77. Auslin

Chapter 77

Auslin

I n the blink of an eye, it was the morning of Kitaro's Coming of Heir ceremony and the celebratory banquet for the soldiers after the war. Auslin was as excited as he was nervous. He studied himself in the mirror, making sure every detail was perfect. His black pants were trimmed in silver, and his white tunic was decorated with ornate blue embroidery that reflected Kitaro's coloring. Whereas wearing such luxurious clothing had embarrassed him when he first arrived, Auslin was proud to wear such a fine outfit now.

He reached up to touch the claiming mark on the left side of his neck and shoulder. It was clearly on display with the V-cut of the shirt and jacket he chose. He never thought it was possible to feel so happy and in love.

A knock at the door drew Auslin from his thoughts. "Come in!"

He had expected it to be a servant, but Kizoshi entered. She was in a resplendent purple dress that set off her amethyst eyes beautifully. Her fiery red hair was styled in an ornate updo, with brilliant jewels flashing every time they caught the light.

"Kizoshi!" Auslin happily exclaimed, thrilled to see her. "You came!"

"I would never miss a day as momentous as this one." Kizoshi drew closer and gave him a once-over. "You look splendid in my brother's colors."

Auslin blushed. "Thanks."

Kizoshi surprised him by hugging him. "It is I who should thank you for bringing such happiness to my dear brother."

"I'm the lucky one. I never in all my life thought it was possible to be this happy or loved."

"My brother's love for you burns eternal," Kizoshi told him as she stepped back from him. "Never doubt that for a moment."

"I feel the same way." Auslin meant it with all his heart. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for his sake."

Kitaro entered the room, arching his eyebrow at his sister's presence. "When did you arrive, Kizoshi?"

"A little while ago. I wanted to come congratulate you both personally before things got too hectic."

"That is very kind of you."

She walked over to Kitaro to clasp him on the shoulder. "A love like this is worth waiting for your whole life, Kitaro. "

He covered his sister's hand with his own. "Truly."

Auslin felt like there was more meaning to the comment, but the moment passed as she left with a wave over her shoulder. "I shall leave you two for now. Best wishes on your love for the ages."

They thanked her before Kitaro turned his attention to Auslin. "You look like a dream."

"You're the one who is handsome." Auslin thought Kitaro was devastatingly gorgeous in his white formal military jacket with gold ornamentation. "How am I supposed to see you looking this sexy in a room full of shifters with sensitive noses and not embarrass myself?"

Kitaro chuckled. "There is nothing shameful in wanting your intended."

"I don't think I'll ever be comfortable advertising my lust in a roomful of strangers, even if you are the sexiest thing I've laid eyes on in Your Majesty life," Auslin replied with a laugh. "Are you sure I can't wear my amulet so they can't smell me?"

"We have nothing to hide." Kitaro's eyes were full of hunger. "As amazing as you look in that, I am presently more inclined to see it decorating our floor for the time being."

Auslin playfully shoved at Kitaro's shoulder. "Don't tempt me. Your father won't appreciate us being late for that reason."

"I fully expect my father to be late." Kitaro leaned in to kiss Auslin's claiming mark .

It was an odd comment when Tatsuki was always extremely punctual. "Why's that?"

"Arenthia is supposedly here to attend the ceremony," Kitaro said. "It would be most unlike Father to have her here without trying to conquest her first."

"Wait, Arenthia is going to be at this?" Auslin asked in shock. "As in the War Power Arenthia? As in Kizoshi's mother Arenthia?"

Kitaro couldn't hold back his grin. "This is primarily a celebration of our victory at war, which is Arenthia's domain. She always has a direct hand in Father's dealings with such matters."

Because Arenthia had already moved to the Beyond Realm in Auslin's time, it never occurred to him that the legendary War Power of the past would be in attendance. "That's kind of terrifying." She was a fearsome figure from all the legends he had heard about her, plus her involvement in the death of Kitaro's mother still didn't sit right with him. "Doesn't it bother you she'll be there?"

Kitaro shrugged. "Under the circumstances, I suspect she will be most agreeable today. You have nothing to fear from her. I am quite certain Kizoshi set her terms with her mother prior to coming today."

"If you say so."

Kitaro kissed up Auslin's neck. "I would be more than happy to distract you from such thoughts."

"I'm sure." Auslin tilted his head to give Kitaro better access.

Kitaro had almost persuaded Auslin to give in when there was another knock on the door. "Yes?" Kitaro called out. There was the slightest hint of irritation in his tone over being interrupted.

"King Tatsuki has sent me to inform you that the ceremony is to start shortly. You both should report to the event hall," a servant called out from the other side of the door.

"Very well. Tell him we are on our way." Kitaro stepped back from Auslin with a sigh. "We shall continue this later."

Auslin went up on tiptoe for a kiss. "I am very much looking forward to that."

A uslin hadn't really imagined how many people would be at Kitaro's Coming of Heir ceremony, so he was stunned when they entered the event hall packed with thousands of people. He faltered in his steps when the shifters and humans in attendance whispered in the crowd at his appearance. But Kitaro gently guided him by the small of his back to the front, where the rest of the family was sitting.

Kizoshi gestured for Auslin to sit between her and Kisano, while Kitaro went to stand with his father on the dais. Having the two siblings he was friends with on either side of him helped calm Auslin's nerves.

Thankfully, Mitsuki pointedly ignored him from the other side of Kizoshi. That suited the human just fine.

Not wanting to spark Mitsuki's ire, Auslin focused on how handsome Kitaro looked, standing next to his father. Tatsuki looked fearsome in his commander's uniform, regalia, and crown. It made Auslin even more thankful that against all odds, the dragon monarch had taken a liking to him.

Auslin was curious about the other shifters and humans in attendance, but he could feel everyone's eyes on him. In particular, he felt the immense presence of a Power who could only be Arenthia somewhere behind him. Despite his curiosity, he behaved himself by looking forward while quelling his nervousness.

Once everyone had arrived, Tatsuki began the ceremony. "Welcome to you all. Thank you for joining us on this joyous day, where we celebrate the past and future victories of our glorious Valzerna."

A round of cheers sounded from the crowd.

Tatsuki continued when the applause died down. "We are proud to start today's festivities with a Coming of Heir ceremony for our youngest son, Prince Kitaro Ariake."

The crowd once again applauded as Kitaro formally bowed to the audience and then to his father. Auslin was so proud of Kitaro. The warm support he could feel from everyone for the shifter prince made him so happy.

"In our recent war against the nefarious griffin shifters of Balsimi, our son, Prince Kitaro, proved himself a warrior worthy of our clan," Tatsuki said. "Prince Kitaro's fighting abilities are second to none. His calm logic, even at times of heightened chaos, are admirable traits of a future ruler of Valzerna."

The audience applauded again as Kitaro bowed in acknowledgment.

"Although he is still young, Prince Kitaro has shown himself time and time again to be considered a worthy heir to stand alongside Prince Mitsuki." The crowd clapped at the mention of the eldest son's name. "As a member of our clan, Prince Kitaro was born with ‘Ki' in his name, which serves as proof he is a royal member of our family. As the newly proclaimed heir to Valzerna, he has earned the royal designation of ‘Tsuki' added to his name. From henceforth, Prince Kitaro shall now be known throughout all the lands as the honorable Prince Kitsuki."

A loud applause and cheers went up from the crowd, but Auslin's entire world ground to a screeching halt. It couldn't be possible that Kitaro was the same King Kitsuki that Auslin knew from his own time. In the beginning, Auslin had his suspicions that they might be the same person, but over his time with Kitaro, he had become convinced that it wasn't possible for him to be Kitsuki. There was no way that the sad, lonely king Auslin knew from his time was the same loving and warm prince he had fallen in love with in the past. It was impossible!

Tatsuki continued talking, but Auslin couldn't hear anything in his shock. He did his best to control his reactions because in a room full of powerful shifters, the slightest shift in his emotions would be detectable to all. Auslin needed to get away to think, but he had no choice but to remain seated. How could Kitaro suddenly be Kitsuki? It didn't make any sense!

Kizoshi gently elbowed Auslin in the side to draw his attention.

"Now, we invite Prince Kitsuki to speak," Tatsuki said, gesturing to his son.

The shifter prince stepped forward with a bow to loud applause. "It is my honor to serve our king and the good people of Valzerna. I vow to always put our kingdom and its citizens above my own personal desires. I shall always do my utmost best to support King Tatsuki and Prince Mitsuki in all their endeavors on behalf of our good kingdom."

It warmed Auslin's heart to hear the enthusiastic response Kitsuki's speech earned. It momentarily took his mind off the panic of discovering the truth of Kitaro's identity.

"In addition to being named heir, we also have the pleasure of announcing that Prince Kitsuki has chosen a most remarkable person for his intended bondmate," Tatsuki said, earning more cheers.

"Despite his human heritage, Lord Vanra has proven himself a valuable member of our clan. His wisdom is far beyond his young years, and his magical abilities rival even the most powerful shifters. He is a strong ally who is worthy to stand by our son's side as his future bondmate. Please join us in officially recognizing Lord Vanra as Prince Kitsuki's intended."

The loud round of applause on his behalf startled Auslin. Shouldn't the shifters and humans both hate him for wanting to be with a shifter prince?

"Lord Vanra, if you would join us up front, please." Tatsuki gestured for Auslin to come up front and join them.

With his heart in his throat, Auslin's body automatically obeyed. He walked up the few stairs to stand next to Kitaro, who he had to keep reminding himself was now Kitsuki.

The dragon prince took Auslin's hand in his, bringing it to his lips to kiss. He looked down at the human with a loving smile.

Auslin reflexively returned the smile. He did his best to focus on their love instead of worrying about the reality that would crash into him once he was alone after the ceremony.

"They have our full blessing and support in their joyous union. We ask that you give them the same warm wishes for their upcoming bondmate ceremony," Tatsuki said. The next round of applause was deafening.

Everything felt surreal as Auslin stood in front of thousands of people cheering for them. The only thing grounding him was Kitsuki holding his hand.

"Together, they will bring much greatness to our kingdom and its people," Tatsuki continued.

Auslin was dazed as the clapping continued for them. Too much was happening too fast. He was desperately holding on to his emotional reactions. He couldn't risk so many shifters sensing his distress over the revelation that Kitaro was Kitsuki from his time.

"The future of Valzerna is bright. Our clan will continue doing its best for our citizens as we have done for millennia," Tatsuki asserted to another bout of applause. "Thank you for being a part of this momentous occasion. Please join us for tonight's festivities, where we will celebrate our war victories with a joyous banquet."

The clapping continued. Auslin could only numbly stare out over the crowd as they continued reacting. He needed time to process everything that had happened, but it would have to wait until later.