Chapter 60

Chapter 60: Chapter 60

The Incubus wore a pleasant expression, distracted from his shared discontent with the other Demons by the enigma that was the Queen.

Although she wasn’t as ingratiating as the noble Vampire they had encountered in Fairwyn, it was worth noting the coincidence that despite selfless, kind Dulce’s aversion to his kind, they were all trying to get in his good graces.

Though the Queen might have a different reason for trying to gain Dulce’s trust, the Vampire cradling the platter given to her like it was a precious stone despite completely lacking the ability to consume food.

Ruoxi savored the meat dish he ate, the berries bursting on his tongue to create a complex mix of sweet and savory. Even if she didn’t stand a chance of gaining Dulce’s attention, there was simply no more space left. He still hadn’t come to terms with sharing the Vampire’s attention, if it had to be split further, then someone simply had to die.

"I can hardly finish the platter by myself," Aylin spoke softly, although she hadn’t so much as made an attempt to pick up her silverware. "Why don’t you join me?"

"Dulce," Caedos rasped, immediately holding all of the Vampire’s attention. The new creature was distrustful, and she seemed to hold power. He needed his savior to be close by so he could better protect him.

Dulce had no loyalty to human royalty, merely playing by the rules of the place he found himself in. So he didn’t even think before going to Caedos’ side, instantly forgetting the Queen’s request.

There was a stack of empty silver platters next to the bed. The Hellhound seemed to have an endless well of appetite, it made him self-conscious about taking advantage of the Queen’s generosity. But it was an emotion restricted to himself, he would provide food for Caedos as long as he was hungry.

"Are you hungry still? Thirsty?" He asked tentatively.

"Water," The Hellhound said, realizing the existence of the substance.

Completely forgetting the Queen’s presence, Dulce agreed, walking past her to the door.

"I want water too," Ruoxi grumbled, petulant.

That drew the attention of Asael and Kath’tan; for a frivolous Incubus, he was taking the Hellhound’s presence rather hard.

Perhaps it was because Ruoxi was convinced that their presence was only temporary, the Hellhound was the only summons that Dulce would go out of his way to make sure he stayed.

"Asael? Kath’tan? Do you also want water?" Dulce paused at the door.

The Vampire was so completely guileless that anger was a wasted emotion on him, his harmless requests disarming. After getting positive responses from them, he turned to Moira. "Miss Moira, do you also want..."

"I don’t! I don’t!" Moira said hastily, she was simply there for the Demons, she had no interest in crossing the Queen.

With that, Dulce walked off, and one couldn’t quite say if he was on the search for a servant or going off to procure the water himself.

Queen Aylin had been the only one not asked her preference for water, she scowled underneath her veil, picking up a silver knife to stab into the baked quail that had been offered to her. The silverware went through the heavy platter, just barely missing her dress by a few inches.

Ruoxi was drawn to her frustration like a butterfly to nectar, his wide smile making his slanted eyes squint. "You seem a little upset, Your Majesty." He said mockingly.

"You will not speak before me-" She bit out, disdainful.

"Dulce is simply using you to accommodate his Demons." Asael said bluntly, his words cutting. "He’ll leave regardless of whether you’re living or not."

Aylin fell silent, but her anger was palpable, her hands trembling with the effort it took to keep her composure. It was only a matter of time, she would get rid of the Demons shortly, and then there would be no more obstacles in her way.

"What are you?" Caedos’ raspy voice joined the conversation, his sharp gaze studying her like an object.

The silver platter on Aylin’s lap was mangled underneath her grip, her plan to invite Dulce for dinner the only reason she hadn’t stormed out.

"A Vampire," Moira whispered to the Hellhound, having a soft spot for Demons.

Caedos frowned, that didn’t sound right. "She’s not like Dulce-"

The doors opened then, Dulce returning with a large basin of water, a servant following behind him with a tray that held more water in silver carafes.

Aylin shot to her feet, resentful. "Dulce, join me for dinner tonight, alone." She offered directly.

Dulce paused with the basin of water, reminded of the Queen’s presence once more. "Dinner?"

"Yes," She said calmly, waiting expectantly.

"As Your Majesty wishes," Dulce agreed after a short pause, attempting to bow with the pot of water.

Aylin drew in a breath, not quite expecting her request to be accepted. She glanced around the room haughtily, beyond pleased with herself. "I’ll see you soon."

Dulce watched her leave, then let out a breath, relieved to see her gone. Dinner with the Queen would be nerve-wracking, but it would no doubt be the best time to explain that he couldn’t continue to remain a guest of the crown for an indeterminate length of time.

The servant at the door nearly lost their grip on the tray of water, bowing nervously as the Queen walked past them before they could completely understand the sight on the bed.

Dulce walked over to the bed and handed the pot of water to Caedos, looking over his shoulder to see that the servant hadn’t made it past the doorway. Without missing a step, he went over to take the tray from the trembling maidservant, dismissing her with a kindly smile.

Moira watched Dulce meticulously hand out water to each Demon, she had never heard of summoners treating Demons so well. She was viewed as an aberration for her curious interest in them amongst her peers, but she doubted she would even go as far as to treat them like Lords.

Well, it was more that Dulce treated everyone he viewed favorably the same... she corrected her views, glancing down at her platter of food. She had been unwittingly added to his line of Demons, Dulce feeding her as well without slowing to eat.