Page 148 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“For your sake, I hope Mitsuki is wise enoughto listen.”
Kitaro hesitated before asking a question he wasn’t sure he wanted answered. “Is Father’s change of plans for me part of fate?”
“That is why you had to fight in the war. Everything is going according to fate’s plan.”
“Then why do I have an ominous feeling that something bad is waiting around the corner?” It had been plaguing him since fighting on the war front.
“All will be as it is meant to be.”
He frowned. “I do not know if that makes me feel better or worse.”
“Trust in your love for Vanra. You will have all you need.”
Kitaro wrapped her words protectively around his heart. “I hope you are right.”
She grinned at him. “When am I ever wrong?”
“Fair.”
“For what it is worth, I truly am happy for you claiming Vanra as your intended,” she said. “Vanra is a good man who will bring you happiness beyond your wildest dreams.”
That brought a smile to Kitaro’s face. “He has already given me so much. I can only hope I have given him even a fraction as much joy.”
“You have given him the gift of adoration and saved him from an unspeakable hell. His affection for you will be eternal, fear not. It will lead you to the greatest love of all.”
“How could it lead me to the greatest love of allwhen that is what Vanra is for me?” It didn’t make sense to Kitaro. But it brought a memory from many months ago to the forefront of his mind. “Does this have to do with Father’s claims that members of the Ariake clan are never satisfied with a single partner?”
“Would that be so bad?”
Kitaro hated it when Kizoshi answered his question with a more cryptic one. “I will never betray Vanra’s love for me by straying from him. I will never be like our philandering father in that regard.”
“Yes, you are too honorable for that,” Kizoshi agreed. But the victory felt too easy.
“What are you not telling me?”
She shrugged. “Love can find you in the most unexpected of ways.”
Kitaro got a sinking feeling in his stomach. “Are you implying that I will lose Vanra when he goes back in his time and fall in love with another?”
“Not at all. But love is a force greater than ourselves. If anyone deserves to be loved by many, it is you.”
Kitaro still felt uneasy. “It seems as if there is something you are not saying.”
“One day, we will have the talk you need about love in all its many forms.”
Kitaro’s brow furrowed. What wasthatsupposed to mean?
Chapter 77
Auslin
In the blink of an eye, it was the morning of Kitaro’s Coming of Heir ceremony and the celebratory banquet for the soldiers after the war. Auslin was as excited as he was nervous. He studied himself in the mirror, making sure every detail was perfect. His black pants were trimmed in silver, and his white tunic was decorated with ornate blue embroidery that reflected Kitaro’s coloring. Whereas wearing such luxurious clothing had embarrassed him when he first arrived, Auslin was proud to wear such a fine outfit now.
He reached up to touch the claiming mark on the left side of his neck and shoulder. It was clearly on display with the V-cut of the shirt and jacket he chose. He never thought it was possible to feel so happy and in love.
A knock at the door drew Auslinfrom his thoughts. “Come in!”
He had expected it to be a servant, but Kizoshi entered. She was in a resplendent purple dress that set off her amethyst eyes beautifully. Her fiery red hair was styled in an ornate updo, with brilliant jewels flashing every time they caught the light.
