Page 123 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“How long until you have the palace on the line, M’Harrah?” Henry asked.

“The King is ready,” she said, plugging in a final wire. “Connecting now.”

A hologram flickered to life; King Taffy appeared, wrapped in a mauve velvet robe, seated at a cherry-wood desk. Rose-gold accents spiralled along maroon walls behind him.

“Rain, dear boy!” Taffy exclaimed, brightening instantly. “You look like you’ve seen better days. I hope it isn’t bad news that dragged me from slumber.”

“Your Majesty,” Rain said, straightening. “Forgive the early intrusion. If it weren’t urgent, I would have waited.”

“Nonsense. And please—no formalities. We are to be kin, after all.”

Rain inhaled.

“About that.”

Taffy’s expression sobered.

Rain leaned forward, palms pressed together on the table.

“I would like to counter your proposal or rather, build upon it. I must stress that I speak only for myself. My father knows nothing of this. Whatever we discuss must remain between us, regardless of the outcome. I am taking a great risk speaking so openly. I hope you can respect that.”

Taffy’s eyes gleamed with interest.

“I am all ears, boy. Despite what people think of us Pink folk, we are nothing if not cleverly discreet.”

He winked.

“Everyone, leave us. Duke Rosenberry, stay.”

The soldiers obeyed immediately; Rain felt their energy signatures retreat. Impressive. His own troops would have tried to eavesdrop.

“Henry is my cousin,” Taffy said. “He can be trusted.”

Henry smiled and took a seat.

Rain exhaled.

“I don’t know where to begin. So, I’ll get to the point. I have rescued four Red princesses from detainment.”

Henry gasped.

Taffy’s brows shot up.

“My father sent me to retrieve ‘something’ from deep within Red territory. A vague instruction at best. I learned I was to collect a female at the request of someone in the Red court—a deal my father made.”

Rain’s jaw tightened.

“My father doesn’t trust me. And rightfully so, because I am about to undermine him completely.”

Taffy leaned forward, intrigued.

“When I arrived, I found Drazier’s daughters. Locked in towers. Rotting in neglect.”

Henry’s hand flew to his mouth.

Rain continued.

“I was meant to retrieve the eldest and bring her back to Blue territory; to whatever fate my father intended. I will not be doing that. I have all four princesses. They are frail in body but incredibly powerful, lacking control. I intend to house them safely, out of reach, and get them the help they need to master their powers. I will give them autonomy.”