Page 43 of Consort of the Dragon King

“Butwhy?” Not knowing bothered Kitsuki.

Rather than answering, Jaega asked a different question. “Did you ever interact with Maseo on his own?”

Kitsuki shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “Like Auslin, Maseo was always respectful of me as king and apologetic for Kio’s behavior. They both were always unfailingly kind, even though they should have hated me for being related to Kio.”

“How could they hate you when they did not hate Kio?” When Kitsuki said nothing, Jaega continued. “Other than being relatedto Kio, did you ever do anything directly to make Maseo hate you?”

The implications made Kitsuki’s head swim. “Not that I can think of.”

“Then could it be possible he will receive this note and ring as another example of you saving him?” Jaega leaned back in his chair. “Because I have yet to hear a reason for him to hate you.”

“But he surely must. I was always so cold to him.”

“Respectfully, you were cold to everyone. But I am sure that still felt like warmth to someone who is so used to being ignored or abused. To me, it sounds as if you were one of the few people looking out for him, albeit in your own aloof way.”

“I suppose so.”

Jaega steepled his fingers together. “Could this be the reason Kizoshi did not appear to stop Nasume, as she usually does?”

The question hit Kitsuki hard. “You are suggesting the need for me to warn Maseo is why she did not interfere?”

“It would be very like your sister. Perhaps there is a specific reason Maseo needs your ring to protect him. If that is the case, you must do this to play your part in his fate.”

Kitsuki remained silent, his mind reeling from the perspective shift his uncle had helped him see. He wanted to protest that it was ridiculous, but Jaega’s points rang true. “It is unsettling how I genuinely fear for his safety now. It troubles me I am responsible for placing him in harm’s way. I am disappointed I let my anger get the best of me.”

“Then use this letter to make things right. Unburden yourself by telling the truth. I can guarantee you will feel better about doing so.”

Kitsuki sighed. “You are correct, as always, Uncle.”

After taking a deep breath, he resumed writing.

While I cannot offer you protection in person, I have enclosed this ring for you to wear. It has been enchanted with my magic to form a protective barrier around you that only a Divine weapon can break. Any normal weapons or magic are powerless against it, so long as you wear the ring.

You will perhaps find it difficult to believe, but it would sadden me if something happened to you because of a misunderstanding with your father. Please be careful. This message and ring are not meant to disturb you. Instead, it is an expression of my genuine desire to keep you safe from a distance. You do not deserve to face your father’s wrath. You never have.

Be well,

Kitsuki

Satisfied with his message, Kitsuki slid it into the envelope.

“Feel better yet?” Jaega asked.

Weirdly, Kitsuki felt unburdened after writing the letter. “I actually do.”

“Then that means you did the right thing.” Jaega gestured for the envelope. He stamped it with the royal wax mark of the Ariake clan to seal it closed. Kitsuki passed the pouch with the ring in it to his uncle, who slid the envelope inside it. “Perhaps we should add some money to help Maseo. It could prove useful if he is in a tough situation.”

His uncle’s thoughtfulness touched Kitsuki. “Agreed.”

“I will take care of securing funds for him, then ensure this pouch is delivered to Norkon for safekeeping,” Jaega said. “If anyone can find the lost pup, it is him. He has never let me down before.”

Kitsuki hoped it was enough to protect Maseo from the harm he had unintentionally inflicted on the half-shifter. Maybe once Maseo was safe, the guilt would stop weighing on Kitsuki’s heart.

Chapter 22

Sephen

It took Sephen a week to develop the courage to visit Auslin at the castle. After reading Reskin’sSanctuaryto help build up his nerve, the lure of Kisano’s library was too strong a temptation to resist.

---