Page 13 of Consort of the Dragon King

Kitsuki scowled. “I understand that, and yet…”

“I am sympathetic to your struggle, Kitsuki. It is unnerving seeing him in such a state, even for me.”

“My apologies for calling you away from the library for nothing.”

“If I could soothe any of your concern, it is not a wasted trip.” Kisano gave him a reassuring smile. “I would be happy to consult with Fersen on your behalf and see if he knows anything about this kind of situation.”

Kitsuki shook his head. “While I appreciate the offer, it is best that my paranoia is not on full display to all.”

“Understood. Is there anything else that I can assist you with so you may focus on Auslin?”

“No, there is nothing pressing,” Kitsuki replied. “I will let you know if something changes.”

“As you wish. I will be in the library should you need me.”

“Thank you, Kisano. I am sure Auslin will visit you as soon as he recovers.”

Kisano was eager to resume his friendship with Auslin. “Will he be coming back to live at the castle?”

“We did not discuss it before he passed out.” Kitsuki frowned. “I would like to think he would return here, but Auslin has a life with his younger brother at the temple. He may prefer to live there again instead of here. Whatever he chooses, I will not stop him from doing as he wishes.”

“I am confident he will choose to remain here with you,” Kisano predicted.

“His place in this time is at the temple.”

It was easy to see Kitsuki’s defeatist attitude was flaring up from his insecurities about Auslin. Kisano reassured him, “His place is at your side. I have no doubt he will go wherever you are.”

Kitsuki lovingly traced the outline of Auslin’s jaw. “I can only hope.”

“Have faith in Auslin.” Kisano was confident the human’s feelings for Kitsuki ran deep. “If he was willing to live without his brother in the past to stay at your side, there is no reason to think he would not still feel the same in this time.”

“It is all I want.”

“And I am sure it is all he wants, as well.”

“Thank you.” Kitsuki gave Kisano an appreciative look. “Your calm logic prevails in the face of my insecure doubts once more.”

“I am always willing to listen,” Kisano reminded his younger brother. “You know where to find me.”

Kisano offered a silent prayer to Kizoshi for Auslin to wake up soon to give Kitsuki peace of mind. As the War Power, she wasn’tin charge of making that happen, but she knew who could and would have no problem seeking their help for Kitsuki’s sake. Sometimes, it wasreallyhelpful having a well-connected sister in the Divine Realm.

Chapter 10

Kitsuki

Kitsuki was reading in bed when Auslin jerked awake with a loud gasp. Hibiki disappeared into the amethyst stone on Auslin’s ring. While it startled Kitsuki, he reached over to comfort the human with calmness. “You are safe, Auslin. All is well.”

“Your arm,” Auslin said, turning to look at Kitsuki. He touched the restored one, his expression overjoyed. “It actually worked!”

The shifter monarch caressed Auslin’s cheek. “It did indeed.”

“I’m so glad!” Auslin exclaimed as he threw his arms around Kitsuki’s neck in a tight hug.

For the first time in six hundred years, Kitsuki enjoyed embracing Auslin with both arms. He made a quiet noise of agreement as he hid his face against the human’s shoulder. Kitsuki still couldn’t believe Auslin had returned to him. He never wanted to let go for fear Auslin might disappear again.

Auslin hugged Kitsuki even tighter. They remained locked in an embrace until Kitsuki finally made himself move back to look down at Auslin.

Auslin ran his hand along the length of Kitsuki’s arm. “It really worked.”

---