Page 7 of Enchanter of Dragons
“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.
Chapter4
Fersen
Jaega’s touch made Fersen’s heart race so fast he was certain the dragon shifter would be able to hear it. It sent heat searing through his body, making him tingle all over in a way he had never experienced before. He was in danger of losing himself in the depths of Jaega’s warm, amber eyes.
The moment between them was broken when Grisden appeared with another servant, both carrying trays of food. “Dinner is served.”
