“Faerie? I... I didn't know that was possible,” Lorimused, looking mildly alarmed.
“It's very possible. I know a few demons that are half-faerie. Your father may hate us, but not all of his people share his convictions.”
“Well, I'm glad you told me that. That's definitely something to consider before...” She trailed off, staring into space thoughtfully. “So, because Oriel is half-faerie he can't be king?”
“Oriel gets a lot of hassle for who, or rather what, he is. He chose not to pursue the throne because he didn't feel he could win the demon people over. Zelrus is a full-blooded demon, so he knew he'd get the peoples’ respect unquestioningly.”
“That's not right. I don't blame your people for hating mine, but it seems senseless to hate someone for something they had no choice over,” the faerie said thoughtfully.
“Whilst the demons wouldn't follow a half-blood king, they do not generally hate your kind, Lori. Some of your people that have chosen to live in Banesteppe or visit regularly to help the needy... Your father's brother, Cirro, is one of them. Surely you know this?”
“I haven't seen my uncle for many years. I was probably only a child the last time he came to the castle. He and my father don't see eye to eye either, unsurprisingly.” Lori smirked.
“I'd gathered that might be the case. Cirro has spent a lot of time with the demon people. They respect him and are grateful for his charity. You wouldn't be stoned in the street for being a faerie, but you're going to have a hard time winning anyone over because of your father.”
Lori's face fell. “Trust me, you have no idea how much I wish I wasn't his daughter. Especially over these last few days. So why have you been so kind to me? You knew who I was right from the start but you've never been cruel to me.”
“Perhaps I'm just more understanding. I know the king personally and my best friend is a half-faerie. I guess I'm not as narrow-minded as most. Besides, my mother often told me that the people it’s difficult to be kind to probably need it the most.”
“A wise woman.” Lori turned away, but not before Lephas had seen her sorrowful expression. “My mother is much more of a 'look out for number one' sort.”
“I haven't heard you talk about her. Queen Johanna, isn't it?” Lephas probed. The rabbit was now dressed with all the undesirable bits removed and piled neatly to his side. He dug a deep hole in the snow and quickly buried them. Left out, they would attract unwanted visitors.
“That's right but honestly she isn't much of a mother. My sisters and I have a better relationship with some of our servants than we have with our own mother. She spends a lot of her time at my father's side, ever the trophy wife,” Lori replied bitterly.
“What does she think of your father's actions?” he asked carefully. This was all good information, but he didn't want to overstep.
“Honestly? I don't think she cares,” the princess replied. “She supports any decision that gains her the most wealth. If being kind and charitable to demons would make her rich, I'm sure she would endeavour to do it.”
“We don't hear much news about her.”
Lori snorted. “Neither did I and I lived in the same castle. My sisters and I may have fallen out from between her legs, but that's about as close to a mother as she ever got to us.”
“The rabbit is ready. I need to get a spit for it and then we're good to go.” Lephas changed the subject, sensing Lori's growing ire.
“You're going tospiton it?” Lori looked at him, horrified.
“For fu– No, the pole you cook on over a fire? It's called a spit.” He laughed, holding his rib. “Honestly, it'slike I found you under a rock or something.”
“You essentially did. Until I met you, I had no idea how little I knew - about everything!” Lori responded, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Lephas shuffled on his knees, rabbit meat in hand, to snap off a sturdy looking stick that was shooting up through the snow. He pierced through the rabbit's flesh with the wooden spear and moved to sit next to Lori by the fire. He unbuckled his sword belt, getting comfortable, and hid the weapon nearby.
The lean-to was just close enough to be able to sit in and feel the fire's warmth, but not so close to be a fire hazard.
“Get my pack. There's a metal pot in there somewhere,” Lephas instructed, holding the rabbit over the flames.
Lori dutifully pulled the bag between her knees and searched through it.
“This one?” She held the pot up.
“That's it. Now fill it with snow and pop it on the fire. Not too close or you'll burn yourself. I don't know whether you know this, but fire is really hot.” He grinned.
“Smart ass.” Lori glowered playfully and packed the pot tightly with snow. “Now, don't tell me, but is thisgoing to be drinking water to fill up the water skin?”
“There's hope for you yet, Princess. Just make sure it's boiling before removing it and letting it cool or it won't be sterile.”
She obediently placed the metal pot in the embers of the fire and started rummaging through the pack once more.
