47. Auslin

Chapter 47

Auslin

D espite his initial apprehension, Auslin had enjoyed the lively banquet so far. There were lots of curious looks aimed his way from the military members, but aside from Nasume and Mitsuki, no one else seemed disgusted by him. A few brave soldiers had nervously introduced themselves to Auslin, which was touching. The food was even more delicious than normal, and despite Nasume's disconcerting presence, Auslin was still having fun.

He had a hard time looking away from Kizoshi, who was surrounded by fawning admirers that seemed to anger Nasume and Mitsuki, who both kept aiming death glares her way, which made her giggle behind her hand. It never failed to make them angrier.

Their brief interaction had been overwhelming, but Kitaro was right. There was something intriguing about her that made Auslin want to know more about her mysteries. He couldn't wait to find out what she wanted to talk to him about later.

All had been going well until Nasume stood up and tapped his glass several times to get everyone's attention. "To our honored King Tatsuki Ariake, all of his brave soldiers who fought valiantly, and the venerated guests here, I raise a toast in celebration of the continued victories and triumphs of Valzerna."

There was a round of applause, with some cheering from the warriors.

Nasume flashed a winning smile. "Tonight is about being in good spirits as we congratulate King Tatsuki and his formidable army on their impressive success."

More applause and cheers responded to Nasume's words. The wolf shifter was clearly enjoying being the center of attention. "For those of you who do not have the pleasure of knowing me, I am Prince Nasume Venrik of Kunushi. My kingdom has enjoyed the privilege of being longtime allies with Valzerna. That is why I propose to unite our kingdoms even closer with an engagement between Prince Kitaro and myself."

The crowd reacted positively, but Auslin's heart dropped at the idea of Kitaro getting engaged to Nasume. His good mood quickly turned dark. He could feel Kitaro's seething rage next to him. Kizoshi was similarly glaring daggers at the wolf shifter for having the audacity to make such an indecent proposal.

It felt like an eternity before the applause died down.

"We shall consider your offer later," Tatsuki jovially said. "Now is the time to focus on our soldiers and their many accomplishments during our vanquishing of the accursed snake shifters! To our warriors!"

The crowd echoed his words. "To Valzerna's warriors!"

Auslin fought back tears. Why hadn't King Tatsuki rejected Nasume's proposal? Could he really be considering marrying Kitaro off to the awful wolf shifter?

For the sake of appearances, Auslin struggled to stay. But the arrogant gloating Nasume was aiming squarely at him made it almost impossible to remain and be civil.

He glanced over at Kitaro, who was staring blankly at a distant wall with a neutral expression. Why hadn't he rejected the wolf prince's proposal? Or worse, what if he wasn't allowed to? Would King Tatsuki really make his youngest son mate with such an abhorrent prince?

The sound of Nasume's obnoxious laughter drove Auslin's need to get away from the mocking royal. It was the coward's way out, but Auslin fled the banquet hall. He couldn't bear to look at Nasume's smug satisfaction at not being outright denied his outrageous proposal. It wasn't fair. Once again, his life was being interfered with by a wolf shifter, just like when Kio would stray to his ex Maseo's side.

What was it with wolf shifters standing in the way of Auslin's happiness?