14. Fersen

Fersen was overwhelmed in the best of ways. He could feel Jaega inside of him, on both a physical and mental level. Jaega's knot spreading him wider sent Fersen soaring to new heights of nirvana as he rocked against it in search of more pleasure. But it was the echoing euphoria through their bond that pushed Fersen over the edge.

"So good," Fersen whimpered. Ecstasy exploded through their connection, drawing another orgasm from Fersen from the intensity of the experience.

The beauty of the moment was enough to bring tears to Fersen's eyes as he stared up in awe at his new mate. He didn't have the words to express how incredible the experience had been for him, so he hoped their newly formed bond would convey the depths of his feelings to Jaega.

It was disappointing when Jaega's knot finally released, and he pulled out. Being so full of his beloved was the best feeling in the world. Fersen had never felt so close to someone or so loved. Now that he could sense Jaega's emotions and thoughts, it was so obvious that the dragon shifter had a deep sense of affection for him. How had Fersen gotten so lucky? If he had known Jaega was waiting for him, he wouldn't have spent so many nights in captivity in despair, wishing he were dead.

Jaega lay down beside Fersen, then guided the unicorn shifter to rest on top of him. Fersen melted into a satisfied puddle in Jaega's warm embrace. His heat had abated for the time being, so Fersen could fully enjoy being held by his mate as if he were the most precious treasure in the world.

"We were not too rough, were we?" Jaega asked in concern, brushing the hair from Fersen's face. "Was it too uncomfortable or?—"

Fersen shushed Jaega's concerns. He wasn't sure how to convey that to Jaega, so Fersen did his best to focus on the deep sense of satisfaction their union had brought him. "Surely, you can feel how perfect that was. I didn't know it was possible to feel so much pleasure. Wow."

Jaega nuzzled against his new mate. "Then I am glad. We wanted it to be a wonderful experience for you."

"It was the best experience," Fersen assured him. He let out a contented sigh. "I've never felt this good in my life."

"We feared our touch might bring back unwelcome memories."

"I worried about that too, but your touch was so gentle and different from how King Decius used me that there was no room for those awful thoughts when I felt so good." It was a huge relief for Fersen.

"We are glad to hear it." Jaega caressed Fersen's back, sending little skitters of shivers through him with each touch.

Fersen looked at his arm resting on Jaega's chest, marveling at their entwined markings. The cycles of orange colors representing his mate brought him more joy than he knew how to handle. He could hardly believe that two days ago, his life was at its lowest point, and now he was at an unfathomable high.

They remained in companionable silence, enjoying being near each other and indulging in their newly formed mating bond. Fersen's mind roamed. He wanted to imagine their life in Valzerna together, but without having ever been to that kingdom before, he wasn't sure what to envision other than a life of happiness with a loving mate.

It made Fersen realize something important. "If I'm your mate, does that mean I need to stop using contractions when we get back to Valzerna?"

Jaega chuckled. "Given that my previous mate aggressively refused to stop using contractions or swears, it will not surprise any member of my family that you use them."

The comment raised an interesting question for Fersen. "Why have you been drawn to two commoners instead of an aristocrat, who is actually on your social level?"

"The court and the courtiers bore me. All that political jockeying for my brother's favor is exhausting. I am much happier in the barracks with my men, where I do not have to worry so much about decorum or an overly flirty aristocrat taking umbrage with my refusal to accept their pushy advances."

Fersen nuzzled against Jaega. He could only imagine how quickly that court game would grow tiresome. "Is there a reason the royal court refuses to use contractions? Because it's not just your family, according to Olina."

"The founding rulers of the kingdoms of Talwyn decreed that, due to our long lives as shifters, we had the luxury of time to speak in full words. It is a stuffy, old tradition, but I am so accustomed to it now that I would find it hard to change."

Fersen stroked his thumb against Jaega's broad shoulder. "You don't have to change for anyone, and certainly not me. But I would unlearn the habit if I needed to."

"Tatsuki found Caprina's rejection of the court rules humorous, so you have nothing to fear in that regard. They would even get into competitions for who could come up with the most creative swears." Jaega chuckled at the fond memory. "Speak as freely as you wish."

"That's a relief. Despite my best efforts, I'd definitely screw up," Fersen said with a laugh. "The last thing I want to do is embarrass you in front of your family."

"I cannot be embarrassed of someone I am so proud of."

Jaega's words were a balm to Fersen's battered heart. "But what happens when they find out about how we met?" Fersen wouldn't want Jaega to keep any secrets from his family, but the thought of them knowing the truth of his captivity was humiliating.

Jaega guided Fersen's chin up so they could make eye contact. "I told you before: your secrets are your own. I will tell them we met during my Shadron campaign, but they do not need to know the exact circumstances."

Fersen frowned. "I don't want you to lie to your family, though."

"It is not a lie since that is how we met," Jaega pointed out. "I respect your need to keep the truth of your captivity to yourself. I will guard your secret, even from my oldest brother."

"But isn't that treason or something?"

Jaega smiled reassuringly at Fersen. "While my allegiance will always be with my dear king and the Ariake clan, my loyalty to you will always take precedence."

Fersen hugged Jaega as best his position allowed. "You really are the best. I'll never understand how I got so lucky."

"I consider it a reward from fate for surviving a life of such painful sorrows. It is fortunate for us that Sophina is a generous deity."

"The Fate Power?" Fersen had never paid much attention to the echelon of deities that controlled life in the Living Realm, but he remembered her because Olina had been an avid believer in Sophina.

"Yes, she is best friends with my niece, so Sophina has always been very kind to the Ariake clan."

Fersen grew more confused. "How does your niece become best friends with the deity who controls fate?"

"Because my niece is the daughter of King Tatsuki and Arenthia, the War Power." Fersen's jaw dropped in shock as Jaega continued. "Since Kizoshi lives in the Divine Realm most of the time, she and Sophina are extremely close and have been since childhood."

"I didn't realize you had a relative who was half-Power. That's so impressive."

"Impressive is a good way to describe Kizoshi. So is mysterious. You have never met a more enigmatic person in your life." Jaega laughed again. "She told me before I left for the campaign that I would find a special treasure, but I did not realize at the time she meant you. I suspect she will enjoy her ‘I told you so' when she meets you."

"Are there any other relatives I need to know about before we reach Valzerna?"

"You will most likely become friendliest with Kitaro, my brother's youngest son. He inherited his mother's kind disposition, but he is a fierce warrior when needed. Kisano is also a gentle soul, but he does not leave the library."

The information struck Fersen as odd. "Is there a reason for that?"

Jaega carded his fingers through Fersen's hair. "Tatsuki is a warlord at heart and does not see much value in those who prefer peace. Kisano is shy and bookish, so he does his best to stay out of his father's sight to avoid his wrath."

Fersen's heart went out to Kisano. "That's awful."

"It is, but Kisano is also much happier with his books than he would be anywhere else, so it is not as tragic as it sounds. Especially since it allows him to avoid his eldest brother, Mitsuki."

The disapproval in Jaega's tone surprised Fersen. He wouldn't have expected his mate to feel that way about any of his nephews. "What's wrong with Mitsuki?"

"He is cruel, tempestuous, impudent, arrogant, and utterly disagreeable in every way." Jaega's description made Fersen want to keep his distance from Tatsuki's oldest son. "The good news is he is self-involved, so he will probably pay you little attention."

"I'm not sure if that makes me feel better or not."

"Should he give you an ounce of trouble, he will earn the beating he deserves." It was a shocking thing to hear Jaega say. "Sadly, it will not be the first nor the last for such an occasion. Violence is the only way that brute learns."

It sent a shiver of fear down Fersen's spine. "In that case, I hope our paths never cross."

"You will find an excellent ally and friend in Kitaro, though. He is nothing like Mitsuki."

It would be nice to have someone else in the castle to be on good terms with besides Jaega. "Was he on the campaign with you?"

"No, I try to keep Kitaro off the front lines. While he is an extraordinary warrior, his heart is not in warfare. Despite having Tatsuki as a father, bloodlust is not in his nature the way it is with Mitsuki."

"Does that mean Mitsuki's close to Kizoshi since her mother is the War Power? That probably means she enjoys fighting, right?"

Jaega's sharp bark of laughter startled Fersen. "No, if Kizoshi could get away with killing Mitsuki, she would do it in a heartbeat. She loathes him with every fiber of her being. He hates her just as much because she beats him every time, at any game, in any battle." Jaega chuckled again. "I cannot tell you how many times Kizoshi has sent Mitsuki sailing through the training hall wall and the Enchanters have had to come repair it. I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy it every time it happens. He is a foul, odious creature."

"I can't tell if I'm supposed to admire or fear Kizoshi after hearing that."

"Both. She is fearsome, but you do not have to fear her. She will have no qualms with you. Her issues are solely with Mitsuki and his mistreatment of her beloved brothers. But she is not around very often since she prefers staying in the Divine Realm, as I said." Jaega patted Fersen's back. "It will take some adjustment, but I promise you will be happy in Valzerna."

"As long as I'm with you, I'd be happy anywhere." The truth in his words made Fersen's heart glow with a warmth that had nothing to do with his heat.

* * *

While Fersen enjoyed being marked by Jaega's seed, he also was experiencing some discomfort as it dried. "Do you think we could go for a swim in the lagoon?"

"That sounds like a fine idea. Is it deep?"

"Deep enough to dive into safely," Fersen replied as he stood up with a satisfying stretch.

Jaega gestured for him to go ahead. "Lead the way."

Joy filled Fersen's heart as he finally indulged in one of his favorite things to do. He ran before diving through the waterfall and into the deep lagoon. It was an exhilarating rush that made him feel more like himself after everything that had happened the day before.

He swam back, giving himself a great view of Jaega's magnificent dive. It was as graceful as his flying. Despite his large body, he landed with barely a splash.

Fersen laughed when Jaega swam over and embraced him from behind. "Surely, not even the Divine Realm has places as beautiful as this."

"It's hard to imagine." While leaving his favorite relaxation spot was sad, Fersen finally felt ready to move on to the next phase of his life, with Jaega at his side as his beloved mate.

Fersen turned in his arms, then wrapped his legs around his mate to support himself. Jaega embraced him once more, indulging in a kiss. It stirred Fersen's lust once more, stoked by the feedback loop between him and Jaega's arousal.

He whimpered into another kiss when Jaega stroked Fersen's erection. Fersen had done that alone in the lagoon before, but having his mate take care of him in such a way made the experience that much more enjoyable.

Their position made it too difficult to return the favor, but Jaega didn't seem to mind. Fersen contented himself with running his hands over Jaega's muscles, loving the smooth glide of skin against skin.

Fersen's body tensed up as the pleasure escalated. He buried his face against his mate's neck, reflexively kissing it as he rocked into Jaega's tight grip. With the echoing feelings between him and his new mate, it didn't take long before Fersen came with Jaega's name on his lips.

To Fersen's great surprise, Jaega climaxed, despite neither of them touching his hardness.

Jaega chuckled as he wrapped his other arm around Fersen. "To clarify your confusion, experiencing your pleasure was so enjoyable I did not need to touch myself to come."

"That's incredible!" Would Fersen ever stop being amazed by the benefits of their newly forged mating bond? He hoped not because everything was amazing so far.

* * *

Once they returned to the safety behind the waterfall, Fersen hesitated.

"What is wrong?" Jaega asked, gesturing for Fersen to come closer to him.

Fersen walked over to accept a hug. "I feel like I should share my unicorn form with you since you're my mate, but it's been a long time since I've shifted."

Jaega gave him a warm smile. "Please do not feel you have to do something that will make you so uncomfortable."

"I want to share this with you." It was important to Fersen to let Jaega know all of him. He took a deep breath before shifting into his unicorn form. It felt like coming home.

Jaega's eyes were full of love as he took in the view. "Wow," he breathed in awe. He reached out and stroked Fersen's muzzle. "You are glorious."

It pleased Fersen's unicorn to hear the admiration in Jaega's voice. He nudged his mate's hand to encourage more petting.

Jaega obliged, stroking Fersen's white hair. "Utterly magnificent." His boundless love echoed through their bond. "I did not realize your horn would also change colors like your eyes. It is beyond beautiful."

It was something Fersen had always been self-conscious about, but Jaega's appreciation for that trait made him feel better about it. He wanted to go for a run in the woods with his mate riding him, but it was enough for now that he had shown Jaega his true form. Fersen shifted back to his person form. "Thank you for your kind words."

Jaega pulled his mate closer and gave him a sweet kiss. "I will happily spend the rest of our long lives singing your praises."

Fersen's heart overflowed with love. He never thought he'd be happy again, but he was so grateful to Jaega for proving him wrong.