Page 55 of Dragon Rider (Rise of the Dragon Master)

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Evie’s loud gasp made everyone look at us, and the cow she was petting startled. “Why in the gods’ names would we do that?!”

I frowned at her horrified expression. “I’m sorry, but how else will they die?”

Understanding entered her eyes, and she motioned to the others that everything was fine—though Kingston’s narrowed eyes promised pain from where he stood a few paces away.

“We don’t kill them, per say. Not as you imagine.” She began to caress the cow’s back as she spoke, calming her once more. “These animals are not meant to be anywhere but on the ground. So when our Dragons carry them and take to the skies, the pressure makes them faint. When they go high enough, their hearts stop beating, but since they are unconscious—”

“They don’t feel a thing,” I finished for her. “They just go to sleep and never wake up.”

She nodded. “By the time we land back home, life has already left them. We take them to the cooks so they can remove the hides for clothing and prepare the meat for storing and future meals.”

“Okay, that is better than what humans do.”

Evie snorted as though saying, ‘no shit.’

“How will the milking cows be transported?”

“Theland riderswill be here in about a sun-hour. They will herd them home.”

I loved the way they related the hours or minutes to the sun and moon here. I just nodded, caressing the animal too.

After all the cows they deemed appropriate had been separated from the rest, along with a few bulls, we walked back to the clearing. My gaze however, found Kingston closer to the sleeping yellow Dragon, selecting a few goats. “What is he doing?”

Evie’s gaze swept over him then returned to me, a heartwarming emotion shimmering inside it. “Every time we go hunting, he always makes sure to bring back a goat or two for Willow. She loves goat milk and cheese.”

A slow smirk stretched my lips. Perhaps Mr. T wasn’t that much of a grouch after all. “He’s head over heels for her, isn’t he?” When her brows furrowed, I realized the expression didn’t exist here. “He’s in love with her,” I clarified, and recognition engulfed her features.

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”

“Why do you say it like that? They are not together?”

Her golden braid swayed over her shoulder as she shook her head. “Willow has never given the smallest indication that she is interested in him. At least not to me, but even if she loved him too, I’m not certain that he would pursue it.”

“Why not?”

“He’s twice her elder.”

“Sorry, I don’t get it.”

“He’s forty-six years old and she is only twenty-seven,” she sighed at their predicament. “He would never dare to even confess his feelings to her. I think he might not feel he’s worthy of her.”

“Not worthy??” I huffed. “He is the freaking warrior chief! An honorable man who would do anything for her, and definitely respect hers more than anything—from what I saw back there. Why would he let age come between their chance to be happy?”

“He was raised with the values of the old kingdom…” Sadness graced her features. “He is the last of his generation and he tries to uphold his beliefs above all. The rest of our people have a different perspective. They know how fragile our life is, so if they are fortunate to share a love that is true, they just come together and enjoy the time they are gifted with each other, regardless of the differences they might have. Kingston, however…”

“So, he’s older than her? Who the fuck cares?”

I threw my arms in the air, probably a bit more invested in the chief’s romantic life than I should have been. But damn it. If he couldn’t be with Willow when he was possibly the most honorable and deserving man here, what hope was there of me becoming the man who could be with Evie?

“Yes, I know that is not ‘the norm,’” I added, making air quotes with my fingers, “but if they truly love each other, they shouldn’t let something like society enforced standards come between them.”

“And to a certain point, I agree with you, Brax. But we don’t know if Willow feels the same way,” she reminded.

“You haven’t asked her?” I thought girlfriends shared every excruciating detail. Wasn’t Willow her best friend?

“No, that is private. I have no right to intervene.”

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