Page 29 of Powerful

‘I don’t blame you.’ He shrugs. ‘I’m not as much fun as I used to be.’

‘Oh, I’m sure that’s not true,’ I laugh. And then I’m suddenly clearing my throat to ramble. ‘I mean, not that I think you’re lying, of course. It’s just that I know Pae enjoys her time with you so… You can’t be too boring?’ I end the sentence with an unsure question while fighting the urge to flee the room.

I should really work on keeping my mouth shut.

‘Does she now?’ he asks, sounding amused. ‘That is news to me. I was beginning to think she despised me.’

‘Well, she should know better than to despise you.’ I sigh, shaking my head. ‘Your Highness,’ I add quickly. ‘But she doesn’t always do what she knows she should.’

He nods in agreement, a slight smile on his face. ‘That, I have learned.’ He strides over to the illuminated table draped in silver fabric. ‘That is actually why I was hoping to find you here.’

‘R-Really?’ I stutter, my smile widening. ‘What could you possibly need from me?’

‘For starters,’ he sighs, ‘I need you to start calling me Kitt, not “Your Highness”. Then, I need some advice.’

I beam. ‘I think I can do both of those things for you, Kitt.’

‘Perfect.’ He clasps his hands in front of his navy tunic. ‘Now, is this the dress she’ll be wearing to the first ball?’

I nod vigorously. ‘Isn’t it beautiful? Ugh, I can’t wait to see it on her. And the cut of it will really accentuate her—’ I press my lips together at the reminder of who I’m talking to. ‘You get the point. It will look great.’

‘Oh, I’m sure it will.’ He sighs, looking unsure. ‘She will definitely be making a statement.’

I fight to hide my frown. ‘And you don’t want her to?’

‘I want her to be careful, that’s all.’ He runs his fingers over the smooth fabric. ‘There are people out there who will take offense at her boldness. You know, not wearing green as is tradition.’

I nod slowly, unsure of what to say. Thankfully, he speaks instead. ‘So, what do you think? Tux and a black tie?’ He runs a hand through messy, blond hair. ‘Not that it matters. I doubt very many people will be looking at me anyway.’

I giggle softly in agreement. ‘Wear a silver tie clip. And don’t be offended if she doesn’t even notice. But it will be a nice touch for those who care enough to look closely.’

‘Oh, there is always someone looking closely,’ he breathes before falling silent.

The light hums atop the table; the only sound for several seconds. That’s before I clear my throat to say, ‘Well, I’m always available for all your fashion needs!’

His eyes meet mine. ‘Can you tell me what I’m doing wrong?’

The question startles me for a moment. ‘With your outfit?’ I look him over. ‘I mean, that color definitely complements your skin tone—’

‘No,’ he chuckles. ‘Paedyn. She will hardly look at me.’ He lifts his hands in exasperation, scoffing slightly. ‘I mean, I’m not sure what to do anymore. I find her fascinating in a way that no one has ever been before. Like she’s realer than anything I’ve encountered here in the castle.’

I smile at the sound of his voice, at the sincerity coating each word. I can sense a smittenness I doubt he’s even acknowledged yet. And part of me hopes to see my best friend beside him with a genuine smile on her face.

Maybe in another life they were meant to be. A life where he wasn’t the heir to an Elite throne, and Pae wasn’t punished for being an Ordinary.

‘Pae is a difficult creature.’ I place a hand on my hip. ‘Trust me, I know this firsthand. But she’s consistent with what she wants the most from others.’ I shrug. ‘Honesty. Someone she can talk to. And for you especially, an open mind to what she has to say.’

He nods absentmindedly. ‘An open mind, huh?’

I nod. ‘You’re the future king. I can imagine she has a lot of suggestions for you.’

He chuckles. ‘I’m sure she does.’ Then he’s turning towards the door. ‘Thank you, Adena. But you may not be rid of me yet. I’ll likely need more advice in the future.’

My grin is wide. ‘And I’ll be here for as long as you’ll allow!’

He returns my smile. ‘Once I’m king, I may just need to make you an adviser of mine.’

CHAPTER 12Makoto

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