Page 93 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“Thank you, Father. As always, I appreciate your assistance and guidance in all matters.”
“We hope for your sake that Satsuma says Vanra is to stay here,” Tatsuki said. “However, you must prepare yourself for the possibility that she may not.”
The possibility of her saying he had to return to his era made it hard to breathe. Kitaro could only nod.
“You must think about what you will do should she say Vanra must go home. You cannot follow him through the monument.”
“I fear being sent to a different time than him too much to risk trying my luck with Fate’s Gate.”
Tatsuki’s expression turned sympathetic. “We do not say these things to be unkind, son. We merely wish for you to be prepared for all possibilities.”
It was a rare show of softness from his father. “Your concern is appreciated.”
“We know you will do what you must when the time comes.”
“Indeed.” Kitaro didn’t know how he would everprepare his heart for losing Vanra to the future. Although they would hopefully be reunited, the idea of waiting an unknown number of years without him was enough to make his dragon roar in agony. He wished not for the first time that Vanra would tell him the specific year he was from, but the human mage had insisted it would put too many things at risk for them. Kitaro had no choice but to agree.
“You would be wise to counsel Vanra on these matters as well,” Tatsuki suggested. “If you struggle with these issues, it is highly likely that he is the same.”
Kitaro nodded in agreement. “I shall be sure to do so.”
“Good.”
“Is there anything else, Father?” Kitaro needed some time to process his feelings before returning to Vanra’s side.
Tatsuki shook his head. “No, there will be nothing further for now, son. Go forth and be well.”
Kitaro stood up and bowed deeply. “I appreciate your wisdom, Father. Thank you for your time and continued guidance.”
The shifter monarch smiled fondly at his youngest son. “We are grateful that out of all our children, you have always been the one who seems to value our words the most.”
“You will always have my utmost respect, Father,”Kitaro promised. “Mitsuki, if nothing else, has set a good example of what not to do.”
Tatsuki’s lips quirked up in amusement. “Yes, our eldest has a terrible predilection for not listening to us. Mitsuki would be wise to learn from you.”
“We both know he will never do that willingly,” Kitaro joked.
“Alas.” Tatsuki waved his hand. “Thank you for the warm welcome home, son. You are dismissed. Go be with your ward.”
Chapter 45
Auslin
While Auslin waited for Kitaro’s return, he read a book he had borrowed from Kisano’s library. He lost himself in the story, so it came as a surprise when the doors opened, and Kitaro returned in a dark mood.
Auslin set his book aside. “Oh, no. What happened?”
Kitaro sat beside him on the bed. “My father’s campaign was successful. There will be a banquet in a few days to celebrate their victory.”
Based on the shifter’s mood, Auslin feared for the worst. “Were there a lot of casualties?”
He shook his head. “No, there was no loss of life on our side. Father is most pleased your suggestion to wait until winter to attack worked out to our advantage.”
“That’s such a relief to hear.” Auslin had worriedabout what would happen if his idea had backfired somehow. “If that’s the case, why are you so upset?”
Kitaro glanced away from Auslin. “Father informed me we are to prepare for our journey to Satsuma’s.”
“But I don’t want to go back to my time!” Auslin protested. “Why even bother making the trip if I’m just going to stay here?”
