Chapter 4: The Queen's Reign Ends
His words helped me, his comforting arms held me tight. I watched as he and his friend cooked, working as a team even there. Best friends don't just work together on the battlefield, they are one in mind and body at all times. I feel myself smile as Cyrus drops a large pan, the noise making Felix, who had his back turned, hop into the air, than playfully smack Cyrus on the back of the head. Than he leans down and hands the pan back to his friend. This sort of love, it was something I had never seen, the love of friends, of brothers in arms and beliefs. I had never felt such a connection with my brother, he was cold and worried about nothing but us, the Reefborn, we who believed that the humans and the Awoken that joined them were lower than us. I was filled with regret, and my smile faded. I looked down at the shirt I had borrowed, Felix's shirt. It was so soft, so warm, just like it's owner, a man that would lay down his life, permanently, if it meant the ones he loved would be safe. I watch the two friends toss pepper back and forth, doing fun little tricks as they played. I was never part of things like that, never allowed to have fun, never allowed to do things for myself. I had an army of servants that answered my beck and call, an army of men and women that were so devoted, I'm sure they'd leap into space for me. But not because of me, not because we had a bond, not because we loved each other. No. It was because of my title, and that title made me feel like I was better than all others, like I could send them to their dooms for my benefit. I had done that to Felix, sent him on a suicide mission for my gain. But it wasn't suicide, he came back, and it was a painful reminder of what I had done. I look at my friend, or at least who I thought was my friend. He grins at me as he slides the eggs and pancakes onto the plates, three plates, one for each of us. Cyrus grabs his, sending another plate falling towards the ground. He catches it though, the food only a bit displaced. He and Felix breathe sighs of relief at the save. Than they turn to me.
"Hey, your Majesty? Are you alright for having an ancient, human breakfast? They're gooood." Felix smiles playfully as he places the plate on the table. I smile at him, the aroma drifting to me.
"Absolutely. I hope these are as good as you say. I'd be severely disappointed if I had to kill you for making a bad meal." The two Guardians looked at each other, than back at me.
"I'm joking." I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. The two friends chuckle.
"Well then, c'mon, oh Queen of Comedy!" Declares Cyrus, putting on his most regal voice. I smile at this, than realize. Maybe I'm not as alone in this City as I had thought.