Page 56 of Pieces of Halves

“Welcome back then, princess,” Nickolas says and bows at the waist, his face blank and voice monotone.

“Queen,” I grit out.

There is utter silence in the room. It feels like they can hear my heart hammering and my head spinning. My face set sternly, I look around again. These are the men I will be seeing a lot, I need to remember them.

Among the group, my eyes stop on a tall figure, his jaw square and sharp. Everything fades away as I focus on the scar on the right side of his face, just above his lip. Flashes of memories come back to me.That scar. I remember barely seeing in the dark when I scraped at his face to get away.

“Name.” I stare at him, unwavering.

“Albert.” He smirks arrogantly, his well-kept black hair playing on his shoulders, and continues, “Prince of –”

His voice. I remember it when he told me to keep running so he could catch and pin me down. My blood feels cold, but I will not crumble. He is a distant memory. I will not let him break me again.

“I don’t carewhoyou are. I only asked for your name.” The words slip out of my mouth before I can stop them.

Albert glares at me, baffled. His mouth opens to say something, but he will not get the chance to defend himself or offend me any further.

“Tengu,” I call for the demon, my voice soft.

Tengu has become a friend. He shared the things he is capable of doing; ugly things. Jacob did not want me to know how much Tengu enjoys torture, but Tengu and I spent enough time together training for the subject to come up.

His black shape appears in front of everyone, and the men scowl with disgust. None of them are shocked by his existence. A few take careful steps back, aware of his skills.

“Yes, my queen.” Tengu smiles at me, most of his white teeth showing.

“He hurt me,” I tell Tengu and turn my gaze back at Albert, my chest filling with a burning desire for revenge. Tengu’s form changes to that of a panther, making everyone back away from Albert. “I suggest that you run.” My lips curve up when Albert’s eyes go wide.

Coming to his senses, Albert bolts for the doors. I did not think I would find satisfaction in seeing the man who hurt me so afraid. It feels good knowing he will run and never be able to escape. Something peaceful settles in my chest. He will scream in agony for hours, begging, but there will be no mercy.

Tengu and Albert vanish, and no one says a word.

“I am not my father, I will not accept abuse in this castle or the land. Those who choose to cause pain will suffer.” My voice sounds harsh. I want the meeting to be over so I can breathe. “In three days, I will be accepting your reports.”

Turning as gracefully as I can, I glance at Jacob and exit the room. Jorgan and Yanuk follow until I make it to the queen's chambers. When we get to my room, they won't let me go inside until they check it for assassins, so I stand outside the cherry-colored, wooden doors, my foot tapping against the gray marble.

“It looks good, but be vigilant,” Jorgan says and looks at Jacob.

“Of course,” Jacob responds, his voice full of confidence I wish I had.

As soon as the doors close behind Jacob and me, I lean against the wood and slump to the ground with along exhale. My emotions are running wild, fear and thrill mixing, but most of all, I feel powerful. I did not waver. They did not win.

“Are you okay?” Jacob kneels across from me, his voice tender.

“Yes. It felt strangely exhilarating.” I laugh with shaky hands. “To take control of a place that caused me so much pain.” I look up at him.

His brows are brought together, concern written in his eyes, and realization dawns on me. As terrible as it sounds, coming here gave me closure. They can no longer hurt me. I am evil for feeling freedom knowing that the man who hurt me is suffering, but I don’t care. All of the dark parts of my past are gone.

“I’m so proud of you.” He reaches his hand behind my head and runs his fingers through my hair.

Bringing his face closer, he presses his lips against mine. It is soft and quick, but my body catches flames. He has been there for me through so much, never giving up, even when I felt like I was nothing. Because of him, my soul is whole. It feels incredible to come this far and have him by my side.

He is my strength. I wish I could be that for him as well. One day, I will be.

The day was long. After a warm bath, I am glad it is over. Wearing a thin white nightgown that goes just above my knees, I make my way to bed. Jacob is sitting on the long chaise, his eyes running through my body before a small, tired smile forms on his face.

My skin goes hot at his gaze. He always looks at me with such desire, it makes me feel alive.

Wincing, his lips twist, and he shuts his eyes. His chest expands as he takes a breath in; he looks like he is in pain. My heart pinches at his suffering.

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