Page 36 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
The apology made Auslin simultaneously feel better and worse at the same time. He could see the confusion on Kitaro’s face as his brows furrowed over the mixed reaction. “It’s a relief to hear that, honestly. But I didn’t mean to make you feel bad about it. I don’t want you to think you can’t tease me. I’ve—andmaybe I shouldn’t—but I’ve been enjoying the fun after so much strife in my life. I wasn’t prepared for…well,youknow.”
“I will be more considerate of your feelings in the future,” Kitaro promised.
Auslin flashed a wry grin. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since dragon shifters are known for being mischievous.”
Kitaro grinned. “We have been known to get ourselves into trouble from time to time.”
It made Auslin realize Kio was far more devious than mischievous. But he couldn’t picture Kitsuki being anything other than serious or sad. “I guess I’m not used to it because the two dragon shifters I know in my time aren’t the playful type.” Had Kitsuki ever been different?
“Then surely, they must be from my father’s side,” Kitaro concluded. “They have no need for being mischievous when being brutal is far more appealing.”
Auslin ran his fingers through his sweat-dampened hair. “Yeah, that pretty much sums it up perfectly. The only time my companion has fun is when he’s beating up an opponent.”
“Which happens fairly often, I assume?”
“Hereallydoesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.” Auslin ruefully shook his head. “But in truth, he’s usually badly defeated. Then I have to listen to him complain while I heal him after another vicious battle.”
“What about the other?”
It took a moment for Auslin to understand Kitaro was asking about Kitsuki. “He’s the one whose stance I tried to mimic the second time. He knows how to deliver devastating insults. There is no one that can best him in a fight—although that doesn’t stop my companion from trying repeatedly and getting defeated every time. I honestly don’t know much about him personally, but I get the feeling he’s never had a mischievous day in his life.”
“And that makes you sad?”
Auslin made an indecisive noise. “He has an ice-cold exterior of indifference to everything, but sometimes I see the hurt behind that façade. I can’t help but feel for him despite everything.”
“Despite everything?”
A nervous laugh escaped Auslin. “He abhors my companion, and as a result, he despises me. Or used to despise me. Or maybe he still does? I don’t really know.” Auslin sighed in frustration at how badly he was explaining the situation. “He’s tried to kill me before, but he’s also saved me from being killed by others. It’s complicated, but I can’t figure out why. I don’t think I’ll ever know. He’s not a talker or known for being open to talk about himself and his feelings despite my best efforts.”
Kitaro blinked in disbelief. “Am I to understand that this dragon shifter has tried to murder you in thepast, and your response was to try getting to know him?”
“The thing is, he’s a powerful shifter who could kill me in a blink of an eye, but hedidn’t,” Auslin explained. “He just looked sohurt—then and whenever he’s saved me. I guess part of me wants to help heal that pain. I get the feeling he’s not been shown a lot of love in his life. It makes me sad that he’s silently suffering alone. I want to be there for him.”
“You continue to astound me with the kindness of your heart,” Kitaro said with a shake of his head. “It is unfortunate he is not wise enough to let your goodness reach him.”
“Sometimes I think I’ve made some progress,” Auslin replied, but it made him realize that disappearing for so long was probably going to undo some of it. He couldn’t stop seeing those haunted blue eyes in his mind. “I know it’s stupid to be worried about him, but…”
“If anyone could reach such a person, it would be you.”
“Maybe.” Auslin lost himself in thoughts of whether Kitsuki would care that he was gone. Why did it seem to matter so much?
“Let us call it a day on today’s lesson.” Kitaro held his hand out for Auslin’s practice sword. “You did an excellent job of getting the basics down.”
Auslin handed over his weapon. “I’ll try not to be so distracted nexttime.”
“Think nothing of it. Shall we eat?”
As much as Auslin was in love with the food at the castle, he was soaked in sweat from his efforts. “I’d rather get a bath first, if that’s okay?”
“That sounds like a fine idea.” Kitaro must have sensed Auslin’s spike in anxiety, so he said, “I will let you do that while I check in with Father about your progress.”
An intense relief washed over Auslin that he wouldn’t have to bathe with Kitaro after so much teasing.
The tension disappeared from Auslin’s body as he sank into the welcoming warm water. His muscles were sore from the unfamiliar fighting, so it felt like heaven to soak in the heated bath.
It also was a relief to have some privacy, especially after such a confusing training session. He couldn’t forgive his body’s betrayal of him during Kitaro’s teasing. Nor could he forget how the shifter prince’s body had pressed against his in a tight embrace. The memory of Kitaro’s claws teasingly trailing over his skin sent a flare of arousal through Auslin that he had no right to feel.
While Kio had no qualms about stepping out of their relationship to be with Maseo, Auslin prided himself on his loyalty. He would not sink to such actions.
