40. Maseo

Chapter 40

Maseo

" H ow many times do I have to tell you that you're too pretty to look this glum?" A comely server set an ale in front of Maseo, who felt as miserable as he looked. Elzbieta's lighthearted teasing was a rare bright spot. "What's wrong?"

He took a drink before answering. "I have a bad feeling something is about to happen."

"Well, let me tell you a little secret." She leaned over to conspiratorially whisper, "That beer is laced with a powerful magic, which will turn any bad thing into something good."

If only it were that easy. Maseo knew it was impossible, but her teasing still drew a laugh from him. "If you can work that kind of magic, you're wasting your considerable talents in this tavern."

A patron at another table flagged her down. "Looks like duty calls," Elzbieta said. "I'll be back soon to check on you, honey." Her overly familiar way of addressing Maseo was so foreign to him. He knew she was just doing her job, but he had so few people who cared about him, he would take what he could get.

"What am I doing here?" Maseo sighed as he took another long swig of his ale. His instincts were rarely wrong. When his gut warned him that his asshole father was planning something nefarious, Maseo had hightailed it to Alsari, the kingdom the farthest east from Kunushi. He would have preferred to go to Valzerna, but it was too risky.

Visiting there would open him to the possibility of running into his bastard ex or, worse, his father's violent wrath. Nasume had been in love with King Kitsuki Ariake longer than Maseo had been alive. If he found out Maseo had one of his chance encounters with the king of Valzerna, he might follow through on his regular threats about ending Maseo's worthless existence. There were some dark nights when he almost wished his father would stop talking about it and just put him out of his misery. He really wasn't sure what he was living for, other than more heartache.

He hadn't run into Kitsuki in almost two years. Once Maseo broke up with Kio, the shifter king had disappeared from his life. Although he was nothing to Kitsuki, his absence still pained Maseo. Kitsuki was everything Nasume wasn't: a good ruler, a kind person, and he tolerated Maseo during their interactions.

Maseo could never make sense of it. Kitsuki hated his half brother with a fiery passion, but he never took that rage out on Maseo. He had even saved him on several occasions, which filled Maseo with complicated emotions. The dragon shifter would probably find his fond feelings for the ruler laughable at best, offensive at worst. After all, Maseo had nothing to offer anyone, let alone someone as magnificent as Kitsuki.

It was a testament to how fucked-up Maseo was that he also missed Auslin, the human mage Kio strayed from to be with Maseo. They should have been adversaries because Kio played them both for fools with his cheating. But Maseo couldn't bring himself to hate someone who was so gentle. Auslin had shown Maseo a kindness he didn't deserve. But he had also disappeared two years ago.

Maseo knew it was weird to miss two people who probably couldn't stand the fact he existed. But Maseo had never been normal. He sipped his ale, then held his pendant in his hand. It was the only thing he had left from his mother. The small orb had intricate filigree cutouts, allowing a small indigo light to glow through, which shifted between purple and blue.

His mother had said it was the magic of the Wish Power Mireya, which would grant him his heart's desire. It had failed enough that Maseo found it hard to believe in its magic, but he never gave up the hope it might work someday. He closed his eyes as he made a wish to Mireya for Elzbieta to have the magic to change his fortunes.

"You're a hard man to find, handsome." Maseo's eyes flew open to see an attractive raven shifter taking a seat across from him. He froze in fear. Was the man one of his father's new cronies? "I've been looking all over Talwyn for you, Maseo."

Questions about why were on the tip of his tongue, but Maseo's need to flee before disaster struck was stronger. He got up to leave, but the raven shifter pointed back at his chair. "Sit." He said it with such authority Maseo's body responded automatically by doing as commanded. "You have no reason to fear me. I come in peace and bearing gifts."

"Bullshit. If you work for my father, then you're?—"

The man held his hand up to interrupt Maseo. "Full offense to your father, but I would never work for such a lousy excuse for a king." He gave an indignant sniff. "No, I work for someone much more important and deserving."

The urge to flee was still strong. Maseo's voice trembled as he asked, "Who are you?"

"My name is Rylan Norkon. I was tasked with delivering this to you, no matter what it took to find you." A dark blue velvet pouch tied with silver strings appeared in his hand through magic.

It was all very impressive, but Maseo remained suspicious. "Who sent you?"

"I suspect what's inside this will answer any questions you have." He gestured at Maseo to take it. "Here."

Maseo watched the man warily before accepting it. To his shock, the bag was heavy with a considerable amount of coins. It felt like enough to tide him over for months without having to pick up the odd job here and there during his travels.

He loosened the strings on the pouch, then pulled out an envelope. It was addressed to him, but he didn't recognize the elegant handwriting. He turned it over and about fell out of his chair when he saw the Ariake dragon clan wax seal. It made the money more confusing. Why would anyone in the Ariake clan want to give Maseo money, let alone so much of it?

"You work for the Ariake clan?" Maseo asked in disbelief.

"I'm a lieutenant in General Jaega Ariake's army." He tilted his head in lieu of a formal bow. "At your service."

Why would Kitsuki's army general want anything to do with Maseo, let alone giving him a generous amount of money? Since Rylan wasn't offering any further details, Maseo broke the seal with a trembling hand. He pulled out the letter. Everything came screeching to a halt when he saw Kitsuki's signature. What could the king of Valzerna possibly want with him?

Maseo took a steadying breath before he read the letter.

I am aware this letter will rightfully be met with skepticism, but I have reason to be concerned about your father attacking you. I regret to inform you that his jealousy regarding me now poses a dangerous risk to you, through no fault of your own. For your own safety, please take care to avoid traveling to Kunushi and Reflorna for the time being.

That was hardly news to Maseo, nor was it a hardship to obey. He hadn't gone back to Kunushi in years, and he'd never step foot in Reflorna while his father's cruel cousin ruled it with an iron fist. That was the fastest way for Maseo to end up with a new permanent residence in the Beyond Realm.

Maseo continued reading.

While I cannot offer you protection in person, I have enclosed this ring for you to wear. It has been enchanted with my magic to form a protective barrier around you that only a Divine weapon can break. Any normal weapons or magic are powerless against it, so long as you wear the ring.

The half-wolf shifter blinked in disbelief. Kitsuki was sending him protective jewelry? Maseo reached into the bag, feeling around until his fingers found what he was looking for. He wasn't sure what to expect when he pulled out a smaller blue pouch, but it definitely wasn't a ring in the shape of a dragon protectively wrapped around a sparkling diamond.

"What the fuck?" Maseo could only stare at it with a million questions. He looked up at Rylan. "Do you know about any of this?"

"No, I was a good boy and didn't peek." Rylan laughed at his own joke. "What I can tell you is that His Majesty acted as if this was a life-or-death mission of the highest importance to him. He seemed genuinely distressed. It was most unusual since I have never seen him be anything other than in complete control of his emotions."

Maseo needed answers. He finished the letter, hoping to find some contained within it.

You will perhaps find it difficult to believe, but it would sadden me if something happened to you because of a misunderstanding with your father. Please be careful. This message and ring are not meant to disturb you. Instead, it is an expression of my genuine desire to keep you safe from a distance. You do not deserve to face your father's wrath. You never have.

Be well,

Kitsuki

Tears welled up in Maseo's eyes. He couldn't stop reading the lines, "You do not deserve to face your father's wrath. You never have." When the world had beaten Maseo down to where he believed he deserved Nasume and Kio's abuse, they were shocking words to see, especially when Maseo knew without a doubt that Kitsuki was too honorable to lie.

Somehow, the dragon king, who had every reason to hate Maseo, thought he deserved better in life. What had happened in the almost two years since he last saw Kitsuki? Where was this sudden concern for his well-being coming from? And why did it fill Maseo's heart with ineffable joy?

Maseo slid the ring over the fourth finger on his right hand. The diamond in the center flared to life, shining brightly with Kitsuki's distinctive silver dragon fire flickering inside the stone. Although Maseo couldn't use magic, he felt it wash over him. In contrast to Kitsuki's reputation as the Ice King, his magic was warm— so warm —settling over him like a comforting blanket.

Maseo closed his eyes as the sensation washed over him. He swore he felt Kitsuki's larger body embracing him from behind. Never in his life had he ever felt so safe, loved, and wanted. Was it his imagination, or could he hear the dragon king possessively whispering, " Mine ," in his ear? Either way, it sent a shiver racing down his spine, where it pooled in the warm pit of his stomach.

He expected the wonderful feeling to disappear, but no, he could still feel Kitsuki's magic wrapping him up in its protective hug. Maseo didn't understand why Kitsuki felt guilty enough to send him such an extraordinary gift, but he thanked every Power in the Divine Realm for the sudden change in good fortune. He knew it would never last because his life was a shit show of epic proportions, but he never wanted to stop basking in the glory of Kitsuki's protective magic. It was no wonder his father was obsessed with the dragon king.

"I think the better question is, who are you ?" Rylan asked with a hum of interest.

Maseo jumped. He had been so lost in feeling Kitsuki he had forgotten the messenger was still sitting across from him. "I'm nobody."

"Respectfully, I call bullshit," Rylan said with a laugh. "His Majesty is not in the habit of giving away jewelry to just anyone. You must be someone special to him, which is surprising when you are a half-wolf shifter. Our king is not fond of your kind because of your father's legendarily terrible behavior."

Maseo rubbed his thumb over the dragon fire stone. It was hot to the touch as the flames inside it flickered and danced. "I'm not special, especially to him, of all people. Or at least I didn't think I was." He couldn't make heads or tails of it. "I don't understand this at all. What did he tell you?"

"Not a damn thing. His Majesty is a man of few words. Speaking of which." He pulled out a small sheet of paper and a self-inking quill. "I would appreciate it if you replied to him and gave me something of yours so I can prove I found you."

What could Maseo possibly say in the face of such a generous gift? A mere thank-you wasn't enough. But what words would suffice? He took a moment to consider before writing a reply.

Your Majesty,

I humbly thank you for your generous gifts. I'm not sure what I did to deserve them, but I am eternally grateful for your protection. Your warning about my father is well taken, and your kind words imprinted on my heart.

Maseo hesitated before continuing. He wasn't sure how forward he should be. The last thing he wanted to do was make Kitsuki regret giving him the ring. At the same time, what did he have to lose?

He resumed writing.

Perhaps this will come as a surprise, but my sole regret about leaving Kio is not being able to see you again. I know our paths cannot cross right now because of my bastard father, but it does not stop me from wishing we could reunite at a time when I could speak freely with you.

If I may be forgiven for being so forward, being under your protection fills my heart with gratitude, love, and admiration for you. To imagine I matter even the slightest bit to you after the circumstances we met under is a privilege I never expected to have. It is rare for me to experience joy, but you have touched my heart in unspeakable ways that make me a better person.

Thank you for giving me the grace of seeing me as something more than Nasume's bastard son and Kio's disgusting indiscretion. I selfishly wish I knew what I was to you, but it is enough for now to know you care about me at all.

As proof that Lieutenant Norkon found the real me, I am entrusting you with the sole relic I have left of my dear mother. Her wish pendant is the only thing I treasure more than the ring you gave me. I would not trust it with anyone but you. Please take good care of it until our paths cross again.

If my father was even a tenth of the king you are, Kunushi would not be in such dire straits. I will pray to the Powers that we may meet under better circumstances someday soon. I look forward to you returning my mother's necklace then.

With affection and sincere gratitude,

Maseo

The half-wolf shifter had probably said too much in his letter, but he didn't regret it. Even if he never saw the dragon shifter again, at least he had the consolation of knowing he would always carry a part of Kitsuki with him everywhere he went now. His father would murder him out of jealousy if he ever found out, but it would be worth it.

Maseo's hands shook as he took off his mother's necklace he had worn his entire life. It was the only proof Maseo could offer Kitsuki that his letter and gratitude were genuine. Selfishly, he hoped giving Kitsuki the necklace could ensure a meeting with him in the future, even if he had to wait until after Nasume passed to the Beyond Realm. The fact that Maseo trusted Kitsuki with it was a testament to his high regard for the king. He would likely never see it again, but it was a sacrifice worthy of the protective ring gifted to him.

Maseo made one last wish on the pendant. I wish I could have a place in King Kitsuki's and Auslin's lives. While it would be the ultimate fuck-you to Kio, Maseo wanted that happily ever after fate with them for deeper reasons. Not only were they the only two people who had shown him an ounce of kindness, but Kio had abused all of them in different ways. It would serve the asshole right to end up alone while they found happiness with each other without him. If you can only grant one wish for the rest of my life, let it be that one, Mother. It's the only chance I'll ever have of finding happiness.

It was na?ve to wish for happiness when life had repeatedly shown Maseo he didn't deserve it. But his heart still longed for it all the same. He wasn't arrogant enough to believe he had a chance at finding love with them.

Maseo kissed the small orb pendant, which glowed with the magic of the Wish Power Mireya. He put it in the smaller navy blue pouch with a silent prayer to be lucky enough to be reunited with it and Kitsuki someday. It pained Maseo to part with the only thing he had left of his mother, but he knew it had to be done. He handed the small pouch, paper, and quill to Rylan. "Please give that and this letter to His Majesty with my sincerest gratitude."

"And you have mine for giving me something of yours as more definitive proof I met you." The items disappeared in a swirl of Rylan's magic. "You have my word. I will deliver them to him without fail."

"Thank you." Maseo's heart overflowed with gratitude. It was rare for him to feel grateful for being alive, but knowing Kitsuki gave a damn about him was a good reason to keep surviving. He had to live so his wish to be with Kitsuki and Auslin could come true.