Emperor's Consort [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 5] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove)

by Scarlet Hyacinth

  At last, the plane started to descend and Sari forced his thoughts away from glum musings. He’d come here as a messenger from Draechenburg, and he had to focus on political affairs and stop being childish.

  Karein snorted. “Right. Because being worried about the people you care about is childish. That must make me five years old then.”

  Sari couldn’t help it. He shot Karein a smile, imagining how his mate would have looked at age five. That thought process naturally led him to think about how their child would look. So far, he only knew that their baby would be a boy, and while Jenarra had given him a vision on his family, he was still breathless with anticipation at imagining a son with Karein’s strength and laughter.

  “And your eyes,” Karein added through their bond. “Don’t forget your eyes. I’d really much prefer it if our baby looked like you, because you’re the beautiful one in this mating.”

  It was Sari’s turn to snort. He’d have actually been pissed if he wasn’t well aware that Karein’s modesty had nothing to do with the self-loathing that had once plagued the draechen and more with his near worshipfulness of Sari. As it was, he smiled, feeling a bit more encouraged.

  As the plane landed, Karein and Sari removed their seatbelts and made their way out of the aircraft. Outside, they found Sari’s half siblings waiting for them on the runway. Unsurprisingly, none of them looked very happy to see Sari, but Sari found that he was happy to see them. The last time they’d been face-to-face, Sari’s involvement in Caelyn’s escape had drawn the attention of the sprites to his siblings and gotten Misael in trouble. Fortunately, Misael hadn’t been hurt, but Sari knew how much they’d risked and how close they’d been to disaster.

  So, he smiled as he approached Darian, Charlize, and Misael. “Hello, brothers, sister,” he said. “It’s very nice to see you again.”

  “And you,” Darian replied in a strikingly sedate voice. His gaze turned to Karein, and dread instantly filled Sari.

  “What is it?” he asked. “What’s wrong?”

  “You should probably go see Father and High Priestess Eanera,” Charlize said. “They wish to speak to you at once.”

  Just the way Charlize mentioned Sari’s mother suggested something had changed in Rose Noire. Or had there been an unknown development in Draechenburg after Karein and Sari had left? Sari didn’t know, and that scared him.

  “All right,” he replied. “Thank you.”

  His half siblings wordlessly led him and Karein inside and headed directly toward the temple. When they reached their destination, they found, as always, female guards in front of the doorway.

  With a pang, Sari realized he wouldn’t be able to take Karein with him inside. “Don’t worry about it,” Karein told him. “I’ll be right here, and we have our bond to communicate.”

  Sari supposed he was right, but it still wouldn’t be the same. Not only that, but he realized all too well that Karein felt reluctant to leave him. He hadn’t thought it possible, but as Sari’s pregnancy advanced, the draechen grew even more protective of him and tended to cling to Sari’s side twenty-four-seven.

  In spite of all that, though, Sari nodded and kissed Karein’s cheek. He was grateful for the fact that he had a mate who respected the ways of his people, even when it brought both of them a measure of discomfort.

  Darian and Misael stepped aside, obviously meaning to wait here with Karein. Much to Sari’s surprise, though, the female guards followed their example. “Prince Shtamakarein is allowed inside, as a special order from His Majesty, King Selbrian.”

  Karein was surprised, but he didn’t even blink or show it in any way. “Thank you very much. I’m honored by Ivenia’s trust.”

  The guards just bowed, leaving Charlize, Sari, and Karein to enter the temple. Inside, the priestesses gave Karein a few curious looks, but there was no hostility in their stance, which suggested that Sari’s mother must have notified everyone beforehand.

  With every step he took, he grew more apprehensive, wondering what his parents were going to tell him. At last, they reached his mother’s quarters. The door opened, and his father gestured them all inside. “Come. We need to speak at once.”

  Sari couldn’t remember when was the last time a man outside their family had entered his mother’s room. In fact, he didn’t think it had ever happened. For it to occur now meant something of significance had just occurred.

  Together, he and Karein stepped into the room. Oddly enough, Charlize didn’t follow. She just nodded at Sari and bowed in front of their father. “With your permission, Your Majesty…”

  “Go, Charlize. I’ll join you soon.”

  Sari didn’t ask any questions as he watched her go. In fact, he said nothing at all, at least not until he and Karein stepped inside his mother’s quarters. As his father closed the door, though, he allowed himself to vent his concerns. “What’s going on, Father?” he asked. “Why are they acting like that, and what do you want to tell me and Karein?”

  “I’m very sorry for disquieting you, dear child,” a familiar female voice replied in Selbrian’s stead. Sari turned, only to see his mother step into the room for the adjoining bed chamber. He couldn’t help but gasp when he took in her pallor and the sharpness of her cheekbones that hadn’t been there when they’d last seen each other.

  “Eanera, you shouldn’t be out of bed,” Selbrian chastised her.

  “I know my limits, my king,” she replied with a small smile. Her expression sobered and her eyes, so much like Sari’s own, fixed on him. “Besides, we have much to discuss.”

  She took a deep breath, as if she wanted to say something else. However, before she could speak, she swayed and her knees actually gave out. Sari rushed forward to catch her, but Selbrian reached her so quickly that Sari’s intervention was unnecessary. Still, he felt a little dizzy himself. Seeing his mother like that shook him more than he’d have liked to admit.

  Selbrian helped Eanera to a nearby couch and Karein took Sari’s arm, guiding him there and practically radiating concern.

  His mother gave him a knowing look. “Don’t worry so, dear child. My condition is just a passing problem. I don’t want you to make yourself sick because of me.”

  Sari nodded automatically and struggled to calm down. He knew that he needed to be mindful of getting too stressed out, lest it affect his baby. Still, he couldn’t help being worried. She was the High Priestess of Jenarra. What could possibly harm her like this?

  “Now listen closely,” Selbrian said. “Your mother has been trying to figure out what is going on and what is coming our way. As you can see, it’s been affecting her, so I’ve been forced to order her to stop pushing herself. However, she has managed to garner some pieces of information.”

  “I don’t believe Talbot Stervos attacked the draechen out of his own free will,” Eanera said calmly. “In fact, I’m fairly certain that by the time he stepped in Draechenburg, there was very little of him left in his body. Our opponent is very powerful, so much so that I can’t see his actual identity.”

  Sari peered closer to her face, for the first time realizing that something about the way she looked seemed familiar. “Mother…you left yourself open to his or her magic while trying to find an answer, didn’t you?” His voice trembled as he spoke. “You can’t do this again. Promise me.”

  Eanera released a heavy sigh. “Don’t lecture me, Sari. I get plenty of that from your father. And it’s not actually because of that. I’ve managed to keep myself distanced from this person, whoever he or she is. However, we’ve been working on reinforcing the wards. In any case, I’ll stop forcing myself for now. But that’s not what I wanted to discuss. I did get one more vision that’s not strictly connected to this. Prince Shtamakarein, your brother is in trouble.”

  Sari felt Karein’s surprise as his own. “Rachen? What happened?”

  “Not your twin.” Eanera frowned, then revised her statement. “Or, not only your twin. Emperor Hareematek. His mate was attacked by vampires. He’s on his
way to the United States now. Prince Talrasar is with him, but it’s safe to say that he’ll need your support.” She paused briefly. “I suppose that Prince Rachen will require some assistance as well.”

  Sari didn’t even know what to address first. “Attacked?” he finally asked. “Is Taryn all right?”

  “I…I think so.” Eanera rubbed her eyes tiredly. “I’m afraid my vision was sketchy with regard to the details. I can’t be certain about any of them.”

  “Either way,” Selbrian said, “it seems increasingly obvious that all of our loved ones are in jeopardy, either from the vampires, or from this mysterious force. I’ll need the two of you to be very careful, and to warn Prince Talrasar and Taryn of the risks they face.”

  “Why them in particular?” Karein inquired, focusing on the exact part of the phrase that had drawn Sari’s attention.

  “Because they’re going to have children,” Eanera replied, “just like you. A new life is very sensitive, especially under these circumstances.”

  Sari had known about Taryn’s pregnancy, but not about Talrasar’s. His mother must have guessed his confusion, because she explained, “It’s very recent for Prince Talrasar. He still doesn’t realize it, and I only know it because Jenarra showed me.”

  “But if Taryn and Prince Talrasar are in danger, so is Sari,” Karein pointed out.

  Sari’s parents shared a look. Instantly, Sari’s heart fell and he started to shake his head. “No. I won’t leave Karein.”

  “No one is asking that,” Selbrian said kindly. “We were merely suggesting that you stay here for now, where it’s safe.”

  Eanera nodded and leaned against Selbrian’s shoulder. She looked a little better, some color having returned to her cheeks. “We would never ask you to abandon your mate. It’s just safer for you to be here now, since there are strong wards around Rose Noire.”

  Sari opened his mouth to refuse adamantly, but then, Karein squeezed his hand and forced him to turn around. “Perhaps they’re right, baby,” the draechen said through their bond. “I need you and our baby to be safe, and here, you’ll be under the best of care.”

  For a few moments, Sari just stared at his mate. In his heart, he’d known this was a possibility. Karein always worried about him, and although as a general rule, they both thought Sari was safest at Karein’s side, things didn’t always work out like that. Sometimes, Karein’s duty got in the way.

  It would be unfair of Sari to make demands, when he knew all too well how much Karein loved and worried about him. He also realized that Karein was already itching to run to his brothers’ aid. And while Sari would have liked to go help, too, he also had to think about his son.

  Sari pressed his forehead to Karein’s chest and inhaled deeply, taking in Karein’s familiar scent. Karein smelled like the storm, and when he closed his eyes, Sari could easily imagine that he and Karein were all alone, standing together in the forest, safe and unseen by anyone.

  Karein’s scent gave Sari the strength he needed to do what was right. “Very well,” he said as he pulled away. “I don’t like it, and I won’t enjoy it, but at the very least, I’ll be here and help with what’s needed.”

  Never mind that his parents would likely not allow him to do much, and he himself knew it would be risky to use his powers too much. He was safe here, and so was his son. His mate needed to know that to be able to help his brothers.

  Karein brushed a brief kiss over his lips, so sweet it brought tears to Sari’s eyes. “I love you so much, baby. Wait for me. I won’t be long.”

  Sari just nodded quietly. Karein turned toward Sari’s parents and said, “Your Majesty, Your Holiness, I truly must go now. If you’re right, and I have no doubt that you are, Hareem needs me. Should there be anything else, you can contact me directly through Sari.”

  “Go, Prince Shtamakarein,” Eanera said. “And be very careful. This foe is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.”

  Karein got up and bowed in front of Sari’s mother and parents. He stole another kiss from Sari, then turned on his heel and left the room without looking back.

  Sari didn’t watch him go. Unfortunately, his pregnancy hadn’t only brought the joy of impending parenthood, the discomfort of dizziness and the increase in sexual need, but also frustratingly erratic emotions. Already, tears pooled at the corners of his eyes, and Karein hadn’t even left Rose Noire yet.

  “Oh, baby,” Karein said through their bond. Sari could practically hear the way the other man’s dragon was roaring to stay at Sari’s side. “I’m so—”

  “Don’t you dare say you’re sorry,” Sari replied, interrupting him. “This isn’t your fault, none of it. I’ll stay here, with my family, where it’s safe, and you’ll focus on your brothers. With luck, it will be over before we know it.”

  As he mentally watched Karein get on the plane, he gave his parents another look. “So…tell me. What can I do to help?”

  “I’ll be leaving to get Onyerre from her mansion,” Selbrian replied. “It’ll be up to you to care for your mother in the meantime. All right, Sari?”

  Sari nodded, although for some reason, he was invaded by a feeling of apprehension. “Of course, Father. I understand.”

  He met his mother’s gaze and saw a similar knowledge in her eyes. Exactly what was going on? Sari desperately wished he knew, but he suspected that once he found out, he’d hate the answer.

  Chapter Four

  The vampire was good, better than Rachen had expected. Rachen smirked as he dodged another claw attack. It was kind of fun to fight with someone who could actually hold his own against him. Of course, he’d never have expected a vampire would be that person, but stranger things had happened.

  When Rachen avoided the blow, the vampire leapt back and avoided a counterattack from Rachen just in time. He bared his fangs at Rachen, emanating cold anger. “Come on, you monster. Take responsibility for your actions and fight me. You need to die for what you did.”

  Rachen snorted, all the while keeping a close eye on the rest of his men who were fighting his opponent’s companions. He’d taken skilled warriors with him from Draechenburg, so they were handling the situation in spite of their inability to shift in the small space inside the building. Of course, he also hadn’t expected an attack of this magnitude anywhere, and he was fairly certain the people he’d left outside to control the rest of the vampires would need help. Lieutenant Sagenamadeen Zager was there to lead them, and Rachen trusted the ice dragon’s skills.

  “I’m not the one who started this,” he pointed out. “Your people initiated hostilities. You have only yourselves to blame for what happens next.”

  The stranger released a barking laugh that held no amusement. “You still don’t realize it. That’s fine. Your people will fall, and when they do, it’ll be on your hands.”

  “I’m sick and tired of your riddles.” Rachen growled. “If you know something I don’t, just come out and say it.”

  His opponent shook his head. “I think not. You deserve your fate.”

  Rachen narrowed his eyes at the man, something ugly stirring in his chest at the vampire’s words. He didn’t bother to answer, instead summoning another fire spell. He shot the bolt at his opponent. Predictably, the other shifter dodged, but Rachen had expected it. The spell provided him with the opening he needed to jump his foe.

  He grabbed the vamp in a chokehold, squeezing the air out of his lungs. He knew by now that his energy draining powers—borrowed from his twin—wouldn’t work on this particular foe, but that was all right. Rachen’s entire body was a weapon, and he still had his natural fire magic to work with.

  Another spell burned in his hands, and the vampire released a groan of pain as flames licked over his shoulders and neck. Still, he tried to fight Rachen, more determined than Rachen himself had expected. He head butted Rachen so hard stars burst into his vision.

  But Rachen didn’t let go. Instead, he shoved the vampire against the wall over and over, just like the man had
done earlier to Taryn. Rachen had only caught a glimpse of it, since he’d arrived toward the end of the whole thing, but it had made him so angry he couldn’t see straight. That fury returned now, hotter and brighter than ever. Rachen might be a monster, but he’d never lift a finger against a helpless, pregnant man. Not to mention that the man in question was, indirectly, family. Taryn Lovington might not be Hareem’s consort, but he was the emperor’s mate, and that made him very much Rachen’s concern.

  That brought to mind the fact that he needed to find Taryn as soon as possible. The werewolf had run outside, but the battle was still raging. Rachen trusted Taryn had been able to escape—members of the ninth caste were always far stronger than they looked—but that didn’t mean Rachen didn’t feel anxious about it.

  Well, he had the man who seemed the leader of the group. He could use that and pressure the rest of the vampires into surrendering.

  “Bats, hear me,” he called out. “If you don’t stop fighting right now, your leader’s dust.”

  All of the vampires froze as they saw Rachen threaten their beloved ruler. Apparently, Rachen had been correct in his guess. Smirking, he gestured his men to use this opportunity. The draechen didn’t delay in complying and took advantage of the situation to immobilize the vampires.

  As his men wrapped up the problem indoors, Rachen headed outside. He repeated the call, all the while scanning the courtyard for any sign of black fur. Taryn was nowhere to be seen, but his ploy worked and the vampires gave up the fight.

  Or they did, until something completely unexpected happened. Out of the blue, a piercing pain exploded in his shoulder. Rachen had been shot by magical bullets before, but the agony still took him by surprise. His spell died, and he staggered, losing his focus.

  The vampire immediately went into action. He pushed away from Rachen and raked his claws over Rachen’s chest. He might have done more, but Rachen’s people were there, surrounding them, growling ominously.