15. Jaega

They enjoyed the rest of Fersen's heat in the cave before Jaega and Fersen made the long trip back to Valzerna. Jaega was helping Fersen settle into their room in the royal wing when there was a knock on the door.

It didn't surprise Jaega in the least to see his niece standing there with her always enigmatic smile. "Welcome home, Uncle." She gave him a warm hug before he moved aside to grant her entrance. "Looks like I was right about you finding that hidden treasure after all."

"I told you she would stop by to say, ‘I told you so,' to me," Jaega told Fersen, making him laugh. He projected calming vibes to reassure his nervous mate. "Fersen, this is Kizoshi, my dear niece. Kizoshi, this is Fersen, my new mate and the treasure you foretold."

She clasped Fersen's hands in hers and gave them a squeeze. "And what a precious treasure you are. Welcome to the family, Fersen."

"Thank you," he said with a slight blush. It was understandable when Kizoshi was a stunningly beautiful woman, with long, flowing red hair that was done up in a series of intricate braids. She looked as divine as her deity heritage in a shimmering, pink dress that was gathered on one shoulder with a gold brooch made of a glittering pink stone. "It's an honor to meet you."

"Thank you for restoring my beloved uncle's happiness." She gave his hand another squeeze before letting go. "I have already called a family meeting to introduce you."

Fersen's eyes went wide with fear at the news.

She grinned in response. "Judging by that reaction, I am assuming Uncle has warned you about how awful Mitsuki is?"

Fersen could only nod his head.

"That is why I am here to make sure he does not step a single foot out of line. Should Mitsuki be as disagreeable as normal, please know I will greatly enjoy punishing him on your behalf." Her smile was downright sadistic, making Jaega laugh at his niece's antics. "Everyone will be there except for Kisano because I never allow Mitsuki to be near him. But I will take you to meet Kisano in the library later. Please do not think ill of him for not being there."

"With everything I've heard about Mitsuki, I barely want to be there," Fersen said with a nervous laugh. "I don't blame Kisano for wanting to stay in the library. I'm ready to hide there myself."

Kizoshi wrapped her arm around his shoulders as she led him toward the door. "All will be well. You shall see."

Once she released him to lead the way, Jaega rested his hand on the small of Fersen's back to reassure him. "She is right. You have nothing to fear." Jaega added through their telepathic bond, "Trust me, Mitsuki will be more focused on Kizoshi than you. The odds he will get enraged by her and storm out are very high. You probably won't exchange a single word with him."

Fersen still seemed unconvinced, so Jaega projected feelings of love and affection for his nervous mate. He would protect his mate, even if it was against a member of his own family.