Page 92 of Consort of the Dragon King

“Your Majesty, there is an urgent matter at the front gate. Prince Tyrian requires your immediate presence,” a guard replied.

That could only mean one thing: Kio was back. “Understood.” Kitsuki gave Auslin another kiss. “Please wait here while I deal with this.”

Tyrian waited for Kitsuki at the doors to the castle. “Sorry to call you away from your beloved. But we both know this asshole will refuse to leave until he sees you.” His grin turned wicked. “Give me the word and I will gladly have the guards kill him as a present to celebrate your Fatebonding ceremony.”

“As tempting as that is, my intended would have far too many objections.” Kitsuki held in a sigh. “I will deal with him. Keep your guards close, though. I am not opposed to throwing him in the dungeon so he cannot disrupt our ceremony.”

Tyrian gave a formal salute of acknowledgment before he followed Kitsuki outside to confront the source of the disturbance.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out about your Royal Consort Fatebonding ceremony with Auslin?” Kio yelled as Kitsuki came over to deal with him.

The shifter king gave a dismissive wave. “Your awareness of the event changes nothing about it. This is your one and only warning to leave in peace. I will not allow your stupidity to interfere.”

Instead of answering with words, Kio drew his sword and launched an attack.

Kitsuki used his silver fire to drive Kio back. The temptation to end his life was strong.

“Ah ha!” Kio exclaimed. “I fucking knew it!”

Dealing with Kio was exhausting. “You do not know a damn thing, including how to mind your own business. But that is a lesson I am more than willing to teach you.”

“What’s going on?” Auslin demanded as he rushed to Kitsuki’s side.

Kitsuki held in the sigh that desperately wanted to escape. “This does not concern you, Auslin.”

“Of course it does!” Auslin protested.

“Oh, look. The fucking hypocrite has shown up,” Kio said with heavy sarcasm.

Auslin’s brow wrinkled in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“You got all pissed about me fucking Maseo, yet you’re lettinghimdo it?” Kio asked, gesturing at Kitsuki. “Why is it fine when he does it, but a problem when I did?”

“Kitsuki hasn’t been with Maseo,” Auslin insisted. “He hasn’t even seen him in at least two years.”

“Oh, sweet, innocent Auslin.” Kio tutted as he looked at the mage with mock pity. “You really think this fucker is loyal to you?”

Auslin’s temper flared. “Iknowhe is. He would never betray me like you did! Unlike you, he’s actually honorable.”

“Oh, really? Then why is he exchanging jewelry with that asshole?” Kio gestured at Kitsuki’s necklace. “Because he’s wearing Maseo’s pendant and gave that piece of shit a ring to protect him. It sure as shit sounds like they’re fucking to me.”

“What do you mean to protect him? Did you attack Maseo?” Auslin demanded.

“I was going to send that disgusting waste of life to the Beyond Realm where he belongs, but your intended ruined that plan,” Kio said with a cruel laugh.

Tears gathered in Auslin’s eyes. “Haven’t you hurt Maseo enough? Why can’t you leave him alone? Leave usbothalone?”

“Because I’m never going to be okay with my asshole half brother chasing after my sloppy seconds.”

A threatening growl rumbled in Kitsuki’s chest. It was enough to make Kio take a step back in instinctive fear. “Shut your foul mouth before I make sure you can never speak again.”

“How could you betray me for this fucker, Auslin?” Kio demanded.

“What are you talking about? You betrayed me!” Auslin took a calming breath. “But none of that matters now. I’ve moved on and am happier than I ever was with you. Leave! You aren’t wanted here.”

“Like hell I’m going to let you mate this asshole!” Kio yelled.

“You have no say in this matter,” Kitsuki informed him in a steely voice that promised violence. “Either you leave peacefully and never return, or I will end your pathetic existence right here and now.”

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