Page 113 of Consort of the Dragon King

“You’ll let him go if you want another ale,” she said in a no-nonsense voice before turning her attention to Maseo. “My boss wants you to settle your tab before you run out on us again. You’re not getting away with that twice, do you hear me? You have a lot of nerve showing your face after that little stunt you pulled last time.”

Maseo tried to free himself. “Sorry, I need to take care of this.”

“I’m not letting you go until you promise you’ll come back to the inn with me so I can give you the best fuck of your life.”

Maseo finally extracted himself from the bear shifter’s grasp. “Sure thing. I’ll be right back,” Maseo promised before he left to follow Elzbieta.

She led him to the staff-only area next to the kitchen, where they were safe from any prying eyes. Her stern expression melted into worry as she gave Maseo a look over. “Are you okay, honey? Icame over as soon as I saw he had his paws on you. I’m sorry I didn’t notice sooner.”

The rare show of concern for his well-being brought tears to Maseo’s eyes. He hugged her hard, almost sobbing when she embraced him closer. How long had it been since he had received a loving hug from someone who gave a damn about him? “Thank you, Elzbieta.”

She ruffled his hair. “Anytime, Maseo. I’ll always have your back.”

Pulling back from the comfort of her hug hurt, but not nearly as much as what he was about to do. “And that means everything to me. But I have to leave town tonight, and I don’t know when I’ll be free to come back here.”

Her concern was genuine. “Is it because of that guy? Because I’ll kick his ass, I don’t care how big and hairy he is.” The hilarity of a rabbit shifter her size taking on a bear shifter of his proportions would have made Maseo laugh under different circumstances. But if anyone could defeat him, it’d be her.

“He’s a soldier in my father’s army. He told me enough tonight to know I have to leave now so I can stop his nefarious plans. My father can’t be allowed to do what he wants. Everyone in Talwyn will suffer if he gets his way. Good people will die. I can’t let it happen.”

“Can I help at all?” Elzbieta asked.

Maseo took her hands in his to give them a squeeze. “Please stay safe. Avoid Valzerna, Kunushi, and Reflorna for the near future if you can.” He took a deep breath before saying, “And thank you for taking such great care of me these past few weeks. I don’thave many people I can call a friend, so your kindness has meant a lot to me, more than you know.”

“It’s easy to be kind to a sweetheart like you. Just promise me one thing.”

“Sure.”

“Come see me when you’re finished saving the world because I won’t quit worrying about you until you walk through that door again.” Elzbieta gathered him into a tight hug. “Please come back to see me.”

“I promise.” He lingered for a moment longer before he stepped back.

She fought back tears. “Now, hurry and leave before you see me cry. I want you to remember me as being cute, not ugly sobbing. Then come back here and tell me all about your grand adventure.”

“I will.” He stole a final hug before he left out the rear door to pack up his room at the inn before starting the trek to Valzerna. No matter what it cost him, Maseo had to warn Kitsuki and Auslin before it was too late.

Chapter 55

Sephen

Aknock on the door pulled Sephen from his reading. It was tempting to ignore the person in favor of his Liros book, but Sephen did the responsible thing. “Come in!”

To his great delight, Auslin entered with a wave.

“You’re back!” Sephen scrambled over to hug his brother. “When they told me you went to the Divine Realm, I could hardly believe it!”

“And I come bearing gifts.” Auslin led them over to the sitting area, where they made themselves comfortable on the couch. He passed a book over to Sephen.

Sephen’s hands shook when he saw it was a Liros text he had never seen before. Ornate bronze-orange metallic filigree decorated the edges of the silver cover, with the title in teal-colored foil. He traced the markings with his finger as he marveled at it. “The Knowledge of Pleasure?” Realization made Sephen giddy. “This must be brand-new! I’ve never heard of it before. And it’s in the Divine language, which isamazing! I can’tbelieve the colors on the cover match my mating bond marks. It’s like it was written just for us.”

“It comes out next month, but Liros said a fan as dedicated as you deserved an early copy.” Auslin gestured at the book. “Open it.”

There was a message on the inside title page in handwriting that was as beautiful as Kisano’s. Sephen read it aloud. “To my beloved Sephen, who understands what a pleasure the pursuit of knowledge is. Wishing you and your mate the very best on your new bond as you discover even more forms of pleasurable knowledge together. I can’t wait until our paths have the pleasure of finally crossing in person soon.”

The handwritten note filled Sephen with so much joy he thought he might pass out from being so overwhelmed. He closed the book and hugged it to his chest as his heart raced. “He actually wants to meet in person!” Sephen couldn’t hold in his delighted squeal as he squirmed in his seat. “This is the best giftever!”

“Liros asked me to reiterate that your paths will cross in the not-too-distant future,” Auslin said. “He’s already looking forward to it and hopes you do, too.”

“I get to meet him for real?” Sephen’s body could hardly contain so much joy. “How did I get so lucky? Did he say anything about Kisano?”

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