Page 149 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“Kizoshi!” Auslin happily exclaimed, thrilled to see her. “You came!”
“I would never miss a day as momentous as this one.” Kizoshi drew closer and gave him a once-over. “You look splendid in my brother’s colors.”
Auslin blushed. “Thanks.”
Kizoshi surprised him by hugging him. “It is I who should thank you for bringing such happiness to my dear brother.”
“I’m the lucky one. I never in all my life thought it was possible to be this happy or loved.”
“My brother’s love for you burns eternal,” Kizoshi told him as she stepped back from him. “Never doubt that for a moment.”
“I feel the same way.” Auslin meant it with all his heart. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for his sake.”
Kitaro entered the room, arching his eyebrow at his sister’s presence. “When did you arrive, Kizoshi?”
“A little while ago. I wanted to come congratulate you both personally before things got too hectic.”
“That is very kind of you.”
She walked over to Kitaro to clasp him on the shoulder. “A love like this is worth waiting for your whole life, Kitaro.”
He covered his sister’s hand with his own. “Truly.”
Auslin felt like there was more meaning to the comment, but the moment passed as she left with a wave over her shoulder. “I shall leave you two for now. Best wishes on your love for the ages.”
They thanked her before Kitaro turned his attention to Auslin. “You look like a dream.”
“You’re the one who is handsome.” Auslin thought Kitaro was devastatingly gorgeous in his white formal military jacket with gold ornamentation. “How am I supposed to see you looking this sexy in a room full of shifters with sensitive noses and not embarrass myself?”
Kitaro chuckled. “There is nothing shameful in wanting your intended.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be comfortable advertising my lust in a roomful of strangers, even if you are the sexiest thing I’ve laid eyes on in Your Majesty life,” Auslin replied with a laugh. “Are you sure I can’t wear my amulet so they can’t smell me?”
“We have nothing to hide.” Kitaro’s eyes were full of hunger. “As amazing as you look in that, I am presently more inclined to see it decorating our floor for the time being.”
Auslin playfully shoved at Kitaro’s shoulder. “Don’t tempt me. Your father won’t appreciate us being late for that reason.”
“I fully expect my father to be late.” Kitaro leaned in to kiss Auslin’s claiming mark.
It was an odd comment when Tatsuki was always extremely punctual. “Why’s that?”
“Arenthia is supposedly here to attend the ceremony,” Kitaro said. “It would be most unlike Father to have her here without trying to conquest her first.”
“Wait,Arenthiais going to be at this?” Auslin asked in shock. “As in the War Power Arenthia? As in Kizoshi’s mother Arenthia?”
Kitaro couldn’t hold back his grin. “This is primarily a celebration of our victory at war, which is Arenthia’s domain. She always has a direct hand in Father’s dealings with such matters.”
Because Arenthia had already moved to the Beyond Realm in Auslin’s time, it never occurred to him that the legendary War Power of the past would be in attendance. “That’s kind of terrifying.” She was a fearsome figure from all the legends he had heard about her, plus her involvement in the death of Kitaro’s mother still didn’t sit right with him. “Doesn’t it bother you she’ll be there?”
Kitaro shrugged. “Under the circumstances, I suspect she will be most agreeable today. You have nothing to fear from her. I am quite certain Kizoshi set her terms with her mother prior to coming today.”
“If you say so.”
Kitaro kissed up Auslin’s neck. “I would be more than happy to distract you from such thoughts.”
“I’m sure.” Auslin tilted his head to give Kitarobetter access.
Kitaro had almost persuaded Auslin to give in when there was another knock on the door. “Yes?” Kitaro called out. There was the slightest hint of irritation in his tone over being interrupted.
