Page 92 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
Vanra took Kitaro’s erection in hand. He teasingly stroked it as he offered, “I could?—”
Kitaro stopped his hand from continuing. “While I would love nothing more, I must visit Father now. We both know that he is not a patient man.”
“But I feel bad that you have to stop there.”
Kitaro stole a final kiss. “You can make it up to me later.”
Vanra stretched with a sexy moan. “Hurry back.”
Tearing himself away from Vanra was hell, but Kitaro had no choice. If his father demanded an immediate audience, he would have to deal with the scent of his youngest son’s sexual frustration.
Kitaro made quick time arriving at his father’s austere quarters. He bowed upon entering. “Welcome home, Father.”
“We have returned victorious,” Tatsuki proudly announced. He gestured for his son to join him by the roaring fireplace. “Those treacherous snake shifters never stood a chance at defeating us.”
“Congratulations on your successful campaign.”
“It was not merely a success but a triumph. Wewon with no loss of life on our side. Vanra’s strategy was of sound logic.”
Kitaro couldn’t wait to tell Vanra about the praise. “I am very glad to hear it. He will be pleased to know that it saved our soldiers.”
“He should be proud. As a result of our victory, we have decided to hold a banquet in celebration.”
Those were always popular with the warriors after a long campaign. “That sounds like a splendid idea. Your army will surely be grateful.”
“Has anything happened while we were away that we need to be apprised of?” Tatsuki asked.
Kitaro shook his head. “All was well.” It was better than that because of Mitsuki’s absence, but he neglected to mention that.
“Excellent.” Tatsuki steepled his fingers as he looked at his son. “Soon, you will begin making preparations for your own journey.”
The reminder made Kitaro’s stomach sink. He chose his words carefully. “What if Vanra were to stay in this time permanently?”
Tatsuki tilted his head in acknowledgment. “It may be the case that will come to pass. You will know more after your trip to Satsuma’s. Then, you can plan accordingly.”
“If Vanra wished to stay in this time, would it not be better for us to forego the arduous trip?” Kitaro fervently hoped he could get his father to agree to them not having to go.
Tatsuki’s answer was swift. “No, it is not allowed.”
Kitaro struggled with his disappointment. “Why?”
“Because the Fate Power is involved in Vanra’s arrival in our time. Sophina is a force far greater than us. Satsuma must be consulted on what is best. Therefore, you both will make the trip.”
Kitaro’s heart broke, but he tried to disguise it. There would be no way of getting around his father’s insistence that they make the long journey to visit the ancient and all-knowing owl shifter, Satsuma. “Understood.”
“Upon your return, we will plan based on Satsuma’s recommendation. Should it come to pass that Vanra is to stay here in this time permanently, he will continue to stay with us until the end of his days.”
The reminder of Vanra’s limited human lifespan heaped more pain onto Kitaro’s bruised heart. But he owed his father gratitude. “Your continued generosity toward Vanra is deeply appreciated.”
Tatsuki’s expression softened. “We are not unfeeling to your plight, son. Vanra continues to intrigue us as well. We would also prefer him to stay in this time, but if fate has bigger plans for him, it is not our place to interfere.”
Kitaro didn’t know which part of his father’s comment was the most surprising. He wasn’t sure how to respond, so he bowed his head respectfully and said nothing.
“You should be able to leave within the nextmonth,” Tatsuki continued. “The weather will still be cool, but it should not be too much for Vanra to handle.”
The younger shifter struggled to control his rising panic at the thought of losing Vanra so soon. He could barely make himself say, “Understood.”
“We will see that proper arrangements are made for you both,” Tatsuki told him. “All will be ready in time.”
