Page 49 of Powerless

Enemies.

And more importantly, why isn’t that what I want as well?

* * *

I wake the next morning, drenched in sweat.

This isn’t uncommon, not with the nightmares that tend to haunt my sleep. But today is different. Today it is bloody boiling outside. It’s only dawn, and my room is already sticky with humidity.

I roll out of bed and make my way to the bathroom where I splash cool water over my already damp face. It doesn’t take me long to get ready, begrudgingly pulling on a white cotton shirt before slipping out the door and—

And there she is.

She steps out of her room with her head down, quietly shutting the door before looking up and practically jumping at the sight of me.

“Plagues, Kai, don’t scare me like that!”

I blink.

It’s the first time she’s called me by my name, and I realize then that I could get used to the sound of it rolling off her tongue. She seems to notice what she’s said and clears her throat before beginning to walk down the hallway.

“Aren’t you up early for a prince?” she calls over her shoulder. “What, no breakfast in bed?” I catch up to her easily, taking about three strides before I’m walking beside her.

“If you’re not getting breakfast in bed, neither am I. I’m just a regular contestant, remember? No longer a charming prince for the time being.”

“You were never that to begin with.”

I chuckle as we turn the corner, spotting the kitchen looming just ahead. The smell of biscuits and eggs wafting from within is enough to make me change course.

“So—” Paedyn begins, probably the start of some snide comment that I’ll never get the pleasure of hearing because I grab her wrist and tug her towards the kitchen doors. I’m sure she is just as hungry as I am, and breakfast won’t be served for nearly another hour.

I’m doing us both a favor.

Apparently, Paedyn doesn’t share my sentiment. Her feet dig into the floor at the threshold of the kitchen doors, eyes darting between mine. “What are you—” she starts, giving me that murderous look I’ve already grown so familiar with.

“Shh.” I press my finger to her lips lightly and the words die in her throat. “I suppose my job will forever be feeding you now, hmm, Gray?”

Her flustered expression has me laughing quietly before I hear the scuff of shoes, reluctantly drawing my gaze from her wide-eyed one. We’ve drawn quite the crowd. Several servants stand staring at us, taking in the scene before them. But they scuttle away swiftly, snickering as they try to make themselves look busy.

“Hello, ladies,” I call, looking around the room at the blushing servants. “I’ve brought a far more interesting guest today than Kitt.” I place a gentle hand on the small of Paedyn’s back, prodding her forward.

It’s a question, a tentative test, an innocent inquiry.

Is this okay?

I briefly wonder if she’s considering breaking my wrist, maybe contemplating placing a dagger to my throat—

And then she relaxes, easing into my touch.

An answer to my question without uttering a word.

Yes.

I guide her towards the center of the kitchen where I’ve spotted Gail, currently hunched over the stove. “Morning Gail.” She spins around, her face lighting up when she sees me. “You look lovely as always.” My mouth quirks as I hop up onto the counter and sit beside where she flips crispy pieces of bacon over the stove.

“You’re such a kiss-ass, Kai,” she teases, lightly whipping a towel in my direction. Her eyes land on Paedyn and she straightens, nodding curtly. “Ah, Miss Paedyn. A pleasure.”

“Please,” Paedyn sighs with a small smile, “Nomiss. Just Paedyn.”

---