The Dragon King and His Fallen Star novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12: A Dragon’s Restraint

KIERYGAN’S POV

Claim

I shut the door behind us carefully–deliberately so as Evander and I stepped out of her room. If it

weren’t for the jumpy, easily–spooked girl inside, I would’ve slammed it just to take the edge off my

frustration.

Evander walked beside me, hands tucked casually into his pockets. I didn’t say a word, just picked

up my pace as I headed down the stairs. Of course, he kept up with ease. His vampiric speed

made that effortless.

“I have already admitted it was my fault, alright? And I’m sorry,” he said, far too casually. “Why are you still so mad about this? Is it just because I forgot about the girl, or is there something else?”

I didn’t answer right away, choosing my next words carefully. Because this bastard wasn’t just too smart for his own good–he knew me far too well.

Yes, I was still mad. No, furious, that his neglect nearly cost her life.

And maybe… maybe I was angry about something else too. But I wasn’t ready to admit that. Not

even to myself.

I turned to him slowly. “You’re right. There is something else,” I said at last. “Not only did you a mistake, but now you’re downplaying it.”

He opened his mouth to respond, but I raised a hand to cut him off.

make

“You know damn well, Malric wants her back. He’s probably watching, waiting for an opening. What if today had been it?” My voice dropped, cold. “We would’ve lost everything we’ve barely begun to rebuild.”

Evander let out a heavy sigh. “Look, I know I messed up,” he said. “But the meeting with the traders. was necessary if we’re going to rebuild.”

He hesitated, then added, “I just didn’t expect her to work up the courage to go off on her own. And I definitely didn’t think she’d be brave enough to try and reach Ashteryn,”

I didn’t answer him. Just kept walking.

Evander’s footsteps slowed behind me, but his voice still carried. “I can take over babysitting duty. Bring her to Ashteryn,” he said. “I don’t have anything pressing tomorrow.”

That made me stop, half–turning toward him. “No.” The word came out sharper than I intended.

I

I didn’t wait for his reaction. Just turned and kept walking, faster now. To my relief, he didn’t follow.

Or argue.

Chapter 12 A Dragon’s Restramt

I stepped into the main courtyard, where the winter wind swept through like an old ghost. But the cold, as always, dissolved before it ever reached me.

Snow dusted the cobblestones and gathered on the statues lining the perimeter, remnants of the last storm clinging stubbornly to their outstretched arms.

In the center, a stone fountain trickled with enchantment–warmed water, its slow cascade catching

the silver glint of morning light. Even in winter, it stil sang.

Mirael lounged beside the fire pit, one boot propped on the stone rim, a goblet of red wine

balanced in her hand like it had been born there. Her hair spilled in loose waves over one bare

shoulder, and her crimson velvet dress looked expensive enough to have been stolen from a royal

vault.

She’d made good on her promise that once we reclaimed Solmere, she’d wear every dress she never had the chance to during exile, reclaim the life of nobility Malric stole from her. And judging

by the sight of her now, she was savoring every second of her freedom.

She spotted me at once. Her eyes lit with familiar heat as she rose in one fluid motion, her mouth

curving into a slow, sultry smile.

“Kier,” she purred, her voice silk–draped and inviting, “I hope you’re not still brooding over earlier. The girl shouldn’t have run off like that.”

It took effort not to snap at her complete lack of accountability. “I’ll deal with you about that later,” I said, my anger held on a tight leash. “Right now, I need you.”

Her smile widened. In a blink, she closed the space between us, her fingers curling around mine. Mmm. I was hoping you’d say that,” she whispered, already tugging me toward her chambers.

I yanked my hand free. The force made her stumble slightly to the side. “That’s not what I meant,” I said, my voice cold. “I need you for a mission.”

Her expression didn’t falter, but the warmth between us cooled a degree. “A mission,” she repeated, the word no longer sultry but edged in glass. “Of course.”

“Malric and Morwenna,” I said, watching her closely, “I want them found.”

Mirael’s brow lifted, just barely. “And you want me to track them.”

I nodded. “It could take days. Maybe longer.”

She didn’t answer right away. Just took a slow sip of her wine, her gaze unreadable over the rim of the goblet. I could tell she didn’t like it. Being sent off so soon after getting a taste of comfort again. But she didn’t protest either.

“They’re not in the north,” I said. “I’ve scoured the skies. They’re hiding somewhere warded, protected by magic strong enough to mask their trail, even from me.”

Chapter 12 A Dragons Restraint

Mirael set the goblet down, slow and deliberate. “So I’m the bloodhound.”

“That’s your role, isn’t it?” I said evenly. “We all pull our weight. That’s how we win.”

She gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Very well,” she said quietly. “I’ll leave before dawn.”

I turned to go, but she moved quickly and fluidly, stepped into my path.

Her smile curled with intent. “Since you’re sending me away,” she said, fingers trailing over my chest, “you owe me.”

I shot her a glare and swatted her hand away. “I don’t owe you anything,” I said, voice flat and cold.

“Oh, come now,” she purred, her hand gliding down to my waist. “I’ll be gone for days. On a dangerous mission. Surely you can spare a few hours.”

I clenched my jaw. “No, Mirael. I thought I was clear about this.”

She drew closer, lips brushing near my ear. “I know know,” she whispered. “The bond won’t hold. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop… enjoying ourselves.”

Years ago, Mirael and I underwent the binding rite. At her insistence. Dragons like me are rare, not

only by blood but by the limits of our nature. We can’t procreate with just anyone. For our kind, the

soul must bond. Without it, there is no legacy.

I refuse to accept that I’m the last dragon. If I am, it means Malric won. Eventually, I’d need an heir, someone to carry on the bloodline. Mirael, being the only one I knew with dragon heritage, seemed a logical choice.

We attempted the rite. Twice. But the bond never took. Our souls and our energies were simply not

compatible.

I told her we had to move on. That we should give ourselves the chance to find those we were truly

meant for, if such bonds still existed at all.

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