Page 15 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
Doing the calculations in his head, Auslin exclaimed, “That’s at least eight months before I could even attempt to go back to my time!”
“It is either wait those eight months or stay in this time forever with no chance of return.” Tatsuki shrugged. “You would be wise to take these months of late fall and winter to prepare yourself for such a dangerous journey. Even with such a skilled warrior as my son at your side, you will need all the help you can get so that you may return safely.”
The realization that he would be stuck in the past for almost a full year before he could go home overwhelmed Auslin.This can’t be happening,he kept repeating to himself, needing it to not be real.
“You will live here at the castle for however long it may take,” Tatsuki promised. “Whatever Satsuma says needs done for you to return to your time, it will be done. Kitaro will see that your every need is taken care of. You are clan now. What is ours is yours.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your benevolent generosity.” Auslin knelt to give a formal bow. He reeled in shock and disbelief that he was stranded for the foreseeable future and there was nothing to be done about it. It was so overwhelming that everything felt numb and unreal, like he was trapped in a horriblenightmare he couldn’t wake up from.
“As you are clan, you may now call me ‘Father’ in private. But rest now.” Tatsuki gestured for them to leave. “We will have occasion to speak later.”
“Thank you, Father.” The words felt strange in Auslin’s mouth since his own had been dead since he was a small child.
Auslin and Kitaro both bowed once more before they left, leaving behind a pensive Tatsuki.
Chapter 8
Auslin
“Iam sorry that my father did not have a better answer for you,” Kitaro apologized once they returned to his room.
“It’s my own damn fool fault for being so stupid.” Auslin stared at the floor because he couldn’t find the strength to lift his head.
Kitaro frowned. “I know it was not what you hoped to hear, but you have my word that we will do everything to make sure you return to your time.”
“I truly appreciate it.” But Auslin needed to be alone and think everything over. He felt bad asking for space, but he hoped it would be forgiven under the circumstances. “I’m sorry, but it’s been areallylong day. Could I be shown to my room now? All I want to do is take a bath and go to bed.”
“You are alreadyin your room.”
“But this is your room,” Auslin said without understanding.
“Indeed, but it is now yours as well.”
Auslin waved his hands in front of him. “I don’t want to infringe on your private space.”
“Father has entrusted me to be your guardian and protector. There is no better way to do that than have you stay with me,” Kitaro explained. “It would put my mind at ease since I suspect Mitsuki will have some objections to Father’s decision.”
The comment filled Auslin with dread. “Should I be afraid?”
“No, at most, there may be some snide remarks that I would encourage you to ignore. He will not harm you, though. Father has expressly declared his intent of taking you under the protection of our clan. Not even Mitsuki will go against that.”
“Oh.” It gave Auslin a weird feeling in the pit of his stomach. He could only hope he wouldn’t have many interactions with Mitsuki. It was a name he didn’t remember hearing from Kio, so he had no frame of reference for him. The only reason Auslin knew about Kitsuki was because he had been present for the king’s interactions with Kio. Otherwise, Kio never wanted to talk about his family.
“You have my word that, as your guardian, I will allow no harm to come to you, Vanra. You are mine to protect. I will do so at any cost.”
Despite his current state,Auslin’s heart fluttered at Kitaro’s words. He suddenly felt flustered under the gaze of such passionate blue eyes. “Thank you, Prince Kitaro.”
“There is no need for such formality, especially now that you are clan. You may call me Kitaro without the formal title.”
Auslin bowed his head. “I appreciate that, Kitaro.” Why did saying that send such a thrill through Auslin?
“Perhaps you will feel better after a bath. There are towels in the closet inside of the bathroom. The comb on the counter will dry your hair when you use it.”
Grateful for the chance to get some alone time, Auslin appreciatively bowed and sought sanctuary in the bathroom. He exhaled a sigh of relief when the door shut behind him and he was finally by himself. After using the toilet, Auslin approached the closet. Another automatic sliding door revealed shelves of the fluffiest white towels he had ever seen. The material was softer than his own scratchy, threadbare towels that barely dried anything. He wanted to wrap it around himself as a blanket and enjoy the softness, but he made himself go over and disrobe before getting into the bath.
Auslin had expected the water to be too hot, judging from the steam rising off it, but it was the perfect temperature. He sank into the comforts of it with a soft sigh, relaxing despite his troubles. For a few moments, Auslin knew peace as he enjoyedsoaking in the hot water after months of bathing in freezing rivers and lakes. However, all too soon, the thoughts came crashing back to him about how he had screwed up massively by deciding to go through Fate’s Gate.
He curled his legs up and rested his head on his knees he hugged to his chest. Auslin berated himself for being so stupid. Not only was he stuck in a time that wasn’t his own, but his younger brother was probably scared right now. Sephen had led a sheltered life, rarely leaving the temple. He was most likely upset and despairing at Auslin’s sudden disappearance.
