“Even if his king requests it?”
Lori's stomach churned. Lephas was nothing if notobedient and disciplined. Would he stand up to his king for her? She felt cold with doubt.
“I haven't got much choice. I figure my best shot is to go back willingly and swear my allegiance to Zelrus. I'll tell him everything I know and maybe he'll allow me to stay with Lephas.”
“I can almost see that vein popping on father's temple from here.” Faye joked, but her eyes remained serious.
“He wants me dead.” Lori glowered. “I'm not going to just roll over for him any more. I'm going to fight and if swearing my allegiance keeps me safe, then that's what I will do.”
“What about me?” Faye asked quietly.
“Do you think father would allow you back? Does he know you've left yet?”
“I don't know. But...” Her sister paused, her eyes fearful. “I don't want to return to find out. I knew he was controlling and protective, I just never realised he had kept so much from us.”
“He'd rather see me dead than free. I'm a loose end to him now.”
“I'm not going back.” Faye shook herself. “I couldn't bring myself to leave you behind, not now I've found you.”
“What about Sivelle? I'm so worried about her.”
“She's a tough cookie. You know she was always father's favourite. I just hope she's got the sense to keep herself out of trouble now we're gone.”
“She must be so lonely. Hasn’t she got Father’s ball coming up?” Lori asked.
Before Lori had run away, Sivelle had been preparing for a ball their father had been holding in her honour. He planned to invite all the eligible bachelors in Awrelwood (pre-screened, naturally) in the hopes that Sivelle would take a liking to one of them.
Lori herself had been invited, but when she had refused her father had taken to picking a suitor for her instead.
The rest, as they say, was history.
“I bet she's unbearable. She was up to five different gown choices when I left.” Faye smirked.
“Well, I hope she knows she's welcome to any of the thousands I've left behind.” Lori sighed, forlornly.
“Those poor innocent dresses.”
“It pained me to leave them behind. Like that diamond one–”
“With the back cut out of it? I remember. Your demon would bust something if he saw you in that.” Faye teased. “You really don't look at your best in all thiswinter gear.”
“I know,” Lori whined. “But I have a feeling clothes shopping is going to have to wait, even when we eventually get back. It's a shame because I'd actually packed one or two outfits to bring with me but I lost my satchel trying to escape the demons when they first found me.”
“Oh!” Faye's face lit up, glowing happily. “You just reminded me.”
The sun sprite got to her feet and dived into the tent once more. Lori watched on curiously.
A slim hand emerged, clutching a familiar silk pack. Her satchel!
Lori gasped and snatched it from her sister. She dug through it eagerly. Although a lot of the items inside were damp, everything had seemingly made it through unscathed. She hugged her possessions to her chest.
“Raxx found it when he was out hunting you and Lephas down. He gave it to me that night back in the tavern, which is how I knew he was serious about looking for you.”
“Oh, Raxx! I could just kiss him!” Lori crowed, hugging her belongings to her chest once more.
“And he will politely decline, if he knows what's good for him,” a deep voice cut in.
Lephas had reappeared with an armful of branchesand dried foliage for the fire.
