2. Fersen

It felt like a trap. What the general was offering seemed too good to be true. Fersen feared putting his trust in the hands of such a ferocious-looking dragon shifter, but what other choice did he have?

"Thank you." He took a steadying breath before speaking again. "I would appreciate your help if it's not too much trouble."

"It is no trouble at all." Jaega scooped Fersen into a cradle hold. He was careful to make sure the jacket preserved Fersen's modesty.

The suddenness of being so high in the air made Fersen give a startled yelp as he instinctively steadied himself by wrapping his arms around Jaega's neck. "What are you doing?"

"The castle is not in a state that is safe for a barefoot person to walk. Therefore, I will carry you back to camp."

Fersen's cheeks burned with embarrassment. "You don't have to do that."

Jaega walked out of the room, carrying Fersen as if he weighed nothing. "Based on the scars under your manacles, you have been held captive for quite some time. That would make it difficult for you to endure the long walk, even if the conditions were ideal."

Fersen's cheeks burned with shame. He had spent months in the captivity of King Decius, a scorpion shifter who had kidnapped him to use as a personal sex slave. Every day, he had prayed for death, but somehow, he had found unexpected freedom instead.

As if sensing Fersen's upset, Jaega hugged him a little tighter. "You are safe now. That foul creature can never hurt you again." There was something soothing about Jaega's deep, rumbling voice. He was a man who was meant to be feared, but Fersen felt safe in his strong arms.

When they rounded the corner, Fersen gasped at the scene of bloody carnage. Lifeless bodies were strewn everywhere, cut down by Jaega's army. The violence made Fersen's stomach turn. It reminded him of things he saw in his childhood that were best left forgotten. He would have thrown up if he hadn't been starved for days. Once Decius caught wind that Valzerna's army was coming for him, he'd abandoned Fersen.

The sight of warfare was more than he had been prepared to handle. It made him feel pathetic to hide his face against Jaega's broad chest, but he did it anyway. He couldn't help but breathe in deep. Underneath the smell of blood and death that clung to Jaega, he smelled like a burning campfire in the woods. It was a comforting scent that relaxed Fersen on a primal level, despite all his worries.

Jaega gave him a soothing pat. "Good. It is better if you do not look. Civilians like you are not meant to see the aftermath of a battlefield."

Fersen didn't bother explaining it wasn't the first war he had been witness to. "How did it come to this?"

Jaega continued making his way through the winding maze of the castle hallways. "King Decius attacked the neighboring kingdom of Elyenbell, intent on taking it over as part of Shadron's lands. As Valzerna has a treaty with Elyenbell and a stronger army, it was our duty to defend them."

Fersen did his best not to look at all the dead bodies. "What happens now?"

"Since King Decius had no children, his next living relative is his uncle, Prince Balbinus, who will take the throne. My brother has dealt with the prince in the past and assures me that this will be the best thing for the good people of Shadron."

"The good people of Shadron?" The phrase surprised Fersen. "You don't hate them?"

Jaega shook his head. "There are very few people in this world whom I hate. And rest assured, those few I have hated in the past earned that hatred and paid the consequences with their lives. But the citizens of Shadron have no control over who their king is. They were suffering from his tyrannical reign, so I only feel pity for their burdens."

The question was out of Fersen's mouth before he could stop it. "Why are you so kind?" Everything about Jaega screamed dangerous warrior. He was the tallest shifter Fersen had ever seen, with a broad chest and massive muscles. His fiery orange hair and amber eyes made him look like a deadly predator. But under all of that, there was an unmistakable gentleness that didn't make sense to Fersen.

Jaega chuckled, causing Fersen to blush hard. "I cannot blame you for expecting me to be the harsh warlord my oldest brother is known to be. While I am a fierce warrior, I am also compassionate. I will never be the kind of person who can stand by and do nothing while bad things happen to good people."

Fersen didn't want to admire Jaega, but it was hard not to be impressed. He was about to respond when they exited the castle. It was the first time since he had been kidnapped that Fersen had felt sunlight on his skin. He looked up at the beautiful blue sky with tears in his eyes, hardly able to believe that he had finally won his freedom after so many months of misery. He had almost given up hope of ever seeing the sun again. The majesty of it promised everything would be okay now that his captor was dead.

Fersen was startled from his thoughts when enormous dragon wings sprouted from Jaega's back. The edges burned with an orange fire that matched the swirling color in his once amber eyes. The bright glow and color shift signified his dragon was in control, which sparked Fersen's fears. But despite being scared, the sight of magnificent dragon wings up close awed him.

With a powerful flap, Jaega launched them into the air. He flew them high above the treetops and away from the hell Fersen had been trapped in for far too long. It gave Fersen an exhilarating rush as they soared through the sky. "How can you partially shift? I didn't think that was possible!"

"It took a great deal of practice to master, but it has proven an invaluable skill."

Fersen dared to look down at the world below them. Instead of terrifying him, it was thrilling to see everything looking so small beneath them. It made his problems feel a million miles away. But his body shivered as the air breezed by them while they flew.

The military camp came into view. The sprawling mass of thousands of tents made Fersen's jaw drop when he realized the scale of the assault on Shadron Castle. It astounded Fersen that Jaega oversaw all those people.

Jaega landed outside of one of the largest tents in the camp, then carried Fersen inside it.

Fersen had expected a bare-bones accommodation, but it was furnished nicer than his own house. There was a small office set up, with maps and papers neatly organized on a large desk. In the center, there were four wooden seats around a fire pit, which burned with the same orange dragon fire that rimmed Jaega's wings.

Off to the side, there was an enormous bed that looked cozy and inviting. Fersen couldn't help but long to sleep in it. After months on the uncomfortable straw mattress, it would be like heaven to rest in a nice bed. It certainly was better than the simple military cot he had expected to see.

There was a door off the bedroom, giving Fersen a glimpse of what appeared to be a bathroom. It boggled his mind that the general would have that in a tent in the middle of the forest on lands so far from his home.

Jaega set Fersen down, careful not to move away until he was steady on his feet. His wings disappeared.

Fersen startled at the sight of an elderly dragon shifter in a well-tailored suit, who appeared as if out of thin air.

He bowed deeply. "Welcome back, Your Highness. Congratulations on your successful campaign."

"Thank you, Grisden," Jaega said with warmth in his voice. It wasn't the way Fersen expected a general or a prince to speak to a servant. "It is always a pleasure to come back to you waiting for me."

Grisden bowed again. "It is my great honor and privilege. Who is your guest?"

"This is Fersen. He needs our help, so I expect him to be treated to the same high standard as any Ariake guest."

Fersen was oddly grateful that Jaega hadn't explained how they had met. The fewer people who knew about his time in captivity, the better.

"Of course, I will personally see to it. How may I be of assistance?"

"First, I will need you to summon our best lock picker to free him from these enchanted cuffs. He will need a fresh change of clothes and boots, as well as a hearty dinner. Perhaps a filling meat stew if it is available."

"Umm…"

Jaega glanced over at Fersen. "Do you prefer something else?"

Fersen rubbed the back of his head, feeling awful for having the audacity to make any demands when so much was being offered. "Sorry, it's just…I'm an herbivore, so I don't eat meat." He held his breath, waiting for the fallout from a meat-eating dragon shifter, who surely wouldn't understand.

But Jaega continued to surprise him. "Would you prefer I also refrain from eating meat?"

Fersen waved a hand in front of him. "No, please eat whatever you please. It's a personal preference. I can't stomach meat, but I have no problem with anyone else eating it. I'm sorry for the trouble."

"It is no trouble at all." Jaega returned his attention to Grisden. "Please make Fersen's preferences known to the cooks."

"As you wish, Your Highness. Is there anything else?"

"Have a healer summoned once the lock picker has finished."

"Actually, that won't be necessary," Fersen said. "I'm a shifter, so once these magic-suppressing manacles are removed, I should heal."

Jaega's expression was filled with intrigue. "Interesting. I can tell you are a shifter from your markings, but I cannot tell what kind because you have no scent."

"The cuffs suppress that, too. King Decius didn't want any of his men finding me."

Jaega frowned with concern. "Then I am even more grateful that I came across you. I would hate to think about the alternative."

A shudder ran through Fersen. "I'd prefer not to think about it as well."

Jaega returned his attention to his servant. "Oh, Grisden, one more thing. Have Torval sent to the brig for the night. Inform him he will still be paid for fighting in the campaign as he put his life on the line for our kingdom, but he has forfeited his victors' bonus because of his egregious behavior. That will instead be given to Fersen."

"Me?" The single word came out as a squeak of disbelief.

"It is not enough for what he wanted to do to you, but it will at least give you some money for your journey home and to help you rebuild your life."

Fersen's eyes welled up with tears again. "Th-thank you, that's so considerate of you, General Jaega."

The dragon shifter's gaze softened. "You are not one of my men, so you do not have to refer to me by my military rank. Calling me Jaega will suffice."

It seemed wrong somehow. "But shouldn't I at least address you as ‘Your Highness' since you're a prince?"

Jaega chuckled. "Just ‘Jaega' is fine."

"I will leave to begin preparations at once," Grisden said with another formal bow. He disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

Jaega gestured for them to take a seat in front of the fire. Although it wasn't terribly cold out, the heat still felt nice when all Fersen had on was a coat.

"Why didn't you tell him the truth about how you found me?" Fersen asked.

"Because that is your story to share, but only if you wish. It is not my place to say anything. Grisden would keep your secrets, though. There is no one more loyal than him."

The show of consideration touched Fersen deeply. "I can never thank you enough for everything you've done for me."

"No thanks are required for doing the right thing."

"I still appreciate it more than I'll ever be able to express," Fersen insisted.

A voice from outside the tent called out. "General Jaega, it is Lieutenant Norkon, reporting for duty."

"Excellent, come in," Jaega replied.

A raven shifter came in, carrying a toolkit. He gave a formal bow when he reached the edge of the seating area. "How may I be of assistance to my general?"

"Please remove the four cuffs from Fersen." It surprised Fersen that Jaega requested rather than ordered his underling to help. He would have expected a general to bark orders instead. It was another unexpected aspect of Jaega that Fersen found appealing. Why was he so drawn to his savior?

Norkon knelt in front of Fersen. He gestured at Fersen's right arm. "May I?"

"Yes, thank you," Fersen mumbled as he stretched out his arm. Although there was no judgment in the raven shifter's eyes, Fersen still felt painfully self-conscious. "I apologize for my smell. I've been unable to bathe for some time."

Norkon chuckled. "I can assure you there are many men in this camp who had access to baths and yet smell far worse. You're fine as you are. It doesn't bother me in the slightest." His touch was featherlight as he assessed the cuff around Fersen's wrist. There was a wrinkle of sympathetic concern on his brow. "I don't know who put these on you, but they're a special kind of evil."

"Thankfully, that evil is no more," Jaega said. There was an edge of hardness in his voice that surprised Fersen. "If I had the ability to bring him back from the Beyond Realm, I would do it just to have the pleasure of sending him back there a second time."

Norkon dug in his bag and pulled out a few lock pick tools. It took him several attempts, but he finally unlocked the cuff with a sound of triumph. "Great! One down, three to go."

Now that he had figured out the secret to picking the locks, the others came off easily. When the last was removed, Fersen felt a rush of emotions as his powers returned to him. His shifter markings flared to life, changing from the dulled silver to shifting pastels that ran the gamut of every color under the rainbow. His eyes changed colors every time he blinked. The scarred wounds on his body healed, making him feel better already.

"Whoa, what kind of shifter are you?" Norkon asked in amazement as he leaned back to see better. "I've never seen markings like that before."

Fersen smiled wanly. "You'd never believe me if I told you."

"Thank you for your service, Norkon. You can expect an extra bonus for your assistance."

"As always, you are ever so kind, General Jaega," Norkon said as he stood up with a bow. "I'm glad I could be of use. I wish you both a pleasant rest of your day." With those words, he left.

"It has been centuries since I last saw a shifter with markings like yours." Jaega studied him with curiosity. "But it should be impossible, even though I can see you with my own eyes."

"There's a reason for that." Fersen's heart hammered in his chest. He always did his best to keep his heritage a secret. King Decius had somehow found out the truth, which was why Fersen had been originally captured. Having others know what he really was put him in very real danger.

"Your secrets are yours to keep. But if you were to confide in me, know that I would not tell anyone else."

Why did Fersen want to tell Jaega the truth? The man's honesty made him feel like he could trust the dragon shifter. And trust was something that Fersen had precious little of because the world had shown him so much cruelty. He took a deep breath before he admitted the truth. "You're not wrong about me. I'm a unicorn shifter."

Jaega's eyes went wide with shock. "But they were all killed during the Necromancer War. It was one of the worst tragedies of that awful time."

The unicorn shifters had been hunted down by the evil necromancers led by Ishibiya during the war. They were killed for their horns, which had the magical powers to amplify any spell. Fersen's parents had been murdered in front of his own eyes when he was a child. But his hiding spot had not been discovered, so he had been spared. He spent his life as an outcast, trying his best to avoid people so he didn't meet the same fate as the rest of his kind.

"I hid in the forests of Morven with a kindly owl shifter, who took me under her wing," Fersen explained. "She helped me hide from those who sought to end my life for my powers."

He hadn't expected Jaega to reach over and give his hand a gentle squeeze. "Fersen, I am so sorry for what you have suffered through. I can only imagine the horrors you saw during those awful times."

His words may as well have been a vise around Fersen's poor, battered heart. "Thank you," he whispered, feeling choked up from emotions he hadn't experienced in a very long time.

"I am sure you would like some time alone before dinner. Please, follow me." Jaega led the way into the bathroom area.

Fersen was stunned to see a toilet and a full-sized bathtub that was already full of steaming water. A plush, white washcloth and towel hung on a metal rack beside it. There was even a small sink, which held a toothbrush, toothpaste, and an ornate black comb in the shape of a dragon. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. "How is the water hot enough to steam?"

"Our Enchanters are skilled at creating objects to make life easier. This is one of their many amazing talents—water that is always hot. When you finish, you can use the comb over there to dry your hair."

Surely, Fersen had heard wrong. "How will the comb dry my hair?"

"Because it is enchanted to do so. Just brush like normal, and it will take care of the rest. It will also untangle any knots without pain."

Fersen really hoped that was true because his matted hair would be a nightmare to detangle otherwise. "Wow, I knew dragon shifters were powerful magic users, but that's incredible." It gave Fersen ideas he wanted to try once he was in the privacy of his own home.

Rather than being cocky about it, Jaega merely tilted his head in acknowledgment. "If you need anything, I will be on the other side of the tent. Take all the time you need."

"Thank you." Left alone, Fersen finally shrugged off the coat, placing it on the sink. He gratefully got into the steaming bath. A sigh of relief escaped him as he settled in, sinking deep into the comforts of the tub. It was the best kind of heaven after being denied a bath for so long. He closed his eyes and savored the divine moment. Fersen knew he should hurry, but he didn't have the heart to do it when it felt so amazing to have access to heated water. It was a luxury he didn't even have at his own home.

He wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he eventually reached up to grab the washcloth. There was a small table next to the bath that had soap, shampoo, and conditioner. He used the soap and took his time washing off. Every swipe of the washcloth made Fersen feel more like himself as the grime of neglect came off him. It left him smelling woodsy and clean, which was a welcome change from the awful scents that normally clung to him because of the deposed King Decius.

Once he finished, he used the shampoo next. He couldn't hold in his moan of pleasure as he worked the suds into his hair, scratching at his scalp. It smelled like a fresh rain in the forest, which made Fersen homesick. He could hardly believe that he would be back in Morven in a few days' time.

Fersen took his time washing his hair, luxuriating in the water that never cooled off, no matter how long he was in the tub. He wondered if Jaega could teach him the secret of how to accomplish that. Fersen only had cold water in his home since he lived deep in the forest, far away from the people and towns that had heated water access.

"Permission to enter?" Grisden asked, startling Fersen. "I have clothes and boots for you to change into after you finish."

"You can come in. Thank you for finding that for me."

Grisden bowed to Fersen as he entered. "It was my pleasure. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. As you are Prince Jaega's honored guest, I am at your full command."

"Thank you, but you both have already done so much for me. Asking for anything more would be selfish."

Grisden left with another formal bow.

When Fersen finished rinsing his hair, he mourned his bath time was over. He had already lingered long enough, and the food would arrive soon. The last thing he wanted to do was make Jaega wait on him to eat, so he got out of the tub with a sad sigh.

The towel was the single softest thing Fersen had ever used on his body before. He wrapped it around him and snuggled against it, enjoying the fluffy comforts. It was a sharp reminder of how different royalty lived compared to his meager means and threadbare towels at home. Rather than feeling sad about it, he savored the moment.

Unfortunately, Fersen wasn't sure if he was supposed to drain the tub or not. He hated having to ask, but he didn't see any way around it. "Should I let the water out?" Fersen asked loud enough to be heard by Jaega.

"There is no need," Grisden said, making Fersen jump at his sudden appearance. He walked over to the tub and waved his hand over it. The dirt that had washed off Fersen in the bath drew together into a small ball in the palm of Grisden's hand. "As I am an earth dragon shifter, I can command it to leave the water." He tossed the ball of dirt into a nearby trash can.

Fersen marveled at his abilities. "That's incredible."

"Is there anything else I can assist with?"

"No, but thank you."

Grisden took his leave once more. Fersen hesitated a moment before he went over to the sink and picked up the black comb in the shape of a dragon. It was a beautiful work of art that Fersen almost felt bad about using. But true to Jaega's word, the dragon comb glided through Fersen's hair without catching on a single knot or mat. He marveled at how it dried his hair with only a few passes through his silver-white hair. It was impressive enough to make him wish he could take it with him when he left. But Fersen couldn't bear asking for anything more than had already been generously given to him.

To his surprise, the clothes and boots Grisden provided fit perfectly. He wasn't sure how the servant had assessed his size so accurately, but his attention to detail was impressive. Fersen felt more like himself with clothes on, especially since the breeches and white shirt were close to what he normally wore. He had never had the money to be someone who preferred fancy clothes. The black boots were plain but surprisingly comfortable.

Fersen took a deep breath before he returned to the other side of the tent. Jaega was reading in front of the fire. He looked up with a smile when Fersen entered. It made butterflies flutter in Fersen's stomach.

"Did you enjoy your bath?" Jaega asked as he set his book aside to give Fersen his full attention.

"I did, thank you." Fersen hoped the flush in his cheek was written off as being a side effect of the hot water. "I appreciate you letting me get clean."

"Of course." Jaega gestured for Fersen to join him by the fire.

Fersen self-consciously ran his fingers through his long hair. "That comb is amazing. I can't believe it really detangles and dries your hair so easily."

"It makes having long hair a less arduous task," Jaega said with a chuckle. "You may take it with you if you wish."

Fersen shook his head. "I couldn't possibly. You've already done more than enough for me."

"It is no problem to have them enchant another comb once I return to the castle. I would be glad to know it had a good home."

"You really are too kind."

"There is no such thing as ‘too kind.' You deserve to be taken care of," Jaega said.

His words brought another blush to Fersen's cheeks. It was impossible not to find the general charming. "I appreciate it. It's been a long, long time since anyone has taken care of me."

"The water has been purified if you wish to bathe, Your Highness," Grisden said, once again catching Fersen off guard. It was amazing how silent his approach was.

"Thank you, Grisden. I will do so." Jaega stood up, making Fersen feel even smaller as the large shifter loomed over him. "Please excuse me, Fersen. If the food arrives before I finish, please help yourself. You do not have to wait for me to start eating."

Fersen bowed his head in acknowledgment. When Jaega left for the bathroom, Fersen glanced over to see Grisden arranging things on Jaega's desk. Feeling uncomfortable in the silence and wanting to take his mind off the naked general on the other side of the tent, Fersen tried to make small talk. "May I ask how long you've worked for Jaega?"

The servant stopped what he was doing and came over to sit around the fire with Fersen. "I have been with him since his boyhood. It has been the greatest privilege of my life."

Fersen couldn't imagine serving one person for what was likely thousands of years. But given how kind Jaega was, it likely was not as arduous a task as someone who was forced to serve a cruel master like King Decius. "It must be nice to work for somebody so kind."

"I am indeed fortunate." Grisden bowed his head. "My older brother serves as King Tatsuki's personal valet. We are treated very well in Valzerna."

"Is King Tatsuki as fearsome as they say?" Fersen had heard rumors, even though he lived far away on the west side of Talwyn in Morven.

"He is, but he is also fair. He values integrity, loyalty, logic, and honesty above all else. So long as you are on the side of right, he has no qualm with you."

"What's Valzerna like? I've never been that far east before."

"It is a beautiful country. Our people are happy and well taken care of by our generous king. We are very fortunate that we do not suffer the same burdens of gross taxation like the poor people of Shadron."

"It sounds a lot like Morven in that regard."

"Yes, Morven is a wonderful kingdom as well. Your king is also very kind, according to my cousin, who serves one of his princesses. It has been some time since I last had the pleasure of visiting there."

Fersen ran his fingers over his wrists that no longer bore the scars of King Decius's torture. "I've been away from Morven for far too long. It will be good to return home."

While Fersen was excited, he also couldn't help but feel a small pang of regret that returning to his regular life would mean the end of his time with Jaega. He lived alone in the forest, so the company of someone so warm and kind had been a nice change of pace.