a man blind with cataracts, the mage seemed to notice a lot. “That must count for something, no?”

“He’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. Him and his mate.”

“If they are so amazing, would they not also be forgiving of whatever happened in your past?” Bancho asked with a hum of interest.

Maseo hung his head in shame. “Some things can’t be forgiven.”

“You should let them decide that, instead of assuming the worst of two people who only give everyone their best.”

It was good advice, but Maseo had a hard time believing it applied to him. “But I’m unworthy?—”

“If you were unworthy, you would not be here trying to save them.” Before Maseo could respond, Bancho shifted his attention. “Ah, young Sephen has arrived. I will leave you to your discussion.”

Sephen faltered when he saw Maseo, but his expression was full of curiosity rather than hatred. “Sorry I’m late.” Once Bancho left, Sephen took his seat. It startled the half-shifter when the human gathered both his hands to give them a squeeze. “I’m so glad you’re here!”

That hadn’t been the reception Maseo had expected. “You…you are?”

“Auslin has been really worried about you. He’ll be elated to find out you’re okay.”

The information shocked Maseo. Why would Auslin care about him at all? He had so many questions, but he focused on his mission. “Would it be possible for me to meet him? I have news for him and King Kitsuki.”

“Unfortunately, you just missed them.” Sephen’s revelation made Maseo’s heart drop. “They’re on their way to Barlatan to visit some of Auslin’s friends. They left a few days ago.”

Zinnia was a ferry ride away, but that didn’t deter Maseo. “Then I’ll try to find them there.”

“I could have Kisano send a messenger to them,” Sephen offered. “He’s Kitsuki’s older brother and my mate.”

Maseo’s gaze dropped to see the markings on Sephen’s skin that hadn’t been there the last time they ran into each other while he was out shopping with Auslin in Tiora. “I appreciate the offer, but I need to tell them myself.” If nothing else, Maseo wanted to know why it seemed Auslin and Kitsuki were so concerned with his well-being.

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