Page 26 of Enchanter of Dragons
“I know it could never make up for such a loss, but please use my library to your heart’s content,” Kisano offered, wiping tears from the corner of his eyes. It was sweet how connected he felt to the books.
“That is not an offer Kisano makes lightly,” Kizoshi added. “He only trusts good people with his books.”
“I will treat them with the respect they deserve,” Fersen promised. “Thank you for sharing your massive collection with me. This really is a paradise in the Living Realm.”
Kisano tilted his head as he regarded Fersen. “It is strange. You are nothing like Uncle’s last mate, and yet you seem perfect for him.” He blushed scarlet. “Please forgive my rudeness.”
“It’s not rude at all,” Fersen assured him. “Trust me, I can still hardly believe he would be interested in someone as unremarkable as me.”
“How could the last surviving unicorn shifter ever be unremarkable?” Kizoshi scoffed. “Uncle will have to work hard to build up your self-confidence.”
“I’ve lived a quiet life alone in the forest for centuries. I would tend to my garden by day, read by candlelight at night. I don’t know why anyone would look at me twice.”
Kisano’s expression was sympathetic. “I feel the same way. I will surely never find a mate.”
“Why do you refuse to believe me that your fated mate is out there?” Kizoshi asked with a sigh. It was clearly a long-standing argument. “It is only a matter of time.”
“Unless I fall in love with a servant, it will never happen,” Kisano insisted. “My world is too small.”
“For now.” Kizoshi’s smug sense of satisfaction made Fersen endlessly curious.
He had certainly joined a fascinating family. It was overwhelming, but after a lifetime spent alone, Fersen was excited to have supportive people in his life once more.
Chapter17
Jaega
Although his dragon rattled in his cage over being separated from their mate, Jaega knew he could entrust Fersen to Kizoshi’s care. He loved his feisty niece as much as his own daughters. It never failed to amuse him to see her put Mitsuki in his rightful place. Sadly, Mitsuki rarely retained the lesson she violently taught him.
“Truly, we are happy for you, brother,” Tatsuki said with a rumble of approval. He was always united with his dragon, so they always spoke as one. “Fersen is as remarkable as Kizoshi promised.”
“I cannot believe he survived the Necromancer War,” Tyrian said in awe. “I have never heard so much as a rumor about a surviving unicorn shifter. How did he pull that off?”
“He worked very hard to stay unnoticed,” Jaega said. “But once our paths crossed, I could not bear to let him go.”
“He seems sweet. I hope Mitsuki did not upset him too much,” Kitaro said with a frown. “I do not know why my oldest brother must always be so disagreeable.”
“It is his way,” Tatsuki said with a dismissive wave. “Grisden gave us a thorough briefing, Jaega, but we still wish to speak with you later about some details. For now, you should rest after your long journey home.”
Jaega recognized the dismissal and stood up with a bow. “Perhaps we can speak over dinner?”
“We are pleased with that idea.”
“Tyrian, would you like to talk now or later?” Jaega asked his son. He was sure he had a lot of questions about Jaega’s new mate.
Tyrian’s expression grew weary. “I would love nothing more, but we are training new castle guard recruits today. Unfortunately, I really must get back to it. They have been a motley bunch so far. Would after dinner work?”
“That would be fine. Good luck with the recruits.”
“Actually, would it be possible for me to speak with Uncle Jaega now?” Kitaro asked, looking to his father for approval for dismissal.
Tatsuki nodded. “We have other things we must attend to, so we will take our leave.” Tatsuki walked away, but not before clasping his son on the shoulder with a firm squeeze and a bear hug to Jaega. “We are so proud of you, brother. Never doubt that.”
Jaega patted his oldest brother’s back. “I missed you, too.” Tatsuki exited with Tyrian, leaving Jaega alone with Kitaro. He asked his nephew, “Would you like to stay here or go somewhere else?”
“Here is fine with me.”
Jaega sat down across the table from Kitaro. “What troubles you, nephew?”
