Page 86 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“It is shameful how everyone has rolled onto their backs for that disgusting worm,” Mitsuki spat. He tried to free himself, but Jaega slammed him back against the wall. “Beat me all you want. It does not change that human filth sullying our clan’s good name.”
“The only one who does that isyou.” Jaega threw him aside into a heap on the floor. “Do not test our patience, nephew. We promise you will not live to regret it.”
Mitsuki coughed as he recovered his breath. He stood up with an arrogant set in his shoulders. “You misunderstand. I was merely helping them with training.”
“No, we understand perfectly. Stay away from ourmate and Vanra, or we will not stay our hand next time, consequences be damned.”
Mitsuki stormed out without another word.
Jaega hurried to his mate’s side. He embraced Fersen before cupping his cheeks in his hands as he looked down at him with worry. His dragon was still in full control. “Please tell us you are unharmed. We came as soon as we noticed his presence near you.”
Fersen covered Jaega’s hands with his own. “I’m okay. Vanra protected me from Mitsuki’s wrath. Thank you for coming to our defense.”
“You should have summoned me through our bond.”
“It all happened so fast I barely had time to think, let alone reach out to you.” Fersen sent reassuring vibes through their bond. “All that matters is that you were here in time.”
Jaega rested his forehead against his mate’s for a moment before turning to Vanra. “It seems we owe you another debt of gratitude for protecting our beloved mate.”
Vanra waved his hands in front of him. “Not at all! I’m sorry Mitsuki’s hatred of me put Fersen in that position. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to him because of me.”
Jaega gathered Vanra into a tight hug. He returned to normal when he stepped back. “You did well, Vanra. I am proud of how you defended yourself and my mate. I will speak to my brother about Mitsuki’s egregious behavior. He cannot continue like this unchecked.”
“Perhaps that’s enough training for today,” Fersen said.
Jaega nodded in agreement. “Very well. I will escort you both to your rooms before I return to the barracks.”
“Actually, could we go to the library instead?” Fersen asked. “I would feel safer there when I know Mitsuki would never dare go in there. And it would give me the chance to catch up with Kisano.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Vanra agreed. “But what makes you think Mitsuki won’t harass us there? It seems there are no limits to what he’ll do.”
“Fersen is right. Kizoshi put the fear of death in Mitsuki if he ever stepped foot in the library again. It is the one place in this castle he dares not go. He will not risk her finishing what she started.”
Vanra’s eyebrows furrowed with confusion. “What does that mean?”
“Kizoshi apparently caught him bullying Kisano by destroying one of his books, and she almost killed him for it.”
“Healers were called because he would have died otherwise,” Jaega added. “Kizoshi would gladly finish him. There is no love lost between them.”
Vanra blanched at the thought. “Everything I hear about her makes me more terrified of her.”
“While she is as ferocious as her mother and fathercombined, you have nothing to fear from her,” Jaega assured him as they began walking to the library. “Both of her favorite brothers are fond of you, so she will be, too.”
Jaega took Fersen’s hand in his as they walked. It never ceased to make him feel the warm glow of love that echoed between them through their bond.
Chapter 41
Kisano
Vanra and Fersen’s arrival was a welcome surprise for Kisano, but he was stunned by Jaega’s presence as the three entered the library. He bowed his head respectfully. “Greetings, Uncle Jaega.”
“Are you well, Kisano? It has been some time since I last saw you.” Jaega was usually busy with the army, so he rarely visited. While he was a fierce warrior, Kisano didn’t have the same fear of him as he did his own father.
“Better than ever, actually.” A blush graced Kisano’s cheeks. “I have your mate and Vanra to thank for that. I have never had the pleasure of friends before.”
“I am glad you found kindred spirits in them both.” Jaega gave Kisano a fond squeeze on the shoulder. “Ientrust them both to you while I return to the barracks.”
“Entrust?” It was an odd choice of words.
