“The snow is still coming down out there.” Oriel glanced out through the larger window above the kitchen sink. It had long since grown dark but the large, heavy flakes could be seen, illuminated by the moons above.
“I love the snow,” Indi sighed, sipping from her glass. She pulled the shawl she had donned tighter around her shoulders.
Though Lori would never admit it, the beautiful faerie made her feel self-conscious. Despite living in Awrelwood, the faerie capital, she had never seen anyone quite as stunningly beautiful as Indi.
Her hair tumbled down her back in thick, glossy black curls, those bright, intelligent violet eyes, not to mention her killer body…
Lori knew her own hair was a bit of a mess and she felt positively scrawny and flat-chested next to the bombshell-like curves of Indi. Surely the girl's extraordinary beauty hadn't gone unnoticed by her demon?
Lori glanced across at Lephas, surprised to see him already looking at her. She blushed, frowning playfully at him.
“What?” She mouthed at him, feeling her cheeks heat.
Lephas didn't reply, just shrugged and shook his head. He smiled into his glass as he took a few large gulps of water. He wasn't a fan of wine, by all accounts.
“So do I.” Faye agreed.
“Maybe we can go for a ride tomorrow, if it's cleared up?” Indi suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“That would be fun.” her sister exclaimed. Lori chuckled softly, she knew Faye all too well. The two girls were going to be fast friends if ponies were involved.
“Oriel, be a dear and clear the table?” Magna asked the prince, patting his forearm affectionately.
“Sure.” He agreed, quickly draining his glass of wine as he got to his feet. Lephas stood and started to help gather things together without being asked.
With Indi and Faye engrossed in a conversation about horses, Lori turned her attention to Magna with a kind smile.
“How are you feeling now?” the old demon asked.
“Much better, thank you. I don't know how I'll ever–” Lori's sentiments were cut off as she hid a large yawn behind her fist. “–repay you.”
Magna laughed softly. “I think maybe it's time to retire to our chambers once the boys have finished cleaning up. You darlings must be exhausted.”
“Yes.” Lori sighed, watching Lephas and Oriel chatting easily between one another at the sink. She couldn't make out what they were talking about, but she had a feeling the prince was teasing her demon about something again.
She had to admit, Oriel hadn't been anything like she had expected. After his initial, and understandable, distrust, the man had quickly relaxed around them.
He had a wicked sense of humour and was handsome beyond all reason, a dangerous combination that poorIndi seemed to have been completely suckered in by; if the doe eyes the faerie made at the prince were anything to go by.
Though she didn't exactly have a wide expanse of knowledge when it came to men, even Lori had recognised Oriel as trouble. He had 'scoundrel' written all over him.
It was yet another trait she was confident she didn't need to look out for in her own demon. Her heart fluttered happily.
“Where is your bathroom?” Lori asked Magna.
“Just down the corridor and to the left. You can't miss it. The door has pine cones carved in it.”
“Lovely, thank you.” She dipped her head in thanks and carefully untangled herself from Faye's blanket. Her sister didn't even look up, still in deep conversation with Indi.
Lori carefully picked her way around the busy kitchen and tip toed across the cool slate floor. Lephas and Oriel still had their backs to the table, stood side by side and both up to their forearms in soapy water in the sink.
As she passed, she trailed her fingers over the small of the commander's back. He had long since removed his leather jacket and it was still a novelty to be able tofeel his flesh so easily though his undershirt.
Lori didn't pause to check if she had elicited a response, just swanned as gracefully as she could manage towards the bathroom. She focussed on not falling over, ignoring the jelly-like sensation in her legs from the wine.
She easily located the bathroom and was relieved beyond measure when she opened the door to reveal a large copper bath tub. Maybe Magna would allow her to take a bath tomorrow. The old woman would never know how much she would appreciate it.
Alone in the dark, cold tiled room Lori shivered. A single row of candles was the only light source, making the room flicker and waver.
