Page 54 of Consort of the Dragon King

Sephen huffed. “Auslin, Kisano’samazing. How could I not be in complete and utter awe of him?”

Rather than answering the question, Auslin once again redirected the conversation. “You know, Kisano has a tendency to stay up late at night in the library.”

It was a tempting piece of information. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly bother him any more than I already have. I’m pretty sure I’ve humiliated myself enough for one day.”

“But Kisano so rarely gets to show off his library to someone who appreciates it.” Auslin’s points were persuasive enough to sway Sephen. “Your excited appreciation for it would really mean a lot to him.”

“Please stop. I’m running out of willpower to keep making excuses not to go,” Sephen playfully groused.

Auslin nudged his younger brother. “Then go. Trust me, you’ll both be happier if you do.”

It was probably a bad idea, but Sephen was dying to spend more time with Kisano in his library. “When this backfires and I die of humiliation, it’s on your head.”

“I can live with that.” Auslin wrapped his arm around his brother’s shoulder as he led the way to the library.

When they arrived, Auslin bid his brother goodnight.

“Wait, you’re not coming with me?” Sephen’s voice was more scandalized than he intended.

Auslin snorted. “Sorry, I wasn’t aware that you needed a chaperon.”

“But if you leave, then I’mdefinitelygoing to make an ass out of myself,” Sephen complained.

“I’m pretty sure that’s half the fun of it.”

When Auslin turned to walk away, Sephen reached out to stop him. He gathered his older brother into a tight hug. “In case I haven’t mentioned it enough, I’mreallyglad you’re back.”

“You’ll be fine,” Auslin reassured him. “Now, go have fun.”

“Thank you,” Sephen whispered, overwhelmed by love for his brother he had missed so dearly in his absence.

Once Auslin left, Sephen took a deep, steadying breath before knocking on the library door. It slid open, leaving him no choice but to gather his wits about him and enter. “Hello?”

Kisano rounded the corner with a soft smile that made Sephen swoon. “Welcome back, Sephen.”

The human wrapped those words around his heart. They made him believe he really had a place there. “Would you mind some company?”

“I would enjoy the chance to spend more time with you.” He gestured for Sephen to follow him to a sitting area near a blazing fireplace.

In that moment, Sephen had everything he could ever want. The trick would be not blurting that out to the object of his affection. After all, Kisano couldn’t reject him if he didn’t know Sephen was already in love with his dream man.

Chapter 26

Kitsuki

When Kitsuki returned to his room, Auslin was on the veranda off their bedroom with Hibiki. The beauty of his intended moved his heart. It was sweet watching him petting Hibiki while lost in his thoughts.

Auslin startled, looking over his shoulder. “Oh, sorry! I didn’t realize you had come back.”

“Think nothing of it. I have only just arrived. Is your brother settled in for the evening?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

Kitsuki sat next to Auslin. “I do not follow your meaning.”

“He probably won’t be using his room tonight.” Auslin affectionately rubbed under Hibiki’s chin. “I suspect he’ll talk Kisano’s ear off until after dawn.”

“It is surprising how well they already get along.” Kitsuki settled into a more comfortable position.

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