The Dragon King and His Fallen Star novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45: The Arrival of the Pale Ones

EIRLYS POV

Emma and Grace had been fluttering around me since sunrise, murmuring about how the vampire delegation could arrive any minute now.

I stood still while Grace fussed over the folds of my skirt, smoothing it for what felt like the tenth time. The dress was simple but elegant-crimson with fine golden threads woven through the bodice. Drakemont colors, according to Emma.

The sleeves were long, flowing down to my wrists, hiding the bracelet neatly beneath the fabric.

Then Emma gestured for me to sit on the stool in front of the mirror. Grace stood behind me, holding a comb like a weapon.

“Braids. Definitely braids,” she declared.

Emma frowned, crossing her arms. “We have to cover her neck.”

I blinked. “Why?”

“You’re meeting vampires,” Emma said, as if that explained everything.

Grace rolled her eyes. “They don’t drink from people anymore. It’s forbidden.”

Emma raised a brow. “I’m just saying… precaution. The ones visiting are the oldest of their kind.”

In the end, we settled on a compromise: a braid woven across the crown of my head, with the rest left loose, soft strands brushing my shoulders. When they were satisfied, they practically shooed

me out of the room.

Kierygan was there, waiting just outside-leaning against his doorway, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

His gaze swept over me, slow and deliberate.

“Thank the gods you didn’t bring your creature,” he said dryly. Then he tilted his head toward the

corridor. “Ready?”

“Not really,” I admitted. “I don’t even know what I’m supposed to say.”

He glanced down at me, his expression steady. “The truth,” he said simply. “Tell them the truth, and

you’ll be fine.”

We walked in silence down the corridor, my skirts whispering against the stone floor with every step. Kierygan’s presence beside me was heavier than the dress itself-tall, steady, quiet.

We had barely reached the bottom of the staircase when, without warning, the air shimmered.

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Chapter 45 The Arrival of the Pale Ones

Evander phased in mid-stride, nearly colliding with Kierygan.

“I should really start putting bells on you,” Kierygan muttered dryly.

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But Evander didn’t smile-which was unusual. The easy charm he always carried was gone. His jaw was tight, and there was a tension around his eyes I hadn’t seen before.

Kierygan’s expression darkened slightly. “What is it?” he asked.

Evander ran a hand through his hair. “Change of plans. The vampire delegation isn’t sending their usual representatives.”

Kierygan’s brows lifted slightly. “So who are they sending?”

“The king.” A pause. “And the prince.”

Kierygan raised a brow, but his voice remained unbothered. “It doesn’t change anything.”

Evander didn’t back down. “This might not be the best time to show her,” he said, glancing at me

briefly. “They’ll have questions.”

“They’ll see her at the ball anyway,” Kierygan replied flatly. “I’d rather they ask now than in front of a

crowd.”

Evander’s jaw tightened. “Kier, you don’t know them like I do.”

I stood quietly beside them, but the weight of their conversation pressed into my chest. Whatever

they were arguing over, it only made the knot in my stomach twist tighter.

“Oh?” Kierygan said coolly. “Then perhaps you should attend the meeting. Since you know them so

well.”

Evander frowned. “I’d rather not.”

Kierygan took a single step closer, his tone sharp as steel. “It’s not a request, Evander.”

Evander looked like he was about to argue again-but then his eyes landed on me. Really looked at

1. Whatever he saw there softened his expression, if only slightly.

He exhaled through his nose. “Fine,” he muttered.

“How are they arriving?” Kierygan asked.

Evander shrugged. “The usual.”

I didn’t have time to ask what that meant. A sudden gust of air swept through the courtyard, sharp

and forceful-like a windstorm spiraling in place. Dust and leaves lifted into the air, whirling into a tight funnel that sent my skirts fluttering.

Then, as quickly as it began, the wind stilled.

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Chapter 45 The Anival of the Pate Ones

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Two figures emerged from the dissipating haze, walking toward us with slow, deliberate steps.

Instinctively, I reached for Kierygan’s hand. He glanced down, his expression hard, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he gave my hand a small, grounding squeeze.

Evander moved a step forward, placing himself slightly ahead of me-shoulders squared, like a

shield.

I stole a glance, peeking from behind Evander’s shoulder. My brow furrowed as I got a clearer look

at their faces.

They looked strikingly similar to him-same sharp features, same golden hair, though theirs were worn long, cascading past their shoulders. But where Evander’s presence felt warm, almost disarming, these two radiated something colder… more dangerous.

There was nothing approachable about them.

The two men came to a graceful stop before us, their movements fluid and regal-like the air itself parted to make room for them.

“Your Majesty,” the elder of the two said, bowing his head slightly to Kierygan. His voice was deep and calm, with the kind of polish that came from centuries of diplomacy.

“King Lucius,” Kierygan replied with a measured nod, his tone respectful, though guarded.

Welcome to Solmere.”

Lucius turned slightly, gesturing to the figure beside him-the taller, younger one. “I believe you’ve

met my son, Draven.”

“Of course,” Kierygan responded.

Only then did they glance toward Evander.

“If it isn’t my prodigal brother,” Draven said, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth-

too sharp to be kind.

I frowned. “Brother?” The word slipped out before could stop it.

Both vampires snapped their heads toward me in perfect unison.

King Lucius stepped forward, offering a polite-if calculated-smile. “Ah. You must be the girl from the tower,” he said smoothly. “The one everyone’s been whispering about.”

I felt Kierygan’s hand give mine a subtle squeeze. A signal.

Taking a steady breath, I stepped out from behind Evander and dipped into a careful curtsey-the

same one Solara and I had practiced a hundred times.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesties,” I said, keeping my voice clear and calm. “My name is

Eirlys.”

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Chapter 45 The Arrival of the Pale Ones

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King Lucius offered a faint, knowing smile. “The honor is ours, my lady. We’ve heard… quite a bit.”

Prince Draven stepped forward, just a pace. “They speak of your magic,” he said, voice like velvet laced with thorns. “But not nearly enough of your beauty.”

Heat bloomed in my cheeks. I still wasn’t used to compliments-especially not from vampire

princes.

I parted my lips to respond, but Evander cut in smoothly.

“Perhaps we should move this along,” he said, his tone bright but firm. “I imagine you’re both eager

to rest after your journey.”

Without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel. “This way.”

Evander led us through the long, arched corridor, his stride smooth but swift. I followed closely beside Kierygan, keeping my chin lifted as I tried not to fidget beneath the gaze of the two vampires trailing behind us like shadows.

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