Page 140 of Consort of the Dragon King

Auslin simply nodded because he knew it would never come down to that.

Eldin gathered Auslin in a lingering hug. He pressed a loving kiss against Auslin’s neck. His voice sounded strangled when he said, “You should go before I lose my will to let you leave.”

“For what it’s worth, I’ll always love you as a friend.” Auslin kissed Eldin’s cheek in farewell before leaving.

When Auslin returned to the castle, guilt still plagued him. As soon as they were alone, Auslin rushed to embrace Kitsuki. His body trembled from the overwhelming emotions coursing through him.

Auslin struggled with what had happened. Even though he had gotten his closure, it hurt knowing he’d caused his dear friend so much pain. But the most unsettling thing of all had been the ugly glimpse of anger Eldin harbored for Maseo. It scared Auslin.

Kitsuki guided Auslin’s head up to give him a loving kiss, which quickly grew more heated with Kitsuki’s desperate need to reassert his claim over Auslin.

“We have lunch with King Kehnon soon,” Auslin reminded Kitsuki, even as his mate stirred his passions.

“Must I wait until after lunch to make you feel better?” Kitsuki asked as he nuzzled against Auslin.

Auslin hugged Kitsuki. “I already feel better. Thank you for letting me talk to him. And for not threatening him.”

“Despite his feelings for you, he is still your friend,” Kitsuki said. “I am not so possessive or unreasonable as to forbid you from associating with him.”

“I think this was goodbye for good.”

Kitsuki hugged Auslin closer, sending reassurance through their mating bond.

The mage closed his eyes as he let the comfort wash over him. “I know I made the right choice.”

“Yes, you did.” Kitsuki kissed the top of his head.

“I love you,” Auslin said as he looked up into Kitsuki’s eyes with all the love he felt.

“And I wish I could show you the depths of my love for you right now. Unfortunately, we need to get ready for lunch.”

Auslin went to the bathroom to wash the traces of Eldin off him before they went to meet with King Kehnon.

“I am so pleased you could join me for lunch before you depart,” Kehnon greeted them as they sat down at the long table in the dining hall. “I wish you were staying longer.”

“We are most grateful for your kind hospitality during our visit,” Kitsuki said.

After lunch was served, Kehnon turned his attention to Auslin. “I hope you both will come back when we have the grand opening of our new mixed heritage theatre.”

“You’re really going to build one?” Auslin asked in shock, unable to believe that his suggestion had been accepted.

Kehnon nodded before he began to eat. “It was a fine idea that my advisors also agreed was an excellent chance at repairing relations. Of course, it will take some months before it is ready, but I think it is an opportunity to do something amazing. Hopefully, other rulers will follow suit in the future.”

“That’s amazing!” Auslin brimmed with excitement. “I’m sure everyone will love it!”

“I will send an invitation when we draw closer to opening night,” Kehnon told them. “It is my sincerest desire you both attend.”

Kitsuki inclined his head. “We would be honored to attend such a momentous occasion.”

“Wonderful. It will be a most joyous evening,” Kehnon said. “Where will your travels take you next?”

“We will stop at a few places along the way to Mizujil, where we will meet with my cousin Queen Kalassandria,” Kitsuki answered. “It is truly lovely there this time of the year.”

Auslin’s heart plummeted at the thought of visiting Kalassandria in her kingdom. He had never forgotten their awkward encounter at the reception after his Fatebonding ceremony. Kizoshi’s warning he should keep his distance from Kalassandria also troubled him. At the same time, he didn’t feel like he could deny Kitsuki a visit with family when he had been so understanding about stopping in cities where Auslin had friends.

“Their massive waterfalls are beautiful beyond compare,” Kehnon said.

Auslin tried to respond normally. “I’ve never been before.”

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