Graveyard Watchman (Book 2) The Demon Wars

Chapter 11

The room goes quiet and when Victoria looks up at me, I reach for the spoon and dip it in the hot chicken soup. She smiles ever so slightly but I can tell she's in pain for Dominic. Just like me. 

Suddenly, eating the soup she made herself is important. Not because my appetite is coming back, but because I'm starting to realize that she and I share the same goal. 

Survival. 

It's as if we're both fish out of water, trying to find our way or maybe, our purpose in this Realm, beyond the labels of our duties. And if she loves Dominic half as much as I think she does, I should welcome every single ounce of it. I need to stop competing with her and start embracing the friendship we could have. God knows I could use one right about now.

I sip a taste of the soup and instantly close my eyes. It's simply amazing. Heck, all the food here has been amazing and I laugh to myself because now I get it. Victoria is the one who's been cooking all along.

"If it is too hot, I can add a cube of ice," she says, freezing in place as she waits for my answer.

"It's absolutely delicious," I whisper, smiling up to her, "I understand why they made you queen of the kitchen.

Victoria laughs out loud and covers her mouth, "I am pleased you like it," she sighs like my approval means everything. 

"Oh, I more than like it. And if you can bake, I'll marry you instead of Dominic," we both break out into laughter and it feels good to see her relax a little.

"You know, you don't have to be so cordial around me," I say, taking another sip and her eyes go straight to mine.

"Cordial? What do you mean?" she asks and I can tell she genuinely has no clue.

"I mean, you don't have to address me as 'Majesty or your Highness,'" I air quote her words.

"But that is how I am to address you."

"Says who?" I ask, tilting my head.

"The Council, of course."

"But, it's not necessary and since I'm the Queen around here, I say you can call me, Kate."

Victoria walks closer to me and sighs, "We do not take your position here lightly. We call you by your title because it not only reminds us that you are to be honored, but also, that you are a treasure."

Gulp.

"Okay, but so is everyone else in the Realm," I lay my spoon back down on the napkin, "I mean, there's a reason Dominic is fasting for 6 days over the deaths of our Fighters."

"Yes, and they died fighting for you," she admits and instantly my appetite goes away, "but you can never compare the two."

"Why?" I say almost interrupting her.

"Because, protecting you and our Realm is the sole reason they live. If they die in the process, they die with honor and grace."

"Wait, what about the Warriors? Is that their main goal as well?"

"Of course," she says automatically, "but it is a little different for Dominic now that you and he are betrothed." she lets out a breath, "he has much more responsibility and therefore, must do everything in his power to stay alive."

I grab the napkin, trying to stop a tear from making its way out, "so, he's not trying to fight just for the sake of fighting anymore?"

Victoria takes my hand and her face goes soft, "not since the moment he was sure that you loved him back."