Page 152 of Powerless

I clampmy hands over my ears, shielding them from the loud squealing.

“Okay, what do you think?!” Adena is beaming, gesturing wildly to the partially made dress draped across my bed.

“Wow,” Ellie breathes, leaning over my shoulder to get a better look at it. “It’s…” she trails off as her eyes trail over the fabric.

“Perfect,” I finish for her. “Absolutely stunning. You’ve outdone yourself, A.” I give her a smile, wide and full of wonder at how one person could be so talented.

“Well,” she huffs, snatching the half-made dress off the bed and settling it on her lap again. “It’s not finished yet. I only have two more days until the final ball, and it needs to be absolutely perfect—”

“A.” I give her a knowing look. “Don’t stress, it will be perfect.” Then I snort, shaking my head. “You could put me in a flour sack and somehow make it look good.”

Adena looks truly alarmed at that suggestion. “I wouldneverput you in a flour sack.” She taps a finger to her lips thoughtfully. “And not only because it would be hideous, even on you, but because the fabric is much too scratchy, too stiff to—” Her big, hazel eyes dart between Ellie and I trying to suppress our smiles and failing. “What?”

Her hands are on her hips, eyebrows quirked, legs crisscrossed and covered in fabric. I’ve never seen someone try to look so stern while looking so innocently sweet at the same time.

It feels good to laugh, to do anything other than train and snoop around the castle in the hopes of finding the tunnel on my own. But it seems that Kitt is the only key, and I’m helpless without him showing me the passage. Helpless if he doesn’t trust me. I’ve spent nearly every day with him, careful not to sound desperate when I casually mention details about Loot, trying to entice him into sneaking away with me.

Nothing.

We are chatting quietly when a knock at the door has us all jumping.

Ellie throws me a look, silently asking if I was expecting anyone, to which I give her a clueless shrug. She scurries to the door and opens it hesitantly, revealing a tall, smiling figure.

Kitt.

Ellie dips into a curtsy and I’m suddenly beside her, a slightly mocking smile on my lips as I say, “Your Highness, what an unexpected surprise.”

Kitt dips his head gracefully towards me. “Why, Miss Gray, I hope I’m not intruding?” His amused gaze flicks from Ellie to my bed where Adena sits, wide-eyed and covered in fabric. “Miss Ellie, Miss Adena, would you mind if I stole Paedyn from you?”

Ellie offers him a shy smile as Adena tries to stifle a shriek before calling, “No, Your Highness, not at all!”

I duck my head, trying to suppress a smile from both embarrassment and amusement. Kitt is already looking down at me when I peek up at him, his lips quirked in a smile. “Shall we?”

Their giggling follows us all the way down the hall, and I sigh before asking, “So, where are you stealing me off to?”

“Actually,” Kitt glances around nervously, “I was hoping you could steal me away.”

I blink at him, my heart beginning to beat quickly. But I school my features, feigning confusion. “I’m not sure I follow.”

Kitt slows and leads us into a corner before leaning over me. I’m startled by this sudden turn of events, his sudden proximity, and the sudden scent of spices that washes over me.

His head dips close to mine, his voice dipping to a low hush with it. “Loot.”

And there it is.

That one word has my heart hammering.

“I want you to take me.”

“Really?” The word comes out breathy and a little too eager for my liking.

Kitt doesn’t seem to notice, too busy scanning the corridor to make sure no one can overhear. “Yes.” His eyes are back on mine, searching. “I shouldn’t, but I…I should. What you said was true. All of it. Ineedto see my people. I can’t rule over a kingdom I barely know, over people who have needs I haven’t learned of.” He pauses, considering something. “I need to start deciding whatIthink is best.”

He sighs. “I need to do this. As much as I don’t want to go against my father, and as much as I know this is a damn awful idea,” he chuckles but the sound is strained, “I know if I don’t do this now, I never will. And I have you to thank for reminding me of the type of king I never want to be.”

The joy that had warmed me only moments ago is gone, replaced by the frigid, icy fingers of guilt. I’m suddenly reminded of his kindness, his tolerance for me telling him off, his willingness to listen.

And look where it’s gotten him.

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