Page 81 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
That didn’t make Auslin feel better. Completely put off his appetite by the fight, Auslin stood up with a bow. “If you will excuse me.”
Kitaro started to do the same, but his father stopped him. “Kitaro, sit. We wish to talk with you further about this incident.”
The younger shifter hesitated. “Forgive me, Father. But considering Mitsuki’s recent behavior, I am uncomfortable with letting Vanra leave unaccompanied.”
“He will be fine. Sit.”
“I promise I’ll stay away from Mitsuki,” Auslin said. “I’ll be okay.”
Kitaro sat with a frown. “Very well.”
With a final word of parting, Auslin hurried out of the dining hall.
Chapter 36
Kitaro
“This news of you fighting Mitsuki with Divine weapons troubles us,” Tatsuki said with a frown.
Kitaro stood his ground. “He challenged me directly. On my honor as Vanra’s guardian, I could not let it go. Not after what he did to Vanra last night.”
“You are fortunate that he can heal an injury from a Divine weapon.” Tatsuki sighed as he continued eating. “It pains us to admit that Mitsuki is right about anything, but he is correct that you must be careful with Vanra.”
Kitaro didn’t like the direction the conversation was heading. “Careful in what way?”
“We can see you growing fonder of him by the day.”
He bristled at the implication. “I am his guardian. That is only natural.”
“While Mitsuki seems to be the sole exception, it is easy to see why one would grow fond of Vanra. We ourselves are not immune.”
Kitaro’s dragon rattled in his cage at the idea of Tatsuki being interested in Vanra, but Kitaro hushed him. “He is all things kindness and good.”
“That is why you must be cautious. You are unexperienced in affairs of the heart. We do not wish to see you hurt.”
A sinking dread formed in the pit of Kitaro’s stomach. “Meaning?”
“Do not forget, you will go on a journey soon. If Satsuma declares Vanra must return, then you will lose him to the future.”
While Kitaro logically understood that, hearing it said so bluntly pained his heart. “I am aware.”
“The closer you grow, the more you will wish to claim him as bondmate. You cannot do that if fate has foretold his return to his era.”
“We do not have to mate to be together,” Kitaro said. “You have proved that by never mating any of your partners.”
“The difference is, we do not desire to have a single mate. You are still naïve and believe that only one person is enough for a member of the Ariake clan. That will lead to heartache if you try to resist your instincts.”
“Respectfully, I disagree. One mate is all I need. Iwill not break my mate’s heart by betraying their love.”
“One day, you will understand why one is not enough for you.” Tatsuki gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “But that is a matter for a different time. For now, temper your feelings for Vanra. If Satsuma declares he must return to his time, then it will only hurt you both to pursue whatever is growing between you. However, if she says he is to stay in this time, we will not stand in the way of your courtship.”
It pained Kitaro that his father had a point. Indulging in their feelings would only lead to heartache for them both if centuries were to separate him from Vanra. “I will take that into consideration.”
“Perhaps you can speak with Kizoshi about this during her next visit. She is sure to have some cryptic advice.” Tatsuki chuckled. “Whatever she has to say will eventually make sense.”
Kizoshi’s visits were always random. But she had a knack for showing up when she was needed most. Kitaro could only hope she would come soon.
“Is everything okay?” Vanra asked when Kitaro returned to their room.
