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I stay in my bow. “Of course, highness. After you, highness.” I extend my hand.

“Stop,” she says, playfully shoving my shoulder as she exits my room. “Be serious.”

“As serious as a princess delusion, or?”

She points at her eyes, then at me. “I’m watching you, Stone.”

“I’m trembling.” We head down to her level, passing a few Foundations who make a point to scowl at us.

Goddess, they’re a miserable bunch.

Ever leads me into her room, where Bree and Eli are waiting. Ever’s new room is nice. Bigger than the last, with enough space four of us can fit comfortably and not feel cramped, even with her many racks of clothes. Jeez, did she come with that much stuff? How did she even fit it in the other room? I force myself to stop gawking at her clothes. I’m happy she got a good room too.

“Oh, thank the goddess, I thought she was bailing.” Bree rushes to greet us and looks me over. “Well, we’ve got our work cut out for us.”

“Ouch, asshole.”

She smirks. “I’m kidding. You’re a hottie, but I’m prepared to turn you into a literal goddess.” She taps her finger to her chin. “Maybe a vixen. Depends on the mood. Do you feel like making men fall at your feet to worship you or making them fall to their knees and plead for their lives?”

“Can I do both?” I ask, genuinely curious.

“Now she’s talking,” Eli says.

“Let’s talk dresses,” Bree tells Ever, who nods excitedly.

The warmth drains from my face. “I, uh, I forgot to get one.” I rock back on my heels. “Yeah, I completely spaced it. Whoopsie.” They all look at me, clearly not believing the lie, because when have I ever said whoopsie? Way to really oversell it, Raina.

I bristle. “Okay, so I’m lying, but I didn’t want to spend my money on one. It seems like a waste, and I don’t even know where to start, and⁠—”

Bree presses her finger to my lips. “Shhhhhhhhhh.”

“But—”

“Uh, uh. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”

I blink, too surprised to know what to do.

She moves her finger, narrows her eyes to make sure I’ll stay quiet, and nods happily when I press my mouth shut. “I figured you may not be able to get one. Every time we brought up the bash, you got this distant look. Soooo, I took the liberty of having Melody’s bestie Brittany select a custom wardrobe from her own closet to gift to you.”

“Was this by choice?”

Bree moves her head side to side. “More or less.”

“You should be careful with your mindcraft,” Ever says, pushing a rack over to us. “Not that I’m complaining. Some of these outfits are super cute, but sooner or later, Melody will find out.”

“Let her come.” Bree moves to the rack, sorting through the hangers. “I’m not afraid of Melody or her power,” Bree adds. Given the way she easily slipped into Melody’s mind, it’s no wonder Bree is in the top ten of Bastion. I wonder how she’d hold up against Carver.

Ever and Bree take turns showing me outfits. The first is neon pink and so not my style.

“Absolutely not.”

“Noted,” Ever says, shoving it directly into her closet. I chuckle. Well, at least someone likes it.

There are far too many frilly tops or dresses. I don’t hate all things girly, but I’m not a pastel or tulle type of woman. Darker colors work best with my complexion and hair. All of the pieces with exposed backs get an immediate no. There’s a small pile of options by the time we get through everything. Some black dresses, a few skirts and tops that aren’t atrocious, and a pair of heels and flats that’ll go with each.

“Excellent,” Bree says, pressing her hands together and drumming her fingers. “Now try them on and model for us.”

“You’re not serious,” I ask, eyebrows inching up my forehead.