Faye glanced between Lephas and Magna with surprise. “Are we sure that’s a good idea?”
“We agreed that Indi would probably attempt to follow us regardless. This way, at least she is protected,” Lephas replied.
Faye nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “Where is she?”
“In the stable.” Raxx locked eyes with the princess as she finally looked across at him.
“Maybe I’ll go speak with her, see if I can get her to change her mind.” Faye reached to her neck and buttoned up her jerkin one extra hole, in preparation for the cold.
“You’re welcome to try, by all means.” Magna smiled sadly.
“I hope you have better luck than I did.” Lephas shrugged. “You should hurry – she has already started packing.”
Faye grabbed her cloak and swept it over her shoulders. After securing it, she hurried outside. The door shut with a gentle click behind her as the princess headed off into the farmyard.
“Will you be alright here by yourself, if Indi comes with us?” Lephas asked the old demon woman. He reached down to smooth his hand over Karn’s head.
Magna nodded. “There’s plenty of life in these old bones yet. I’ll get by.”
Without a word, Raxx shifted into the shadow plane and headed for the door. He was keen to follow Faye closely until he figured out this curious connection between them. He couldn’t allow her to get herself into any trouble.
As he was heading out, Lori startled as she noticed the shadow demon’s disappearance.
“Ihateit when he does that,” she hissed.
Lephas laughed and draped an arm over her shoulder, squeezing her tightly.
Raxx caught up with Faye and he trailed a little way behind the princess so as not to arouse her keen senses. He watched from afar as Faye let herself into the stable before creeping in behind her and tucking away into the shadows.
“Indi?” Faye called, pulling her hood down. “Are you in here?”
Gaia nickered and the mare’s pretty face shot over the door, eager to see her owner. Faye smiled and hurried over to the horse.
“Hey girl,” she cooed softly and stroked the mare’s nose.
“Faye?” Indi appeared from a doorway, saddlebags in hand.
“I came to see how you were getting on and to ask you if I could borrow a set of reins from you, for the journey home. I snapped mine fighting against Gaia yesterday.”
“Of course, you’d be more than welcome.” Indi smiled.
Faye was quiet for a few moments, simply stroking the horse’s nose before she spoke again. “The others said you’re considering coming with us to Banesteppe?”
Indi’s face brightened. “Magna is allowing it?”
“Seems that way. She’s worried about you, but she understands.” Faye nodded.
“Oh! I could just kiss that demon,” Indi squealed happily.
The princess faltered. “Which demon?”
“Raxx. He came by to check on me this morning after Magna and I had a disagreement. He said he’d see if he could help persuade her to let me leave,” Indi replied. She practically skipped into the stable with the black and white horse.
“Did he now…” Faye muttered.
Raxx scowled and barely resisted the urge to sigh with frustration. The princess wasn’t impressed, that much was clear from her tone. It seemed he could do nothing right in her eyes lately.
“Indi, have you thought this through?” Faye continued.
