Blood Rider [Alonia's Queenslayer #1]

11

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Ejder's expression was cold and his eyes betrayed nothing. They were empty, they were like the void, and Eli could never read that man. His scarred mouth was stretched into a thin line, but he didn't seem tense. In fact, he was rather slouched in his chair, seeming very far away with the long desk in between them. His office used to bring comfort to Eli, but now, she felt miserable. Her own eyes had lost the fire in them, her heart felt empty. The cold stone walls seemed to suffocate her, and every word she spoke was thrown back at her by the echo.

It wasn't that Ejder was indifferent to her situation. When Eli told him exactly what had happened, he was furious. Eli had never seen him so angry. She expected him to yell at her, punch her, even – but he didn't. Instead, he cursed the king at the top of his lungs, his dark skin turning red from the anger he was putting into it. At that moment, Eli broke down, and cried for the first time in many, many years.

After both had cooled down in the school's courtyard, they moved away from curious ears into Ejder's office, to discuss the strategies for the future.

"There's more for you to do other than fight and be a commander, Eli. You could become a blacksmith's apprentice, with that strong arms of yours," Ejder spoke after several long minutes of silence.

Eli lifted her head to face him, feeling slightly annoyed. She liked being annoyed, because it prevented her from being sad.

"I don't want to be a blacksmith. I want to be a warrior, and you know that," she said coldly. Ejder didn't even blink. A speck of dust floated down onto his clean, white tunic.

"You've got to make a living somehow. But mind you, you'll never shed the status of a rider because we can all sense you. Unless you plan on killing every rider, I'm afraid not being one isn't an option." Eli sighed at his words, covering her cheeks with her hands as she felt another wave of misery wash over her. Everything was ruined. The peace. Her chance of ever reaching it. Her chance to make a change. It was gone. Nothing would ever change.

"I want to do something exciting, at least," she muttered.

"Well..." he thought for a few seconds before his eyes snapped back into focus. "Valda is one of the ten leaders of the council of magic. You're a smart girl, Eli. She can pull some strings and get you to work their as their guard. It has nothing to do with the king's army because it's on neutral grounds. You'd be doing fighting with monsters, making powerful friends and you'd be close to your sister. Not to mention the unlimited amount of knowledge that is contained within the library."

Eli thought for a second, but the thought wasn't even half as exciting as being a commander was. Still, it beat being a blacksmith, and being close to the ten council leaders couldn't be a bad thing.

"Look at me, Eli," he said coldly, and Eli complied without thought. "We are still at war. Have no doubts that the king will be launching some greater attacks soon. As soon as either side gains an upper hand, more men will be recruited for the army. And trust me, he won't pass up on a healthy, strong rider just because of what you said back there. In fact, I can bet he's forgotten all about it by now. Man's an idiot. And if that doesn't happen in his lifetime, you will beg his heir for forgiveness and promise your undying loyalty and he'll reinstall you."

The mist of misery lessened inside of Eli's mind, and a slight smile tugged at her lips. Instantly after, a toothy grin appeared on Ejder face. The man leaned across the table and let out a hearty laugh as he pat Eli on the shoulder. Eli was beyond shocked – Ejder nearly never smiled and was never that... affectionate. Her heart still threatened to burst from happiness and gratefulness she felt towards him. He was the best father anyone could ask for.