Page 120 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

The soldiers were sombre, weighed down by death and exhaustion.

But the princesses…

They came alive.

Briar and Ember raced ahead, rolling down the dunes, shrieking with laughter.

Rose twirled beneath the moonlight, a delicate desert faery tasting freedom for the first time.

Scarlet clung to Rain’s sleeve, quiet and wide-eyed, marvelling at the glittering night sky.

Their innocent joy; fragile and precious as it was, softened the bitterness still lodged in Rain’s chest.

For a moment, he let himself breathe again.

Chapter 38

The sun had only just begun to peek over the horizon when they finally reached the border. Fortunately, the remainder of the journey has been uneventful.

It felt wrong; too easy but the vibrant pink banners fluttering in the dawn breeze told him he’d made it. A cluster of high-pitched roofed tents sprawled across the dunes like a desert mirage, each one draped in shades of rose, fuchsia, and coral. Even their barracks were extravagant. Rain was quickly learning that everything Pink touched became theatrical.

Two soldiers sat by a dying fire, playing cards. One mortal. One Aetherial. Both startled violently when Rain stepped from the shadows.

“Woah—who goes there?”

The aetherial soldier leapt to his feet, instinctively shielding his companion.

Rain raised both hands, palms open.

“Hello. Please, stand down. I mean no harm.”

He stepped into the firelight; exhaustion etched into every line of his face.

“I am Prince Rain Royale of the Blue Kingdom. I come seeking assistance to transport myself and my party safely back into Grey territory.”

Both soldiers dropped to their knees so fast the sand puffed beneath them.

“Your Highness,” they said in unison, bowing low.

Rain blinked.

Even his own people didn’t bow at his feet like that.

“Thank you,” he said gently. “Could you wake whoever is in charge? And if possible, contact King Taffy.”

They remained bowed, heads lifted just enough to respond.

“Indeed, Your Highness. Right away.”

They didn’t move.

Rain stared at them for a beat before realising.

“Oh—apologies. Forgive my exhaustion. Please stand. No formalities necessary.”

He stifled a yawn. It had been forty-seven hours and counting since he’d slept properly.

“I also ask for discretion. Half of my company is under my protection. The fewer people who know we’re here, the better.”