Page 22 of Consort of the Dragon King

“I’ll have to borrow it from Kisano’s library,” Auslin said. “Other than Reskin, what else have you been up to?”

“Liros came out with a new treatise on how learning provides a path forward to enlightenment, and books are a sort of the stepping-stones of that process. A lot of his discourse surrounded the importance of having an open mind and hands-on experience. It’s common-sense stuff, but when he explains it, it has so much more profundity.” Sephen sighed happily as he thought about the long hours he spent reading the text. “I know it’ll never happen because Liros stays in the Divine Realm, but I’d give anything to see Reskin and Liros co-author a book. The meeting of their two brilliant minds is the stuff of my dreams.” He left out the part about them being sexy dreams for his brother’s sake and to not embarrass himself in front of Kitsuki. There were some things they didn’t need to know.

“It is wonderful to see you have such a passion for reading and knowledge,” Kitsuki said.

The monarch’s choice of words made Sephen wonder if maybe the shifter’s sense of smell had betrayed his secret after all. “I enjoy all books, but Reskin and Liros are on a totally different level to everyone else. They’re just so smart.” Sephen knew he was weird for finding their minds so sexy, but he couldn’t help how he derived enormous satisfaction from reading their books. When Kitsuki arched an eyebrow at him silently, Sephen flushed scarlet. “Uh, but anyway, to, um, change the subject? I’ve volunteered to help organize a new database for the library. I canfinallysort things to my preference and not their nonsensical system. It’s embarrassing for a temple that worships the Knowledge Power. Liros would be ashamed of their shambles of a sorting system.”

Auslin chuckled. “If anyone can make the library worthy of the Power it honors, it’d be you.”

“Kisano may be able to provide some advice on effective sorting systems,” Kitsuki said. “There is no library more organized than his.”

“Then I definitely need to meet him. And hopefully not completely humiliate myself.” It would be quite the challenge since Kisano already sounded like his dream man.

Chapter 14

Kisano

With Auslin present, it truly felt like a family dinner with Kitsuki, Jaega, Fersen, and Tyrian gathered around the table. It filled Kisano with a warm glow. All they were missing was Kizoshi, who had yet to appear. He hoped his sister would join them soon.

“How are you adjusting to being back in this time, Auslin?” Fersen asked.

Auslin ruffled his hair. “A lot better than I did when I went to the past.” His comment drew laughs from everyone. “Even though I won’t be living at the temple, it’s a relief to talk to my brother so easily again.”

“I am pleased you could have such a joyous reunion,” Jaega said as dinner was served.

“When do we get to meet this mysterious brother?” Tyrian asked.

“Hopefully soon. I invited him to the castle, so I’m hoping he comes instead of talking himself out of it.” Auslin began to eat. “I tempted him with Kisano’s library. He’ll come for that alone, if nothing else.”

“He was quite enamored with the prospect of your library,” Kitsuki added. It pleased Kisano to see his brother coming out of the shell his sorrows had entrapped him within over the centuries of solitude. “I agree with Auslin. You will find an amiable companion in Sephen.”

Kisano blushed. “It would be nice to have another friend after all this time.”

“My brother told me that Reskin came out with a new book about a month ago. I’m assuming you have it?” Auslin asked. “He couldn’t bear to part with his copy.”

Kisano nodded. “I do indeed.”

“I’d love to read it soon if you don’t mind,” Auslin said. “Sephen raved about how wonderful it was, even though he found it heartbreaking.”

“It is indeed a sad work,” Kisano replied, not quite able to meet Auslin’s gaze. “It is yours to read whenever you would like.”

Auslin suddenly sat up straighter. “Wait, have you finally read the rest of Veritine’s books while I’ve been gone?”

“I continue to be grateful to you for the introduction to such a fine author,” Kisano said. “She is truly gifted. I have lost many hours in her worlds.”

“Kisano introduced me to Veritine’s work,” Fersen added. “She has such a spectacular imagination. It’s always a treat when a new book comes out by her.”

“I can always tell when Veritine has released a new book when Fersen disappears to the library for long hours.” Jaega chuckled at his mate’s blush, reaching over to caress the back of his neck. “I had to read her just to find out how she kept stealing him away. She’s a remarkable author.”

“You should write a book based on your time-traveling adventure,” Tyrian suggested. “Her readers love fantastical and imaginative stories, so they’d probably love reading about your incredible adventure.”

Auslin shook his head. “That’s a nice thought, but I’m not a writer.”

“I find that hard to believe when you are an excellent storyteller,” Kisano said. “I would love to read a fantasy novel by you.”

“It feels too personal. I wouldn’t want anyone to associate me writing that kind of story with Kitsuki.”

“I sincerely doubt anybody would expect the Ice King to be such a hopeless romantic,” Kitsuki said with a soft chuckle. It thrilled Kisano to see his younger brother expressing himself so openly the way he had when he was still Prince Kitaro. “I would likely be the last ruler in Talwyn that readers would suspect your character to be based on in real life.”

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