Page 117 of Consort of the Dragon King

“Do you miss Finini and Shikiji?” Auslin asked.

“They are entertaining playmates.” Hibiki flicked his tail. “Our reunion was enjoyable.”

It was sweet, but it made Auslin wonder. “Do you ever get lonely?”

“I am never lonely because I am always by your side.” Hibiki butted against Auslin’s hand again to receive more pets.

“Is that really true?” Auslin asked in surprise, not realizing Hibiki felt that way.

Kitsuki returned to the room. “Is what really true?”

“Nothing, I was talking to Hibiki.” Auslin scratched behind the fire dragon spirit’s ears.

“He cannot hear me since my bond is only with you,” Hibiki informed Auslin.

Auslin waited for Kitsuki to get back in bed with him before asking something that had been bothering him. “Will I ever be allowed to travel again?”

“Is there someplace in particular you are wishing to go?” Kitsuki asked.

Auslin tilted his head to get a better look at Kitsuki. “As your mate, if I traveled to certain places, would it cause problems?”

“If you were to go to Kunushi or Reflorna, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar since they are Nasume’s family territories,” Kitsuki replied. “However, as the king of Valzerna, I have a good relationship with most of the rulers throughout Talwyn. A visit from you would not pose a diplomatic incident. Why?”

“Going to the Divine Realm reminded me how much I miss seeing new places.” Auslin held in a sigh as he continuedshowering Hibiki with attention. “It made me realize how much I miss traveling and helping people.”

“I see.”

Auslin wasn’t sure how to interpret Kitsuki’s tone, so he continued. “I’m torn because I don’t want to leave you behind, but I know it’s not realistic to expect you to go on a journey with me because of your royal duties.”

“I have traveled in the past while Kisano or Tyrian acts as my ruling regent in my absence. It is not beyond the realm of possibility I could join you on your travels.”

Auslin could feel his hopes lift. “Kizoshi taught me how to make rifts, so I could take you back to Tiora in an instant if you needed to come home. But sometimes it’s nice to walk between towns, you know?”

“Another benefit is we could have much sexier trips this time around.” Kitsuki leaned down to kiss Auslin, forcing Hibiki to scamper to the end of the bed to get out of the way.

Auslin laughed as his excitement grew at the possibility of returning to his travels. “I’d feel better visiting a few specific cities to reassure my friends I’m okay.”

“Let me talk to Kisano and see what we can arrange.”

“I’d really appreciate that,” Auslin hopefully replied.

Kitsuki gave Auslin another kiss. “I am quite confident we can come to a satisfactory arrangement of some kind. I will go speak with Kisano now.”

Auslin laughed even as he protested. “I didn’t mean you had to do it right this second.”

“I was going to meet with him soon to discuss something else, so it is no problem,” Kitsuki stated. “I will let you know what he says when I return.”

“Thank you.” His mate really was the best.

“I shall return to you shortly. Perhaps then we could make better use of you being in bed.”

Auslin loved he could now feel Kitsuki’s amusement echoed through their bond. “Provided I’m still in bed.”

“If you are not, then I am more than capable of ensuring your return to it.” Kitsuki kissed Auslin before getting out of bed. “We shall see soon enough.”

“Looking forward to it.”

Left alone, Hibiki stretched out over Auslin’s chest and stomach. The mage rewarded him with more petting.

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