Powerful, page 11
He does something then. Something far more intimate than any kiss or touch so far. No, he pulls back far enough to let me see him smile.
It’s big and bright and beautifully his.
‘For me?’ I ask breathlessly, staring at his smile.
‘Every single one,’ he murmurs.
I kiss him fiercely. I kiss him the way I’ve fantasized kissing someone my whole life. I kiss him like it’s the end of a fairy tale.
A calloused hand cups my face while the other roams over my back. His lips move against mine as he breathes me in. And I gladly let him. Would gladly be more than a piece of his perfection. I could fill him completely, stuff him with my sentiment until he’s sick on it.
I would give him every piece of me if he only asked politely.
I pull back, breathing heavily.
Mak does the same, tipping his forehead against mine. A confession crawls up my throat, tearing at my sealed lips before finally spilling out. ‘I’m tripping into you, Mak.’
His thumb brushes across my cheek. ‘Tripping into me?’
I nod, breath shaky. ‘I don’t fall for someone. I trip uncontrollably towards them before inevitably hitting the ground.’
He smiles softly, the action delicate atop his stern features. His eyes wander over my face while his fingers tuck unruly hair behind my ear. ‘Well, I would catch you, Dena, but it seems we’re going down together.’
I blink at him, my smile widening. ‘Really?’
He nods slowly. ‘Really.’
I press my lips together, trying to hide my giddiness. I quickly fail and, instead, press a kiss to his lips. It’s a struggle to pry myself away from him after several seconds too long.
‘I have to go back to the castle tonight.’ My words fade into a giggle when he circles his arms round my waist, capturing my lips once again. I laugh against his mouth, barely able to get my next sentence out. ‘I still have to finish up—’
Another kiss cuts me off.
‘—Pae’s dress for—’
I initiate this kiss.
‘—the ball tomorrow,’ I finish with a dizzying smile.
I manage to climb from his lap before he can stop me. With my cloth bag quickly slung over my shoulder, I head for the door. Mak is on my heels, closing his arms around me from behind.
Giggling, I place my arms atop the ones he’s wrapped round my waist. ‘I was right,’ I say cheerily, ‘you’re not half as grumpy as you seem.’
I feel him straighten behind me. ‘Yeah, shit, what did you do to me?’
I laugh, turning to face him. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow evening.’ I jab a finger in his face. ‘At the Fort, remember?’
‘Oh, so I won’t be sleeping.’ He smiles sarcastically. ‘Can’t wait.’
I roll my eyes before teetering up on my toes to peck him on the cheek. He smiles sweetly, his cold exterior melting within a matter of moments.
When he suddenly lifts the hem of his shirt towards my face, I open my mouth to spew a question he’s already answering. ‘There’s ash on your face, hun. That might be my fault.’
I beam up at him until he’s finished cleaning my skin. And then I kiss him goodbye, soft and sweet.
‘I’ll see you soon,’ I whisper.
‘I’m counting down the hours, Dena.’
CHAPTER 17 Adena
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 in the 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 as I 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.’
‘Oh!’ I shrug, struggling to select which words I wish to say. ‘I was trying to memorize the feel of it beneath my 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 stop short 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?’
She laughs humorlessly. ‘Too much happened.’
I help peel off her remaining clothing before she steps into the dress. ‘Oh, do tell,’ I say, greedy for every detail.
She slips her arms through the dainty sleeves that lay limply around her arm. ‘Can I fill you in after the Trial, A?’ She sounds exhausted. ‘I’m still trying to process it all myself.’
I help her tug the corset up. ‘Of course, Pae. You need to focus on the Trial.’
I say this to ease my guilty conscience. I have yet to tell her of Mak and every moment I’ve spent with him. She knows of my tendency to trip for someone, and yet, she will be one of the last to know.
‘Thanks, A,’ Paedyn smiles, looking relieved.
‘Don’t thank me yet.’ I wiggle a finger, gesturing for her to turn around. ‘I haven’t tightened the corset.’
‘Plagues,’ she murmurs. ‘If this dress was any less beautiful, I might beg not to wear it.’
‘Oh, please,’ I tease. ‘You love dressing up, even if you won’t admit it. Isn’t that right, Ellie?’
‘I mean…’ Ellie hesitates. ‘You do seem to enjoy it…’
Pae’s scoff is cut short when I tug at the laces of her corset. ‘Well, I sure as hell don’t enjoy being unable to breathe.’
‘But you’re breathtaking.’ I attempt to smother my snort. ‘Quite literally.’
‘I think you’re enjoying this a little too much, A,’ she gasps.
‘This may be my last chance to dress you up.’ I tighten the laces, earning a grunt from Pae. ‘So I might as well take advantage of it!’
After much pleading from Pae, I finally tie off the laces of her corset and spin her round to admire my work. Most of the bodice is see-through, showing off her tan skin beneath the beads and swirling pattern decorating the corset. The sleeves are dainty and purely for design, as they do nothing to keep the dress up from where they dangle off her shoulders.
My eyes take in the pooling skirt and the matching slits on either side. As I do so, Paedyn pushes the fabric apart to strap her silver dagger high on a thigh. Then she straightens, standing before Ellie and me for inspection. ‘So? What do you think?’
‘You look beautiful, Paedyn,’ Ellie breathes with a smile.
Unwanted tears prickle my eyes at the vision before me. ‘You look dangerous. But in the most elegant of ways.’
She seems to melt at my words. ‘That may be the best compliment I’ve ever received.’
Ellie sighs. ‘You need to head to the ballroom soon, and I still have no idea what to do with your hair.’
‘Something simple,’ I suggest. ‘Maybe an updo? I want to see those collarbones of hers.’
Ellie obliges, tying Pae’s hair into a loose knot at the back of her neck, allowing strands to fall around her face as they please.
I clasp my palms in front of me, beaming at the finished product. ‘Gorgeous! Now go before you’re late!’
Paedyn laughs lightly, reaching out to squeeze my hands. ‘Thank you, A. I can’t tell you how much I love each of the dresses you’ve made for me.’
‘I knew you loved them,’ I say slyly. ‘And me, of course.’
‘And you.’ She grins. ‘Of course.’
My smile suddenly fades into something far more serious. ‘Promise you’ll make it back to me after this Trial?’
‘I promise I’ll try my absolute hardest,’ she murmurs earnestly. ‘Just one more, and I’m free. We are free.’
My lips lift into an unexpected smile. ‘I’ll be cheering you on the whole time, Pae.’
We admire one another for a long moment before I begin shooing her towards the door. ‘All right, go dance with your prince!’
‘Not if I can help it!’ she calls, throwing a smile over her shoulder before disappearing down the hallway.
Ellie turns to face me as soon as she’s out the door. ‘You off to go see your boy?’
I beam. ‘That I am.’ Gathering up my cloth bag, I stride to the door with a blissful smile. ‘I’ll be back for the Trial tomorrow, don’t worry. Even though I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to stomach watching.’
After returning Ellie’s wave goodbye, I step out into the hallway and smother the urge to skip with excitement. I buzz with anticipation of our night at the Fort and—
And someone steps in my path.
It’s a servant. He’s young and timid and looking up at me uncertainly. ‘Oh!’ I exclaim. ‘Hello there.’
But he doesn’t return my politeness. No, he only offers me a single, rehearsed line.
‘The king has requested to speak with you this evening.’
CHAPTER 18 Makoto
I’m shockingly happy as I head towards the Fort.
I can’t remember the last time I was this happy, even with Hera.
Hera.
It feels wrong to be enjoying life with her no longer in it, but I still mourn her every day, in any way I can. I see her in the smiling faces along the street, remember how her magic tricks used to be the reason for laughing children and enthralled parents. I hear her in the sharpening of a blade for how she used to beg me to let her do it when we were young. I smell her in the rain, a brewing storm.
She’s all around me, and yet, nowhere to be found.
I mourn alone. Quietly. Though I allowed myself a single night to break down in Adena’s arms.
But Hera is likely already forgotten by the people, just another victim of the Trials she had no chance of winning. I try not to ponder the part I played in her death or my failed attempt to save her.
It hurts too much. To think I fumbled her freedom. Our freedom.
I could never leave now. Not with Adena still here.
I elbow through the crowded street beginning to close for the evening. Bits of dull conversation fill my ears as I head for the familiar dead end.
I can’t help but smile at the sight of her colorful banner as it waves welcomingly at me. Something about it feels so like her. So comforting. So innocent and sweet.
Though she certainly didn’t kiss me that way.
Well, at first, maybe. But then she quickly met my demand.
The way her mouth moved against mine was hypnotic. And if she had asked anything of me in that moment, I fear I would have had no choice but to do it.
Stepping over the barrier, I take a seat on my borrowed side of the rug. I feel dirtier by the second. Paedyn need not worry about me permanently stealing her spot.
The thought flows into another, and I’m suddenly wondering if Adena has even told her best friend about me. But that thought quickly escalates to the more troubling one being that Adena has truly told her best friend about me. About my power. And the whole kingdom is buzzing about how close the contestant and future Enforcer have gotten over the course of these Trials. All it would take is a single slip of her words and the prince would know what I am—
I shake the trail of increasingly worrisome thoughts away. I’ve been ensured that Dena is a great secret keeper. Though, I have no sources to back up this claim.
I fidget on the rug, trying my best not to touch anything. Waiting impatiently for Adena to arrive, I pull the slim box from one of the many pockets on the vest she made. The lid slides off easily, allowing me to admire what lies within.
