Page 142 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
The response made Auslin laugh despite his consternation at being denied a straight answer.
Kizoshi gave Hibiki a final loving scratch before he scampered off her lap to jump back into Auslin’s ring.
Auslin was about to ask another question, but a knock on the door interrupted them. A servant announced, “Your Highness, your presence has been requested by King Tatsuki.”
“Right on time,” Kizoshi said with a playful wink at Auslin as she rose. “We will talk again soon. Be well, Vanra.”
Why did Kizoshi’s words feel so ominous?
Chapter 73
Kizoshi
Kizoshi was the last to arrive at the family meeting, where Tatsuki, Jaega, Mitsuki, and Kitaro were. She smirked at her oldest brother when he glared hatefully at her. Ruining his day was always the highlight of hers.
“We have much to discuss,” Tatsuki said as he gestured for Kizoshi to take a seat at the table beside Kitaro. “The situation in Balsimi cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. News has reached us that they are preparing an invasion of Laylan to claim it as part of their kingdom. As Laylan is the country directly north of us and a close ally, Valzerna cannot allow this to happen. We must once again take up arms and go to war.”
Kitaro’s face fell, making Kizoshi’s heart ache for her sensitive youngest brother.
Mitsuki’s expression became downright predatorywith glee. “Excellent. I look forward to killing as many of those griffin bastards as we can.” She delighted in seeing his gloved hand that hid the purification burns scarring his hand permanently. Kizoshi was proud of Vanra for doing the right thing. She only regretted he did not purify Mitsuki to the Beyond Realm, where filth like him belonged.
“Mother is particularly excited to see you engage in this military campaign, Father,” Kizoshi said. “She believes it will be a spectacular opportunity for Valzerna to prove its might.”
The news seemed to please Tatsuki. “All the more reason we should take up arms. We are sure she will be pleased by the honor of it being Kitaro’s first war.”
Jaega’s eyebrows furrowed. “As we discussed before, I do not believe Kitaro should be a part?—”
Tatsuki held his hand up to stop his youngest brother. “We have heard your concerns, brother, but we do not share them. Kitaro is of age, and now that his journey to Satsuma’s is complete, there is no excuse for him not to join our campaign. Vanra will be safe here in the castle.”
It broke Kizoshi’s heart to support her father’s decision when she knew how little interest her youngest brother had in the battlefield, but it was a necessary evil for the betterment of Kitaro’s future. “Father is correct. Vanra will be well taken care of while Kitaro is away.”
The flash of betrayal on Kitaro’s face painedKizoshi, but there was no helping it. He remained silent and sullen.
“Arenthia wants Kitaro to fight?” Jaega asked with a frown.
“Indeed, Mother is looking forward to seeing him prove himself on the battlefield and bring more glory to Father and Valzerna.” Kizoshi had pleaded with her mother to spare Kitaro, but she wouldn’t hear of it. “She and Sophina are in agreement on the matter.”
“Then it is settled,” Tatsuki declared. “Kitaro will join us for this campaign.”
Kitaro didn’t speak a word as Tatsuki and Jaega went over the finer details of the upcoming war on Balsimi. Kizoshi wanted to reassure him, but it was not the time or place to do so.
Once the meeting was over, she had Kitaro follow her. She led them to her room, where he sat on her couch with a dour expression.
“I am sorry I cannot get you out of this, dear brother,” she apologized. “But Mother and Sophina were both very clear that your participation in the Balsimi war was critical for what unfolds next.”
“But Vanra will be distraught,” Kitaro said in an agonized voice. “He will fear for the worst.”
“And I will personally assure him I have it on the authority of the two Powers in charge of this decision that you will come home to him unharmed.” Kizoshi was overstepping in doing so, but she could not bear the thought of Vanrasuffering so much fear and anxiety when she already knew the true outcome.
He gave her a pleading look. “I don’t want to be involved.”
“I wish I could make it different, but this is too important for what comes next.”
“And what is that?” Kitaro asked in a weary voice.
Kizoshi shook her head. “I cannot say, but I can promise it will bring you and Vanra closer than ever when you return.”
The information seemed to ameliorate Kitaro’s concerns. “And you swear to me on your life that no harm will come to Vanra while I am gone?”
