Page 43 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“Apparently, people can change.” Tatsuki shrugged. “If I can learn to tolerate and grow fond of a human, anything is clearly possible.”
Fersen was waiting for Jaega in their room when the general returned. After losing his first mate, Caprina, Jaega thought he would never love again. But Fersen had unexpectedly come into his life recently and changed everything.
“How did it go with the Enchanters?” Jaega asked as they settled into their sitting room. He pulled his new mate into his lap to embrace.
“They’ve been so kind to me. I feel like I’ve already learned so much, although it has only been a few days.” Excited energy passed through their mating bond. “I was worried about whether I could find my place here after living alone in the forest forso long. But it feels right to be with them and with you.”
Jaega hugged his mate tighter. “I am relieved you are finding Tiora to be a welcoming new home.”
“How did it go with training the human mage?” Fersen asked.
“He is beyond surprising. I could not for the life of me understand what made my brother accept one as clan when he despises humans and mages alike. But Vanra is no ordinary person.” Jaega held his hand out to show his mate what Vanra had accomplished. “He can do even the most impossible of things.”
“Wait, did he—” Fersen cut himself off as he took Jaega’s hand in his to examine it closer. “How is it possible that ahumanhealed an injury caused by a Divine weapon? That’s impossible!”
Jaega flexed his hand as Fersen continued exploring the newly smooth skin. “I cannot explain it, but he did it as if it was nothing. For one so powerful, you would expect him to be as arrogant and unpleasant as Mitsuki, with an oversized ego to match. But Vanra is the kindest and most unassuming human I have ever met. You would like him.”
Fersen made an uncertain noise. “I’m not so sure. All my experiences with humans have been unpleasant. On the rare occasions I would go into town, they would taunt me for looking so different.”
Jaega brushed the hair from Fersen’s eyes, which changed colors every time he blinked. “It is a pity theywere ignorant of your true beauty. But I can promise you that Vanra is nothing like those awful humans.”
“What makes you so sure after a single session with him? Perhaps he was hiding his true nature.”
“You will see when you meet him. He is all things kindness and good. It is truly remarkable. I thought training him would be an arduous chore my brother saddled me with, but I am looking forward to working more with Vanra. Once he progresses, I think it would behoove him to work with you to improve his magic.”
Fersen’s jaw dropped. “You want him to work withme?”
“I do. It would benefit you both.” Jaega rubbed his mate’s back in reassurance. “But we are some ways from that. What do you say to enjoying a bath together? Between training Vanra and Kitaro, I seem to have worked up quite a sweat.”
“I will never say no to that.” Fersen laughed and held on tight as his mate carried him. “Especially since we’re bound to get dirtier before we get clean.”
Jaega chuckled as he walked them to the bathroom. “You already know me so well, my beloved mate.”
Chapter 20
Auslin
Even after resting, Auslin felt drained after using so much of his power the day before. Kitaro was kind enough to let the human rest, so he headed to the library while the shifter prince was with his father.
Kitaro had told Auslin where it was, but he got hopelessly lost in the maze of the sprawling castle. Although it was embarrassing, he had no choice but to ask someone to show him the way. While the servant seemed gratified to help, Auslin still felt bad. He thanked the servant when they reached their destination, who bowed in acknowledgment before leaving.
Unsure of the protocol, Auslin knocked before entering. The sight of books that went farther than the eye could see awed him. It was a cavernous room, with vaulted arches several stories in the air.
Everywhere he looked were floor-to-ceiling books.He breathed in the scent of old paper and ancient wisdom as he walked into the enormous space.
As eager as he was to lose himself in the shelves, he didn’t want to explore without permission. He hesitantly called out, “Hello?” He immediately winced at how loud it sounded in the silent library. With a whispered apology, he took a few more steps to see if he could catch sight of anyone.
After a few moments, he could sense someone on his left. A pair of yellow eyes peeked out from behind a bookshelf to watch him.
Auslin gently reached out with his aura to show he came in peace. “Hi, I’m Vanra. Is it okay for me to be here?”
The shifter blinked in response but said nothing.
“Kitaro told me I could come here, but I can go if it’s a problem,” Auslin offered, although he really hoped he didn’t have to leave such a beautiful place so soon. “I don’t want to intrude if it bothers you.”
“You are the human Kitaro is watching after?”
“I am. Are you Prince Kisano?”
