Blood Rider [Alonia's Queenslayer #1]

20

//Hi, I realised I haven't been leaving any author's notes for a while, so hello there! Thanks for reading, thanks for voting, your support means a world to me. You guys ship anyone yet? ;) //

Eli wouldn't hesitate to admit that she had done some terrible things in her life. She was well aware of the fact that she wasn't a saint. But she wasn't evil.

Yet, as she stared at the old, troubled face of Gilloran, she knew that the only way she was going to resolve this was by being evil.

Eli sent Gilloran the smuggest, deadliest smile she could muster. For every step she took towards him, he took a step back, until his back had hit the wall. Eli found it hard to believe she was that intimidating, and wasn't sure whether to be proud of it or feel ashamed she could strike such fear into someone.

"I've been notified that you have some information which we might find useful," She said, continuing to grin at him. In the past, whenever Eli had wanted to intimidate, all she needed to do was keep her face expressionless. But she needed to show Gilloran that she was an absolute authority, and that his claims were worthless.

"B-but... you..." he kept stumbling over his own tongue, his gaze moving frantically from Eli's face to the badge which marked her as general.

"Yes? I believe an introduction on my part is in order." She was now grateful that Ejder had insisted on teaching the young riders how nobles spoke. "I am Eli, a general of the Queen's army. As the queen is absent at this moment, and the time of her arrival remains unknown, I will be the one to hear out your claims and relay them to the queen should I find it necessary to do so."

"But you're lying! You're-" he started, but Eli was quick to cover his mouth with her hand.

"Listen," she said, leaning in closer. "I suggest you keep your mouth shut and follow me, unless you want to die."

Eli moved away from the terrified man and wiped her hand on her pants. He just nodded, and Eli couldn't help but feel bad for him. He was just trying to survive, like the rest of them. He had said how he wanted to leave Linos, but it was impossible. If he had betrayed Eli to the queen, she might've increased his rank or given him riches, or promised land once the war was over.

"Gilloran, is it?" Eli paused before turning around. "Won't you follow me inside? We have lots to discuss."

Once she could hear his footsteps behind her, she led the way inside. The guards bowed their heads as she passed.

"Do you need assistance, general?" One of the guards asked.

"No. I believe the man is harmless, although I doubt the integrity of the information he claims to posses," Eli replied formally, making sure to turn around give Gilloran a stern gaze in case he tried to speak up.

"Where are you taking me?" He asked as they began climbing the stairs. In truth, Eli had no idea where she would take Gilloran. She just knew it needed to be somewhere away from prying eyes. She was sure the assassin sent after her was likely wandering the palace. She couldn't let him hear her discussion with Galloarn.

"Be glad I'm not taking you to the dungeons," she replied. Galloran didn't ask any more questions.

Eli's mind was swirling with questions and ideas by the time they reached the council room. The place was relatively far away from the rooms where everyone slept, and staff weren't allowed in that corridor. Not even guards were present there.

She pushed the door open and waited for Gilloran to go inside before she closed it firmly behind them.

Gilloran was looking around like a trapped animal, and Eli could see that he was visibly trembling. She could feel his fear, smell it on him.