Page 132 of Consort of the Dragon King

“I shall look forward to it,” Kehnon said with a tilt of his head. “In the meantime, you are welcome to rest in your room or explore the city.”

“We are grateful for your generous hospitality,” Kitsuki said.

“Truly,” Auslin added as he bowed again.

Kehnon gestured to a servant to show Kitsuki and Auslin the way to their living quarters.

Chapter 65

Auslin

It relieved Auslin that his first meeting with King Kehnon had been successful. However, his anxiety increased once they left the castle to visit the Nature’s Sanctuary Temple, where the mages worshipped the Nature Power.

“I am confident you will resolve your issues with your friend,” Kitsuki consoled his mate. “If it troubles you so deeply, we do not have to go, Auslin.”

It was tempting to run away, but Auslin knew he couldn’t take the coward’s way out, no matter how much he wanted to. “No, I owe Eldin the truth.”

As the large wooden temple with sloping roofs came into view, it was too late to change his mind when a mage spotted them. “Auslin, you’re back!”

“I’m sorry it’s been so long,” Auslin apologized as the mage hugged him before ushering them toward the entrance, oblivious to Kitsuki in his excitement.

“Guys, Auslin’s back!” The mage’s announcement triggered a flurry of activity as they entered the main courtyard. More acolytes rushed over to greet him.

Everyone excitedly chatted, but they scattered when another mage exclaimed Auslin’s name and pounced on him in a hug fierce enough to almost knock him over. The mage refused to let go of Auslin as he sobbed in relief. “I’ve missed yousomuch!”

Auslin’s heart broke anew at the suffering he had unwittingly heaped on his friend. He wrapped his arms around Eldin’s trembling form. “I’m sorry I worried you.”

Eldin caressed Auslin’s dark hair as he looked at him with teary eyes. “You finally came back to me.”

“I never meant to be gone so long.” Auslin’s heart twisted in pain that he had hurt Eldin so badly with his prolonged absence. “A lot has happened.”

“Please tell me you left Kio,” Eldin begged. “Tell me he went back to Maseo for good.”

Auslin braced himself for Eldin’s reaction. “I’m not with Kio anymore. Neither is Maseo.”

“I’m sorry if the breakup caused you pain, but I can’t be sorry you’re finally free of his horrible treatment.” Eldin lovingly stroked one of Auslin’s cheeks. “You’ve always deserved so much more than Kio could ever give you.”

Auslin was about to mention Kitsuki but didn’t get the chance.

“Does this mean you’ve reconsidered my offer?” Eldin asked.

Kitsuki’s outrage rippled through their bond, so Auslin put some distance between himself and Eldin. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

“But you’re free now!” Eldin protested.

“I’m not.” Auslin lowered Eldin’s hand away from his cheek. “I mated someone else.”

Edin staggered back in shock. “Mated?”

Kitsuki stepped forward to make himself known. “Your concern for my mate’s well-being is appreciated,” he said, but there was a hard edge of warning in his tone.

“I don’t understand.” Eldin looked between the two men in utter confusion.

“Alotof things have happened,” Auslin gently told his friend. “But I’m happier than I’ve ever been with my mate.” His gut warned him not to use Kitsuki’s name. Eldin would lose it if he knew Auslin had mated Kio’s half brother.

Eldin cycled through a wide range of emotions at the revelation. He finally gave Auslin a pleading look. “Can I please talk to you alone?”

As much as Auslin wanted to decline, he owed it to Eldin. “Sure,” Auslin agreed before apologizing to Kitsuki through their bond.

---