Page 128 of Powerless

I roll my eyes, laughing despite myself. In an attempt to avoid this current conversation, I marvel in the mirror at what the girls have turned me in to. My hair is pulled into a complicated braid down my back combined with dark makeup that frames my eyes in shadow and my lips in shiny gloss.

Miracle workers. That’s what they are.

We’re talking and laughing when a sharp knock sounds at the door.

Lenny whistles when he sees me. “Look at that. You actually look like a princess, Princess.”

ChapterThirty-Seven

Paedyn

“If I get stung,I’m blaming you,” Lenny mumbles. He leads me through the gardens, passing dozens of gawking guests. “Not only is your dress attracting a lot of attention, but it’s also attracting a lot of bees.”

I try to stifle a snort as I look down at my gown that matches the deep roses lining the stone path we are walking. Guests mill about the gardens, making their way to the decorated wide patch of grass beyond the fountain where I splashed their future king in the face only a few days prior.

Since the Trials themselves aren’t the only things different this year, the second ball is being held in the gardens where the setting sun glints off goblets of champagne, casting everything in a dull gold. We step off the path and onto the edge of the plush open grass, eyeing the tables of desserts and grand garlands strung from surrounding sweeping trees. The musicians are tucked under a drooping willow, half-hidden behind the curtain of swaying leaves as they strum a lively tune. At the center of the festivities lies overlapping patterned rugs on the grass, all varying in size and style to create a colorful dance floor where several couples are already spinning.

“Well, unfortunately for you, I’m not your date,” Lenny says with a dramatic sigh. “So this is where I must say my goodbyes.”

I huff out a laugh. “However will I make it through the night without you?”

He sweeps into a mocking bow. “I know. Be brave, Princess. Now go find your prince.” And then he straightens, winks, and walks off into the gardens.

I shake my head at his retreating form before taking a breath and heading farther into the makeshift ballroom for the night. I scan the swirl of dancing bodies, trying to find Kitt among them.

“It’s a good thing you’re wearing that dress, or I might have never found you.”

I jump at the sound of Kitt’s voice behind me and spin to face him, my skirts swishing around my legs. He smiles and shakes his head, taking me in from head to toe. “Although, even if you were wearing green, I doubt you’d blend in.”

I swallow, unsure of what to say to that before settling with a soft, “Thank you.”

He holds out his hand. “Dance with me?”

I place my palm in his and nod before I’m swept onto the dance floor. I feel as though I’m dancing with an entirely different boy than I did at the previous ball. Except, the only thing that changed is my perspective of him. We talk casually as we dance, and it’s a relief to be able to look into his eyes, to not flinch away from his touch.

“Did my father say something to you yesterday? After I left?” Kitt asks curiously when the song comes to an end.

I open my mouth, ready to spew a lie when a cold voice cuts me off.

“May I cut in?”

I take a deep, annoyed breath before turning my head towards Blair who is waiting to whisk my partner away. She’s paired her smirk with a deep green dress decorated by intricate beading that clings to her form.

The look Kitt gives me is comical. I choke back a laugh as his eyes bore into mine, pleading with me not to leave him. I give him a small smile, hoping he sees the apology in my eyes as I say, “Of course. He’s all yours.”

He shakes his head at me, pinning me with a stare as I step out of his arms and am quickly replaced by Blair. “Have fun,” I add, unable to hide my smile. Kitt gives me a look that promises revenge, and I choke back a laugh at the sight of it. I spin around, still smiling—

And collide with something solid.

No,someonesolid.

Something wet splatters across my cheek as I back away from the body I’ve so ungracefully rammed into. The scent of wine mixed with pine hits me, and I swallow, knowing exactly who stands in front of me before I raise my face to meet his.

Kai smiles, looking equally rugged and handsome in the final rays of the setting sun. His hair is messier than normal with his ruffled, inky waves falling wherever they please. His eyes are a bright, cloudy sort of gray, alight with amusement. The suit he wears and crisp white shirt beneath are not only slightly rumpled but now partially stained a deep red.

Red wine sloshes in the glass gripped in his hand. Well, there’s little left now seeing that he’s now wearing most of it thanks to me.

My eyes snap to his when he bursts out laughing.

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