Just as she could stand no more, the dreams faltered, changing direction once more. Faye watched a pensive Prince Oriel sitting beside a fire, sipping from a glass. His brows were drawn tight with sadness and guilt. She felt the wetness of Lori’s tears soak into Lephas’ shirt as she lay atop him in a cold, dark cell. Finally, she saw Sivelle, laying alone in her bed. She had her knees curled up to her chest and Faye could feel the loneliness emanating from her sister in waves. Sivelle would be alone, truly alone, for her birthday this year.
The cell door screeched open, startling Faye to consciousness. Her skin was clammy and her chest heaved as she fought to catch her breath.
“Steady now wee ‘un,” an unfamiliar, coarse voice soothed. “You’re alright.”
“Suppose it frightened her to wake trussed up like that,” another man said.
Faye attempted to sit forward, confused for a moment when cold chains bit into her skin, until she remembered Raxx carefully re-tying her.
She heard something metal being placed down somewhere in the cell, the smell of a warm meal wafting to her nostrils. Her mouth watered.
“We’re going to untie you so you can eat a little. Don’t get any ideas, we’ll be here the entire time and when you’re done, we’re going to fasten you back down.”
Faye winced as the blindfold dropped from her face. She blinked, her eyes dry and itchy. Two demon guards stood over her – one older, one younger. They looked nervous.
“I don’t see why we’re doing this,” the younger guard muttered as he moved to untie her wrists.
“Orders are orders. Perhaps we haven’t been feeding them enough – the lass looks terrible.”
“They’re prisoners,” the demon argued.
“Aye, but they’re not todiefrom starvation on our watch. The king explicitly told us to keep them comfortable. Who knows, maybe these wee little faerie lasses need more food than we first thought?”
The younger guard grunted, clearly unconvinced.
Faye sat up, rubbing her wrists as she watched a steaming bowl of broth being handed to her. She snatched it eagerly and raised it to her lips, gulping the offering down before the demons had a chance to reconsider.
“See? She’s hungry,” the older guard muttered, jabbing his friend in the side with his elbow.
“I suppose. I still don’t see why Raxx was so insistent,” the other demon grumbled.
“I ain’t arguing. That man gives me the willies. I don’t know about you, but I ain’t getting turned inside out over a bowl of broth.”
Chapter Nineteen
“Commander.”
Lephas smiled, turning to face the shadow demon as he materialised outside the cell. “Raxx – it’s good to see you. Any news?” he asked.
Lephas looked tired, his face pale and drawn. It was uncomfortable for Raxx to see his commanding officer so dishevelled. Lephas had not changed his clothes or been permitted to bathe since his return to Banesteppe and the demon’s usual sharp stubble was already becoming longer and softer.
Raxx shook his head. “Nothing. Zelrus will not be due to return for a few days yet.”
“I don’t suppose any decisions will be made until then,” Lephas said, thoughtfully rubbing a hand over his chin.
“How is Faye?” Lori interrupted, tucking herself beneath Lephas’s arm.
“Coping well.”
“Thank goodness,” Lori sighed softly. “Will you pass my love along to her, when you see her?”
“Of course, princess.” Raxx dipped his head.
“How are you keeping?” Lephas asked, eyeing the shadow demon up and down quickly. “You’re looking... Well.”
Raxx fought the smug smile that threatened to break onto his face and simply shrugged. “Did you receive your hot meal?”
“Yes, it was very much appreciated. Thank you.”
