∞∞∞
Lori and Faye sat side by side at the wooden desk in Lephas’s chambers. The empty parchment was rolled out in front of them and Lori fiddled with the quill in her hand.
“Can’t think of anything to say?” Faye asked gently.
Lori had been most disgruntled to find Faye had sent a message to Sivelle. Though she had been glad their elder sister had received their birthday wishes, Faye got the impression Lori was a little envious she hadn’t been able to contribute personally. As a form of apology, Faye had agreed to let Lori write this letter, yet now her sister appeared to be dumbfounded and at a loss of what to say.
“There’s just so many things I want to tell her,” Lori sighed.
“Perhaps it would make it easier if I scribe for you?” Faye offered, carefully sliding the quill from Lori’s hand. “Why don’t you dictate what you want to write?”
Lori’s eyes brightened. “That’s a great idea.” She got to her feet and started pacing back and forth as she formulated her reply.
“Start with... Dearest sister,” Lori paused. “Firstly, why in Hestaesia would you send a dragon with your letter? I nearly had a heart attack.”
Faye giggled and leant forward, dipping the nib of the quill into the ink pot. Lori waited patiently as the princess scratched out her words against the parchment.
Faye blew some air onto the wet ink before looking up at Lori, nodding for her to continue. Before Lori had a chance to respond, the door opened and Lephas strode into the room.
“I’ve tried to calm the dragonette, but she’s very on edge. She’s eaten a small amount and I’m hoping she’ll have a chance to rest some before we send her back to Awrelwood. I doubt we’ll be able to hold her here for long,” the commander explained, kicking off his snowy boots at the door before joining them beside the desk.
He kissed Lori on the top of her head and leant over to have a look at the letter they were drafting. He smiled and stroked his hand down Lori’s arm comfortingly before heading away towards the kitchen.
“Okay, I have the next bit.” Lori gestured for Faye to continue. “Why would you send a dragon with your letter? I nearly had a heart attack. That being said, the creature – Nyre is it? – made it to me in one piece. She seems agitated and refuses to settle, but I will ensure she at least has some water and a full belly before she undoubtedly returns to you.”
Faye scribbled the passage down.
“I have removed my scarf from her and intend to keep it. I appreciate the sentiment, but please do not send any more of my belongings by dragon courier.”
Faye laughed and paused to let the ink dry once more before looking back at Lori.
“Faye and I are both here in Banesteppe. We have met with King Zelrus and he has allowed us to stay in his compound until he decides what he’s going to do with us. To say he was unimpressed with the arrangement would be an understatement.”
“You can say that again,” Faye muttered under her breath.
“But he appears to be the honourable sort. I have no concerns over our safety.”
Faye looked up and glanced at her sister over her shoulder. Lori smiled back at her before clearing her throat.
“Lephas and I are amazed and incredibly relieved to hear Haros is not only alive and well, but your thrall. You must divulge exactly how that came to be. Surely father hasn’t allowed it?” Lori continued.
Faye snorted. “Can you imagine? He can’t know about it.”
“Goodness only knows, but I do hope she’s being careful,” Lori replied solemnly.
Faye felt her stomach tighten with worry as she turned back to the parchment.
“Please be cautious – you know how he can be with such things.” Lori paused thoughtfully. “I’m going to assume Haros has already filled you in on the events that led to us siding with the demon king. Our father sent another troop of men after Faye and I. We are fine. The demons saw them off, although Faye did her fair share of the damage.”
At Lori’s words, Faye looked up again. She was alarmed to see her sister staring back at her, eyes shining with emotion.
“She’s having lessons with another of the demons, Raxx, and is starting to become quite the force to be reckoned with.”
Faye’s heart swelled with pride and she found herself smiling as she wrote out her sister’s words of praise.
“...But don’t tell her I said that, or she’ll never get her head through the door.” Lori teased.
Faye laughed again, shaking her head as she wrote.
