The Dragon King and His Fallen Star novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Seeds of Jealousy

KIERYGAN’S POV

Claim

I found myself in the dining hall for the first time in what felt like weeks, the steady murmur of my council and the clatter of utensils filling the air. I had long avoided this table, preferring the quiet of my study or the solitude of my wing. But today… today, I chose to be here.

Everyone was gathered, but the seat to my right was vacant-the one that should have belonged to Eirlys.

“Kierygan,” Mirael purred with a playful smile as she eased into her seat, her eyes sparkling. “I’m so glad you decided to grace us with your presence this morning.”

I gave her a brief nod and lifted my cup, sipping the bitter brew. Her lips parted as if to say more, but I turned away when a movement caught my eye, a figure descending the staircase. I thought it might be Eirlys. I hoped it was.

But it was Grace, with Danaiah close behind.

I set my cup down and straightened. “Grace,” I called out. “Where is the girl?”

But it was Danaiah who answered, her calm, precise voice cutting through the chatter. “She’s in her

room, Your Highness,” she said softly but firmly. “She’s having cramps. It’s best to let her rest for

now.”

My fingers drummed once on the table, then fell still. “Sit with us,” I said, gesturing to the empty

seat to my right, beside Mirael.

Danaiah hesitated, her gaze flicking toward the infirmary. But when she saw in my eyes that it wasn’t a request, she inclined her head and took the offered seat.

“Will she be alright?” I asked, my voice low enough for only her to hear.

“She’ll be fine,” she said. “Grace prepared some tea to help with the discomfort.”

Mirael leaned in, curiosity glinting in her eyes. “Why What’s wrong with her?”

Danaiah turned her head to Mirael. “Eirlys bled for the first time,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact.

Mirael let out a short laugh, shaking her head. “Oh, that’s all it is?” she said, waving a hand dismissively. “She’ll be fine. Every woman deals with it eventually.”

My jaw tightened at her careless tone, but Danaiah fixed her with a sharp glare. “Unlike us, Mirael, the girl has no one to guide her through this,” she said coolly. “So unless you have something useful to say, perhaps keep your idle commentary to yourself.”

Mirael’s face twisted as though she were about to retort, but when she caught the warning glint in

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Chapter 27 Souto of Joalhin

my eyes, she lifted her hands in mock surrender and turned back to her plate.

Danalah let out a slow breath, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her cup before turning back to me. “The truth is, her bleeding should have come much sooner,” she said quietly. “Three to five years ago, at least.”

I frowned. “Why didn’t it?”

Danaiah’s brow furrowed. “As I suspected… malnutrition, deprivation, constant injuries,” she said softly. “Her body’s development was suppressed. She’s catching up now, but it will take time for her to recover what she’s lost.”

My jaw clenched, teeth grinding. I had always known Eirlys had suffered, but to hear it spelled out so plainly twisted something deep and hot inside me.

“I see,” I said, my tone calm and measured even as my thoughts churned beneath the surface.” Thank you, Danaiah.”

She nodded once, then reached for the bread basket in front of her and began eating. As if remembering something, she looked up at me again.

“Oh, by the way,” Danaiah said, dabbing her mouth with her napkin. “You might want to consider finding someone to mentor Eirlys. Such a curious mind, that one.”

Evander, who had been raising his copper goblet to his lips, paused and lowered it. “I’m already

mentoring her,” he said.

Danaiah gave a gentle smile, her eyes warm. “No, dear,” she said. “She needs a different kind of

tutor-someone who can teach her the ways of womanhood and etiquette.” She paused, one brow

arched in challenge. “Unless you’re prepared to explain monthly cycles and mood swings.”

Evander raised both hands, feigning surrender. “No, I’m afraid that’s one of the few areas I’m not an

expert in,” he said with a small laugh.

She chuckled, shaking her head. “That’s what I thought,” she said, a hint of fondness in her tone.

I remained silent, turning her words over in my mind. My thoughts drifted back to last night-when

Eirlys had innocently offered to show me where she was bleeding. She had no idea that it wasn’t

something she should share. I’d told her never to show that part of herself to anyone, but I knew

she didn’t truly understand why. No one had ever told her. No one had ever taught her.

What if it hadn’t been me who found her last night? What if it had been another man? My fingers

tightened around my cup. The thought of her being taken advantage of or worse… violated, made

my blood run cold.

She needed someone-someone who could act as a mother or a sister to her. Someone who could

give her the guidance I never could.

O

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Seeds of Jealousy

Claim

“That’s a good idea,” I said at last. “I’ll look for someone.”

Callum, who’d been tearing into his bread with the same single-minded focus he applied to battle, looked up. “My mate is moving here to Solmere,” he said. “She’s bringing her sister as well. She taught children back in Mooncross for years. If you’re willing, she’d be glad to help.”

I nodded. “Once she arrives, send her to me,” I said.

Mirael’s fingers drummed against the table, her expression carefully neutral as Danaiah spoke of

Eirlys’ need for a governess. Yet there was a glint in her eyes, a flicker of something close to

disdain she barely concealed.

Then, with a sudden, sharp motion, she slammed her cup down on the table, the ceramic clinking

loudly in the quiet hall.

“So much fuss,” she said, her lips curling into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Over

something every woman must endure.”

She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the stone floor. Without another word, she turned

and swept out of the hall, her dress billowing behind her like a shadow.

For a moment, the table fell silent. Danaiah arched a brow, glancing between me and the others.

What’s her problem?” she asked softly, her tone threaded with disbelief.

I didn’t answer, but Orryx leaned back in his chair, his arms crossing over his chest and a faint,

knowing smile playing at his lips.

“Don’t pay her any mind,” he said. “She’s just jealous

Danaiah’s lips twitched with a small smile, but she didn’t comment further.

#4

MORWENNA

Morwenna’s laughter echoed through the dark recesses of the Secret Cove, a sound that seemed

to rattle the stones and send a chill rippling through the salt-laden air.

She sat cross-legged atop a cushioned seat she had claimed as her own, eyes closed as dark

wisps of magic curled around her. The faint scent of brine and wet stone mingled with the tendrils

of incense smoke drifting lazily around her.

A deep satisfaction pulsed within her, warm and potent. She ran her tongue over her teeth, a small,

feral smile curling her lips in the darkness.

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