Graveyard Watchman (Book 2) The Demon Wars

Chapter 27

"How about this one?" Victoria holds up a stunning emerald dress, dripping in shimmering gold beads that go all the way to the floor. It's one I haven't seen before so it must be new.

"Yeah, it's beyond gorgeous," I smile as she holds it down for me to slip into. She slides the silky fabric up my frame and it conforms to my body like a second skin. Better than any dress I've ever worn and I turn around to face the mirror as her fingers quickly zip up the back.

"Oh, your Highness," she whispers, "I think this is my favorite so far."

"Me too," I get out, twisting my body to watch the way the gold beads sparkle against the emerald undertones, "Is this one new?"

"Yes, it just arrived today," she goes back to the armoire, "Now to find the perfect earrings."

"It's amazing how well it fits," I'm still admiring how the beads twinkle in the light, "It must have cost a small fortune. When did you order it?"

Victoria looks up at me from behind the armoire, "Oh, no, your Majesty, I didn't commission this dress," she walks toward me with what look like a set of earrings in her hand, "Dr. Mansfield did."

Wait, what?

I instantly cock my head, "Emily?" I blurt out, "She ordered this for me?"

"Yes, your Highness," Victoria's eyes look away and I can tell she's trying not to show any emotion. I get it. Emily's already taken Zack away from her, and now this.

"Why?" I ask, suddenly realizing I didn't need to. It's pretty obvious that Emily knew all along it would be to her advantage to get me to like her. And now, my head is spinning with more questions.

"I don't understand," I stop and Victoria looks up at me, "Who gave the resident psychiatrist permission to order me a dress?"

Her brows arch up like it's obvious, "Zack, of course," she gets out and I shake my head.

"That isn't right," I say without thinking, "What else has Zack given her permission to do?" My face is starting to feel flush.

"I am not sure I understand what you mean, your Majesty," her brows push together.

Shit, zip it, Kate. Before you say too much.

"Oh, never mind," I shake my head again and smile, trying to recover my words, "I guess I still need to learn how everything works around here," I lie, but I'm pretty sure Victoria didn't notice.

"I think these will go nicely," she holds up a set of dangly, pure white, oval diamonds and I'm in awe all over again.

"They're beautiful," I nod as she begins pushing one through my pierced lobe, "I guess I'm still getting used to everything. Including all the amazing dresses and jewelry."

Victoria smiles, keeping her eyes on her fingers, "Yes, I am sure it is difficult for all newcomers to adjust once they are accepted into the Realm," her voice cracks a little as she moves to the other side and attaches the second earring, "Especially if one of them also becomes our Queen."

"You have no idea," I laugh a little and watch her try to smile up at me, "Dominic will continue to guide you," she takes my hand, "I am happy he has found you."

I'm instantly moved by her words and pull her into a hug, "Thank you, Victoria. That means a lot coming from you," I whisper and hear her sniff several times.

Way to go, Kate. Make her cry, too.

Victoria instantly lets go and turns around before I can see her face, "I--I must attend to dinner now," she says with her back to me, "Forgive me, your Highness," she runs out of the room and I feel like I've just gut punched my new friend.