Page 110 of Hateful Prince
Kai: Aye. It would seem the two of us can coexist without razing the village.
Dr. Masterson: Do you think you’ll ever allow him to fully manifest?
Kai: Not unless it’s the only option.
Dr. Masterson: All right. I can confidently say that you don’t pose a risk to Blackwood, so you are cleared to attend the gala tomorrow. I hope you have something dapper to wear.
Kai: *chuckle* Dinnae fash yerself. Of course I have something to wear. I’m a Scotsman and fae besides.
Dr. Masterson: Are ye planning on wearing a kilt then?
Kai: Is that even a question? My dragon was right. You have a tendency to ask questions you already ken the answer tae.
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Dr. Masterson: *sighs* I don’t even know why I bother closing the door.
Joffrey: Ma’am, the duke and his entourage have arrived earlier than scheduled. Where should I put them?
Dr. Masterson: *quiet groan* I’ll handle it. We were just about finished here anyway. Malakai, you’re free to go. Joffrey, cancel the rest of my appointments for the day.
Joffrey: As you wish, ma’am.
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End of transcript.
Chapter
Thirty-Four
DAHLIA
“Kiki was right. This dress is still fuck-hot,” I said, running my palms down the fabric as I looked myself over in the mirror.
This time, I wasn’t going to let the guys do any unhooking of anything until the gala was over. We’d never leave the room if I did. And while getting dressed up and spending some quality time with my guys with our clothes on sounded like a nice change of pace, the undercurrent of anxiety couldn’t be denied. Especially as the minutes ticked by and the event grew closer. What if I freaked out? What if I saw the malevolent spirit again, and I killed everyone? What if...
I closed my eyes and breathed through my nose, counting backward from ten as I worked to get myself under control. I couldn’t have a panic attack right now. I’d made so much progress, and dammit, I wouldn’t be stopped by my past.
As if they could sense the imminent spiral, a knock sounded on the door.
“Coming,” I called, moving as fast as I could to the door, not an easy feat in the hip-hugging gown. I wasn’t sure which of my mates was on the other side. They’d drawn straws to decide who got to formally escort me downstairs where the other three would be waiting. As far as fair went, I was pretty impressed with their plan.
Was I expecting them to actually follow through with it?
Of course not. Have you met Caspian? Or Tor? I’d bet my last Twinkie all four of them were waiting on the other side, crowding around so they could all have a prime viewing spot.
And I was right, mostly. Tor stood at my door, a swoon-worthy smile on his face as he leaned against the doorframe in that way he had.
“Hi,” I murmured, taking him in. A suit on a Viking would’ve been hot, but the traditional garb with the fur and leather breeches was catastrophic to the panties I wasn’t wearing.
“Kærasta,” he whispered. “You’re beautiful.”
“So are you.” I ran my fingers through the soft fur at his shoulders. “Wow.”
The other three weren’t at the bottom of the stairs but standing a few feet behind him, looking more dapper than I’d ever seen.