Page 41 of Consort of the Dragon King

Instead, he headed to the barracks in search of his uncle. He found Jaega running drills in the outdoor ring. All action stopped when Kitsuki approached, as everyone bowed to their king. Kitsuki tilted his head in acknowledgment before he gestured at Jaega. “May we have a word in private?”

“Of course.” Jaega whistled to get someone’s attention. “Lieutenant Latya, please take over while I speak with our king.”

She trotted over with a salute. “Yes, General.” Without missing a beat, she took over the drills.

Kitsuki waited until they were seated in Jaega’s office before broaching the uncomfortable subject. “I find myself in need of one of your men.”

Jaega arched an eyebrow. “What an unusual request. Of course, any of my soldiers are at your disposal. Do you have something specific in mind so I may make recommendations?”

Kitsuki had promised his intended to take care of the problem he had created. He refused to disappoint Auslin. “I need a spy to go on a private mission. Preferably, one extremely skilled at tracking and the art of discretion.”

“Then Lieutenant Rylan Norkon is who you want. He is a master of gray areas with getting things done discreetly.” Jaega studied his nephew with curiosity. “What do you need him to track for you?”

“Not what. Who. I need him to find Maseo.”

The older shifter blinked in surprise. “Kio’s old dalliance partner? What use is he to you?”

Kitsuki sighed before explaining the situation. “It is embarrassing to admit, but I unintentionally put him in danger. I promised Auslin I would send someone to warn him of the risk he suddenly finds himself in because of my thoughtlessness.”

“Do you not find Auslin’s attachment to Maseo strange?” Jaega rubbed his beard pensively. “They should be natural enemies, and yet they are not.”

“I believe Auslin identifies with him closely because of what they both went through with Kio. Rightly or wrongly, he feels protective of Maseo.”

“And you have somehow endangered him?”

“There was an incident at the castle earlier. Nasume got past our defenses to confront me in private.”

Jaega’s eyes went wide in surprise. “What did Tyrian say?”

“That there would be disciplinary actions against those who let Nasume into the castle. One of them recognized him as the king of Kunushi. Nasume convinced them we had summoned him, so they allowed him entry.”

Jaega’s brow furrowed. “Did Kizoshi arrive? She has impeccable timing at stopping his harassment.”

“No, and that concerns me.” Kitsuki feared there was a deeper purpose in his sister allowing the incident to occur. It was another reason he wanted her to visit soon. “But in my anger at Nasume’s sudden appearance, I let my emotions get the better of me and put Maseo at risk of Nasume’s murderous rage by implying I had a sexual interest in him.” Kitsuki regretted his actions, but it was too late to change them. The best he could do was mitigate the situation.

Both of Jaega’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Do you?”

“Of course not.” Kitsuki bristled at the implication. “I will not deny he inherited his father’s handsomeness, but my heart belongs solely to Auslin. However, it seems Auslin’s pleas for leniency with Maseo have softened my previous rage toward him. He is such a pitiful creature. I cannot help but feel some compassion for his terrible situation. I did not intend to make things worse for him.”

“I must admit, Auslin’s arguments at dinner the other night on Maseo’s behalf made a great deal of sense. It was impossible not to be moved by Maseo’s plight. Being hated by his father and abused by his partner is an awful life to live. I could not helpbut root for Auslin to show Maseo how true love can change a person.”

It echoed Kitsuki’s own feelings. “I do not wish to feel the same, and yet I do. It is why I said such foolish things in front of Nasume in my anger.” Kitsuki didn’t know what had come over him. “I owe it to Maseo and Auslin to make the situation right by warning him to avoid his father for the time being and offering him protection.”

“Protection?”

Kitsuki took the navy blue pouch out of his pocket and passed it over to his uncle. Jaega gave an impressed whistle when he took the ring out of the bag. He slid it onto his pinky finger to activate the dragon fire magic within the diamond. “This isn’t exactly a subtle message, is it?”

Heat flooded Kitsuki’s cheeks. “Fersen blamed my dragon for the ring’s form.”

Jaega hummed with interest. “Fascinating. My mate outdid himself. That is as fine a barrier as the one on Auslin’s old sword. Even a Divine weapon would struggle to break this magic.” Jaega put the ring back in its pouch and passed it back to Kitsuki. “For what it is worth, I believe you are choosing to do the right thing. Do you have any idea of Maseo’s whereabouts?”

Kitsuki shook his head. “Auslin does not know where Maseo lives now that he is no longer traveling with Kio. Given his relationship with his father, I think it is safe to say he is probably not in Kunushi or Reflorna.” Nasume’s cousin ruled the latter kingdom and shared his terrible opinion of Maseo. The half-shifter had few allies.

“I dare say Norkon will enjoy the challenge of finding him a great deal.” Jaega called out, “Grisden, are you there?”

Jaega’s loyal personal attendant entered the office with a low bow. “I am always at your beck and call. What may I do for you and His Majesty?”

“Please find Lieutenant Rylan Norkon and bring him here.”

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