Page 155 of Consort of the Dragon King

“Then we will do as my sister suggests.” When Auslin said nothing further, Kitsuki grew concerned. “Did your talk with Kizoshi help?”

“It did, but I still don’t feel better about any of it,” Auslin answered with a heavy sigh.

“You must understand I have a duty to protect the people of my kingdom,” Kitsuki said. “If I do nothing about Nasume, I put them at an even greater risk than if I ask them to fight.”

Auslin looked down at Hibiki as he scratched him behind the ears. “I understand that. I promise I’ll do whatever I can to support you.”

“As my mate, people will look to you,” Kitsuki told him. “If you are confident, then they will be, too.”

“I’m trying, but it’s hard when my heart is breaking.” Auslin sniffled as tears welled up in his eyes.

Kitsuki caressed his cheek to guide Auslin to make eye contact. “I am sorry it must come to this, Auslin.”

“People are going to die,” Auslin whispered as a tear fell from his eye.

Kitsuki hugged Auslin closer. “People die every day, but at least this will be in the name of a worthy cause and a greater good for the people in Talwyn.”

Auslin logically understood, but his heart hurt thinking about all the horrors rapidly approaching them.

“You have my word. I will come back to you safely,” Kitsuki promised.

The mage threw his arms around his mate’s neck in a fierce hug. “You have to.”

Kitsuki returned the awkward embrace. “I did not wait six hundred years for your return to allow Nasume to separate us now that we are finally mates.”

“I hate this,” Auslin whispered. His chest grew tight with anxiety over the matter.

“It will be over soon. Then life can go back to normal.” When Auslin pulled back, Kitsuki took his left hand and brought it up to his lips to kiss the bonding ring on it. “My sole regret right now is we cannot stay longer and enjoy the rest of Mizujil’s beautiful lands at our leisure. But it will give us something to do when we return victorious.”

Auslin tried to put on a brave smile. “I’d like that.”

“Perhaps I will have the Enchanters create a similar waterfall pool for us at the castle in the interim as a source of inspiration,” Kitsuki suggested.

Despite his fears, Auslin perked up at the idea. “They can do that?”

Kitsuki chuckled. “Fersen is more than capable.”

At least it gave Auslin something to look forward to once they got home. He leaned over to rest his head on Kitsuki’s shoulder while they looked over the garden bathed in moonlight. As much as Auslin didn’t like the thought of the upcoming future, he had no choice but to play his part in the inevitable war. Auslin drew strength from the confidence he could feel from Kitsuki echoing through their bond. He placed his trust in fate, which had already blessed him with so much.

Wrapping his arm around Auslin and kissing his forehead, Kitsuki held Auslin as they enjoyed their last moment of peace before the hell of war broke out soon.

Chapter 78

Maseo

The obsidian castle loomed large in front of Maseo. The imposing architecture struck fear into Maseo’s heart. He had never intended to return to Norello as long as his father lived. It didn’t feel like a homecoming as much as it did a death march. It would be a miracle if Maseo walked out of the castle alive. But he was determined to do it so he could warn Kitsuki and Auslin about the danger they were in because of Nasume’s machinations.

“Run,” the dragon magic protecting him urged in an insistent whisper. But Maseo knew there was nowhere he could run to be safe from his father’s hatred.

That was when he remembered Kio had recognized the ring’s magic as Kitsuki’s. Given how obsessed Nasume was with Kitsuki, he would absolutely notice the source of the magic. It was sure to send Nasume into a murderous rage Maseo wouldn’t survive. Especially not when Nasume had access to Divine weapons, which were the only things that could break the protective barrier Kitsuki cast around him.

His every instinct warned him not to do it, but the risk was too great. Maseo shoved his hands into his pockets, hunching his shoulders forward as Gamino led the way into the castle. He used it as a cover to slide the ring off to hide it. Since the magic in the ring hadn’t activated until Maseo wore it, he hoped it would help it escape his father’s attention.

After weeks of enjoying the safe embrace of Kitsuki’s magic, Maseo almost cried out at the loss. He had never felt colder and more alone, completely bereft without the security of Kitsuki’s comfort surrounding him. It left him distraught and uneasy as Gamino led him to the dining hall.

Nasume sat at the head of the table, his yellow eyes full of disgust as Maseo approached. He pointed at the seat next to his. “Sit.”

When Maseo didn’t act fast enough, Gamino shoved him into the chair, holding him down as if he intended to escape. But there was nowhere for Maseo to go. He kept his eyes focused on the glass of wine in front of him.

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