The Dragon King and His Fallen Star novel Chapter 137

Chapter 137: Distance and Defiance

EIRLYS’ POV

It’s been two weeks since we returned from Morvanya-since we fought Morwenna and Mirael. Since I summoned my wings for the first time.

And Kierygan has been… different. Not distant, not cold. Just… different. Too occupied, perhaps. And sometimes I swear something weighs on him, something he won’t tell me.

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Lately, he’s been away more than usual. Always leaving just after breakfast. I know he doesn’t go far-he never takes to the skies, only rides Blizzard out beyond the gates. And when he’s not gone, he’s buried in meetings. Meetings I thought I should be part of now, since he appointed me to his small council.

But when I tried to join them two days ago, he only gave me a smile and said, “You’re not required to attend.”

He wasn’t cruel about it. Behind closed doors, he was still tender-his arms folding around me in the quiet, his voice softening when he spoke, when he listened to me ramble about my day. Yet, even then, there were moments when his gaze drifted elsewhere, far away, before it returned to me again.

I told myself he was simply burdened. A king always is. And I-well, I should understand by now that there are things meant for him alone. Or perhaps he only wished to spare me the dullness of politics.

Still, the ache of being left outside lingered.

Today, after breakfast, Kierygan was leaving again. He kissed me goodbye, his lips brushing mine with the same warmth as always. “I need to have words

with the merchants in the village,” he said, his hand lingering at my waist before he pulled away.

I only nodded and smiled, not trusting my voice to hide how downcast I felt. I stood at the doorway, watching as he mounted his white horse and rode out of sight. Once he was gone, I scooped Nibbles into my arms, changed into my training attire, and made my way to the training grounds.

Orryx and Callum drove me mercilessly for hours, but I managed to keep pace. Blow after blow, kick after kick, I struck harder than I needed-releasing everything I couldn’t say aloud. I didn’t even hear Callum calling for a break until his laughter cut through the ringing in my

ears.

“Whoa,” he said, grinning. “Did you and Kier have a fight? You look pissed.”

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Chapter 137: Distance and Defiance

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I blinked, caught off guard. “No,” I said quickly, lowering myself onto the fallen log where I’d left Nibbles. I drank deeply from my canteen before adding, “We’re perfectly fine.”

By the time training ended, every muscle in my body ached. But I welcomed the pain. At least it was something sharp enough to drown out the duller ache in my chest.

The sun was beginning its slow descent as I dragged myself back toward the palace. Near the stables, I caught sight of a boy leading Blizzard inside, the stallion’s hooves clopping sharply against the stones. I slowed, my pulse skipping in a strange rhythm. Blizzard meant Kierygan had returned.

My feet moved before my mind could catch up. I darted inside, heading straight for his study.

I didn’t knock. I just pushed the door open. “Hi.”

Kierygan looked up, startled, and immediately closed the book he was reading. I felt that familiar pinch again. He always seems to know I’m near, even when I make no sound. Yet now, he had been so absorbed, he hadn’t even noticed my boots clattering across the floor as

I ran here.

I brushed it off, forcing a smile, and rounded his desk, slipping into his arms. He lifted me onto his lap, settling his arms around my waist.

“How did your meeting with the merchants go?” I murmured, resting my chin against his

shoulder.

“Rather well,” he replied.

My gaze drifted to the book he’d been holding as he slid it into his drawer. Curiosity won over hesitation. I reached out, halting his hand. “What are you reading?”

He shrugged, attempting casual downplay. “Just… re-learning some history.”

I leaned forward, peeking at the cover: Gods and Mythical Beasts. My eyes sparkled. “That looks fascinating. Can I borrow it when you’re done?”

Kierygan’s lips twitched, a faint smile tugging at the corners. “If you promise to handle it with care,” he murmured.

“I promise,” I said, too quickly.

The quiet warmth between us shattered the moment a knock echoed at the door. Evander and Ulyanna stepped inside.

I leapt off Kierygan’s lap. Evander grinned crookedly, a teasing wink flashing. “Apologies for interrupting… whatever this was,” he said, tone laced with mischief.

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Chapter 137 Distance and Defiance

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I rolled my eyes, half In playful annoyance, half in frustration that their arrival had broken the spell between me and my mate.

Kierygan cleared his throat, the sound snapping me fully to attention. “I’ll just have a quick meeting with them, little star,” he murmured.

“Am I… welcome to join?” I asked, the faint hope in my voice betraying me.

Kierygan cupped my face, his thumb brushing my cheek with soft, deliberate care. “Not this time,” he said, eyes steady and unyielding. “There’s something important we need to discuss.

I felt the sting of exclusion settle in my chest again, sharper than before. This time, I could no longer pretend I was fine with it. Without a word, I pushed his hands away, scooped up Nibbles, and slammed the door behind me. My boots thundered along the corridor as I marched forward, heart fluttering with frustration, half-expecting him to chase after me.

But he didn’t.

I stormed into our chambers, slamming the door behind me again. Nibbles nuzzled against my belly as I sank onto the bed, letting the tears fall freely. I cried my heart out-frustration, hurt, and loneliness spilling over-until I had nothing left to give. Nibbles pressed closer, warm and steady against me.

When I finally felt empty, I wiped the wet streaks from my cheeks and lifted Nibbles higher. ” Want to go somewhere we won’t be in the way?” I whispered.

His ears perked up instantly, and a small, joyful squeak escaped me despite the lingering ache in my chest.

I grabbed my satchel, slid Nibbles safely inside, and bolted from the palace. The wind hit me, sharper now, but I didn’t care-my magic can keep me warm. I unfurled my wings, and without flapping, lifted off the ground. It felt natural, as if the air itself obeyed me.

The view from above was breathtaking. The trees had lost their leaves, but the forest stretched below in elegant patterns, a mosaic of muted colors. I spotted a lake, dove toward it, skimming over the water, and then shot skyward again, forgetting-if only for a moment- all the frustration that had driven me out here.

White flakes began drifting down, dusting my face. My eyes lit up. “Snow!” I squealed,

spinning in delight, conjuring little tornadoes of flurries with my magic.

Then the sky darkened, as if a shadow had swallowed the sun. Before I could even look up, a massive talon wrapped around me, and an angry roar filled the air.

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< Chapter 137: Distance and Defiance

Kierygan’s dragon.

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I barely had time to react before his wings beat powerfully against the air, carrying me back toward the palace.

“What are you doing?” I protested as soon as I could catch my voice. “I don’t want to go back!”

I kicked and twisted in the air, Nibbles squeaking in protest inside my satchel. For one reckless heartbeat I thought of letting my crackle flare. But no. As furious as I was, I couldn’t bring myself to hurt him.

We landed hard in the courtyard, his talons melting into arms that still caged me in. When he pulled back, it wasn’t to let me go-his fingers dug into my shoulders, shaking me just

enough to make me meet his eyes.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he demanded, his voice raw with fury.

I glared up at him, breath hitching. “What do you think you’re doing?”

A growl rumbled deep in his chest. “You remember what happened the last time you ran

away? You were taken.”

“I didn’t run away this time,” I shot back, chin tilting defiantly. “I flew.”

His face reddened, and before I could even blink, his grip shifted to my arms. He dragged me across the courtyard and into the halls, his hold iron-strong. My heels skidded uselessly against the polished floor.

“Let me go!” I twisted, yanked, even kicked, but nothing worked. His grip was unyielding, as if

he couldn’t even hear me.

We reached the door to our chambers, and I dug my heels into the floor, refusing to move another inch. My chest rose and fell in sharp bursts, tears stinging my eyes, though I refused

to let them fall.

I knew what would happen if he got me inside. He’d kiss me, touch me, wear down my defiance until I melted against him. And tomorrow? Tomorrow he’d lock me out of his world again. Nothing resolved.

“Get in,” he ordered, voice sharp as steel.

“No.” My word cracked the air like a whip.

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