Camden shivered, remorse coursing through him as he watched the two siblings interact. He didn’t want to be the reason for their separation, but there was nothing he could do about it now. Sage’s parents hadn’t even come to see him off. In fact, most of the draechen present on the cliffside seemed to be ignoring Sage, focusing on Camden’s parents instead.
It was a painful and twisted irony, but it couldn’t be helped. Camden knew for a fact that the draechen were only doing this because their emperor had ordered them into a semblance of politeness toward Camden’s family. Things were already bad enough, and Camden truly believed that his parents had genuinely assembled an army at the gates of Draechenburg. He didn’t know what had kept them from attacking. Perhaps only Prince Shtamakarein’s intervention had prevented an all-out war. Regardless, not even the draechen general could hold the naga forces at bay if Camden’s parents gave the order to attack.
Fortunately, Shtamakarein seemed to be inclined toward peace, as, in spite of his words in the throne room, he hadn’t actually attacked the naga army, choosing instead to surround it with his own battalion, the Chrysalidian Wyverns. The approach of the naga troops had therefore been stopped with no bloodshed. However, if the draechen had been more hostile or if Camden’s parents hadn’t relented from their decision to start a war… There would have been countless dead, all because of a huge misunderstanding and a ploy based on age-old prejudice. Sadly, the danger wasn’t over. It could still come to pass, if they weren’t careful.
“It won’t happen,” Sage whispered through their bond as he broke away from his twin. “Not anymore. Your parents are too smart to risk a conflict like that if they don’t have to.”
It wasn’t a gratuitous compliment, but an honest assessment of Camden’s family. To a certain extent, it saddened Camden, because he knew Sage respected his family, but the feeling would likely never be returned. Even more upsetting was the fact that Sage thought he deserved this treatment, for supposedly having failed Camden.
“I did fail you,” Sage pointed out as he joined Camden. “It’s no wonder that your parents loathe me so much. But it’s all right. I’m willing to bear anything, as long as it means I can be with you.”
Camden said nothing. He just took Sage’s hand and squeezed it. He knew that he could never replace Sage’s family, nor would he attempt doing so, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t support Sage in his own way just the same.
A hand landed on his shoulder, squeezing hard. “At the very least wait until we’re airborne,” his sire hissed in his ear. He wasn’t in his naga form now, but he managed to convey his anger with Camden more than eloquently.
Camden bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself from uttering a scathing retort. It was unfair of them to act like he’d suddenly committed this awful crime when he’d only ever tried to make everyone happy. Perhaps that had been his mistake. Instead of adamantly seeking his family’s permission, he should have just ignored all secondary considerations and mated Sage when he’d first realized their connection.
He said none of that, though. Now was not the time or the place. Instead, he defied his father through the simplest, most satisfying method. He leaned into Sage’s embrace and allowed the draechen to hold him in plain sight. Sage had been right all along. They shouldn’t have kept this secret, like it was shameful for two mates to be together.
Emotions roiled wildly inside Camden. Sage’s hand tightened around his shoulder, keeping him from doing something really stupid. He did his best to focus on the exchanges going on in front of him. Prince Shtamakarein had approached Camden’s mother and was talking to her in a low voice, while Prince Sareltae had decided to take his concerns to Camden’s father.
“I assure you, Your Highness, that we never meant any slight to you. We were as much at risk as you.”
“So I’m told,” Nikhil said. “But that really isn’t relevant for me, Prince Sareltae. My family and I were imprisoned like criminals. Normally, we’d treat this as a declaration of war, but our other worries take precedence.”
Nikhil threw a gaze Camden’s way, and Camden couldn’t help but wonder exactly how Nikhil planned to handle his situation with Camden. To a certain extent, he was thankful that his mating had been important enough for his family to warrant such a vital policy change. Few world leaders would have stopped a war because their son’s mate belonged to the enemy race. That didn’t make Camden any less worried about what the future held, though.
It was a relief when the hour of departure finally arrived. “You don’t have to worry about the naga attacking you, Prince Shtamakarein,” Camden’s mother said, “at least for the moment. But never forget that we are an enemy you don’t want to have. Stay out of the business of our people, or you’ll regret it.”
Camden didn’t say that there was no way the naga could fully separate themselves from the draechen now. Even if they meant to turn Sage into nothing more than a concubine, they had to realize that it would never work.
Now was not the time to point that out, though. With a stiff and formal good-bye, Camden’s family boarded the jet. Sage hugged Hanna one last time, and then joined them. He automatically stayed at Camden’s side, in spite of the ugly glances the rest of the naga threw their way.
Outside, Prince Sareltae leaned into Prince Shtamakarein’s embrace with a thoughtful expression. They were obviously not happy about watching Sage go, but they couldn’t do anything about it. At this point, no one could. A small worm of discontent inside Camden actually made him feel pleased about their departure. He still didn’t appreciate the extent of Sage’s admiration for Shtamakarein. He had no idea why, because in the past, he’d accepted it as normal, even though it had frustrated him a little. Recently, though, just seeing Shtamakarein around Sage had begun to bother him a great deal.
“Well, at least we’re on the same page,” Sage said, “and hopefully I won’t have to worry about you losing interest and mating someone else.”
There it was again, the proverbial elephant in the room and the promise Camden had made to his parents before his departure. Personally, Camden had no intention to take another mate, but he had given his word that he’d at least look over candidates, and he couldn’t get out of that.
As if guessing his thoughts, his mother approached him. Camden was in the process of buckling into his seat and preparing for takeoff, but directed his full attention to her. “Make note that I’m only allowing this because of concern for you,” she said as she threw a gaze Sage’s way. “However, I am still convinced that you’re better off with a chimera mate who can truly appreciate you.”
Sage started to protest. “If you’re saying I don’t appreciate Camden, Your Majesty—”
Anais narrowed her eyes at Sage and interrupted him. “I wasn’t addressing you, draechen. Remember your position.”
Sage tensed, but remained quiet. Camden mentally sighed. They hadn’t even left Draechenburg, and already his parents had begun to mistreat Sage. “I promised I would consider it, didn’t I?” he pointed out, fighting back his frustration.
Surprisingly, she smiled. “I have a feeling you’ll do more than just consider. There are so many amazing candidates that are just waiting for a word from you. You’ll see that the draechen’s existence won’t even matter.”
Who was she trying to convince, herself or Camden? Had she gotten over her anger with him? Camden remained more than aware that he’d broken a sacred rule in revealing the particularities of naga blood to Sage. Honestly, it was more than a little disconcerting.
“She decided it’s easier to blame me,” Sage whispered through their bond. “I’m the bad guy in this story. I seduced you and coaxed you into revealing important secrets. It’s not your fault.”
Sage didn’t sound in the least bit put out about this, although for Camden, it was quite worrisome. He didn’t get the chance to reply to either of them. The pilot of their jet notified them that they were about to leave. Camden’s father appeared behind his mother. “Co
me on, draechen,” he told Sage. “You’re not staying here with us.”
Camden gaped at Nikhil. “Father… What?”
“He’ll be flying in the cargo compartment. We need to make sure the secrecy of Patala is protected at all costs.”
Sage arched a brow, but got up nonetheless. “Very well,” he replied simply.
“You can’t be serious,” Camden argued. “He’s not a piece of luggage.”
“He agreed to our terms,” his mother pointed out. “This is only the beginning.”
That really didn’t sound promising at all. Frustrated with himself and with his family, Camden unbuckled his seat belt and shot to his feet. “Fine. But I’ll go there with him as well.”
“Camden…” his father said, that one single word a warning not to push it.
“Cease this foolishness,” his mother continued. “You’ve made your point. Don’t force our hand, because you won’t like the result.”
“Just let it go, beautiful,” Sage pleaded through their bond. “There’s no reason why both of us have to be uncomfortable. Besides, she said it herself. This is only the beginning. We have to learn to adapt.”
The entire thing was beyond ridiculous. Surely Camden’s family realized by now that Sage was bonded to him, and therefore, he had complete access to the information in Camden’s brain. But then, it didn’t really matter, did it? They would use any occasion they had to humiliate and belittle Sage, just because they could.
Sighing to himself, Camden plopped back down onto his seat. He had to pick his battles, and this one, he could not win. His heart heavy with regret, he watched as his father guided Sage away. It was hard to believe that they’d been so optimistic after they’d found the true culprit for the ploy to poison the draechen. Now, nothing seemed to be going right.
Anais sat next to him in the seat Sage had previously occupied. “See? I knew you’d understand. Fate might have played a trick on you by coupling you with this draechen, but I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of this.”
Camden didn’t answer, because if he did, he would say something he’d regret. He was angry that his mate was being treated like a prisoner and hurt that his beloved family had chosen to do this. He was furious that his mother had willingly blinded herself to the truth of the bond between him and Sage. It hurt to know Sage was away from him, in the lonely cargo hold, with Camden being unable to do anything about it. He hated himself for his cowardice, for always bowing his head to his parents’ commands.
“They’re your sovereigns, as well as your family,” Sage pointed out through their bond. “You have to stop blaming yourself for this.”
It was easier said than done. As the plane took off, Camden stared out the window, wondering what in the world he was going to do now. Whether Sage wanted to admit it or not, he had willingly stepped into what would essentially be a lion’s den for him, and Camden feared that he’d be unable to help his mate.
Chapter Four
In contrast to popular belief, Patala was not located in the Indian subcontinent. A long time ago, the naga had decided that, for the purpose of secrecy, they needed to relocate. As such, they had built their real headquarters in Spain.
Sage had been quite surprised upon learning of this, but few things could truly shock him now. He couldn’t even say he was in any way dismayed when the naga bound him in the cargo hold of the jet. In the end, he’d agreed to any treatment the naga sovereigns deemed to throw his way, and he didn’t regret it. Otherwise, they’d never have allowed him to come along in the first place.
At the corner of his mind, he felt Camden’s dismay at not being able to help. It would have been funny if it hadn’t been so ridiculously frustrating and ironic. First, Camden was imprisoned and out of Sage’s reach, and now that helplessness was blowing up in their faces into a repeat of what had happened in Draechenburg.
But Sage had to believe that things would get better. Once they were on naga soil, he’d just have to fight to prove his worth and loyalty to the Isaiat. In the end, their actions toward him were completely justifiable. To a certain extent, Sage was grateful to them, because they clearly loved Camden a great deal and wanted to protect him. For that, he respected them, and he’d struggle to make them see that he loved Camden, too.
His hands shackled to a large railing, Sage plopped down on the cold floor and waited. The cargo hold was small, barely there, really, and most of the space was occupied by various luggage. Sage curled in a small ball and focused on his bond with Camden.
“It’s all right, beautiful,” he sent to his mate. “I don’t mind. Just speak to me. Tell me about your people, about your land.”
Camden’s affection flowed into Sage like a warm, soothing river. “Patala is really beautiful. We, I mean, my family, live in a large palace, but an entire city is built around it. We found an area where several underground rivers come together, and we’ve created breeds of plants that don’t need sunlight to grow, or that can do so with artificial lighting.”
Sage closed his eyes, seeing the picture Camden painted through his connection with the naga. “There are several temples,” Camden continued, “a lot of them dedicated to Varuna, but also for other gods. We respect all faiths, and while we don’t have many guests, delegations from other chimera people sometimes come to request an audience with my parents.”
“It’s lovely, Camden, just like you,” Sage replied.
Camden chuckled. “Thank you. There’s a lot to learn about Patala, though, that I couldn’t explain in words. We love it so much that our entire nation often identifies itself by this word. We don’t have a separate name, like Ornoz. It’s just Patala. You can see it in my memories.”
And Sage did. He saw the beautiful citadel, the towers of the palace strikingly tall, almost reminding Sage of Draechenburg. Throngs of people moved to and fro all around Patala, mostly in their chimera form. They weren’t just naga, but also other types of shifters, like satyrs and many others. It was a whole new world to be discovered, one the Isaiat were protective of.
The plane finally took off, and as they headed toward their destination, Sage remained in close contact with Camden. It was cold in the cargo area, but Sage didn’t mind the chill, and not only because he was an ice dragon. His bond with Camden kept him focused and busy, and before he knew it, he’d gotten a good glimpse of how Patala would be like and what he should expect.
He also began to understand the royal family better. It became obvious to him that he’d have quite a battle on his hands if he planned to ever be accepted by them.
Sooner than Sage expected, the plane began to descend. It seemed that they had reached their destination. One part of their journey was over, at least, because from here, they’d have to use another means of transportation. Distantly, Sage wondered what they planned to do with him now to preserve their supposed secrecy.
He got his answer when a group of naga entered the cargo hold and headed straight toward him. Wordlessly, they pulled him up and freed him from his bonds. One of them wrapped a black cloth over his eyes. Oh, this was getting more ridiculous by the second. Did they truly not realize that Sage could basically see through Camden if need be?
“I don’t think my parents understand the full extent of our bond,” Camden said, his mental voice full of regret. “Or maybe they don’t want to.”
The latter option was probably the truest one, but Sage decided not to dwell on things he couldn’t immediately change. He allowed the group of naga to lead him out of the jet, not protesting in the slightest even when they elbowed him or squeezed his shoulder too hard. There was very little they could do to him that could actually affect him.
Outside, the royal family was already waiting. Sage’s dragon immediately perked up at being in Camden’s proximity once more, but his joy was short-lived. The guards maneuvered him into a van different from the limo the Isaiat were using. Again, Sage went with it, pretty much ignoring the fact that the entire treatment should have made him feel helpless and at t
heir mercy. Because of his connection with Camden, nothing they were doing truly mattered.
The doors of the van shut behind him, and once again, he sat on the floor alone and abandoned. They didn’t bind him this time. Perhaps they realized that their chains wouldn’t have held him anyway, or that his need for Camden already canceled out any ploy he might have had. Either way, they didn’t bother with it, which was somewhat of a relief.
The car started, and just like that, they were on their way toward Patala once more. In the van, Sage couldn’t see much of anything, so he kept his mind on his link with Camden. It was almost humorous, since he didn’t remember ever being quite so focused on Camden before. They’d always had other things to do, and they didn’t need to live in each other’s minds every second of the day. But now, the pressure Camden’s family had placed on them brought them closer, instead of separating them.
The thought made him smile, and he felt Camden’s warm relief flow into him. “Yes. We’ll just stick together, no matter what they think,” the young naga confirmed.
“You realize that this is the best reaction they could have had, right?” Sage inquired idly.
“I suppose I do.” Camden’s frustration mixed in with his affection. “I get why they’re acting like this, and maybe in their situation, I might do the same. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t make me angry.”
“I love it when you get protective over me,” Sage teased. “It makes me so horny.”
Technically speaking, three-quarters of the things Camden did aroused Sage. Right now, Camden just had to breathe on him, and Sage’s dick would be standing erect and on command. It was seriously hard to believe that, with everything that had happened, he and Camden hadn’t actually shared penetrative sex, but it was nevertheless quite true. Sage shivered as he remembered how good it had felt just to have his mate sucking his cock, or trembling against him as he shivered through the sudden orgasm caused by the mating bite. In spite of being more than aware of his current location, he reached for his zipper and pulled out his cock. Another reason why not being bound was a good thing—Sage could masturbate without the slightest problem.
Naga's Concubine [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 4] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove) Page 5
