Page 68 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“I still find it odd that two human mages are so fond of a shifter philosopher.”
“Reskin’s writing is just so soulful. Even though I’ve never met him, I feel like he knows me somehow and is writing directly to me. There’s one book that resonated with me I’d love to talk to Kisano about, but it hasn’t been published yet. But it’s like Reskin gets who I am on a soul-deep level. It’s incredible. I wish he wasn’t so reclusive. I’d love to meet him sometime, and so would my brother.”
“Perhaps someday in your future, you will meet Reskin.”
“That would be amazing. I’d love to tell him how much his work means to me and my brother. Our entire temple, really.”
Kitaro shook his head. “It is truly amazing.”
“Humans and shifters have more in common than they think,” Auslin said as they continued walking through the busy streets of the city. “If they took more time to get to know each other, there’d be less strife.”
“It seems like we have more problems with other shifters than humans these days.” Kitaro nodded in acknowledgment to those who bowed to them as they walked. “My uncle just returned from a campaign in Shadron to dethrone a tyrant scorpion shifter.”
Auslin shuddered. “That sounds dangerous.”
“It was, but my uncle is a formidable general. The only person who would ever stand a chance of defeating him is my father. Thankfully, they are close and do not fight.”
“I’m grateful they’ve both been so kind to me, especially your father. Because I was convinced he intended to kill me when we first met.”
“Were you any other human, it could have been a possibility. But with truth on your side, I knew my father would do the honorable thing and offer you the protection of our clan.”
“I’d hate to think where I’d be without your family’s help.”
“Then do not think of such unpleasant things.”
That was fine with Auslin. The alternative was too scary to ponder.
Up ahead, a familiar face caught Auslin’s attentionby a fruit stand. “Isn’t that the acolyte who helped us at the Fate’s Gate Temple?”
“Yes, I believe his name was Roltan,” Kitaro said once he noticed who Auslin was referring to.
The human mage looked up at the mention of his name. He bowed to them as they came closer. “Hello, Prince Kitaro and Lord Vanra. It is an honor to see you again.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been back since our last visit,” Auslin apologized. Guilt ate at him.
Roltan waved away his concerns. “It’s okay! I’m sure you’re very busy at the castle. We were honored you graced us with your presence at all.”
“I appreciate you taking care of us that day. I’m sorry if I was rude. I wasn’t myself at the time.”
“Oh, you weren’t rude at all! We would all love for you to come back whenever you’d like. It was our honor.”
Auslin bowed his head in acknowledgment. “Maybe I can find the time in the future.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” Roltan said with a bright smile. “I will let you get on with the rest of your day.”
Once they were safely out of earshot, Auslin felt freer to talk to Kitaro. “Roltan really reminds me of my younger brother. I probably should go to the temple more.”
“If you wish to, all you have to do is ask.”
“It’s funny. I’m always so eager to get away from the temple and all itsrules in my time, but now, it almost seems quaint. Weird how time can affect that.” Perhaps he would go more in the future. For now, Auslin was content to continue his enjoyable afternoon walk with Kitaro.
The rest of Auslin’s heat passed without further incident. Kitaro gave him the luxury of pretending nothing unusual had occurred. It was a relief as much as it was frustrating. Auslin wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted from the shifter prince, but he still felt an ache anytime he remembered the dream he had about being with Kitaro’s dragon.
As time passed, Auslin began spending more time in the library with Kisano. Being around him made Auslin feel like he was closer to his younger brother. It brought him as much joy as sadness.
But the sadness was slowly receding the longer Auslin remained in the past. He had grown accustomed to his life at the castle, and his close relationships with Kitaro and Kisano were a large part of that. Auslin also valued the time he spent training with Jaega. The general, who had seemed so fearsome at their first meeting, had truly become an uncle figure in Auslin’s life. It was a first for him. Even Tatsuki had proven to be a kindly king, who treated Auslin as arespected member of the family. He had never lived such a well-cared-for life. It was easy to get spoiled by it all.
Since Auslin had come to terms with his relationship finally being over with Kio, he felt free in a new and exciting way. It also meant his need to return was diminishing significantly. His main reason was returning to his brother. Beyond that, Auslin was finding it hard to come up with reasons to return to his time other than it was what everyone expected him to do. He didn’t want to overstay their generosity, so he knew he would ultimately have to leave, no matter how much part of him was becoming okay with the thought of staying in the past permanently.
