Page 95 of Consort of the Dragon King

“Though you are two, you shall forever be one,” Kizoshi stated with warm affection in her tone. “Long may this union be blessed by the Powers who saw fit to bring you together. You may now kiss your bondmate.”

Kitsuki finally let go to caress Auslin’s cheek before kissing him sweetly. It came as a surprise to feel Kitsuki’s joy echoing through their new bond as Auslin kissed him back with a little more heat.

A loud applause sounded. Kitsuki caressed Auslin’s cheek lovingly before pulling back, leaving the mage a bit dazed. The experience made Auslin realize he had somehow forgotten so many people observed them.

“It has been our honor to bear witness to this momentous occasion,” Kizoshi said. “Go forth and enjoy your long lives of love as bondmates.”

Kitsuki held his hand out to Auslin, who accepted it before they both stood. The clapping was almost deafening as Kitsuki guidedAuslin down the stairs and walked with him down the aisle arm in arm past their well-wishers before exiting the grand hall.

Instead of leading him back to their room as he expected, Kitsuki took them to one of the many gardens on the castle grounds. Before Auslin could ask a question, Kitsuki kissed him more passionately now that they were alone. Auslin surrendered to his passion with a soft moan, wrapping his arms around Kitsuki’s neck while pressing their bodies closer together.

Auslin couldn’t help but pout when Kitsuki drew back. But it was hard to pretend he was upset when he could feel joy radiating from Kitsuki’s soul. Auslin reveled in the sensation.

“I’m sorry I made you wait six hundred years for this.” Now that he knew how wonderful it felt to join their souls together, he regretted his long absence even more.

“It is worth waiting for a thousand years to feel you like this.” Kitsuki caressed the piece of Auslin inside of him, sending shivers through the mage.

“That’s going to take some getting used to,” Auslin said with a laugh. “But seriously,allthat fuss about having the ceremony and it’s that short?”

Kitsuki chuckled at the indignation in Auslin’s voice. “Were you expecting it to be hours long?”

“Honestly, yeah.” Auslin couldn’t get enough of the sensation of Kitsuki’s amusement echoing inside of him. “For something so important, it seemed way too short.”

Humor colored Kitsuki’s voice. “I apologize for the disappointment.”

Auslin playfully pushed at his arm. “How could I ever be disappointed in being your bondmate?” His heart overflowed with love for Kitsuki. “So, when do we get to see what these lines look like under our clothing?”

Arousal sparked through their newly formed bond. But Kitsuki’s voice revealed nothing as he said, “Alas, that shall have to wait until after the banquet.” Kitsuki placated him with a kiss on the forehead.

“Now,that’sgoing to be hours and hours,” Auslin groused before laughing.

“Indeed, but there will be good food and excellent wine, so hopefully, enduring all the congratulations will not be too odious of a task for you.”

Auslin could only laugh with delight before kissing Kitsuki again. “I think I can manage.”

Although Auslin had grown accustomed to the Enchanters accomplishing magnificent feats, they had outdone themselves by expanding the banquet hall to accommodate more than a thousand people. His head was swimming from enduring the whirlwind of meeting hordes of well-wishers. Auslin could hardly keep track of everyone, but Kitsuki somehow knew every single person’s name.

After the delicious meal was over, Kitsuki asked Auslin to dance with him. It was a relief to have a private moment as they slow danced together.

Kitsuki held him closer as they swayed. “Are you well?”

“This has been amazing, but it’s also a little overwhelming,” Auslin admitted. He had never been around so many people at one time, let alone been the center of attention. It put the crowd at Kitsuki’s Coming of Heir ceremony to shame.

“We may make our escape soon,” Kitsuki promised.

Auslin shivered at Kitsuki’s want flashing through their new bond. It made Auslin even more eager to move on with their evening. He playfully groused, “Not soon enough.”

They were interrupted when a tall, beautiful dragon shifter approached. Her black hair was done up in an elaborate hairstyle, which glittered with emeralds and diamonds. Her green dress, with an ornate gold bodice, bespoke her high rank and wealth. Although she was smiling, it didn’t meet her dark green eyes.

There was something harsh and punishing in her gaze as she coldly stared at Auslin. Her powerful aura was suffocating, but Auslin tried not to feel flustered by her presence, for Kitsuki’s sake.

“Congratulations, Kitsuki,” she said in a clipped tone.

Kitsuki stopped dancing to make introductions. “Auslin, this is my cousin Kalassandria, Queen of Mizujil.” When Kitsuki hugged her, she lingered in his embrace a little longer than was socially acceptable. “It is so good to see you after all this time.”

Not wanting to offend Kitsuki’s extended family, Auslin gave her a formal bow. “It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.”

She studied Auslin with her flinty gaze. “You are the one called Auslin.” Without waiting for a response, Kalassandria tilted Auslin’s chin to force their gazes to meet. “You are much different from what I expected.”

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