Page 17 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
Avoiding looking at Kitaro’s perfect body, Auslin mentally groused,That isreallynot helping, but said nothing. Instead, he took off his towel with a defeated sigh, putting it in the cabinet on top of his pile of clothes.
He tried not to die of mortification as the tailor quickly set to work and expertly measured Auslin. He seemed oblivious to the human’s internal drama over being subjected to such treatment.
After writing down the information, Lito nodded to himself. “Lord Vanra’s measurements are similar enough to yours when you were a child that I would suggest we use some of your old wardrobe while we customize him a new one, provided you have no objections, Prince Kitaro.”
“You are welcome to do so with my blessing.”
“Thank you, Prince Kitaro. We will begin the preparations.” Lito gave a respectful bow to Kitaro, then to Auslin. “Thank you for your cooperation, Lord Vanra. You shall have new clothes in the wardrobe by morning.”
“Thank you, but you really don’t have to call me ‘Lord.’ Just Vanra is fine.”
The tailor bowed again. “While I humbly thank you for the gracious sentiment, it would be untoward to refer to you in such a disrespectful manner, Lord Vanra. I wish you both a most pleasant evening.”
With that, Lito was gone in the blink of an eye before Auslin could finish protesting, “But I’m just a guest.”
“With all due respect, you are more than a mere guest,” Kitaro said in a gentle voice. “Father has welcomed you into the clan as family. You have been accepted as one of us, the same as if our blood ran through your veins. As such, you are to be treated with the respect that is owed to you as a member of our royal clan. I understand you may be unaccustomed to such formalities as a mage, but while you are here, you will be addressed as one of us.”
“I didn’t realize…”
Kitaro cupped Auslin’s flushed cheek in the gentlest of caresses. “I understand you are feeling lost and out of place, Vanra, but while you are in this time, your home is here with us. You will never be alone while I am by your side.”
Unbidden tears welled up in Auslin’s eyes at such unfamiliar kindness. He lost the fight against not crying. As a tear slid down Auslin’s cheek, Kitaro gently brushed it away with his thumb. There was a look of such tenderness in Kitaro’s gaze that it broke Auslin’s heart. He did his best to steady himself emotionally, but it was proving to be a challenge.
Chapter 9
Kitaro
“Why do you cry?” Kitaro asked, brushing a tear from Vanra’s cheek as it fell.
“Because you’re so nice,” Vanra whispered.
His answer did little to clarify things for the shifter prince. “Why would me being nice bring tears to your eyes?”
“You’re nothing like I’m used to.” Vanra sniffled as another tear dropped, brushed away by Kitaro’s thumb.
Kitaro didn’t like what that comment implied. “Your companion is not nice to you?”
Vanra’s laugh came out as a choked sob. “Not like this.”
His heart broke for the human. “Then I am truly sorry he takes after my father’s side of the clan.”
“It’s okay. I’m used to it.” Vanra shrugged as if it wasn’t a problem, but it clearly bothered him.
“There are some things you should never grow accustomed to, and that is one of them.”
Vanra looked away in shame. “I know it’s early, but could I go to bed now? It’s been an exhausting day.”
“Of course.” Kitaro gestured at his enormous bed. “Please make yourself comfortable.”
Vanra hesitated. “Are we really going to share?”
“I see no reason not to. It is certainly large enough for multiple people.”
There seemed to be something Vanra wanted to say, but he remained silent. “Which side should I sleep on?”
“Whichever you prefer. I have no preference.”
Vanra crawled under the sheets on the right side to settle in for the night.
