Graveyard Watchman (Book 2) The Demon Wars

Chapter 9

My body starts to shake as fresh tears begin to roll down my cheeks. How can he take all the blame? How can he justify the Fighter's deaths were completely his fault? No matter how you look at it, I forced myself on him as he entered the Hall of Warriors. He never had a choice...not really.

"Majesty?" the door opens wider as Victoria's face pops into view, "I brought you dinner," she says, rolling in a small cart of covered dishes and an assortment of pitchers and carafes.

"I'm not hungry," I whisper, turning around as I search for a tissue.

"I am supposed to insist," she says in a more authoritative tone, "Dominic's orders."

Looking over my shoulder, my eyes go directly to hers, "Dominic sent you?"

"Yes, yes he did, your Highness," she smiles and I can tell she's trying to lighten the mood.

"Wait, what else did he tell you?"

She tilts her head like she's deciding how much to say, "I--I know what happened," she takes in a breath, "with the Fighters--if that is what you are wondering," she looks down but then quickly glances back up, "I also know he loves you very much."

I'm not sure if it's simply hearing those words from another person, or her gentle, caring voice as she said them but without thinking, I rush to her, pulling her into a tight hug. She tentatively hugs me back and the second I start to sob, something happens and her arms go tighter as she whispers, "Shhhh, it will be okay...it will be okay."

A few seconds later, her arms carefully release me as she guides me over to the bed, "let's you get in," her voice still a whisper as she pulls back the blankets, "I brought you chicken soup," she shifts and brings the cart closer, "and chamomile tea to help you sleep."

I look up at her, still not even close to wanting food and say, "okay, I'll drink the tea..."

"You will eat the soup as well," she interrupts, placing a tray on my lap and I sigh, looking down at the steaming bowl but it's hard to get Dominic out of my head.

"Where is he?" I ask, catching her eyes before she looks away.

"He is at the chapel," she quickly answers, like it's common knowledge.

"Oh," I close my eyes as guilt washes over me again, "c--can you ask him to see me when he's finished?"

Victoria pauses for a second like she's trying to find the right words, "it will take some time."

Rubbing my hands together, I look back up to her, "I understand. Maybe tomorrow morning would be better."

She still has a look of caution in her eyes and suddenly stops fidgeting with the items on my tray and whispers, "he will pray and sacrifice one day for each Fighter."

My eyes go wide, "one day?"

"Yes."

"That means he'll be gone for six days!" I whisper-shout.

Victoria nods, pouring the hot chamomile in the cup on my tray, "That is correct, Majesty."

I let out a deep breath and sink back in the pillows. He shouldn't be punishing himself. I should be the one in that chapel. I should be the one sacrificing and praying. Instantly, I pull myself up and grab her arm, "Hurry, take away the tray...I want to join him."

Victoria shakes her head, gently pulling herself away from my grip, "You cannot join him. He is doing what is customary when lives are lost due to impulsive judgement," her face changes like she hates telling me no, "He would not allow it, anyway. You must respect his grieving period."

Rubbing my temples I glance up to her, "I--I don't know what to do. Dominic is paying for something I feel is more my fault than his."

Victoria leans in, placing her hands on the corners of the tray, "You can eat for starters, and keep up your strength. It is what he wants and it is the only thing he asks of you."