The Death of a Bachelor

Chapter Forty

It was twilight by the time Kieran’s party reached Demir House situated amidst a forest in the East. The Prince, Kieran and two of his brothers rode through the broken gates and found their foes waiting for them.

The fire torches had already been lit in the compound. The mansion was pretty run-down, with broken windows, gaping holes in the roof and mould flourished along the walls. The only appetising feature about it were the tall animal sculptures situated within the compound, although most were cracked and exuded an eerie vibe.

As Kieran led his horse to a saunter towards what was left of the mansion, a hatred flared in his eyes when he recognized the man settled on a magnificent red and gold chaise on the terrace.

He counted sixteen men surrounding prince Jairah in total, at the steps and lined up at the bottom of the steps. Some were armed with swords, others with spears. Two of them were archers. All their faces were fixed in a permanent grimace.

“It’s been a while, General Kieran.” Jairah grinned just as Kieran’s party came to a halt. “I see you brought the Crown Prince with you as well. Not that I’m surprised. You two are like a pair of buttocks. One cannot go anywhere without the other.”

“Where is Elena?” Kieran inquired, not letting up on his glare.

“Safe for now,” Jairah replied, toying with a gold ring on his index finger. It was only his thumb that was not adorned. “Where is my letter of betrothal?”

Kieran smirked. “I didn’t bring it.”

Jairah’s smug face retracted, and a side of his mouth upturned, forming a sneer. “Not funny.”

“I do not jest,” Kieran replied, his gaze calculative. “I did not bring any letter of betrothal here with me, prince Jairah.”

Jairah rose to his feet at once, his body trembling with anger. “General!” he shouted. “I warned you that there would be no tricks. I have four men in there with your betrothed. All I have to do is give the word and you will be unable to reclaim her as yours.”

Kieran’s grip on his reins tightened and that didn’t go unnoticed by Luke.

“Kieran,” his best friend warned, urging him to calm down.

A malicious smirk crossed Jairah’s lips. “I know I wouldn’t want damaged goods returned back to me.”

“You-”

“Kieran,” Luke cut in a little louder, reminding him that acting on his anger then was not part of the plan. “Later,” he added in a whisper.

Kieran shut his eyes and drew out a breath to cool himself.

“There won’t be any need for that, your highness,” Kieran said to Jairah through gritted teeth. “I have brought something better.”

Jairah narrowed his eyes as Kieran blew out a loud shrill whistle through his fingers.

The horses gave way for a new horse that trotted into the compound. On it was a female rider with long golden curls, wearing a short sleeved beige gown.

Jairah’s eyes widened in disbelief as her horse came to a halt at the foot of the steps.

“My princess…” Jiarah called out, like he was looking at an oasis mirage after moving for days in the desert.

Debra smiled fondly. “Greetings, your highness.”

Jairah walked down the steps just as Luke got off his horse and helped his sister down from hers.

The happiness on Jairah’s face was immeasurable, a wide smile splitting his face. “It is really you!” he exclaimed and rushed towards Debra, his arms wide open for an embrace.