“Delicious,” Lori agreed with a nod.
“Pleasure.” Raxx’s eyes flicked to the sky through the cell window. It was steadily darkening, but he knew the guards in Faye’s cell block wouldn’t have yet finished their rounds. It was too early to excuse himself and he felt his spirits dim at the drudgery of having to make more small talk.
“Have you any indication of Zelrus’s thoughts on all of this? Did he say anything at all before he left?” Lephas asked.
“I still believe he will come around. I’m hoping the meeting with...” Raxx trailed off, his eyes darting to the faerie beneath his arm.
“It’s alright, Lori knows as much as I do about what’s going on.”
“I still stand by my intention to help however I can with your king’s campaign.” Lori’s eyes hardened, determined.
“When the king meets with Cirro, I hope he will return with a new outlook on all of this.” Raxx paused. “Tell me, Lori – do you and your sister have a good relationship with your uncle?”
“We haven’t seen him for years, but yes. Uncle Cirro is kind and funny, everything our own father isn’t. I wasn’t privy to any details, but they had a huge argument a few years ago and Uncle hasn’t visited Awrelwood since.” Lori’s expression grew sombre.
“I hope you’re right about all of this Raxx, because if you’re not...” Lephas trailed off.
The shadow demon grinned. “I’m not often wrong, commander.”
“That at least is true.” Lephas finally cracked a smile. “If things don’t go well, can I rely on you?”
Though ambiguous, Raxx knew exactly what Lephas was referring to. His and Lori’s only chance at escape hinged on the shadow demon’s assistance. Though it made him anxious even considering the implications of being caught aiding the escape of a prisoner, Raxx knew he wouldn’t have been able to live with himself if he didn’t at least try to help. He nodded.
“You can.”
Lephas sighed, relieved. “You’re a true friend.”
A door opened and the faint jangling of keys echoed around the corridor. The guards had arrived, which meant they had closed down Faye’s wing for the night.
“I have to go.”
“Yes, of course. Thank you again, Raxx.”
“I’ll call in when I can.”
“Don’t forget to give Faye my love,” Lori smiled sadly.
“It’ll be the first thing I do.”
Raxx disembodied, slipping into the shadow realm just as a guard rounded the corner towards them.
In a flash, Raxx was once again standing inside Faye’s cell.
Between resting himself and running minor errands, he had managed to spare the odd moment to check in on the princess through the day. She had spent most of the day sleeping but watching her squirming with discomfort, it was clear she was awake now.
“Raxx?” Faye whispered.
The shadow demon scowled. It was becoming increasingly frustrating that Faye sensed him so easily. He was used to having plenty of time to observe and think about what he wanted to say before emerging from the shadows. The princess made that impossible.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“My arms are aching,” Faye complained. “And I’ve had an itchy nose all day but other than that, just fine.”
Raxx smirked, kneeling down to release the princess from her bindings. She groaned softly, stretching her back before pulling the blindfold and gag from her face.
They locked eyes and Faye self-consciously brushed her fingers through her hair. “Hello.”
“Hi.”
