Page 136 of Consort of the Dragon King

During the meal, Auslin and Kehnon spoke at length about his previous visits to Sybir and other parts of Odatam. Once they finished eating, they waited for dessert to be served. “I must confess, something feels different in the city this trip,” Auslin said, unsure if he should bring up the topic or not.

Kehnon sighed. “I am not surprised to hear you have noticed there is a difference of late. There has been some uneasiness about where my allegiances truly lie since I recently made a considerable donation to the Nature’s Sanctuary Temple run by the humans for some desperately needed repairs. The shifters viewed it as a show of favoritism because they did not receive a similar contribution.”

“Is it possible to donate something to the shifters so that they don’t feel slighted?” Auslin asked.

“The Fire Temple run by the phoenix shifters had a recent renovation, so they did not need the same funds.”

“What about the shifter theatre that’s downtown?” Auslin suggested. “When theatre has long been an important part of shifter culture, a donation there benefits shifters of all ranks.”

Kehnon mulled over the idea. “Perhaps building a smaller ancillary theatre would help them stage more performances to bring more money.”

“What about establishing a theatre for mixed human and shifter performances?” Auslin suggested. “It benefits everyone, and it strengthens alliances between them. What better way to show Odatam’s commitment to the peace between humans and shifters?”

“I cannot say I have ever heard of any other town having such a theatre.” Kehnon stroked his chin. “But the idea intrigues me.”

“It would be a great opportunity!” Auslin grew more excited. “It would encourage humans and shifters to mix with each other in the audience. You would have the first mixed theatre, which might be a huge tourist draw. Plus, on opening night of the first performance, you could invite human and shifter rulers who are sympathetic toward each other to attend and help strengthen the alliances between everyone.”

Kehnon glanced over at Kitsuki. “I must say, you have the most remarkable mate.”

“I think so,” Kitsuki agreed with a fond smile at Auslin, who blushed in response.

“I’ve been to the theatre several times here on previous visits and always had a wonderful time, even if I got some odd looks for being one of the few humans there. It seems like it would be a fantastic way of fostering better relations between everyone,” Auslin added.

The half-phoenix shifter monarch nodded. “I think it is a spectacular idea. I will talk to my advisors to see if it is feasible. Such a theatre would surely engender goodwill on both sides.”

“It would also give half-shifters a chance to act,” Auslin pointed out, knowing they rarely performed in either human or shifter productions because of their mixed heritage. “It would also encourage unique stories to be told, which could help make people see we’re not so different after all.”

“Yet more excellent points,” Kehnon complimented. “It seems you truly understand the heart of what makes Sybir such a wonderful city.”

“I’ve long admired the peaceful coexistence between humans and shifters throughout all of Odatam,” Auslin said. “It’s one of the most accepting places for half-shifters I’ve ever been to.”

Kehnon chuckled. “Given I am half-shifter myself, I should certainly hope people were accepting of it. I would have a very tough reign otherwise.”

“Do you think the unrest is only because of the donation to the human temple?” Kitsuki asked. “If you will forgive the supposition, I question whether Reflorna has done anything to stir up problems in your kingdom.”

“They certainly do not help,” Kehnon admitted with a scowl. “The rumors I hear coming out of there and Kunushi trouble me greatly. Most disconcerting is the gossip about the increasedmurders in Kunushi. It seems the humans and shifters have begun a civil war there, which I fear spreading to my kingdom.”

“Should King Nasume be foolish enough to declare war, you will have my full support,” Kitsuki promised. “I have heard the same rumors, but my sister has been silent on the matter. It gives me the slightest bit of hope that war is not on the horizon, despite King Nasume’s best efforts.”

Auslin wished he could share Kitsuki’s conviction that nothing would come of Nasume’s treachery. But the bad feeling in his gut refused to go away. He could only hope it didn’t involve Maseo like he feared.

Chapter 68

Maseo

It had taken Maseo longer to reach Barlatan than he expected. He wished he could shift into a wolf to make better time. The important thing was he was there and could start his search for Auslin and Kitsuki. To do that, he had to find Yaro or Tiah first.

He walked along the streets lined with shops, where he had spotted the married couple in the past. It was silly to believe he’d stumble upon one of them without effort, but he wished fate would be kind enough to make that possible.

Dog shifters were friendlier than most, but Maseo still felt awkward walking up to them and starting a conversation. He waited until an older gentleman smiled at him as he neared. “Hi, I’m sorry to bother you,” Maseo hesitantly said, fully expecting to get blown off by the man.

He stopped and thankfully didn’t seem annoyed by the interruption. “It’s no trouble at all.”

“I’m looking for Yaro or Tiah. Do you know where to find one of them?”

“You’re in luck. Yaro should still be hanging out where I just left.” The man turned and pointed down the street. “Go down there, hang a left, walk two blocks, and you’ll see the sign for Iwo’s Tavern. You can’t miss it. It’s the best food and ale in the entire city.”

Maseo could hardly believe his good fortune. It seemed fate wanted him to find Yaro quickly, after all. “Thanks.” He set out in that direction with a mixture of relief and anxiety. Yaro only knew him as the person Kio cheated on Auslin with, so he probably was in for a harsh reception. Then again, Yaro seemed to flirt with any man he met, so maybe Maseo would be okay.

---