Chapter 14

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"Oh, Victoria," I call to her as she stacks my soup bowl and saucer on the rolling tray, "h--how was Dominic?" her eyes dart up at me when I say his name, "you know, when you brought him the broth?"

"Still praying, your Majesty," she blinks and looks away but I can tell it bothers her, too.

"Did you talk to him?"

She shakes her head, "No, he barely notices when I come in."

I walk toward the bed and get in, still wearing the slip from under my gown when she moves to the foot of my bed and reaches for the pajamas, "Here, your Highness."

"No, thanks, I'm good," I wave my hand and rub the thin material between my fingers, "it'll serve as a constant reminder that I should also be in that chapel praying just as hard as Dominic."

"You cannot look at it that way, Majesty," Victoria says as the look of concern washes over her face, "you were only trying to help. You had no ill intent."

"Neither did Dominic," I whisper, trying to make her see my point. I'm just as guilty.

"You need to understand how a Warrior feels about his men. They are not only a valuable addition to the Realm, but they were also friends," she moves closer to me, "each and every one of them were like his own brothers."

Gulp

"Wow...I--I didn't realize how close they all were," I admit, shaking my head because I'm even more disgusted with myself, "do you think I could talk to the Council? Maybe explain to them that I should be doing something or be punished somehow for my horrible mistake?"

Her face changes and she smiles, letting out a sigh like she feels sorry for me, "the true sacrifice of one satisfies the burden of others. It is not necessary for you to do anything. The Council will tell you that."

"I just feel so terribly guilty..."

"You shouldn't," she quickly chimes in, "the Fighters died with honor and in a way that they were prepared for many, many years ago."

"So, I just sit and do nothing, waiting for his return?" I ask, not really expecting an answer and then think of something else, "I just hope he'll be the same," I whisper to myself.

"It will take some time, you are correct," Victoria admits, clearly hearing my words, "but for now, at least the Demons have been defeated."

The second I hear the word, Demon, my thoughts instantly go to Zull and all the damage he's already caused my own family and now with the man I love. I underestimated Zull's immense power and have a feeling I haven't see the last of him, whoever's body he manipulates next.

"Get some sleep, your Highness, it is getting late," Victoria drops into a deep bow, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I nod, watching her turn around and push the rolling cart toward the door, "Oh, and one more thing."

She stops and looks over her shoulder, "Yes, your Majesty?"

"Thank you for explaining things and well...for listening."

"Of course. I am happy to help you in any way I can," her face brightens up, "I will see you in the morning before your breakfast with Zack."

"Looking forward to it," I say back because I am.

I'm going to get to the bottom of who this Doctor Emily Mansfield chick really is. And now, I have plenty of time.

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