CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

We stayed in Dun Eirann for close to two weeks, we were allowed to explore the cavernous city in all its…. Glory? The city itself was beautiful given its location, but it wasn't ideal. Plants couldn't grow here, and the food they had was the one they hunted, I knew as much because a servant had told me that a squadron of soldiers had gone hunting.

What they hunted wasn't enough to feed their large populace, the hill tribesmen numbered three thousand, excluding the women and children, and the soldiers that went hunting lasted three days in the surface to hopefully hunt for what would feed them all. In all honesty, it didn't make sense to me.

Tired of the shortage of food, Kaida and I decided to take a stand. We found a large clearing, which was mostly filled with rocks and casted a spell, turning the pile of rocks into arable land and made apple, orange and mango trees grow, along with other crops, which was greatly appreciated by the people. Whether Kieran shared this sentiment, he did not say. The spell would only last as long as we remained, that was the only downside I regretted.

The climate here was mildly cold, I guess that's what they get for staying underground for centuries. I wore a warm fur coat under my attire, curtesy of a man named Damon, who was Kieran's nephew. He began showing an interest in me, much to Drazhan's dismay. I didn't have to assure him that the feeling wasn't mutual, I was only using him to get an audience with Kieran, hoping to convince him to join my cause. He had refused to see me, despite my requests.

I had instructed the rest to take a tour of the city, or do whatever they desired for today, but to be prepared to leave at a moment's notice, while I take a walk with Aidan.

We walked past small houses and people who exchanged smiles and waves, and constant appreciation for the fruits. "The people here love you, they love to have you around" Damon said as we veered left where more women and children greeted us "They deserve to see the sun, to feel the grass between their toes, not hidden underground for the rest of their lives"

Damon took a deep breath before answering "I agree with you, I have tried to push this notion to the Voraza long before your arrival, but he wouldn't listen, though I cannot fault him, Dun Eirann was built to protect us when your ancestors would not give us land to live in within the kingdom."

We saw a clearing up ahead and we decided to sit there a while "I understand your caution, but I'm assuring you that when I take my rightful place upon the throne your people will have as much land as you require," I shifted closer to him, placing my hand on his chest "Do you not wish to ride a horse? Feel the wind in your hair, explore the vast world and its endless possibilities?" he closed his eyes, no doubt imagining all I just said.

"I want all that and more" he breathed, moving closer to me.

He shifted closer, until his face was inches away from mine, I could feel his exhale brush against my lips. My eyes shot open to see his are drooped, blazing with heat. I shifted back, stopping what he was trying to do "Then help me make him see reason, help me talk to him or convince him to grant me one audience."

He looked disappointed, but straightened himself right away "He's out hunting with the men, I'll talk to him upon his return"

A smile tugged at my lips, it was a start, a good one. I planted a soft kiss on his cheek, making him flustered "That will do nicely Damon, thank you"

He nodded and he walked me back to my chambers.

I took a bath and had a change of clothes, I still felt the shivering cold despite the hot bath, and I decided to wear the fur coat once more. A knock came from my door, and Drazhan walked in, he looked particularly good in his new leathers and furs, it only remained the long braid they adored so much, and he'd look like a proper hill tribesman.

Drazhan bowed lightly "We are prepared to leave at your command your majesty" I smiled "There may yet be hope for us, we hold on for now"

He nodded and turned to leave but I stopped him "Is there a problem?" I asked, noticing his displeased look.

He didn't speak, even as I approached him and attempted to undo his trousers, I needed him after spending the entire day avoiding Damon's advances. He stiffened, and gently removed my hands. I gave him a confused look "I ask again, is something the matter?"

"How can you come on to me after you spent the entire day with that…. Damon. I followed you, I saw him try to kiss you"

I scoffed, this was the reason he was behaving like a child. "Are you serious? You followed me, why am I not surprised" he tried to leave, but I balled my hands into fists and the doors bolted shut "You walk out that door and you're out for good." He stopped in his tracks.

"First of all, you disobeyed my instruction and followed me, I was using his affections for me to get him to convince Kieran to ally with us," his eyes widened in surprise. "I don't owe you anything, I don't get with other people not because I'm yours, but because I like what we had, if you cannot control yourself or trust me, then I suggest you reconsider your allegiance. Now get out" Drazhan left without another word, shutting the door behind him.

That whole ordeal was tiring, I lay on the bed, trying to get some shut eye until Kieran returns from hunting, Alice brought me some fruit, but I asked her to take it back. I wasn't hungry, the need for this alliance fueled me more than anything else right now.

Sleep came sooner than I expected.

I was woken up by the sudden opening of my door, Alice took deep breaths before speaking, suggesting she had been running.

"Kieran and his men are back. He has been wounded"

My heart sank and I quickly followed Alice.