Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 28

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

**Chapter 28**

“Wow,” I exhaled, and the sincerity behind my words was unmistakable.

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My hair, usually a wild and untamed mane, had been transformed into a sleek cascade of vibrant red, each strand glimmering as light danced upon it. It was as if the very essence of fire had been captured and woven into my locks. My complexion was flawlessly smooth, a canvas of soft, even skin that seemed to glow. The sharp angles of my jawline were accentuated, giving my face a striking definition. Maja had expertly lined my eyes with kohl, making the hazel depths pop vividly against my fair skin. My lashes, longer and darker than I’d ever seen them, curled upwards, fluttering like delicate fans whenever I blinked, drawing attention to the expressive glimmer in my eyes.

The gown that Pietha had chosen for me was a rich, deep mossy green, reminiscent of a lush forest. It felt as though the dress was crafted from countless pieces of fabric, intricately woven together to create flowing ropes that embraced my form. Each twist and turn of the material accentuated my curves, highlighting my hips, waist, and backside with a graceful elegance. One strand of fabric even skimmed the underside of my breast before cascading down to my hip, creating a mesmerizing silhouette.

To complete the look, a delicate silver choker adorned my neck, resembling vines that had tenderly entwined themselves around me. Nestled within the curves of the vines were emeralds, their deep green hues glinting softly as they caught the light.

In that moment, I felt ethereal.

“Like a princess,” Pietha breathed, his voice barely above a whisper, as though he could sense the magic of the moment.

I turned to meet his gaze, and his gentle smile warmed my heart. He placed his hands on my shoulders, mirroring the tender gesture he had shown Loren earlier.

“I did mention that I do my best work on redheads,” he mused with a playful glint in his eyes. “You look absolutely stunning.”

“Thank you,” I replied, my voice barely a whisper. In a burst of gratitude, I flung myself into Pietha’s arms. “Thank you. Thank you. Thankyouthankyou—”

“Darling,” Pietha interrupted, a teasing note in his voice. “Let’s not smudge that beautiful makeup before anyone gets a chance to see you.”

I quickly pulled back, a little embarrassed. He gently swiped a finger under my eyes, checking for any smudges. It came away clean, and he smirked at his handiwork before letting his hand fall to his side. Grabbing me by the biceps, he guided me toward the door.

“Maja has the car ready,” he announced, swinging the door open with a flourish. As he did, he placed a silver clutch into my hands, perfectly matching the choker around my neck and the shiny silver shoes adorning my feet. “She’ll drop you off in style. And let’s hope you don’t come back home tonight.”

“What does that mean?” I asked, my eyes widening in surprise. Pietha merely rolled his eyes, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he gently nudged me out the door.

“Ta-ta, darling!” he called, wiggling his fingers in a playful farewell. “Have a wonderful night!”

Feeling a mixture of excitement and confusion, I stumbled down the stairs and stepped out into the night. The moon hung high in the sky, bright and full, casting its silvery glow over the campus like a watchful guardian, though it felt more like an omen than a beacon of hope.

I heard a horn honk and turned to see Maja sitting in the front seat of a sleek, long sedan. I carefully maneuvered myself into the car, struggling a bit to keep my dress from getting caught as I settled in. Maja chuckled from the front seat, her laughter lightening the tension in my chest.

“Where to, Miss?” she asked, adopting a mock accent that sent a wave of warmth through me.

Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for whatever the night had in store.

“Mateball,” I said firmly. “And step on it.”

Maja laughed again, and I couldn’t help but smile softly to myself. Perhaps this evening wouldn’t be as dreadful as I had feared.

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