Page 39 of Consort of the Dragon King

Kitsuki’s answer came in the form of a passionate kiss. He was deeply moved that Auslin had cared for him before he went through Fate’s Gate.

“Please make me your mate,” Auslin pleaded when they parted for air.

While Kitsuki’s dragon was all too happy to jump at the chance, Kitsuki held him back. “I still need some time to prepare for our Fatebonding ceremony and invite guests.”

“And then we can be bondmates?”

“Yes, at long last,” Kitsuki confirmed with another kiss.

Auslin brightened considerably at the news. “Okay, but don’t make me wait longer than I have to. We've waited entirely too long.”

The dragon shifter lovingly kissed Auslin’s forehead. “I would not dream of doing so.”

“Good.”

“But first, I need to make sure Nasume has indeed left,” Kitsuki said, not trusting the contrarian wolf shifter to obey his command.

“Then I’ll go pay Kisano a visit.”

Chapter 20

Fersen

The Enchanter’s workshop was in a distant part of the castle, which meant they received few visitors. Usually, someone summoned them. Thus, it came as a surprise to Fersen when Kitsuki entered.

The king’s terse expression made Fersen tone down the enthusiasm of his greeting as he gave a formal bow. “You honor us with your presence, Your Majesty.” Fersen was always careful to use honorifics in public spaces. The king was only Kitsuki when with family.

“May we speak privately?”

It confused Fersen as to why the king would visit the busy workshop instead of summoning him if he wanted privacy. But the shifter monarch surely had a reason.

The unicorn shifter gestured for Kitsuki to follow him to an empty room full of multicolored potions swirling in their bottles with unused magic. He erected a soundproof barrier before using an enchantment to make anyone who passed by see themwithout paying attention to the details. “We may speak freely in here.”

“Do you have the ability to enchant something to protect a non-magic user?” Kitsuki asked after a prolonged pause.

The only human without powers Kitsuki would care about would be Auslin’s younger brother. “Is Sephen in danger?”

“No. This is for someone else.”

Fersen thought he knew the answer, but he asked his question anyway. “Is this person able to come here?”

Kitsuki shook his head. “It must be done without anyone knowing who it is for.”

“Unfortunately, I will need some details to tailor an object to them.”

The king was quiet for such a long time Fersen thought he would refuse the request. But Kitsuki eventually spoke. “Uncle Jaega will be aware of this situation, but other than him, this cannot be discussed with anyone.”

Fersen gave a formal bow. “I will maintain strict confidence.”

There was a perceptible shift in Kitsuki’s demeanor as he lost some of his defensiveness. “Forgive me, Fersen. I did not intend to imply I distrusted you. You are one of the most loyal people I have ever met.” Kitsuki rubbed his forehead with a sigh. “I am uncomfortable with this situation.”

“I’ll do whatever I can to help. You know I won’t judge you for anything,” Fersen gently reminded the king. “You’re one of the rare people who can do no wrong in my eyes.”

A heavy sadness weighed on Kitsuki. “I wish that was true. But I am here because I put someone in danger with my thoughtlessness. My guilt demands I right this wrong to the best of my ability. But I cannot do that without your help.”

Fersen couldn’t imagine Kitsuki acting thoughtlessly about anything. He was a man who considered every action carefully. “Whatever happened, we can fix it. If you are looking to protect a non-magic user, I can create a ring to enclose them in a permanent barrier. As powerful as you are, the barrier should be near indestructible.”

“Does it have to be a ring?” It was the first time Fersen had seen Kitsuki seem uncertain. “I worry it might send the wrong message.”

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