Eldon looked at the woman whose face was calm but eyes were full of fear. Her breathing remained even, crisp blue eyes never looking away from his. She was puzzling. Eldon knew there was more to this woman than she was letting on. He saw the kitchen splattered with blood. Men two times her size slain where they stood. When she met his eyes outside the kitchen, there was no remorse, no fear. She had a small smile on her face, she was calm, even tranquil looking.
Alora was shocked, she did not know what to say or what awaited her in the future. Accident or not, she did throw a knife at him. At the king. She continued to look at the king, unmoving, fearful to even lift her finger. As the silence drew on she saw him lift his finger to his mouth, he nipped on the knuckle as if deep in thought. As she continued to look at him she noticed the corners of his lift draw up exposing his teeth. She could not help but stare at the sharpened upper and lower canines. The tops a bit longer than the bottoms, hiding them from view. Alora shivered, not from the cold, but from the look he was giving her. It felt like a warning.
Eldon broke the silence, "Edward, send word to Sir Sevran. Tell him his daughter has woken." Eldon tilted his head to his assistant, but never took his eyes off the girl. The man with wavy blonde hair nodded without speaking and left the room. Alora let out a deep breath, feeling some tension leave her body when she heard the sound of her fathers name.
Alora watched King Eldon walk to a table and pour a drink. He took his time, then turned to sit on a couch. "Lady Alora, have you heard any tales about me?"
Alora shook her head, unable to trust her voice to speak. Of course she has heard many things about the royal family, even a few things specifically about him. Nothing good was ever told, so she dare not speak about it.
Eldon nods his head lightly in her direction, just enough motion for a few strands of his jet black hair to fall onto his forehead. "I am sure you have heard how my family is intertwined with dragons and their magic. In a way the dragons speak to us and we fulfill their wishes." Eldon crossed his legs and leaned into his spot a little more leaving a moment of silence in the air. Aloras heart started to race with the atmosphere in the room. She wondered if he knew, if he saw her. "You are not to leave with your father Lady Alora, the dragons have whispered your value to me."
Alora was shocked, confused, and frightened. What could that even mean? They told him her value? All she wanted to do was go home, back to Lestia with Lydus and her father.
"I want to go home. I cannot be kept here." Alora spoke to the king with as much courage in her voice as she could muster.
"My dear girl. No one is forcing you. Though you did throw a knife at the king." Eldon put his glass down on a table next to his seat. "You can either die by my hand now, strip your father of his ranking, and render your family homeless or stay here until I decide your worth. The options are yours, and yours alone." He taunts her, a deadly smile playing at his lips. She knew he was being serious.
She was well aware that she was at his mercy. It was not just her life on the line, but her whole family's well being. A knock at the door pulled Alora's eyes away from his heavy gaze.
Edward pushed open the door, bowed and said, "Sir Savren is here, my lord."
Without looking back at the king, Alora got out of the bed quickly and began smoothing her dress and hair. She placed the usual smile on her face, the one that always fooled her parents. She knew her role in this game. It was a role of survival, not just for herself but her family.