Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 164

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Evan Milesa Cade**

“Sorry Prin-er—Miss Smith?”

I turned toward him, offering a gentle smile that I hoped conveyed my gratitude. “Thank you,” I sighed, the weight of the evening settling on my shoulders. “I think I’d like to linger outside a little longer, if that’s alright?”

“Of course,” Bubba replied with a nod. “I’ll take your bag to your room and then stand by.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

With a grunt of acknowledgment, Bubba grabbed my bag and trudged toward the dormitory, the door slamming shut behind him with a finality that echoed in the quiet night. I let out another sigh, this one heavier, as I turned my gaze back to the sprawling campus lawn.

The hour was late—almost eleven—and the campus had succumbed to a serene stillness, most students having retreated to their rooms for the night. The January winds were gentle, a soft caress that danced through the air, sending the fresh layer of snow swirling playfully around me. I tucked my chin deeper into my scarf, seeking warmth, and ventured further into the expanse of the lawn. The crunch of my boots against the compressed snow beneath was a comforting sound, a reminder of the winter’s chill that enveloped everything.

As I wandered, I found myself once again in the center of the lawn, where I tilted my head back to gaze at the vast expanse of stars twinkling above. A flicker of hope ignited within me—perhaps the cosmos would offer guidance. I imagined a celestial manual that would instruct me on how to navigate this chaotic life: how to remain incognito while juggling the affections of four different men, all vying for my attention, and somehow manage to keep my grades afloat.

To my dismay, the sky offered no revelations, only a handful of stray snowflakes drifting down like soft whispers. I cupped my hand, watching as one delicate flake landed on my skin, melting into a tiny droplet that trickled down my palm. I bit my lip, entranced by the way the water absorbed into my skin, a fleeting moment of connection with the winter night.

Suddenly, a throat cleared beside me, jolting me from my reverie. I whipped my head around, instinctively allowing my claws to extend, my body dropping into a defensive posture. A low snarl escaped my lips, primal and instinctual.

The figure before me raised his hands in a gesture of peace, then lowered them with a half-hearted laugh. “Déjà vu?” he quipped, amusement dancing in his voice.

I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, straightening up as the tension in my body began to dissipate. “I’ll say,” I muttered, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “You really need to stop sneaking up on me like that.”

“You’d think you’d be more aware of your surroundings, especially given the recent events,” he said, his tone flat yet laced with an undercurrent of concern. It didn’t sound malicious, but I knew better than to let my guard down. I narrowed my eyes at him, scrutinizing his expression.

“What do you want, Kairos?” I asked, my voice steady but my heart racing.

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