Page 46 of Powerful

‘Oh!’ I shrug, struggling to select which words I wish to say. ‘I was trying to memorize the feel of it beneathmy feet. So Pae and I can get a rug this plush for our Fort.’

Emotion flits across his face, though I can’t seem to decipher it. The dark lashes lining his light eyes flutter and, for a moment, it looks as though he may say something. Instead, he takes a step away, ending our conversation with a single movement. Nodding curtly, he says, ‘I hope you find that rug.’

Then he turns, tossing a smirk over his shoulder. ‘You’ll get to her room much faster if you phase through the wall. Trust me, I’ve done it plenty of times.’

And with that, the Enforcer strides down the crowded hallway, Imperials parting for him.

I blink, bewildered, at his back. It’s suddenly difficult to swallow.

How could I have forgotten what he is?

I’ve just met Mak’s equal. The man who could have him killed in an instant. All because they possess the same power. And it seemed to roll off the prince in waves – so at odds with the Wielder hidden within Loot. Though they felt eerily familiar, both foreboding in their own ways.

I shake my head, mind buzzing as I once again begin my journey down the bustling hall, but I stopshort at the sight of the wall beside me.

I might as well take his advice.

Stepping out onto the other side of the wall, her bedroom awaits mere paces away. I sigh in relief when I’m finally whipping open her door. ‘Pae, I hope you’re prepared for all the attention you’ll be getting in this dress!’

Her head peeks round the dressing screen, silver hair swishing with the movement. ‘I really hope you’re exaggerating.’

I hurry over to where she hides, finding Ellie exasperated by the amount of hair she has to deal with. But this is a recurring problem that I don’t feel the need to fret about.

Instead, I unravel the dress, displaying it against my body. ‘You tell me,’ I say, my smile smug. ‘Do you think this will get even the royals staring? Especially one in particular?’

Pae gapes at the gown before her, coal-lined eyes running over the length of it. ‘I’m afraid it will.’

‘Perfect!’ I shrug contently. ‘Then I’ve done my job well.’

‘Adena,’ Pae scoffs, even with a look of awe lighting her face. ‘You may have done your job a little too well.’

‘Why, are you worried a certain prince may fall to his knees at the very sight of you?’ I say dreamily.

Pae’s cheeks redden even as she crosses her arms and says, ‘I have no idea what you are talking about, A.’

I tap a finger to my lips. ‘Hmm. Well, his name rhymes with “eye”…’

‘And “guy”,’ Ellie chimes in softly.

My face lights up. ‘Oh, and I might have just talked to him in the hallway.’

She whips round so fast that I narrowly miss inhaling a mouthful of silver hair. ‘You did not.’

I sigh, smiling blissfully. ‘I did.’

‘What could you two possibly have talked about?’ she says, exasperated.

‘Hmm, let me think. What common interests could we have?’ I smile wickedly. ‘Oh, that’s right. You!’

Ellie giggles while Paedyn stifles a groan. ‘Plagues, maybe I’d rather not know.’

‘Well, to sum it all up,’ I continue anyway, ‘he agreed that you would look stunning tonight. And he will definitely want to dance with you.’

I press my lips together. Those words didn’t exactly leave his mouth, but Pae doesn’t need to know that. And, besides, I’m sure he was thinking it.

Pae sighs, spinning that ring on her thumb incessantly. ‘Don’t remind me.’

I frown. ‘Did something happen?’

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