Page 150 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“King Tatsuki has sent me to inform you that the ceremony is to start shortly. You both should report to the event hall,” a servant called out from the other side of the door.
“Very well. Tell him we are on our way.” Kitaro stepped back from Auslin with a sigh. “We shall continue this later.”
Auslin went up on tiptoe for a kiss. “I amverymuch looking forward to that.”
Auslin hadn’t really imagined how many people would be at Kitaro’s Coming of Heir ceremony, so he was stunned when they entered the event hall packed with thousands of people. He faltered in his steps when the shifters and humans in attendance whispered in the crowd at his appearance. But Kitaro gently guided him by the small of his back to the front, where the rest of the family was sitting.
Kizoshi gestured for Auslin to sit between her and Kisano, while Kitaro went to stand with his father onthe dais. Having the two siblings he was friends with on either side of him helped calm Auslin’s nerves.
Thankfully, Mitsuki pointedly ignored him from the other side of Kizoshi. That suited the human just fine.
Not wanting to spark Mitsuki’s ire, Auslin focused on how handsome Kitaro looked, standing next to his father. Tatsuki looked fearsome in his commander’s uniform, regalia, and crown. It made Auslin even more thankful that against all odds, the dragon monarch had taken a liking to him.
Auslin was curious about the other shifters and humans in attendance, but he could feel everyone’s eyes on him. In particular, he felt the immense presence of a Power who could only be Arenthia somewhere behind him. Despite his curiosity, he behaved himself by looking forward while quelling his nervousness.
Once everyone had arrived, Tatsuki began the ceremony. “Welcome to you all. Thank you for joining us on this joyous day, where we celebrate the past and future victories of our glorious Valzerna.”
A round of cheers sounded from the crowd.
Tatsuki continued when the applause died down. “We are proud to start today’s festivities with a Coming of Heir ceremony for our youngest son, Prince Kitaro Ariake.”
The crowd once again applauded as Kitaro formally bowed to the audience and then to his father.Auslin was so proud of Kitaro. The warm support he could feel from everyone for the shifter prince made him so happy.
“In our recent war against the nefarious griffin shifters of Balsimi, our son, Prince Kitaro, proved himself a warrior worthy of our clan,” Tatsuki said. “Prince Kitaro’s fighting abilities are second to none. His calm logic, even at times of heightened chaos, are admirable traits of a future ruler of Valzerna.”
The audience applauded again as Kitaro bowed in acknowledgment.
“Although he is still young, Prince Kitaro has shown himself time and time again to be considered a worthy heir to stand alongside Prince Mitsuki.” The crowd clapped at the mention of the eldest son’s name. “As a member of our clan, Prince Kitaro was born with ‘Ki’ in his name, which serves as proof he is a royal member of our family. As the newly proclaimed heir to Valzerna, he has earned the royal designation of ‘Tsuki’ added to his name. From henceforth, Prince Kitaro shall now be known throughout all the lands as the honorable Prince Kitsuki.”
A loud applause and cheers went up from the crowd, but Auslin’s entire world ground to a screeching halt. It couldn’t be possible that Kitaro was the same King Kitsuki that Auslin knew from his own time. In the beginning, Auslin had his suspicions that they might be the same person, but over his time with Kitaro, he had become convinced that it wasn’tpossible for him to be Kitsuki. There was no way that the sad, lonely king Auslin knew from his time was the same loving and warm prince he had fallen in love with in the past. It was impossible!
Tatsuki continued talking, but Auslin couldn’t hear anything in his shock. He did his best to control his reactions because in a room full of powerful shifters, the slightest shift in his emotions would be detectable to all. Auslin needed to get away to think, but he had no choice but to remain seated. How could Kitaro suddenly be Kitsuki? It didn’t make any sense!
Kizoshi gently elbowed Auslin in the side to draw his attention.
“Now, we invite Prince Kitsuki to speak,” Tatsuki said, gesturing to his son.
The shifter prince stepped forward with a bow to loud applause. “It is my honor to serve our king and the good people of Valzerna. I vow to always put our kingdom and its citizens above my own personal desires. I shall always do my utmost best to support King Tatsuki and Prince Mitsuki in all their endeavors on behalf of our good kingdom.”
It warmed Auslin’s heart to hear the enthusiastic response Kitsuki’s speech earned. It momentarily took his mind off the panic of discovering the truth of Kitaro’s identity.
“In addition to being named heir, we also have the pleasure of announcing that Prince Kitsuki has chosen a most remarkable person for his intended bondmate,”Tatsuki said, earning more cheers.
“Despite his human heritage, Lord Vanra has proven himself a valuable member of our clan. His wisdom is far beyond his young years, and his magical abilities rival even the most powerful shifters. He is a strong ally who is worthy to stand by our son’s side as his future bondmate. Please join us in officially recognizing Lord Vanra as Prince Kitsuki’s intended.”
The loud round of applause on his behalf startled Auslin. Shouldn’t the shifters and humans both hate him for wanting to be with a shifter prince?
“Lord Vanra, if you would join us up front, please.” Tatsuki gestured for Auslin to come up front and join them.
With his heart in his throat, Auslin’s body automatically obeyed. He walked up the few stairs to stand next to Kitaro, who he had to keep reminding himself was now Kitsuki.
The dragon prince took Auslin’s hand in his, bringing it to his lips to kiss. He looked down at the human with a loving smile.
Auslin reflexively returned the smile. He did his best to focus on their love instead of worrying about the reality that would crash into him once he was alone after the ceremony.
“They have our full blessing and support in their joyous union. We ask that you give them the same warm wishes for their upcoming bondmate ceremony,” Tatsuki said. The next round of applause wasdeafening.
Everything felt surreal as Auslin stood in front of thousands of people cheering for them. The only thing grounding him was Kitsuki holding his hand.
