Page 56 of Consort of the Dragon King

Things were getting out of hand. Kitsuki sat back. “It is not proper.”

“I don’t care!” Auslin irritably ran his fingers through his hair with a growl. “This is about what’s right for us, not what matters for the rest of the realm’s opinion.”

“Frustrating as it is, my position as king of Valzerna demands formality with regard to courtship,” Kitsuki told Auslin in a measured tone. He had to keep reminding himself of that because the temptation to flounce tradition and proceed was entirely too tempting.

Auslin sat up with a scowl. “Then why can’t we have the ceremony tomorrow so we can move on with the rest of our lives?”

“While I appreciate your enthusiasm, you must understand a Royal Consort Fatebonding ceremony is not something that can be thrown together in a day,” Kitsuki stated. “There are still many plans to be made, and guests need time to travel from other kingdoms to take part.”

The mage crossed his arms over his chest with a challenging glare.

Kitsuki tried another route to reason with Auslin. “If you will recall, we were to have a ceremony in the past as well.”

It seemed to work. Auslin hung his head with a heavy sigh. “I know you’re right, but I’m already sick of waiting. How can you bear so many centuries of waiting?”

“Because you have always been worth it.” Kitsuki brushed Auslin’s hair from his face. “Please do not misunderstand me, Auslin. This is not something I take pleasure in enforcing.”

“How much longer do we have to wait?” Auslin demanded.

“At least three weeks.” Kitsuki winced at the sound of displeasure his answer earned him. “Kisano is working with me to expedite the process as fast as we feasibly can.”

Auslin’s misery was on full display. “I hate everything about this. We’re fated mates. We’re supposed to be together.”

He tried to console his intended. “I have no interest in enduring more delays in joining with you, Auslin.” He brought Auslin’s hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. “My sole wish is to have you at my side forever as my beloved bondmate.”

The fight seemed to go out of Auslin. “I made you wait six hundred years, so the least I can do is hold out for a few more weeks for your sake.”

His response filled Kitsuki with relief. “Thank you. Just remember, we have the rest of our long lives to be together to look forward to. Three weeks is nothing compared to that.”

“You’re right,” Auslin said with a small smile. “You always are.”

Chapter 27

Auslin

After an enjoyable breakfast, Auslin headed to the training hall for some solo practice since Jaega and Fersen were both busy.

Lost in his thoughts, Auslin startled when he almost ran into someone when he rounded a corner. His apology faltered when he realized he had bumped into an amused Kizoshi. “You’re finally back!” Auslin hugged her before thinking better of it.

She fondly smiled down at him when he stepped back. “I am pretty sure that is supposed to be my line.”

“Sure, except you look zero percent surprised to see me.”

“Are you implying I have secret insights into knowing when you would make your return to the present time?” Kizoshi asked in mock indignation.

“You’re best friends with the Fate and Knowledge Powers,” Auslin said with a laugh. “I think you get all kinds of sneak peeks that help you stay enigmatic about everything.”

She smirked at the accusation. “Being friends with Sophina and Liros has its perks from time to time.”

“Are you back for long?” Auslin hoped she would stay for a while this visit.

“Are you that eager for me to be gone?” Kizoshi teased him.

There was no point in hiding his intentions from someone as astute as the clever War Power. “No, it’s more like I have a million questions, and I’m really hoping you’ll be around long enough to answer some of them.”

She gestured for Auslin to follow her as she led the way to her room. “There is indeed much to discuss.”

Once they settled in the front sitting room of Kizoshi’s suite in the family wing, Auslin immediately jumped into the most pressing question he had. “Are you willing to talk to me about my heritage now?”

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