Page 49 of Consort of the Dragon King

Your loyal subject,

R.N.

Kitsuki hadn’t realized the intense grip anxiety had on his heart until it loosened its hold ever so slightly at the news. He experienced a rush of relief from learning Maseo had chosen a clever hiding place. It was cocky for Norkon to say, “When I find him,” instead of “IfI find him,” but Kitsuki wanted to believe his confidence. Jaega had said if anyone could find Maseo, it would be Norkon. Kitsuki had to trust that.

“It seems it is good news?” Jaega asked when Kitsuki remained silent.

Everyone present was aware of the situation, so Kitsuki felt comfortable answering. “Norkon has heard a rumor about where Maseo is. He is on his way to investigate.”

“Well, if Maseo is anywhere close to being as handsome as his father, then Norkon will definitely find him,” Tyrian said with a laugh.

Kitsuki did not understand why his cousin’s comment enraged his dragon. “Why is that?”

“Because Norkon has only met one pretty man he hasn’t tried to seduce, which is Fersen.” Tyrian’s comment made Kitsuki’s dragon rattle its cage, demanding to be freed. To what end, Kitsuki did not know.

“While Norkon is a shameless flirt, he understands boundaries,” Jaega explained. “Although I had not formally laid claim to Fersen, Norkon knows how to read the room. Fersen was never an option for him.”

“It’s hard not to be charmed by him, though,” Fersen added.

A hard edge colored Kitsuki’s tone. “I sent Norkon to deliver a message to Maseo, not bed him.”

Auslin’s hand on his arm calmed his sudden burst of anger. Why did the thought of Norkon being with Maseo make him so irate? “The important thing is, he has a lead on finding Maseo to make sure he’s safe.”

Kisano and Sephen entering the dining hall interrupted the tense moment. Kisano’s expression was remorseful. “I apologize for our tardiness. I lost track of time.”

“I’m sorry, it’s totally my fault we’re late,” Sephen said with a sheepish look as he bowed to Kitsuki.

Auslin laughed. “It’salwaysyour fault when someone is late.”

“Guilty,” Sephen said with a grin as he sat down next to Kisano. “But we were having too much fun, and you know how bad I am about time.”

Kitsuki arched an eyebrow in surprise at the “fun” description. His dragon had retreated, leaving him calm once more. “It is not a problem. I am pleased to hear you were having such an enjoyable time.”

“It has been most enlightening.” There was a slight flush on Kisano’s cheeks.

Now that everyone had arrived, dinner was served.

Auslin grinned at his brother. “So how long did it take you to notice that I had left?”

“Longer than I’m willing to admit to,” Sephen answered with a laugh. When he took a bite of his cured falchion noodles, a delighted moan escaped from him. “By the Powers, that is the single best thing I’ve ever eaten.”

“It’s very easy to get spoiled here,” Auslin said.

Sephen refocused his attention. “In my defense, not only does Kisano have the biggest Reskin collection I’ve ever seen, but he even has Liros books in their original Divine language.”

“You can read the Divine language?” Kitsuki asked with interest.

“The mages didn’t want to teach me because I’m too low ranking, so I taught myself.” Sephen shrugged as if it wasn’t a remarkable accomplishment. “It was easy when I love Liros’s work almost as much as Reskin’s.”

“Forget being late. It sounds like we’re lucky you left the library at all.” Auslin laughed, as did everyone at the table. “Almostnothing can tear my brother away from anything related to Reskin or Liros.”

“Kisano’s lucky I didn’t chain myself to the bookshelves and refuse to leave,” Sephen said while grinning at the bookish shifter. “I still might.”

Auslin shook his head. “He’s not even exaggerating.”

“I’m really not,” Sephen agreed with another laugh.

“As I explained previously, you do not have to go to such extremes to visit my library,” Kisano said. “You are welcome to come and go as you please.”

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