69. Kitsuki

Chapter 69

Kitsuki

T he next day, Auslin returned to the temple with Kitsuki, fully intending to talk to Eldin to get his final closure. Unfortunately, Auslin was immediately called away to help heal some people who had arrived in desperate need of his abilities. Kitsuki took the opportunity to seek out Eldin. An acolyte showed Kitsuki to the mage's room.

Eldin granted Kitsuki entrance, but he defiantly glared up at the shifter monarch. "Are you here to punish me for yesterday?"

"No, but I am here to talk about it," Kitsuki replied.

"What's there to discuss?" Eldin sullenly asked. The stench of his misery filled the small space. "I love Auslin. Auslin loves you. You're mates. There's no place for me in that relationship."

"I am pleased to see you understand." Eldin bristled but said nothing. Kitsuki continued. "I will never give up Auslin for anything. My entire existence is dedicated to ensuring his happiness. I love him with all that I am."

Eldin scowled. "Why are you rubbing it in?"

"I am doing no such thing," Kitsuki denied. "I am merely reassuring you I am not the same fool as Kio. There will never be anyone else for me other than Auslin. I hope it brings you some small measure of comfort to know Auslin will truly be happy and loved. He will never again be made to feel unloved or unworthy of being loved the way he deserves."

Eldin continued to struggle. "Of course I want that for Auslin, but I want to be the one to give that to him."

"I am here to request you not make Auslin feel bad for making his choice."

"Shouldn't you be asking me to give up my feelings of love for Auslin?" Eldin crossed his arms over his chest with a defiant glare.

Kitsuki was silent for a moment as he tried to find the right words. "I more than anyone understand all too well how impossible it is to make yourself stop loving Auslin. I could not do so, and thus, I have no right to ask you to do such a thing. Please do not pursue your selfish feelings and make Auslin feel even worse for having to turn you down again."

Eldin frowned as he studied Kitsuki. "Why aren't you threatening me? If you truly loved Auslin, you would be ripping me apart for daring to kiss and covet what is yours."

"I love Auslin enough to prioritize his feelings over my need for vengeance, which should tell you everything you need to know about how I feel about my mate," Kitsuki answered. His dragon fully supported Eldin's plan, though. He wanted to destroy the mage, but Kitsuki would not allow it. They would not make Auslin suffer that sadness.

Eldin stared down at the floor as he struggled with his feelings.

A knock interrupted them before Auslin burst into the room, looking between the two men with a worried expression. "Is everything okay?" Auslin asked in concern.

Although it took all Kitsuki's willpower, he knew it was the right thing to do. "I will wait outside for you. Please do not forget about our lunch with King Kehnon." With those words, Kitsuki walked out of the room, praying he wasn't making a mistake by leaving the two men alone.