Page 138 of Consort of the Dragon King

Kinga perked up at the mention of the mage. “Aww, you’re friends with Auslin? Isn’t he the sweetest?”

“He’s the best.” Maseo meant it with all his heart.

“I’m so sad I didn’t get to see him when he visited the other day,” she said with a pout. “I’d love to meet his new mate. I heard he’s gorgeous.”

“I would have hit on him if he didn’t scare the shit out of me.” Yaro laughed before he turned his attention to Maseo. “Have you met his mate yet?”

Maseo rubbed his dragon ring under the table. “I have. King Kitsuki is incredible. There is no one more honorable than him who is worthy of taking care of Auslin.”

“He’s super serious, but he obviously loves his mate. Lucky bastard.” Yaro sighed. “Some guys have all the good fortune.”

Another table waved Kinga down. She left with a last warning look at Yaro. “Behave.”

Once they were alone again, Yaro picked up their previous conversation. “What changed things between you and Auslin?”

“I don’t honestly know.” Maseo shrugged before drinking. “I always assumed he hated me.”

“He definitely doesn’t hate you. If he did, he wouldn’t have told us to watch out for you to pass along his message. His mate also thinks you’re sexy, so take that for what it’s worth.”

Maseo could have fallen out of his chair in shock. “How do you know that?”

“Because I said you were sexy as fuck, and he agreed you were handsome,” Yaro replied. “Dare I say I even smelled a trace hint of his arousal? That’s quite a compliment coming from someone as beautiful as him.”

The idea of Kitsuki finding him attractive enough to experience any level of arousal scrambled Maseo’s brain. It just couldn’t be possible. He focused on Kitsuki’s magic, which had never left him since he put on the protective ring. The magic faintly whispered in his soul, “Find.”

That settled it for Maseo. He would head to Sybir to search for Kitsuki and Auslin as soon as he finished his ale.

Chapter 69

Kitsuki

The next day, Auslin returned to the temple with Kitsuki, fully intending to talk to Eldin to get his final closure. Unfortunately, Auslin was immediately called away to help heal some people who had arrived in desperate need of his abilities. Kitsuki took the opportunity to seek out Eldin. An acolyte showed Kitsuki to the mage’s room.

Eldin granted Kitsuki entrance, but he defiantly glared up at the shifter monarch. “Are you here to punish me for yesterday?”

“No, but I am here to talk about it,” Kitsuki replied.

“What’s there to discuss?” Eldin sullenly asked. The stench of his misery filled the small space. “I love Auslin. Auslin loves you. You’re mates. There’s no place for me in that relationship.”

“I am pleased to see you understand.” Eldin bristled but said nothing. Kitsuki continued. “I will never give up Auslin for anything. My entire existence is dedicated to ensuring his happiness. I love him with all that I am.”

Eldin scowled. “Why are you rubbing it in?”

“I am doing no such thing,” Kitsuki denied. “I am merely reassuring you I am not the same fool as Kio. There will never be anyone else for me other than Auslin. I hope it brings you some small measure of comfort to know Auslin will truly be happy and loved. He will never again be made to feel unloved or unworthy of being loved the way he deserves.”

Eldin continued to struggle. “Of course I want that for Auslin, but I want to be the one to give that to him.”

“I am here to request you not make Auslin feel bad for making his choice.”

“Shouldn’t you be asking me to give up my feelings of love for Auslin?” Eldin crossed his arms over his chest with a defiant glare.

Kitsuki was silent for a moment as he tried to find the right words. “I more than anyone understand all too well how impossible it is to make yourself stop loving Auslin. I could not do so, and thus, I have no right to ask you to do such a thing. Please do not pursue your selfish feelings and make Auslin feel even worse for having to turn you down again.”

Eldin frowned as he studied Kitsuki. “Why aren’t you threatening me? If you truly loved Auslin, you would be ripping me apart for daring to kiss and covet what is yours.”

“I love Auslin enough to prioritize his feelings over my need for vengeance, which should tell you everything you need to know about how I feel about my mate,” Kitsuki answered. His dragon fully supported Eldin’s plan, though. He wanted to destroy the mage, but Kitsuki would not allow it. They would not make Auslin suffer that sadness.

Eldin stared down at the floor as he struggled with his feelings.

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