Page 49 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“Meaning she somehow keeps getting her hands on Divine weapons that I have to heal the damage from,” Auslin explained with a rueful shake of his head at the memories. “They love each other, but if you don’t know them that well, sometimes it’s a little hard to tell.”
“And you are friends with these shifters?”
“Very good friends, actually. When the wife isn’t punishing him, she’s one of the sweetest people you could ever hope to meet. Plus, she’s anamazingcook. She always makes me treats to take on the road with me when I leave.” Auslin smiled ruefully. “Sometimes I think she’s messing with her husband just to give me a reason to stay at their place, even though I’ve told her I’ll always stop by regardless.”
“And the husband puts up with such nonsense?”
“Oh, helovesit.” Auslin laughed. “He’s a masochist who enjoys getting her spun up because it shows she still loves him. Despite his flirtatious nature, he’s always been loyal to his wife. She knows that, but she likes to keep him in his place. I know it sounds strange, but it works for them.”
Kitaro shook his head in disbelief. “And it does not bother you that this woman is hurting her husband deliberately?”
“It did in the beginning, until I understood their flirting dynamic,” Auslin answered. “If she didn’t go after him, that would bother her husband more. I know it sounds unbelievable, but they really love each other, even if they have an odd way of showing it.”
“I must confess, I do not understand in the least. Would his loyalty not be more comfort to her?”
“Honestly, I think they would get bored,” Auslin replied. “It’s like a game for them or something.”
“That is truly strange.”
“It is, but like I said, it works for them,” Auslin said with a laugh. “She spoils me. I never eat as well as I do at their home. At least, not until I came here.”
Kitaro inclined his head. “Well, as long as she does not inflict her brand of love on you like she does on her husband, I am glad she takes care of you.”
“Ah,” Auslin agreed, but his mood dampened.
“Did I say something wrong?”
The question made him realize the shifter princehad once again picked up on his emotions through his scent. “No, you’re fine. I’ve visited them frequently for many years now. They’ll be upset at my prolonged absence. I hate that they’ll worry something awful happened to me during my travels.”
“I am confident you will one day be reunited.”
“Mmm,” Auslin quietly agreed, but it lacked the enthusiasm it should have had. The reminder about returning to his time filled Auslin with complicated emotions.
They finally entered the clearing where they had first met before walking down the stairs to stand before Fate’s Gate.
Auslin stared at the imposing stone monument as he took his letter out of his pocket. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer to Sophina to let it go through to his time to reach his brother.
Opening his eyes, Auslin held his breath as he tossed the letter through Fate’s Gate. To both of their astonishment, instead of it falling to the ground on the other side of the gate, it disappeared into thin air before their very eyes with a crackle of ancient magic.
Auslin’s heart swelled with gratitude. “Thank you,” he whispered to Fate’s Gate. It meant so much that it had given him the courtesy of telling his brother that he was okay.
“Are you going to go through now?” Kitaro asked.
Still looking at the monument, Auslin shook his head. “No, I won’t push my luck any further today. Itkindly sent my letter to my brother. That’s enough for now. Anything more would be selfish.”
Kitaro clasped Auslin’s shoulder to give it a reassuring squeeze. “Your time will come.”
Covering the shifter’s hand with his own, Auslin was overwhelmed with gratitude toward Fate’s Gate and Kitaro. “I appreciate you bringing me here today.”
“I will always take you wherever you wish to go,” Kitaro promised.
Keeping Kitaro’s hand in his as he turned around, Auslin looked up at icy-blue eyes that were filled with warmth. “Thank you, Kitaro. For this, for everything. It means more to me than I will ever truly be able to express.”
“It is I who should thank you.” When Auslin tried to protest, Kitaro used their hands to pull them closer together. “My life is already better because of you.”
Auslin blushed hard. “I’m glad it hasn’t been too much of a horrible burden.”
“Quite the opposite. Your presence has brought much joy into my life. For that, I am eternally grateful.”
