Page 45 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“Ah.” Auslin closed the book and slid it back on the shelf. “It’s only been the two of us after our mother died, so it’s upsetting thinking of him being all alone without understanding why I’ve disappeared.”
“Kitaro explained your situation to me. I am sorry this has happened to you.”
Auslin bowed his head. “I appreciate that. Kitaro and your father are doing what they can to help me get home, for which I am most thankful. I’m trying to stay patient, but it’s hard. If I could at least send a letter to my brother somehow and let him know I’m okay and trying to get home, maybe I wouldn’t feel so awful.”
“Have you tried? We have couriers.”
“Somehow, I don’t think writing a letter and throwing it through Fate’s Gate is going to reach him in the future.”
Kisano’s expression turned sheepish. “Right. I forgot about the future part. But it still might be worth a try.” Kisano flushed deeply. “I apologize. I should not have spoken so out of turn. Pleaseforgive me.”
Auslin reassured him with a warm smile. “There’s nothing to forgive. I’m the one who should apologize to you. We’ve only just met, and I’ve already unnecessarily burdened you with my problems.”
“No, I can understand why you would be upset over being forcibly parted from such a wonderful younger brother. I cannot imagine what I would do in your position, so far from your time.”
“I would have been completely lost if I hadn’t met Kitaro,” Auslin confessed. “Without his kindness and understanding, I don’t know what I would have done.”
“It is fortunate for you that you met him and not our oldest brother.”
That drew a laugh from Auslin. “You’re not wrong. I’ve only met Mitsuki once, and that was more than enough. He terrifies me.”
“I feel the same way,” Kisano confessed. “Thankfully, he has not stepped foot in this library in centuries. I am rarely directly subjected to his hatred of me.”
Auslin scowled. “One more reason for me to not like him. I’ve known you only a short time, and I can already tell you’re a better person than he will ever be.”
Kisano’s blush returned. “I—I am not sure I would go that far. Despite his personal flaws, he is a fearsome warrior.”
“That doesn’t make him a good person. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have an ounce of decency in his wholebody from everything that I’ve heard. I certainly wouldn’t trust anyone who hated you.”
“You are very kind, but I understand why Mitsuki finds me so objectionable.”
“If he’s too stupid to understand that being intelligent is as much a strength as being able to swing a sword, then he’s an even bigger fool than I thought.” Auslin shook his head with disapproval. “Who cares if he’s a better fighter? You best him at everything else. That’s probably why he hates you, because he knows he’ll never be able to compare to you.”
Kisano looked questioningly at Auslin. “Do you mean that?”
“I do. I’ve met his kind many times before. Under that infuriating superiority is almost always a raging inferiority complex.”
“What an intriguing concept.” Kisano bowed his head. “I thank you for your kind words. I really do not deserve them.”
“You absolutely do,” Auslin insisted. “I mean that with complete sincerity.”
“Thank you.”
“Would it be okay if I came here sometimes?” Auslin asked hopefully. “I’d love to come back and get to know you better.”
Kisano stumbled over his words. “You…you would like to get to knowme?”
“Very much so. It looks like I’m destinedto be here for some time, so it would be nice to have another friend.”
“I have never had friends, other than Kitaro and Kizoshi.”
Auslin took one of the shifter’s pale hands in his and gave it a squeeze. “You do now.”
Kisano squeezed his hand back. “You are welcome to come here anytime you would like.”
“Thank you. It means a lot that you are willing to share your space with me.”
Before Kisano could reply, the door opening interrupted them. His expression brightened as he gestured for Auslin to follow him to the main area. “Welcome,” Kisano greeted his younger brother with a smile.
