Draechen's Mate [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 2] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove) by Scarlet Hyacinth Page A

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