Page 111 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“As long as you do as I told you earlier, all will be well.”
Vanra reflexively touched the silver ring she had given him. “I’ll always wear it like I promised, especially since your insistence on it scares me.”
“Good.” It pleased Kizoshi that Vanra listened to her. “Never doubt that Kitaro will always take care of you.”
“Then that makes me the luckiest person ever.”
A knock on the door interrupted them. A servantcalled out, “Forgive the interruption, Princess Kizoshi. King Tatsuki wishes to speak to Lord Vanra.”
“We will talk upon your return from your journey,” Kizoshi told Vanra. “Be well.”
“Thank you again for everything.” Vanra stood up to leave.
She got up and hugged the human on a whim. “Welcome to the family, Vanra.” Thanks to him, the future would become much more interesting.
Chapter 56
Auslin
Auslin walked into a dark stone room with a roaring fire and black leather chairs. There were animal pelts on the floor of creatures Auslin had never seen before. The shifter monarch was also missing.
Tatsuki entered from a side room. “Thank you for joining us tonight, Vanra.”
Auslin bowed. “I appreciate the invitation, Father.”
He gestured for them to sit by the welcoming fire. “You seem puzzled.”
“I thought I came to the same place as last time, but this is drastically different.” Auslin sunk into the comfortable chair.
“One of the many useful things about living in a castle enchanted with magic is the ability to change rooms in an instant to meet any need. We thoughttonight was perhaps too cold for you to join us on the veranda.”
“Thank you for your consideration. I’m sorry for the trouble.”
Tatsuki waved it away. “It is of no consequence. Fortunately for you, the weather will become warmer within the next week.”
The reminder of his impending trip put a damper on the human’s good mood. “Ah.”
“This journey will be an excellent opportunity for you to put your training to use,” Tatsuki said. “You have worked hard over these past months. We are proud of you.”
Auslin blushed at the praise. “Thanks. I’ll continue to do my best. It’s been amazing working with Uncle Jaega, Fersen, and Kitaro.”
“As a reward for your dedication, we have a gift for you.” Tatsuki summoned a short sword with his magic, then passed it to Auslin.
The black scabbard was decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay in purple-black wood. Sapphires and amethysts adorned the hilt and guard. Auslin pulled the blade out, which was etched in bright blue-and-purple patterns that reminded him of shifter markings. He slid it back into its holster.
It was the most beautiful sword he had ever seen. “This isn’t a weapon. It’s a work of art!”
Tatsuki chuckled. “It is indeed fine craftsmanship, but it is also fully functional and powerful.”
“But this is too much!” It probably cost more money than Auslin could spend in ten lifetimes. “It’s stunning, but I’m not worth?—”
Tatsuki interrupted his protests. “We commissioned a sword that is worthy of your considerable and unique powers. It is a Divine weapon we had enchanted to channel your powers to maximum effect. You can slay any enemy without fear using this sword.”
“You had this made for me?” Auslin traced over the scabbard’s intricate inlay. He couldn’t believe Tatsuki had given him such a generous gift.
“We would not send you on such a long journey without the best weapon possible. A normal sword would not do for a member of our clan with powers as immense as yours.”
“But this is surely too much!” Auslin had lived a simple life as a mage, so he was unaccustomed to such finery. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”
