“Thank you, ever so much,” the princess replied quietly before sipping her tea.
“Raxx doesn't do sleeping anyway, so no need to worry about him,” Oriel interjected, draining the last of his cup. “Lephas – will you be alright out here?”
“Honestly, I'm so tired I could sleep just about anywhere,” he replied with a laugh.
“Excellent, that's all decided then.” Magna got to her feet stiffly and Oriel took her cup from her hands. “That just leaves the matter of dinner. Indi, can you give me a hand?”
“Of course,” the faerie replied brightly, standing up. As she bent forwards to dust herself off, Lephas couldn't help his eyes being drawn to her ample cleavage. She was such a slight creature it was a wonder she could keep herself upright, though he supposed her generous hips and behind more than balanced her out.
She was just Oriel's type. Why was he getting a bad feeling about this?
Tearing his eyes away from Indi, Lephas cleared his throat awkwardly and stared into the fire until the girl was out of sight. Karn padded devotedly behind her.
There was clanging and thudding as the two women began to busy themselves with preparing dinner.
“How are you feeling?” Lori whispered to Faye. “Are you warm enough?”
“Yes, thank you,” the princess replied quietly. “I'mjust... This is a lot to take in.”
“I know, but it'll be okay,” Lori soothed and rested a hand comfortingly on her sister's knee.
Ever the caring older sister, the faerie sat forwards and took Faye's empty mug from her and placed it carefully back on the tray with her own. Lori then turned to Lephas and motioned for his cup.
“Oh, thanks,” he muttered, quickly draining the last of the contents before handing it across. He glanced to the shadowy corner where Raxx had been stood. It was now vacant; a lonely mug had been left on the side. The tea inside hadn't been finished.
“So...” Oriel sighed, rolling his mug between his palms thoughtfully. “Seeing as both Lephas and Raxx are vouching for you pair, I suppose I should probably introduce myself. Officially.”
“There's no need for pleasantries.” Lori addressed him, surprising Lephas with her confidence. “My sister and I are aware of who you are, Prince.”
“Well, isn't that sweet. I hope I'm everything the poster on your bedroom wall promised I'd be,” Oriel retorted with a grin and perched himself on the arm of Magna's chair.
Lephas snorted quietly with a subtle shake of his head. He was pleased to see Lori roll her eyes, exasperated. Faye finally cracked a small smile.
“Neither of you are anything like I had imagined, I'll be honest,” the prince continued.
“What do you mean by that?” Faye asked, finally finding her voice. “How exactly did you imagine us?”
“Younger. Still children,” Oriel stated, pausing for a moment. “Zelrus will be interested to meet you both.”
Lephas felt the faerie beside him grow tense with apprehension. She was nervous about meeting the king, and rightly so. He was nervous about introducing her and he had a much better idea of what to expect. The demon felt his chest growing tight with concern once more. He prayed for Zelrus's understanding.
“Has Lephas told you of our plan to swear allegiance to your brother?” Lori asked, her voice calm and steady despite her nerves.
The prince's dark gaze flickered to the commander. “He mentioned it. I have to admit, I'm surprised.”
“Because our father is such a joy to be around?” Lori replied tartly. “Why would it surprise you that, after a lifetime of imprisonment and lies, we would betray him? He tried to have me killed.”
Lephas glanced down at the faerie beside him. She courageously held Oriel's gaze, unwavering.
Pride bloomed in his chest. He often forgot Lori wasa royal but in moments like these she proved she was ever the monarch. He hoped she was able to stand up against Zelrus as easily. He had a feeling the king might be begrudgingly impressed if she was able to be as direct with him.
“Good point,” Oriel conceded with a smile. “I'll be up front with you ladies, I'm not sure I trust either of you completely just yet–”
“Likewise, Prince,” Faye interjected frostily. Oriel laughed, surprised, and ran a hand through his hair.
“But I trust my men implicitly,” he continued. “Iftheytrust you, then so do I, by extension.”
“I'm relieved to hear that,” Lori sighed, smiling softly.
