Page 142 of Consort of the Dragon King

“That was not a request.” Gamino’s words chilled Maseo.

“Let me guess. Come willingly or come broken?” That was Gamino’s usual style.

His smile was vicious. “You know your father well. So, which will it be?”

The magic protecting Maseo hugged him tighter. It urged him, “Run.”

But there was nowhere safe Maseo could run from his father. If Nasume wanted to see him, he would get his way. It was merely a question of how many broken bones it would take to get him there. Going back to Kunushi to see his father felt like a death sentence.

Since he didn’t have a choice in the matter, Maseo considered his other option. If he went willingly, then maybe he could find out more about what Nasume was planning. It would allow him to give Kitsuki more concrete details once he escaped. While it wasn’t much of a chance, Maseo wanted to do his part to return the favor of Kitsuki’s protection.

Maseo sighed in defeat. “Fine. Take me to my father.”

Gamino patronizingly patted Maseo’s cheek. “Good boy. You made a wise decision. His Majesty will be pleased.”

Maseo could only hope his father didn’t murder him while he was home. He had to get out alive to save Kitsuki, Auslin, and possibly all of Talwyn.

Chapter 72

Auslin

After crossing into Arenvale, Auslin and Kitsuki stopped for a break before continuing their journey toward Mizujil.

“I did not realize you had never been to Mizujil before,” Kitsuki said as they ate lunch.

“Kio always complained Mizujil was too far away, so we never went.”

Kitsuki made an amused noise. “I suspect Kio’s refusal to go to Mizujil had more to do with Kalassandria ruling the lands rather than how far west it was.”

“Why is that?” Auslin asked. He had never heard Kio mention her, so it surprised him there was an issue.

“Kalassandria has had a long-standing hatred of Kio since the day he was born. She made sure he knew it.”

Auslin wasn’t sure what to make of the information. “Is it because his mother was human?”

“Partially. It had more to do with who Kio’s mother was than the fact that she was human, though.”

Although Kio had loved his mother, he didn’t talk about her often. He always said he wanted to leave the past in the past. “Why would it matter who his mother was?”

“His maternal grandfather was lord of a human town. He waged war on the shifters in his kingdom and was responsible for the death of Kalassandria’s father in battle. Kalassandria felt betrayed when my father chose Kio’s mother as a battle trophy in revenge for his brother’s death, then fell in love with her. Kio being the physical evidence of that felt like a slap in the face to her.”

“Is it really wise for me to go to Mizujil?” Auslin asked. “If she knew I used to be with Kio and now I’m with you, it could cause a problem.”

“You have nothing to fear from Kalassandria,” Kitsuki reassured him. “She was fine at the Fatebonding ceremony.”

Auslin raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You call that fine?”

“Her anger was aimed at Kizoshi,” Kitsuki said. “Those two have hated each other as long as they’ve been alive.”

Auslin remained unconvinced. “But what if she finds out about what happened in the past?”

“There is no need to make a problem where one does not exist,” Kitsuki replied in a gentle voice. “Kalassandria will have no quarrel with you.”

Based on Kizoshi’s advice to keep his distance, Auslin found it hard to believe Kalassandria would willingly welcome hisarrival. However, it was in his best interests to stop protesting since they were going to Mizujil no matter what.

“She will not—” Kitsuki interrupted himself as he stared into the distance with furrowed eyebrows.

Auslin stretched his senses but didn’t feel anything threatening nearby. “What’s wrong?”

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