Karein just nodded since he couldn’t reply without the fae overhearing. He decided to start complying to his emperor’s order at once. After all, it was what he wanted anyway. The reason behind it might not be ideal, but it still allowed him to be less cold to his mate, and Karein was thankful for that.
Misael looked surprised and a little wary that his proposal had been accepted so readily. He shared a puzzled glance with his sister and threw a look toward Sareltae. The younger fae was completely focused on Karein, though. He licked his lips in what seemed to be a subconscious gesture, and the action almost made Karein soil his elegant uniform. If the fae didn’t stop looking at him like that, Karein couldn’t hope to hold back, in spite of the discipline he’d cultivated all throughout his life.
Distantly, he heard his mother continue to speak, “On this note, we do have a personal request. We’d like for the wedding to be held here, at the end of this week. I trust that is satisfactory for you, as it would allow the future mates to get to know each other a little, too.”
“I’d have to speak with my father to confirm the date,” Misael answered.
“Understandable,” the empress answered. “You can send him a message from here. In the meantime, you are, of course, our guests.”
Karein realized with a dose of despair that the fae were being dismissed. Overlords only knew when he’d get to see his mate again. Taking a deep breath, he decided to chance his parents’ disapproval and offered, “Should Prince Sareltae feel it adequate, I’d be honored to show him around.”
The fae blushed prettily. If he was trying to keep himself from showing the truth about them, it certainly didn’t seem like he was doing a very good job about it. The coy look the fae threw Karein’s way made him wonder just how he looked at people during sex, but that brought to mind questions he’d rather not answer. He didn’t want to think about Sareltae’s previous lovers. Instead, he focused purely on the fae prince’s words.
“I wouldn’t presume to impose on Your Highness’s time,” Sareltae said, “but if you so desire, I’d love to get to know your beautiful home.”
Yeah, right. Beautiful home. If Karein had wanted to come up with a description for the palace, he certainly wouldn’t have associated those two words with it, either together or separately. Nevertheless, Sareltae’s reply was more than satisfactory, both polite and enthusiastic.
“For now, you’re probably tired from your trip,” the empress said. “Go with Akarawem. She will lead you to your rooms. You’ll be able to get accustomed to Draechenburg later on.”
Karein could do nothing but watch his mate leave. He wanted to at least ask Sage to guard Sareltae, to make sure the fae had someone watching his back in this place where enemies hid behind any corner. His lieutenant would, of course, be mindful of their guests’ behavior, but what Karein knew now changed everything.
Akara led the fae—Sareltae included—out of the throne room, and the heavy doors closed behind them. “Well, that was informative,” Hareem said once they were granted privacy. “They’re certainly hiding something.”
“We’ve already established that,” the emperor replied through his telepathic power. “But not to worry. The fae rely on the loyalty of their prince to get them out of this. It won’t work.”
“Just don’t overdo it, Shtamakarein,” his mother warned. “They’d never believe that a draechen general would be so generous with his time out of the kindness of his heart.”
“I will be careful,” Karein promised, “but I feel that it’s preferable to set the basis of the relationship right now, so that I can exploit it later.”
“Shtamakarein is correct,” the emperor said. “Seduce the fae, son, and crush his heart under your boots. I can see already that he is attracted to you. It will be up to you to use that lust for your purposes. We will sign an agreement upon your mating, pointing out Sareltae’s obligations and yours. Once the fae breaks his part—as you will make sure happens—the world of the fae will fall.”
“And you’ll get a conduit to siphon your excess energies in the process.” The empress grinned. “Aren’t you happy, my son?”
“I live and die by your command,” Karein said, unable to find a reply that wouldn’t in one way or another give him away. Actually, yes, he was happy, but for the first time in his life, he was also terrified.
Right now, the emperor had chosen a slow and careful strategy for his plan to defeat the fae. However, if he saw that Karein made no progress, he would go for a more aggressive stance. Since the end result of it all was undoubtedly world domination, he would have no qualms in attacking anyone who got in the way, whether they were other shifters or magical creatures. The thought horrified Karein, and now more than ever, he not only had to worry about his people, but also for a mate who’d unexpectedly popped up in his life. What was he going to do?
Chapter Four
A few hours later
“Sage! Come here.”
Sage turned away from the guard he’d been talking to, only to see his general approaching. As always, Prince Shtamakarein looked completely calm and composed, but there was something about him that immediately made Sage realize something wasn’t quite right.
The fae. The fae had done something already. Sage gritted his teeth to suppress his anger and frustration. He knew it was disloyal of him not to agree with his emperor, but he still believed that this mating was in no way fair to his general. After everything Prince Shtamakarein had done for the draechen, after all the effort he put into making the world a safer place, he deserved better than a political marriage. He had never been told outright what reasons his leaders had for making this choice, but whatever they were, he still wished his general could refuse.
But Sage was only a soldier, and he couldn’t intervene in those decisions. The only thing he could do was to be there for Prince Shtamakarein when the older draechen beckoned. “Yes, Your Highness?” he asked at once. “What is it?”
“I need a word.” The general gestured Sage to follow him, and together, they walked away from the other guard.
For a few moments, Shtamakarein didn’t say anything. Sage didn’t prod, knowing that walls had ears in the palace and aware of the secrets the prince kept. Finally, Prince Shtamakarein stepped outside, heading toward the cliff that served as a landing space for both modern aircrafts and draechen in shifted form. There were more guards all over the place, especially around the fae jet. They saluted as Shtamakarein passed, but the general didn’t stop, acknowledging them with only brisk nods.
As they reached the edge of the cliff, Shtamakarein started to take his clothes off. It was highly unlikely that he’d decided to take Sage up on his old offer to couple, so Sage surmised he planned to shift. Judging by the fact that the general had summoned Sage here, Shtamakarein probably wanted Sage to accompany him on a flight. It wasn’t unusual since they had many times done so in the past, especially when they needed to discuss issues of grave importance. Sage knew better than to believe the prince shared everything with him, but in some respects, Shtamakarein trusted him.
And so, Sage pulled off his own uniform and summoned his beast. As always, it took a little time for him to change shapes, and by the time he finished, a majestic black dragon already stood in front of him.
The general launched himself into the air, and Sage didn’t hesitate in following his example. As they flew away from the cliff, he wondered what in the world had determined the prince to demand this sudden departure from the palace. He had been monitoring the fae, but so far, he couldn’t imagine what they could have done. Like she had been told, Princess Akarawem had led them to their quarters and strongly suggested that they should stay there until dinner. They had the freedom to move around—after all, the emperor could hardly make them prisoners—but they had guards on them at all times.
It seemed that the prince had every intention to explain the situation. When they were far enough away, Shtamakarein flew down, heading toward the forest beneath. Both he and Sage
landed on the grassy ground and changed shapes. “What is the matter, Highness?” Sage inquired as soon as his dragon allowed him to speak.
“What I’m going to tell you now is very important, Sage.” Shtamakarein gave him a serious look. “Before I speak, I need to know something. You have been in my service for decades, and you’ve never disappointed me. Recently, you’ve given me a show of loyalty that I have not forgotten. But I have to hear from your mouth. Who do you trust? Who do you obey? Emperor Kavehquader or me?”
It was a tricky question. Usually, obeying Shtamakarein meant that, indirectly, he was following Kavehquader’s orders. It seemed that, this time around, things would be different. Sage considered the question and decided to provide an honest reply. “As a draechen, I am aware that my duty is above all to Ornoz. But if I were to choose, if I was presented with an either-or option, I would always say that you are the one I trust.”
If this was a trap, Sage could have easily signed his own death sentence by saying that. But being in the general’s command for decades had taught him a thing or two about Shtamakarein. No matter what rumors said, Prince Shtamakarein wasn’t mindlessly ruthless. He did what he had to do and obeyed the Directive, as they all had to. He caught the rebels, but insofar as he could, kept the other draechen from being unnecessarily cruel toward the captives. Sage would have never continued in the job he loathed so much, if not for Prince Shtamakarein’s example. Someone had to enforce the Directive, and if the general didn’t do it, another draechen would, and likely he wouldn’t have Shtamakarein’s scruples.
“I thank you for your honesty,” Shtamakarein replied. “The truth is, Sage, I don’t know what to do anymore.”
He paused, as if struggling for words, and Sage could see how hard it was for the general to ask anyone’s help with this. “Is this about the fae?” he prodded gently.
The general nodded. “What I’m going to say now can go no further. This is extremely important. I cannot stress enough how vital secrecy is.”
“You can rely on me, Highness,” Sage replied without hesitation. “I won’t let you down. I swear it.”
Shtamakarein seemed pleased with his reply. “My father is planning a war against the fae. This entire wedding is a ruse. He means to use Prince Sareltae as an excuse to start the war. Suffice to say, I want to prevent that.”
Sage couldn’t have agreed more. He might have become a soldier, but his only goal was to protect his people and Ornoz. Things were already difficult enough without the draechen shattering an already-frail state of affairs. “But what can be done, Highness? The Emperor seeks more power. It’s natural for him to expand toward the magical creatures.”
“Unfortunately, that’s true. But our opponents aren’t stupid, Sage. I’ve recently discovered that they’ve invented weapons that can hurt us. I’ve tested them on my own scales, and they actually affect me.”
Sage gaped. He couldn’t believe his ears. If there had been one thing he’d always considered a certainty, it was the reliable strength of the draechen. No one could take on his people and win. No one. But if his general was correct in his assessment—and Sage had no doubt that it must be the case—then even if the draechen won, the price they paid for victory could be very high indeed.
“If I share this with Father, or even with my brother, the war would undoubtedly erupt at once. Therefore, the only way to prevent bloodshed is to stop the war.”
“You have my assistance, for whatever you need,” Sage answered, “but I’m not sure I can do anything that could help you in such an overwhelming endeavor.”
“You’ve helped me once.” Impossibly, Shtamakarein’s expression grew even more cautious. “Tell me, Sage, what did you think of my fiancé?”
The odd non sequitur took Sage by surprise. “I’m not sure what to think,” Sage admitted. “I suppose he’s attractive enough, but I don’t like that you were forced into a marriage with him. And earlier this year, there were some suspicions regarding his integrity.”
He had heard a rumor that Sareltae had been involved in the escape of the general’s ex-fiancé, Caelyn, but the emperor had quieted it down, probably because they’d never been able to prove anything. It was only Sage’s proximity to Shtamakarein that had allowed him to know about it in the first place.
“Well, whatever you heard is likely correct,” the general answered, “but that’s irrelevant right now. Sareltae is my mate.”
Sage nodded, unsure of what his general meant. “Yes, I know.”
“No.” Shtamakarein shook his head, looking a little frustrated. “I mean, my true mate. My other half.”
Sage would have been less shocked if someone had told him the moon was made out of cheese. “But how?” he gasped out.
“I have no idea,” the prince answered, “but I’m not going to question it. I need to see him, in private. He’s alone in his rooms right now, but I can’t allow anyone to know I’m going to see him. My parents encouraged me to seduce him, but such a move would be too bold, suspicious.”
Sage was finally getting the picture. “Worry not, Highness. I can be your alibi and distract the guards while you go see your mate.” In spite of all the serious things he’d learned tonight, he couldn’t help but smile. “Congratulations, General Shtamakarein.”
He felt truly relieved that his general had found his mate. With Shtamakarein’s two hundredth birthday approaching, the risk of losing the man he respected so much had become exceedingly high. Sage had been more than willing to offer himself to Shtamakarein as an anchor, even if he’d know he’d only ever be a poor substitute to what his general really needed. However, he’d been refused. Fortunately, the Overlords were on their side as they had granted Shtamakarein the beautiful gift of his true mate.
“Thank you,” the prince replied. “And please, at least when we’re alone, call me Karein. I grow weary of such formality everywhere.”
The honor humbled Sage, and he started to protest, “I couldn’t possibly—”
“You can, and you will,” Shtamakarein interrupted him. “Considered it a command if you must. And now, I have to go. My mate is waiting. Here’s what you need to do for me. Distract the guards as I fly toward them, and then make sure the soldiers watching Sareltae’s door don’t interfere or overhear us.”
“I understand, Highness.” When Karein gave him a look, Sage corrected himself. “I mean, Karein.”
With a satisfied nod, Shtamakarein—no, Karein—melted into his dragon form. As Sage did the same, he made a mental vow to himself, Karein, and the Overlords that he would not fail his leader and his people. Somehow, he and Karein would find a way to stop the war, no matter what.
* * * *
Sari leaned against the banister of his room, admiring the view in the distance. It was very different from his home in France, but Sari found that he liked it. The fresh mountain air cleared his head, making him breathe easier. The green of the forests seemed to beckon him closer, and Sari wished he could go and explore, but he was trapped here, in his room.
A gust of wind swept over the balcony, reminding Sari that Draechenburg was definitely not Rose Noire. With a sigh, Sari shivered, wrapping his cloak tighter around him. He should be going back inside, but the room held no appeal to him. In fact, just the thought of waiting there, alone and abandoned, horrified him. He wondered where his mate was. He wondered if Karein even cared about him all. The draechen’s behavior had been puzzling to say the least, and while the situation certainly seemed better than this morning, Sari didn’t know what to think.
Out of the blue, Sari felt a strange, almost familiar presence approach. He looked up, scrutinizing the horizon, and gasped as he saw a black dragon approach.
He had never seen his mate in shifted form, but it didn’t surprise him that Karein’s dragon was as majestic as his human shape. As the black beast flew closer, Sari’s mouth grew dry, his knees turning to jelly. He gripped the banister, trying to steady himself. It wasn’t fear that made him so nervous, but rathe
r, the knowledge that, for the first time, he would be alone with his mate. He had no clue how to react. What was even appropriate under these circumstances? Sari’s instinct as a fae drew him to Karein in a sexual way, but he’d also been raised into chastity. So far, his life had been dedicated to Jenarra, like his mother’s had been. He’d known that would change upon his marriage, but he hadn’t been prepared for the pull Karein had on him.
At last, the black dragon reached the balcony and landed onto the dark marble. Sari watched as the large beast melted into the very naked form of his mate. His face flamed at the sight, and he studiously looked away, but not before he caught a guilty glimpse of the generous member between Karein’s legs. Oh, Jenarra above, help me.
“W–what are you doing here?” he stammered out.
“Don’t you know?” Karein’s voice was a growl as he stepped closer to Sari. He gripped Sari’s chin and forced their eyes to meet. “Are you afraid of me, my beautiful prince?”
Sari shook his head, swallowing around the sudden knot in his throat. “I’m afraid of what you make me feel.”
He had promised his family that he’d never allow the draechen prince in his head, but now that he’d learned Karein was his mate, all bets were off.
Instead of addressing that, Karein caressed Sari’s cheek with striking gentleness. “You’re cold,” he murmured. His breath formed a cloud in the frigid air, and Sari whimpered as he realized just how close they were. This time, when he shivered, it wasn’t because of the chilly wind. Even so, by some miracle, he managed to answer, “So are you.”
“I’m fine.” Karein chuckled. “We’re more than used to it. Draechenburg was built to facilitate the most important things we need, secrecy and flight. The chill is a side-effect that doesn’t really bother most, and that some of us, ice dragons in particular, enjoy.”
Were they really just standing here, discussing geography and architecture? It was insane. They had far more important and worrisome things to handle. But Sari really couldn’t remember what they were, not when Karein’s heat was chasing away the coldness in his body and in his heart away.
Draechen's Mate [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 2] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove) Page 5
