Page 47 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
Auslin couldn’t fault Kio. Without Auslin there, nothing was standing in Kio’s way of being with the half-wolf shifter. Why should Kio remain faithful during Auslin’s absence when he couldn’t even do it while the human was there with him? It should have been upsetting, but Auslin felt a numb sort of acceptance about everything.
Besides, there was a part of Auslin that had always felt like he was the interloper in Maseo’s relationship with Kio. It was almost a relief to not have to think of himself as the other person who was probably hurting the half-wolf shifter every time Kio strayed. Despite all the reasons Auslin had to hate Maseo, it was impossible to be angry with someone he knew was hurtingjust as much by Kio’s constant back and forth between them.
Neither King Kitsuki nor Kio can know the truth about where I am and who I’m staying with now. If Kio comes to bother you, tell him I went away and I don’t know when I’ll be back. He has my blessing to be with Maseo instead of waiting for me. We’re officially over. That news should hopefully please King Kitsuki.
Rereading his words gave Auslin closure to the end of their relationship. Maybe by giving Kio permission to be free meant Auslin finally could be, too.
He looked at Kitaro again, who was elegantly draped in the oversized black leather chair while reading a book. When their gazes met, Auslin got hot all over at being the center of Kitaro’s attention. It was further confirmation that the human was ready to be done with the shambles of his relationship with Kio. He was ready to find his own happiness that didn’t involve getting betrayed on a regular basis.
Auslin wrote his conclusion by telling Sephen how much he loved him and to take care of himself. After giving his letter a final read over, he had said everything he had needed to say to his brother in case it was the onlychance he ever got to send anything through time. He folded the paper and put it in an addressed envelope. It had a beautifully embossed silver foil dragon on the front.
“Finished?” Kitaro asked.
“Yes, thank you. Do you have a seal for the envelope?”
Kitaro set aside his book and walked over to the desk. He pulled out his sealing materials and created a shimmering silver seal that reminded Auslin of the shifter prince’s markings. There was a beautiful dragon in the seal imprint for the Ariake clan. “Shall we go now?”
“If it’s not too much trouble,” Auslin requested. Hopefully, the Ariake clan seal would lend authenticity to his letter to Sephen.
“It is never any trouble.” Kitaro’s warm smile made Auslin’s heart flutter. “Let us see if we can send word to your brother that you are safe and well taken care of now.”
Chapter 21
Auslin
“You seemed to enjoy your time with Kisano,” Kitaro commented as they made their way through the forest.
Auslin beamed with joy. “I did! He was so nice. I’d love to go back to talk with him some more.”
“You are welcome to do so. My brother does not enjoy the company of many people, but I suspect he would come to find spending time with you to be pleasurable. I certainly do.”
The latter comment made Auslin blush profusely. “I—I don’t know about that.”
Kitaro fondly looked down at the human. “I can confidently say my life has never been so interesting as when you are in it. I am sure Kisano will feel the same way in time.”
“Thanks.”
“You have my appreciation for your efforts to getto know my brother. It can have its challenges, but I think it is well worth it.”
“It makes Mitsuki being awful even more of a mystery, given how sweet Kisano was and how amazing you’ve been.”
Kitaro chuckled. “As I said, Mitsuki is the exception amongst us siblings.”
Auslin shuddered as he remembered Mitsuki’s rage from their last encounter. “The less time I have to spend around him, the better.”
“Given his dislike of you, I suspect you will not have many future interactions with him.”
“That’s fine by me.” Auslin would be perfectly happy if he never saw Mitsuki ever again. “Thank you for being nothing like him.”
Kitaro chuckled. “You are most welcome.”
They lapsed into a companionable silence as they continued walking under the thick canopy of trees above them. It made Auslin wonder about something Kitaro had said earlier. “Can I ask a question?”
“Always.”
“If I smell like sunlight filtering through the trees, does that mean I’m blending into the surroundings right now?”
Kitaro’s nose flared delicately. “No, you have a unique fragrance that stands apart. Nature pales in comparison.”
