Page 10 of Enchanter of Dragons
“When we return to Valzerna, he will be put on military court-martial for his crime. A conviction is guaranteed since I witnessed the incident myself. He will summarily receive a dishonorable discharge from the army following the guilty verdict, most likely along with some jail time.”
Fersen toyed with his lower lip, drawing Jaega’s attention to how plump it was. “You don’t think he’ll hunt me down and try to get revenge because I ruined his life, do you?”
Once again, Jaega felt compelled to offer Fersen physical comfort. He reached out to squeeze Fersen’s hand in reassurance. “I would sooner kill him myself than let that happen. But you can rest at ease. He does not know your name, where you live, or what kind of shifter you are.”
Fersen seemed appeased by that. “Do I have to testify at his trial?”
Jaega shook his head. “Since I was a witness to the incident, you will not have to appear. My word is enough to have him convicted.”
Fersen sighed with relief. “I’m glad I don’t have to face him in court.”
“You will never see him again.” Jaega patted Fersen’s hand before letting go. “In Morven, you will be beyond his reach.”
Fersen gave a humorless laugh. “I thought I was beyond anyone’s reach since I lived so deep in the forest and have minimal contact with anyone. I was wrong about that. King Decius and his men obviously found me after hearing a rumor somewhere.”
“At least you can rest easy knowing he can never hurt you again. I assure you, I personally sent him to the Beyond Realm. There is no coming back from that.” That was where the spirits of the dead spent their afterlives.
“Thankfully.” Fersen shuddered. “If I never thought about him again, it would be too soon.”
“Then do not think of him one more second. You are forever free from his tyranny.”
Fersen flashed a small smile. Jaega thought it was beautiful. “That actually helps, thanks.” He hid a yawn behind his hand. “Sorry.”
“If you wish to sleep, you may do so. I know today has been an eventful day.”
Fersen snorted in amusement. “That’s putting it mildly.” His shoulders slumped a little. “But you’re right. It’s been a long day. Where should I go?”
Jaega gestured to the bed off to the side. “Please make yourself comfortable. Rest easy knowing you are well protected here.”
There was a slight furrow in his eyebrows. “But where will you sleep?”
“I will stand guard while you rest.”
The answer seemed to upset the unicorn shifter. “But I’m sure you’re also tired after a long day of fighting.”
“Your comfort is more important. I do not wish to give you the wrong impression by making you uncomfortable sharing a bed.”
Fersen looked up at Jaega with lowered lashes. “It’s okay. I trust you.”
In truth, Jaegawastired. Sleeping in a warm bed with someone to snuggle against was the ultimate temptation. But he refused on principle. “And I value that trust. But I still do not wish to make you nervous. I am sure sharing a bed with a bigger male is the last thing you wish to do.”
Fersen hesitated a moment before speaking. “If you were literally anyone else, that would be true. But I think knowing you’re close to keep me safe would actually help.”
Jaega’s resolve weakened. “Only if you are truly sure it would help. I do not wish to cause you any distress. The last thing I want is for you to awaken in the night in a panic because a strange man is close to you.”
Fersen lowered his gaze. “That will probably happen, whether you’re in bed with me or not. My time in King Decius’s captivity gives me regular night terrors. I’m sorry in advance if that happens tonight.”
Jaega’s heart panged with sympathy. “It is understandable after everything you’ve been through. You do not have to feel badly about it. If it happens, I will help in whatever way I can.”
“Thank you.” Fersen stood up. “In that case, I will use the bathroom and get ready for bed, if that’s okay?”
“It is more than fine.”
Left alone, Jaega’s dragon was practically purring at the prospect of sharing a bed with Fersen. He argued it was a sign that Fersen trusted them as his fated mate. But Jaega refused to listen to such nonsense. He would never be the same kind of scum as Decius, who had done so much harm to someone so undeserving.
He wanted to make Fersen feel safe. That meant his dragon would stay locked in his cage, no matter how much it roared in anger at being denied access to Fersen.
Chapter6
