Page 53 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
Tatsuki and Kitaro both angrily exclaimed Mitsuki’s name in disapproval.
“He is no whore,” Kitaro heatedly denied.
“Let us see if you can still say that by the end of the week, little brother,” Mitsuki patronizingly challenged him.
“You continue to disappoint us,” Tatsuki coldly told his eldest son. “Remove yourself from our presence at once.”
“With pleasure.” Mitsuki slammed his hands onthe table and noisily pushed back his chair to stand, causing Auslin to startle at the loud noise. “I would rather not watch the two of you debase yourself and embarrass our clan further with a worthless human.”
Tatsuki backhanded him hard, sending the proud shifter to the floor. “Do not continue trying our patience, Mitsuki. You will not like the consequences.”
Mitsuki stood up with a venomous glare aimed at Auslin. He returned his attention to his father. “You should be more concerned about the consequences of leaving your naïve son with that disgusting disaster waiting to happen.”
It baffled Auslin when the dragon monarch hummed with interest. “We dare say you protest too much, son. Perhaps you are more uneasy with such temptation than you lead us to believe.”
Mitsuki’s expression was scandalized. “As if I wouldeverlower myself to such a base level.”
“Not even you are immune tothat,” Tatsuki cryptically told him. “Unless your sense of smell has considerably weakened.”
“I am not the one you need to worry about fuckinghim,” Mitsuki snarled while pointing at Auslin. “Unlikesomepeople,Iknow how to control myself.”
“Since when?” Tatsuki smirked at his eldest. “Your reputation implies otherwise, son.”
“I would rather never fuck again, thanks,” Mitsuki angrily growled.
“That would be our preference as well. Your lusthas caused far too many problems over these long years.”
“Oh, and like yours has not?” Mitsuki’s facetious retort earned him a snarl from his father. “At least mine has not started wars.” With that said, Mitsuki stormed out of the room.
The exchange mystified Auslin. He wished the world would open and swallow him whole.
“Impudent little shit,” Tatsuki growled, returning to his seat. “We apologize, Vanra. Mitsuki’s behavior continues to be unacceptable.”
Still shell-shocked, Auslin could only reflexively apologize. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to cause problems.”
“Our eldest son was an asshole long before you came into this world,” Tatsuki reassured him. “Do not let it trouble you.”
Auslin nodded but said nothing.
Kitaro scowled. “I would talk to him if I thought it would have any other outcome than coming to blows.”
“We will beat some sense into him yet,” Tatsuki swore.
“Do not take his words to heart,” Kitaro said to Auslin.
There was nothing the human could say. He hated being a source of family strife. Some things Mitsuki said confused him, but he was too embarrassed to ask in front of Tatsuki.
The food finally arrived, which was a welcomed distraction for Auslin, although the fighting had puthim off his appetite. However, the beautiful array tempted him into eating because it was easier than talking.
“Have you sought the Enchanters?” Tatsuki asked Kitaro.
“Uncle Jaega suggested it, but I have not done so yet. In truth, I did not think it would be necessary.”
“You should think again.” Tatsuki glanced over at Auslin before returning to focus on his son. “Things will only escalate from here otherwise.”
Kitaro frowned. “I fear you are correct, Father. I shall do so this afternoon.”
“It is for the best,” Tatsuki agreed, “although it is such a shame to suppress such a beautiful thing.”
