3. Jaega

Although he was a fire dragon, Jaega was fond of bath time. After a hard day's battle, coming back to a hot bath was the highlight of his day after winning a victory. But his mind was preoccupied by thoughts of the mysterious shifter he had saved from King Decius.

Seeing Fersen fresh out of the bath, with his cheeks flushed and smelling like Jaega because of the soap and shampoo, did things to the general's heart he didn't understand. It made his dragon stir in a way it hadn't done since the first time he had met his mate. His dragon whispered, "Ours," like they had any right to claim Fersen.

It was hard to ignore his dragon's certainty that Fersen belonged to them as their fated mate. Since Caprina's death, no one had captured Jaega's attention. Sure, he had enjoyed dalliances with both men and women in the centuries since his mate's untimely death. But none of them had ever made his dragon react in quite the same way. Jaega didn't know what to make of it. Wasn't it too late for him to have a second fated mate?

The lingering scent of Fersen in the bathroom was enough to stoke the flames of his dragon's lust. But Jaega would not act in such a shameful manner. Although Fersen hadn't disclosed the capacity he had served King Decius, it wasn't hard to imagine it was in an abusive, sexual nature. Jaega refused to add to his trauma. He was much happier as Fersen's protector.

Jaega hurried through the rest of his bath, not wanting to dwell on thoughts best left alone.

While it was poor form to eavesdrop on the conversation happening on the other side of the tent, it pleased Jaega to hear Fersen taking an interest in Grisden. The elder shifter had served Jaega as long as he had been alive. Because of that, Grisden had always been more like a second father to Jaega than a mere servant. He would do anything for the man who had dedicated his life to taking care of him.

Once he finished bathing, Jaega got out of the tub. He quickly made himself presentable before returning to the other side of the tent. "My apologies for taking so long."

Grisden stood up with a bow. "I hope you had an enjoyable bath. I will go check on dinner now that you are ready."

"Thank you, Grisden." Jaega nodded in acknowledgment before he sat down next to Fersen by the fire once more.

He subtly inhaled, enjoying Fersen's unique scent. It cycled the same way as the colors on his shifter markings, which was utterly entrancing.

"Grisden is so nice," Fersen said once the servant left the tent. "You're really lucky to have someone like him taking care of you."

"I am indeed fortunate. I would be bereft without him." It was not an understatement. "He has been with me through everything. I have come to rely on his sound judgment and wisdom as much as I do my lieutenants, if not more so."

"King Decius used to bark orders at his servants and throw things at them when they displeased him," Fersen said with a frown. "I'm glad to see they're treated much better in Valzerna."

"Thankfully, my brother is of the mindset that you get what you pay for. If you are generous with paying your servants, you will receive exceptional service and loyalty in return. As such, we have very little turnover in staff at the castle. It is shocking more rulers have not figured that out."

Fersen looked at the general with a sense of awe. "Your people are really lucky."

"My oldest brother may be a warlord, but at his core, he is a protector. He would sacrifice himself if he thought it would save the people of his kingdom. Few rulers can say that and mean it."

"I hope it never comes to that," Fersen said with a concerned expression.

"That is why he has me to help him protect our citizens and lands, along with my son, who is captain of the castle guards."

"I'm surprised he doesn't serve in the military with you."

"I know it is selfish and hypocritical of me to keep him off the front lines when I ask so many others to make that same sacrifice, but?—"

Fersen interrupted. "There's not a single selfish or hypocritical thing about you. He is still serving his country and king by protecting him and the castle. I'm sure it's not without its risks."

"This is true, although it would take a damn fool to attack my oldest brother, who is more than capable of defending himself. But it gives me peace of mind that my son makes sure the castle is safe, not just for our king, but for everyone inside."

"I'm sure he's as remarkable as his father."

Jaega chuckled at the compliment. "I would say even more so. He has always made me proud. And knowing he is at the castle waiting for me is the best incentive to make sure I come home from battle."

Fersen smiled wanly. "That must be nice."

Jaega's heart hurt for the unicorn shifter. "From that comment, I take it you do not have anyone waiting for you in Morven?"

"No, I live alone in the forest, far away from the town. The owl shifter who took me in when I was a child found her fated mate a little over a century ago, and she moved to Kunushi to be with him. I'm happy she found her partner, but I miss her companionship. And it's too dangerous for me to go visit by myself."

Fersen wasn't wrong. Given his status as the last remaining unicorn shifter, it put him in a great deal of danger to travel the treacherous roads alone on such a journey. It helped Jaega decide. "Agreed. That is why I will accompany you to Morven, to make sure you get home safe and sound."

Fersen's beautiful, color-changing eyes went wide. "You will?"

Jaega nodded. "You are right. It is unsafe for you to travel such a great distance alone, and it is even farther from Shadron to Morven. I will feel better knowing I can protect you on the way home."

"But that's asking for too much!"

"You do not have to ask when I freely offer." Jaega sincerely hoped Fersen would accept his help. He wasn't ready to give up Fersen yet. "It will give me peace of mind to know you arrived home safely."

Tears welled up in Fersen's eyes. "Thank you. I don't know how I can ever repay you for any of this."

"No repayment is necessary." Jaega instinctively reached out to brush away Fersen's tear before it could fall. The small touch sent electricity zinging through the dragon shifter. "Knowing you are safe is payment enough."

Fersen brought his hand up to cradle Jaega's hand against his cheek. "Thank you. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I'm grateful for your help."

Jaega brushed his thumb against Fersen's high cheekbone. The gentle touch made his dragon go positively feral. He rattled in his cage, demanding they make Fersen theirs. But Jaega drowned out his dragon's demands by focusing on the mesmerizing, shifting colors of Fersen's eyes. It was beautiful beyond compare.

For now, it was enough to know that he would get to enjoy Fersen's company a little longer on the journey back to Morven.