36. Kitaro

Chapter 36

Kitaro

" T his news of you fighting Mitsuki with Divine weapons troubles us," Tatsuki said with a frown.

Kitaro stood his ground. "He challenged me directly. On my honor as Vanra's guardian, I could not let it go. Not after what he did to Vanra last night."

"You are fortunate that he can heal an injury from a Divine weapon." Tatsuki sighed as he continued eating. "It pains us to admit that Mitsuki is right about anything, but he is correct that you must be careful with Vanra."

Kitaro didn't like the direction the conversation was heading. "Careful in what way?"

"We can see you growing fonder of him by the day."

He bristled at the implication. "I am his guardian. That is only natural. "

"While Mitsuki seems to be the sole exception, it is easy to see why one would grow fond of Vanra. We ourselves are not immune."

Kitaro's dragon rattled in his cage at the idea of Tatsuki being interested in Vanra, but Kitaro hushed him. "He is all things kindness and good."

"That is why you must be cautious. You are unexperienced in affairs of the heart. We do not wish to see you hurt."

A sinking dread formed in the pit of Kitaro's stomach. "Meaning?"

"Do not forget, you will go on a journey soon. If Satsuma declares Vanra must return, then you will lose him to the future."

While Kitaro logically understood that, hearing it said so bluntly pained his heart. "I am aware."

"The closer you grow, the more you will wish to claim him as bondmate. You cannot do that if fate has foretold his return to his era."

"We do not have to mate to be together," Kitaro said. "You have proved that by never mating any of your partners."

"The difference is, we do not desire to have a single mate. You are still na?ve and believe that only one person is enough for a member of the Ariake clan. That will lead to heartache if you try to resist your instincts."

"Respectfully, I disagree. One mate is all I need. I will not break my mate's heart by betraying their love."

"One day, you will understand why one is not enough for you." Tatsuki gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "But that is a matter for a different time. For now, temper your feelings for Vanra. If Satsuma declares he must return to his time, then it will only hurt you both to pursue whatever is growing between you. However, if she says he is to stay in this time, we will not stand in the way of your courtship."

It pained Kitaro that his father had a point. Indulging in their feelings would only lead to heartache for them both if centuries were to separate him from Vanra. "I will take that into consideration."

"Perhaps you can speak with Kizoshi about this during her next visit. She is sure to have some cryptic advice." Tatsuki chuckled. "Whatever she has to say will eventually make sense."

Kizoshi's visits were always random. But she had a knack for showing up when she was needed most. Kitaro could only hope she would come soon.

" I s everything okay?" Vanra asked when Kitaro returned to their room.

"All is well." Kitaro held out a bag to the human. "I had the servants pack you some pastries, in case you changed your mind about being hungry."

Vanra accepted them with a word of thanks, pulling one out to eat as they went to sit on the veranda overlooking the gardens below. "How mad was your father?"

"His ire is aimed solely at Mitsuki. He is not angry with you in the least. You have nothing to worry about from him."

"Then why did he want to talk to you?" Vanra ate his pastry.

Kitaro hesitated for a moment, but he owed the mage the truth. "He cautioned me against developing a deeper attachment to you and forming a mating bond because Satsuma may tell you how to return to your time. Being separated for centuries would be an even greater pain that would be tough to survive."

Color graced Vanra's cheeks in a becoming way. "But we could still be together without mating, right?"

"We could, although the temptation would be great. I fear I could never let you go if I had all of you, even if Satsuma decrees you must go back to your time."

The color on Vanra's cheeks deepened. "There are other things we could do, though. "

Kitaro's dragon stirred at what was being offered. "Indeed. But as much as I would love to indulge in you, Uncle Jaega is waiting to start your training."

Vanra took Kitaro by surprise when he stood up and gave the shifter prince a tender kiss. "To be continued."