The Dragon King and His Fallen Star novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Possession and Obsession

KIERYGAN’S POV

I strode toward the ballroom, knowing I’d find Eirlys there.

I expected her and Solara to be rehearsing formalities-polishing the etiquette and protocols I’d insisted she master before the ball. She couldn’t afford to look unsure or out of place, not when every eye would be watching.

But what I found instead lit something hot and volatile in my chest.

There she was, moving across the floor-her steps light and hesitant, her body swaying in time with the music. Evander was at her side, one hand guiding her waist, the other holding her fingers with that relaxed, rakish charm he wore like a crown.

And she was glowing.

A radiant, golden light pulsed from her skin with every breath-warm, alive, unmistakable. The same glow I thought she reserved only for me. Her eyes were closed, lost in the moment, utterly

unguarded.

For Evander.

My blood boiled. My jaw clenched so tightly it ached. The music dulled beneath the pounding in

my ears.

The moment she saw me, the light dimmed. Her glow faltered and vanished like a candle snuffed by the wind. Her expression shifted-startled, guilty like I’d caught her doing something shameful.

And before I could stop myself, I stepped forward. My steps echoed across the ballroom-fast, heavy, unmistakable.

Evander finally turned. His easy smile faltered-just a flicker, barely there-but enough to satisfy the part of me that wanted him unsettled.

They stepped apart.

“All those hours of training,” I said coolly, eyes locked on her, “and you still can’t control your light,

Eirlys.”

Her brows knit together, lips parting. “I wasn’t-”

Evander cut in with a chuckle. “What’s the problem with her glowing?” he asked, too casually. “I thought it was the crackle we were meant to fear?”

I said nothing. Didn’t even look at him.

But he wasn’t finished. “It didn’t hurt,” he added with a smirk. “Actually… it felt rather pleasant.”

III

< Chapter 40 Possession and Obsession

Claim

The idiot. Of course it felt pleasant. It felt f**king divine. She’s glowed for me-three times. I know

exactly what it does.

Every muscle in my body begged to pummel the smug grin off his face. But I forced myself to hold

it in. To breathe. To not give in.

Instead, I kept my tone flat, clipped. “You’re supposed to be elsewhere. Aren’t there still

negotiations waiting for your signature?”

Evander tilted his head, clearly amused. “I haven’t forgotten.”

I took a step closer, my gaze like ice. “Then get on with it,” I said-then added, just for spite, “And

since this ball was your idiotic idea, you can start the planning. Now.”

His smirk didn’t falter. Arrogant bastard. But he dipped his head in mock deference. “As you

command, Your Majesty.”

With a polite nod to Solara and a softer one to Eirlys, he said, “Until later, Snowdrop.”

And with a rush of air, he phased out of the ballroom-thankfully gone before I gave in to the urge

to smash his face beyond recognition.

I turned to Solara, deliberately avoiding Eirlys’s gaze. “Go with Emma to the village,” I said. “Take Eirlys to the seamstress. She’ll need a dress.”

Solara gave a small nod, though I didn’t miss the slight tightening around her mouth. “Of course,

Your Highness.”

Eirlys didn’t speak-thankfully. I was only a breath away from losing control. I wasn’t sure I could hear her voice right now without doing something reckless.

I said nothing more. I just turned on my heels and strode out of the ballroom, my jaw clenched, thoughts burning hotter than dragonfire.

I needed air. A walk-or maybe a flight-might help cool the storm rising in my chest.

I was nearly past the palace threshold when a voice called out behind me.

“Your Majesty!”

I halted mid-step and turned sharply.

A palace guard approached at a brisk pace, bowing quickly before rising to speak. “Pardon the interruption, my king-but Mirael insists on seeing you. She says it’s urgent.”

Of course, she does.

I drew a slow breath through my nose. Mirael had been silent for days-ever since I ordered her confined to her wing. I should’ve kept walking. Let her rot in the mess she made.

III

<

Chapter 40. Possession and Obsession

Claim

But Mirael never bluffs without a plan. And if she was desperate enough to summon me now, then

whatever venom she was preparing to spit was worth hearing.

“Fine,” I bit out. “I’ll see her.”

I followed the guard toward her chambers. The corridor was quiet, the air sharp with sunlight slanting through tall windows-bright, harsh, and cold.

When the door opened, Mirael stood just inside.

Draped in silk so tight it may as well have been sewn into her skin, she stepped forward with that familiar, practiced look-eyes wide, lips parted, seduction curling in every movement.

It no longer worked on me.

I raised a hand before she could get closer. “Stay where you are.”

“If this is another one of your tired ploys to get me into your bed,” I said, voice low and even, “you’re wasting your breath. You said it was urgent. Speak

She blinked-calculating, adjusting-but didn’t back away. “Well,” she murmured, smile curling, “a

girl can try.”

She sank onto the edge of the bed with a sigh, her posture languid, but there was tension beneath

she as it. “Don’t you think I’ve suffered enough?” she asked eyes flicking up to mine. “I’m bored to death here. Let me out already. I promise not to lie to you again.”

I let out a dry, humorless chuckle. “You’re not confined just because you lied to me,” I said, meeting her gaze. “You’re here because of everything you said and did to Eirlys.”

I turned toward the door. “So no, Mirael. You’re not getting out anytime soon.”

That cracked her composure. “What?” she snapped, rising to her feet. “But I want to be at the ball!”

So that’s what this was really about. Not remorse. Not guilt. Just vanity. Just a craving for

attention.

Of course, it was.

Back in the day, Mirael never missed a chance to don the finest gowns, make other women seethe with envy, and collect the stares of every man in the room-including mine.

I turned my head slightly, just enough to glance at her over my shoulder. “The fact that you’re more concerned about attending the ball than showing any real remorse only proves you need more

time to reflect.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify