Page 20 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
Auslin’s good humor evaporated when they arrived at the dining hall. Tatsuki sat at the head of the table with a fierce-looking dragon shifter, who was currently glaring daggers at Auslin. Although he was sitting, Auslin could tell he was even taller than Kitaro. His black hair was tied back in a ponytail. Dressed all in black, he would have been handsome if he didn’t look like he wanted to murder Auslin where he stood. What parts of his shifter markings Auslin could see looked like black ink swirling on his skin.The human would have been fascinated if he wasn’t receiving such a harsh glare.
Gesturing to where Auslin should take a seat at his side, Kitaro greeted them. “Good afternoon, Father, brother.”
Auslin bowed to them before he self-consciously sat where Kitaro had directed. He tried not to fidget in nervousness as the oldest brother continued staring him down.
“Vanra, how did you find your first night here at the castle?” Tatsuki asked. His polite tone was a sharp contrast to the king Auslin had met the day before.
“Most comfortable. Thank you, Father.” Auslin respectfully bowed his head. “I am most grateful.”
“Father?” Mitsuki spit the word out as if it was the foulest.
Tatsuki gave his eldest son a warning glare. “As he is clan, he may address us as such.”
“So,thisis the stray you dragged home?” Mitsuki asked with a sneer. “I was expecting something more…impressive.”
“Are you questioning our judgment?” There was a dark rumble in Tatsuki’s voice that made Auslin nervous.
“The only thing I question is why my little brother thinks he has to lower himself to a human plaything.” Mitsuki’s dark eyes flicked over Auslin’s form with disdain. “I know you are inexperienced, little brother,but you must know you can do far better than a worthlesshuman.”
Kitaro narrowed his eyes at his older brother. “He is no plaything, Mitsuki.”
“He is not even worth that much?” Mitsuki made a sarcastic tutting noise. “Why bother bringing him here at all, then? What other use could you possibly have for him?”
“Mitsuki, that is enough.” Tatsuki’s angry growl made Auslin wish he could sink into his chair and disappear. “We will not allow you to disrespect Vanra any further.”
“I understand why my little brother is ignorant enough to bring home such filth, but I cannot comprehend what this waste of human existence could have done to convinceyouto allow him into our clan.”
“You are in no position to question our decisions. It would behoove you to remember that,” Tatsuki warned his eldest son. “If you cannot find it within yourself to be civil, you are dismissed.”
Mitsuki shrugged. “It is no punishment when I would rather be anywhere other than in the presence of this pathetic?—”
When Tatsuki yelled Mitsuki’s name to interrupt him, Auslin startled at the sound of the dark anger. He tried not to feel afraid since he knew they could smell it.
Mitsuki gracefully swept out of the room, but not before he flung one last insult at Kitaro. “Littlebrother, I would advise you to find better hobbies before you ruin this family with your poor judgment.”
“We apologize for our eldest son’s behavior, Vanra. We had thought he was mature enough to overcome his prejudices, but it appears we overestimated his capability.”
“No, it’s my fault. I’m the imposition.” Auslin felt awful for causing problems for the family.
“Do not allow him to make you feel bad.” Tatsuki’s gentle tone confused Auslin when it was in such stark contrast to the harsh one used with him yesterday. “He will come around, or we will force him. You should not feel ill at ease in your own home. We will see that he learns.”
Bowing his head in appreciation, the guilt continued to eat at Auslin over causing such an ordeal without even meaning to.
“He is alone in his opinions. Pay him no mind,” Kitaro added.
“Thank you.” Auslin was grateful for the kind words but still felt unsteady by the encounter.
Staff interrupted them by bringing in plates for Auslin and Kitaro’s lunch. As the meal the day before had been, there was a wonderful array of the finest food Auslin had ever had the pleasure of eating. He waited for Kitaro to eat first before starting.
Auslin silently enjoyed his food as Kitaro and Tatsuki made small talk for the rest of lunch. They both included Auslin where they could, but he waslargely silent as he carefully ate, paranoid he would drop something on his expensive clothes.
After the plates were cleared, Tatsuki once more fully turned his attention to Auslin. “Forgive us, Vanra, but we need to discuss some things privately with Kitaro.”
Auslin was grateful for any excuse to leave. “I understand.”
“Should you require an escort to your room, the servants will be more than happy to do so.”
Auslin bowed respectfully to Tatsuki. “Thank you for a truly delicious meal.” With those words, he quickly left the dining hall.
