Page 147 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
Tatsuki shrugged. “Then it will act as an excellent incentive to keep him in line. He should never forget that even he is replaceable, especially when you would be the king this country deserves.”
Auslin had no love lost for Mitsuki, but even he found Tatsuki’s decision harsh. It was almost enough to make him feel bad for the shifter.
“Mitsuki is unfit to sit on the throne,” Kizoshi declared with a haughty tilt of her head. It made her look even more aristocratic. “Kitaro is by far the better choice for king.”
“While we agree, we do not intend to disinherit Mitsuki, so long as he continues to behave. There is no harm in having Kitaro positioned as second in place to take the throne after Mitsuki. It is only by the grace of the Power that his frequent dalliances have not resulted in a bastard whelp to shame this clan.”
Kitaro bowed his head in acknowledgment. “Thank you for the honor, Father. I will do my best to live up to your expectations.”
“You have already exceeded them in every way.” Tatsuki gave his youngest child a fond look. “We are incredibly proud of you, son. We hope you know that. This will be the perfect occasion to show the people of our country what a fine man you have become and how impressive your intended is.”
Kitaro still seemed shell-shocked by the news of the Coming of Heir ceremony, but Auslin wasbrimming with joy that he was being recognized by his father for all his accomplishments.
Surely, only good things could come of it.
Chapter 76
Kitaro
Perhaps it was foolish, but Kitaro sought Mitsuki the next day to talk.
“Come here to gloat?” Mitsuki asked in a dour tone but stepped back to let Kitaro enter his room. Everything was decorated in black, giving the enormous suite a drab appearance despite the luxurious furnishings.
“No, but I wish to speak to you about Father’s decision about the Coming of Heir ceremony.” Kitaro took a seat on the couch across from Mitsuki’s chair. “I wanted to make it crystal clear to you that while Father sees me as being part of the succession line, I have no interest in challenging your position.”
“Bullshit. You obviously think you would be a better king than me.”
Kitaro tried to find a tactful response without lying. “I believe you care more for personal glory andconquest than for the good of your people. Father does both, though. I hope that one day you too may come to find that same balance, when you sit on the throne someday.”
Mitsuki rolled his eyes. “How diplomatic of you.”
“I do not wish for this to become a matter of contention between us,” Kitaro insisted. “This is entirely Father’s decision. You know I have never been interested in staking a claim on the throne. I have no desire to be king.”
“So you say.”
Kitaro frowned with frustration. “You can smell I am telling the truth. Ruling has never interested me. I am content with my smaller, supporting role. I do not wish to challenge your legitimate claim as heir to the crown.”
“For now.”
“Forever,” Kitaro insisted. “I have no interest in such heavy responsibilities. We both know I am ill-suited for it. I do not have the same thirst for power that you and Father share nor any interest in expanding Valzerna’s borders.”
Mitsuki scoffed. “That is why I have no idea why Father has come up with this ridiculous idea of naming you second in line to the throne.”
“I am no threat to you.” Kitaro needed his oldest brother to believe him. The last thing he wanted was Mitsuki growing paranoid and attacking him to get ridof the threat of usurping. “I wish the air to be clear between us. You have nothing to fear from me.”
“Yes, I am sure you are too busy with your precious Vanra to care for matters of state.” Mitsuki gave Kitaro a disgusted look as he flexed his scarred hand. “Pathetic.”
“You are not wrong. All I care about is building a life with Vanra. The throne and all its responsibilities fall squarely to you. I have no desire to challenge your claim to your birthright.”
“Then we have no problems.” Mitsuki waved Kitaro away. “You are dismissed.”
Kitaro stood with a formal bow. “Thank you for hearing me out. I feel better knowing we are on the same page about this matter.”
Mitsuki said nothing as Kitaro left. When he passed Kizoshi’s room, she opened the door and gestured for him to join her.
“Were you trying to do damage control?” Kizoshi asked as they settled in her sitting room.
“I do not want Mitsuki thinking that I have any interest in being heir to a throne I do not covet. The odds of his paranoia making me a target of his wrath are too high. I owed it to us both to set him straight.” Kitaro wasn’t sure how successful he had been, though. “I wish to live a quiet life with Vanra. I need nothing else so long as I have him.”
