Page 45 of Powerful

My arms are draped in darkness.

Black fabric spills over my hands as I scurry out of the sewing room. I smile down at the silky gown, unable to contain my giddiness at the sight of it.

This may be my most beautiful creation yet, and I can’t think of a more beautiful person to do it justice.

The halls are bustling with staff, all preparing for the final ball looming far too close. With that in mind, I pick up my pace, dodging a parade of Imperials heading for the ballroom.

I wasn’t there for that first ball – or the second, for that matter – seeing that I was snuggled with Mak inthe Fort. But I heard of the attack, nonetheless. Ever since, the number of Imperials crawling around has greatly increased. I shudder despite the extra sense of safety they provide.

Plush carpet softens my steps, and I’m suddenly distracted by the feel of it. I can only imagine how impossible it would be to wake Pae up if the rug beneath our Fort was this comfortable. But if she manages to win these Trials, our first order of business will be to find something equally as soft—

My arms collide with a very solid someone.

Eyes flying up from the floor, I meet the equally distracted gaze above me. It’s gray and stormy and –Plagues help me – it belongs to Prince Kai.

I stumble into a curtsy, clutching the silky gown against my chest before it has the chance to slip between my sweaty palms. ‘Prince Kai! I didn’t even see you there! This carpet is terribly distracting.’

For once, I snap my mouth shut before I can do any more damage. When my gaze finally lifts from his black tunic, I’m relieved to find an amused expression on his face.

Plagues, he’s pretty.

I hope he doesn’t see the physical shake of my head asI attempt to expel the thought from it. Because I have a pretty boy of my own. Though, I can admit that Pae is quite a lucky woman.

The corner of his mouth tips upward. ‘You must be Adena.’

‘Yes?’ I answer, confusion curling the word into a question. ‘How do you…’ I step aside for a scurrying servant. ‘How do you know that?’

‘Well, there is only one girl in this castle daring enough to wear anything but green to the ball tonight.’ He runs those gray eyes over the draped fabric in my arms. ‘So that would make you her seamstress from Loot.’

I blink up at him. ‘Um, yes, it would.’ With a smile, I add, ‘You are quite observant!’

His gaze flicks over the fabric. ‘I’ve been spending a lot of time with your Psychic friend.’

I bite my tongue.

It is incredibly odd to be in on the ruse that everyone else believes. But I smile at him, nonetheless, honored to keep Pae’s secret. ‘Oh, I know.’ My eyes widen. ‘I mean, that is great to hear, Your Highness!’

There’s that slight smirk again. ‘She’s picked black tonight, then.’

I glance down at the gown. ‘She certainly has. And I have no doubt that she will look stunning.’

‘Neither do I,’ he says smoothly. ‘She will certainly be turning heads, though, that’s no surprise.’

Eyeing him closely, I select my words carefully. For once. ‘So, you’re okay with her not wearing green?’

He barely considers my question. ‘Of course. I wouldn’t want her to blend in.’

A small smile lifts my lips as I take in the future Enforcer. He certainly is not his brother. No, it seems that Kai would prefer Paedyn make a statement. Stand out.

And just like that, I’ve picked which pretty prince to root for. Because it’s Kai who is destined for Paedyn, no matter how tragic their story. No matter the opposite roles they play in this life. But maybe things will be different in the next.

‘That is good to hear,’ I say quietly.

He’s sloppily rolling up the sleeves of his tunic, saying, ‘Why did it distract you?’

‘I’m sorry?’

He nods to our feet. ‘The carpet.’

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