78. Kitsuki

Chapter 78

Kitsuki

A s soon as the ceremony had concluded, Kitsuki and Vanra had been ambushed by an endless stream of well-wishers and people who were curious to see the human King Tatsuki considered worthy enough to stand by his youngest son's side.

Kitsuki had never been comfortable being the center of attention for so long. Not only was it exhausting, but he had other pressing matters to attend to. Something was amiss with Vanra. He had done an admirable job of trying to hide it, but something had clearly distressed him during the ceremony.

When Kitsuki finally broke away for a moment of privacy, Vanra wasn't anywhere to be found. Tracking his scent, Kitsuki caught up with Vanra near a castle exit. Why did Vanra smell scared?

"Did something happen?" Kitsuki asked .

Vanra spun around with a guilty look. "What?"

Kitsuki's concern grew. "Why are you leaving?"

Vanra bowed his head with a remorseful expression. "Sorry, I just needed to step out and get some air."

Kitsuki pressed his hand to Vanra's forehead to check for a fever. "Are you unwell? You were not yourself during the ceremony."

"Sorry, I tried really hard to act normal." Vanra sighed with frustration. "I'm not used to being in front of so many people, let alone that many shifters who can smell my every emotion. Plus, I'm sure a lot of them probably hate me for being human. It was more nerve-racking than I expected."

Kitsuki's gaze softened with sympathy. "I am the one who should apologize. I should have warned you about the possibility that Father might bring you up to the stage for part of the ceremony."

"No, it's okay," Vanra assured him. "I tried to act proper. Thankfully, he didn't ask me to say anything. But it was a lot to deal with, not to mention all the people who came up to talk to us afterward. My head is spinning from everything."

"That is understandable." It was a relief to hear. "I was worried that perhaps you were regretting your decision to wear my claiming mark."

"No, I would never regret that!" Vanra hugged Kitsuki tightly. "There's nothing I want more than to be with you. That's literally all I want. "

"And I desire you just as much." Kitsuki kissed the top of Vanra's head.

"I love you, Kitaro—I mean, Prince Kitsuki." Vanra blushed over his mistake.

He chuckled at the adorable reaction. "You never have to use my formal title, Vanra. With you, I am always only Kitsuki. Even in the unlikely event I become king, that would still be true."

"You will be an amazing king, though."

"That is kind of you to say, but I have no desire to rule. All I wish is to live my life with you at my side." Kitsuki captured Vanra's lips in a sweet kiss. "You are everything I have ever wanted in this world, Vanra. As long as I have you, I need nothing else."

Tears welled up in Vanra's lilac eyes, but Kitsuki didn't understand why. "I'm so sorry," Vanra whispered.

Kitsuki furrowed his eyebrows at the confusing behavior. "For what?"

Vanra shook his head but said nothing. But the scent of his sadness and regret betrayed his emotions.

"What troubles you?"

Vanra threw his arms around Kitsuki in a fierce hug. His smaller body trembled as the dragon prince held him close. "Sorry, I'm really overwhelmed right now. Nothing is making sense. I just want to go for a walk to clear my head before the banquet starts. Today has been a lot to handle."

Before Kitsuki could respond, Kizoshi appeared. " Kitsuki, I hate to pull you away from your beloved, but Father needs to speak with you."

"Very well. I will attend to Father while you enjoy your walk."

"I love you so much, more than I have ever loved anyone else in my life." Vanra looked up at Kitsuki with adoration. "You know that, right?"

The human's words touched his heart. "I do. And the same is true for me. You are the one who holds my heart forever."

Kizoshi cleared her throat. "Might I remind you that Father is not a patient man?"

"I shall eagerly await your return." Kitsuki gave Vanra a loving kiss before he left with his sister.

There was a heaviness to her mood that Kitsuki wasn't used to. "Is something wrong?"

"No, all is as it should be."

"Then why do you seem so sad about it?"

She looped her arm through his as they walked to meet their father. "Do not mind me, dear brother. All will be well."

If that was true, then why did her words feel so ominous?