Our weapons being seized bothered me, but not so much because I still had my magic, Kaida felt the same way as well. Kieran looked at us with a curious expression, analyzing each and every one of us. It was taking too long "My name is Natalya Kastillion and—"
Kieran chuckled, the sound low and raspy "A Kastillion in Dun Eirann, well that's unheard of, why are you so far from home?" he asked, Ace gave me a warning look, not to reveal anything more than necessary, I acknowledged it and spoke "We only need a place to stay a while. After our rest, we will be on our way"
"If you wish to lie, you can do better than that princess" he mused. "It's rude to accuse a lady of lying" I answered. He smiled "We may have lived underground for a long-time princess, but we're still quite knowledgeable. Don't you think word has spread about the traitor princess who fled?" Anger like no other sizzled within me at his words. I wasn't a traitor, if anything, I was the one who has been wronged, denied my birthright.
Kieran saw the displeasure in my face and raised his hands in defeat "Their words, not mine. Forgive me if I've given any offence" I gave him a sharp nod. He clapped his hands, and the doors to the throne room creaked open, allowing four women clad in leathers and furs, only lighter. They all bowed to Kieran and waited for his instruction. "Thank you for coming, please show our guests to their chambers" the women nodded and gestured for us to follow them, but neither of my people would move until I did.
"Please follow them, I wish to have a word with the princess for a while—"
"The queen," Amenadiel corrected "you wish to have a word with the queen. And we will not leave until her majesty commands us to do so" a sense of pride filled me as Amenadiel corrected Kieran, I turned to them and nodded "I will speak with him, he will not hurt me. I will find you after" they were hesitant at first, then followed the women some seconds later, and the door shut behind them.
The throne room felt larger when it was just the two of us, this couldn't be classified as a throne room compared to the one in the capital, but I guess that was what it was for them.
"You have a loyal bunch standing with you" he said, breaking the silence. "I do," I answered, "they would lay down their lives for me, and I them"
He nodded, "The same thing goes for my hill tribesmen, they would fall on their swords should I command it. But that's not why you're here, word has it that you've been running from your brother for quite some time," I nodded, seeing no need to lie. "why is that?"
I kept silent for a while, then proceeded to tell him everything he needed to know, even the fact that I was a witch, he couldn't harm me, if he tried, I could kill him with a wave of my hand. I had become powerful like that.
Women I assumed were servants brought in some food and wine as we spoke, and after what felt like forever which in actuality was just three hours, Kieran was informed about almost everything about me. "You wish to take back your birthright and you need an army to do so correct?" I nodded, "As much as I sympathize with you, the only thing I can offer you and your companions is shelter for as long as you need.
The hill tribes have remained underground and hidden for centuries because of your family, and I cannot risk standing against them again lest I risk another wipe out." I tried to reason with Kieran to reconsider, promising him that a wipeout will not happen again, but he was not having it. I let it go for now, but I assured myself that I'd revisit this issue with him and wouldn't leave here without an army.
I followed a servant who wouldn't speak to me through the winding caves, the torches on the walls casting flickering shadows on the rough stone. We walked in silence, the only sound the soft rustle of the servant's clothing and the creaking of the leather straps on my boots.
As we turned a corner, the servant stopped in front of a doorway carved into the rock. The door was made of a thick, dark wood, adorned with intricate carvings of animals and plants. The servant pushed the door open, gesturing for me to enter.
I stepped inside, my eyes adjusting to the soft light within. The room was small, with walls made of the same rough stone as the caves. But despite it being underground, the room was surprisingly cozy. A fire crackled in a small hearth, casting a warm glow over the space.
My gaze fell on a bed in the corner of the room, piled high with soft, colorful blankets. On top of the bed lay a selection of clothing, intricately embroidered and adorned. The garments were unlike anything I had ever seen before – flowing, curved pieces that seemed to be inspired by the shapes of the natural world.
I reached out a hand to touch one of the garments, marveling at the softness of the fabric. As I did, I noticed that the bed itself seemed to be made of…rock? I frowned, confusion etched on my face.
But as I looked closer, I realized that the bed was actually made of a beautifully crafted wooden frame, adorned with carvings that matched the ones on the door. The frame was covered in a thick layer of soft, velvety moss, which had given the illusion of rock.
I smiled, impressed by the clever craftsmanship. The servant, who had been watching me with a quiet smile, nodded in approval. "The people of Dun Eireann are skilled in many ways," she said. "We make do with what the earth provides, and we take pride in our craftsmanship." I nodded, and stealing from whichever passing merchant you come across no doubt, no way they got all this from down here, but then again they've lived down here for a long time.
I had my bath sometime later, and I thought that because they were underground they wouldn't have hot water, but I was immediately corrected. I hadn't seen Kieran again, he hadn't joined us for dinner, perhaps it was foolish of me to imagine that he would, he probably ate in his private chambers. Drazhan wanted to discuss plans, but I dismissed him, I was too tired and too sore from riding and promised him we'd discuss it as soon as we had settled in properly.
The bed itself was softer than it looked, and I slept better than I had initially imagined.