Feel the Burn by Nicole MacDonald Read Free Book Online

working at determination. I will do this, for Alek.
    Feeling exhausted, I staggered to my feet with a grunt, arms out when another wave of dizziness hit. I went to one of the trunks and hauled the heavy lid up, staring in. Maeri had folded each item neatly and sorted them, mine on the left and Al’s on the right. Selecting the worn soft blue shirt he often slept in, I closed the lid with a thud and turned, leaning against the trunk. The shirt had seen years of use, its neckline stretched out of shape and his scent wafted from the soft fabric. With both hands I pressed it to my face, breathing deeply and the aroma scorched my mind. I kept my eyes closed while imagining he stood behind me, arms wrapped blissfully tight around my body. Sorrow came in so many forms and now the regretful, achingly sad version caught me as I sat back at the table, the shirt held close.
    That smirk when he teased me, those navy eyes twinkling with mischief. The outraged yell he gave in the mornings when Audi pounced on him. That look of desire infused with love that made my breath catch every time. The way he gave his support, absolutely. Sitting, telling stories of earlier times and listening to him laugh. I loved his laugh. Audi flirting with him when he told her off in a tone that belied his words, her tail swishing and the little grumbles she made while scooting close, ducking her head.
    Oh my little girl, I miss you.
    At least Ada and Nnelg would look out for her. The other girls would too when they got back.
    And Yakov…
    I swallowed hard and the occasional tear tumbled down my cheeks, hitting the shirt with a soft plop. Who would tell me off for being too casual? A rough laugh escaped my lips when I remembered the frequent scoldings, his charming way with the members of Council who looked down at me, and the impromptu hugs when I had bad moments. The absolute lack of judgment no matter what I blurted out in my ignorance of this world and how things were done. Yakov and Alek telling me stories of my mother and father, laughing together so hard that they couldn’t finish the tales.
    I can’t believe she took them both, along with the rest of my meager family. My chest ached and head drooped. I imagined seeing them all together, somewhere safe in the afterlife.
    I wonder if I’ll find you all there.
    I guess I don’t have to fear him being struck down beside me now. A mirthless bark of a laugh slipped out when I realized what this meant. Thanks Jenviet, for leaving me no other option.
    Now I have nothing to lose.
    I just need to wait for the right opening, I thought, the determination and sudden desire for vengeance making my hands curl into claws when I envisioned that evil woman’s face. Wait for the right moment, making sure the others don’t get caught up in it and rid this world of that creature.

    Leaving it until just after twilight, Ignatius rapped his knuckles against the door and at the Princess’ assent, entered. He found her seated at the table, head twisted to look over a shoulder at who entered.
    ‘Ignatius.’
    The slight warmth of tone caused an unexpected flush of pleasure and he smiled at her.
    ‘I thought to see if you were hungry?’
    Her loose hair covered her back but he saw she held something close on her lap. Curious, he moved closer and spied the shirt. Knowing it was too large for her he guessed it to be Alek’s. Surprisingly it didn’t cause that hot flash of jealousy like it had at the castle, but then why be jealous of a dead man? Though Ignatius had disliked Alek, he wouldn’t have wished such an end on him. He knew all too well the delight that witch would have taken in torturing to death the Crown Prince and head of the Griffon Guard. In truth he felt sympathy and admiration, knowing Alek wouldn’t have gone down without a fight.
    ‘I’m not really hungry,’ Catherine confessed and she flicked a glance at him, her eyes bloodshot and puffy.
    ‘You need to keep your strength up, Highness.’
    He