Page 124 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Taffy’s expression softened.

“Very noble,” he said warmly.

Rain swallowed.

“Sir… I request your allegiance to my cause. I need all the help I can get. In return, I will agree wholeheartedly to marry your daughter under the conditions you proposed. But know this; it means your army will be under my command, supporting my cause. Not the cause of the current King of the Blue Kingdom.”

Rain lifted his gaze from the table.

He expected shock.

Suspicion.

Outrage.

Instead, King Taffy smiled; warm, delighted, almost proud.

“Excellent!”

Taffy’s joy burst across the hologram like sunrise; bright, unrestrained, almost boyish. He clapped his hands together as though Rain had just gifted him the crown jewels.

“That is exactly what we intended when we suggested the proposal. My wife and I see great potential in you, Rain. And we have sensed… changes coming to the realm. We seek to be on the right side of history.”

Rain’s stomach twisted.

He hated the idea of marrying a stranger—hated the inevitability of it—but he forced the feeling down. This was the opportunity he needed. A powerful army. A loyal ally. A kingdom his father underestimated.

Taffy continued, eyes twinkling.

“We believe in you. And we believe your union with our Candy is fated. You both simply need a nudge toward each other; equally stubborn, equally strong-willed.”

Rain swallowed hard.

Fated.

Right.

“Then we have an agreement?” he asked, needing the words spoken aloud.

“Of course!” Taffy beamed. “Anything you require is yours. As a gesture of good faith, I will give you command of the western region now. I trust you will use them wisely and discreetly.”

Rain’s heart skipped.

That was… enormous.

More than he’d dared hope for.

“Henry,” Taffy said, “bear witness and ensure everything goes smoothly for Rain today. I will address my general and make the relevant changes in command at once.”

Henry nodded, smiling with genuine pride.

“We do not need to involve Azrien,” Taffy added. “Should he come looking my way, I will remain blissfully unaware. You simply crossed my borders and requested a ride home. As your dutiful ally and future in-laws, we were happy to provide transportation.”

Rain smirked despite his exhaustion. His enthusiasm was infectious.

“Once you are officially married to Candy,” Taffy said, “my army is yours. The princesses. Do you have a plan?”

“I do.”