Page 96 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“We will have words later,” Kizoshi promised him. “Now is not the time yet.”
“Okay?”
She turned to Kitaro. “I am off to meet with Kisano now. We shall have a proper catch-up later, dear brother.”
“I shall look forward to it.” Kitaro hugged his sister once more.
With a word of parting, Kizoshi walked away toward the library.
When she turned the corner, Vanra stared up at Kitaro in shock. “That’syour sister?”
“Yes, I am pleased you have finallymet her. It is quite unexpected for her to appear. She rarely comes to the Living Realm.”
“Do you think I’m in trouble with her?” Vanra asked as they began walking back to their room. “There was something ominous about the way she said we would talk later.”
Kitaro chuckled. “Do not mind Kizoshi. She prides herself on being mysterious and hard to read. I do not know why she wishes to speak to you, but you are not in trouble. You have already seen how she treats those she dislikes.”
“She obviously hates that Nasume guy, which I’m totally with her on that. Who is he? Tyrian mentioned him a while back, but I never found out more about him.”
“He is Prince Nasume Venrik, son of King Soseki in Kunushi, who I must tolerate for the sake of my father’s alliance. We used to be close once, but we have grown apart over the years.”
“It sure didn’t seem that way from his behavior,” Vanra dourly said.
Kitaro scowled. “He has trouble with boundaries, so it is difficult.”
“He’s clearly into you.”
Once they entered their room, Kitaro held Vanra’s gaze. “His interest is entirely one-sided. I harbor no such feelings for him.”
“Have you ever?”
Kitaro hesitated as he tried to find the best way toexplain their past. “When I was very young, I wondered if there might have been a chance of something between us. But I soon realized my mistake. Unfortunately, Nasume still clings to that hope that I may one day change my mind about rejecting him.”
Vanra frowned. “I see.”
The human’s distress bothered Kitaro. He pulled him into an embrace to reassure him. “You are the only person my heart has ever chosen. I swear he is not a threat to you. I am incapable of having the same feeling for him I have for you.”
“Good, because I really don’t like the idea of him stealing you from me.” Vanra went up on tiptoe to kiss the much taller dragon prince.
“No one is going to take me away from you.” Kitaro hoped that included fate, too.
Chapter 47
Auslin
Despite his initial apprehension, Auslin had enjoyed the lively banquet so far. There were lots of curious looks aimed his way from the military members, but aside from Nasume and Mitsuki, no one else seemed disgusted by him. A few brave soldiers had nervously introduced themselves to Auslin, which was touching. The food was even more delicious than normal, and despite Nasume’s disconcerting presence, Auslin was still having fun.
He had a hard time looking away from Kizoshi, who was surrounded by fawning admirers that seemed to anger Nasume and Mitsuki, who both kept aiming death glares her way, which made her giggle behind her hand. It never failed to make them angrier.
Their brief interaction had been overwhelming,but Kitaro was right. There was something intriguing about her that made Auslin want to know more about her mysteries. He couldn’t wait to find out what she wanted to talk to him about later.
All had been going well until Nasume stood up and tapped his glass several times to get everyone’s attention. “To our honored King Tatsuki Ariake, all of his brave soldiers who fought valiantly, and the venerated guests here, I raise a toast in celebration of the continued victories and triumphs of Valzerna.”
There was a round of applause, with some cheering from the warriors.
Nasume flashed a winning smile. “Tonight is about being in good spirits as we congratulate King Tatsuki and his formidable army on their impressive success.”
More applause and cheers responded to Nasume’s words. The wolf shifter was clearly enjoying being the center of attention. “For those of you who do not have the pleasure of knowing me, I am Prince Nasume Venrik of Kunushi. My kingdom has enjoyed the privilege of being longtime allies with Valzerna. That is why I propose to unite our kingdoms even closer with an engagement between Prince Kitaro and myself.”
