Page 164 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Her voice wavered; not with weakness, but with the weight of truth.

“You don’t have to be the only one making sacrifices. A good king rallies his support and uses them effectively.”

Her fingers twisted her ring again; a nervous habit, but also a sign of her resolve.

“You’re noble. And stubborn,” she said, eyes narrowing affectionately. “I know that if every king of each realm must die, you’ll want that burden on your own head. But that’s not how it should be.”

Rain’s chest tightened.

She knew him too well.

“You have the Pink army at your disposal,” she continued, “and whatever army the White Kingdom has for you. Your goal is unity—so unite them. You’re meant to be the figurehead for peace, for change… make sure your actions speak as such.”

Rain’s lips curved, dimples appearing for the first time that day.

Her words hit him in the centre of his chest; grounding, steadying, reminding him of who he was beneath the rage and ambition.

“And that is why I need you by my side,” he said earnestly. “You are my voice of reason. Put on this aerth to keep me on the right path.”

He leaned forward, reaching out to squeeze her knee; a gesture of gratitude.

“I promise to keep your advice at the forefront of my mind,” he said, voice thick with sincerity. “And act only with integrity. You’re right. I must approach things differently. Thank you for reminding me.”

Snow’s expression softened, pride and relief flickering through her aura.

“You’re very welcome. Now, my turn!”

She perked up, excitement bubbling through her energy like champagne. She scooted to the edge of her seat, rolling up her delicately patterned ink-coloured sleeves with theatrical flair.

“Hold out your arm.”

Rain blinked, caught off guard by her sudden shift in tone, but he complied. He extended his arm, watching her with cautious curiosity.

Snow twisted his wrist gently, holding it steady in her left hand while her right hovered above his skin.

“Don’t move,” she warned, eyes sparkling with mischief. “This will sting.”

Rain fought the instinct to pull away. He trusted her implicitly but the anticipation prickled along his nerves.

Snow closed her eyes, lashes fluttering as she focused. Rain watched, faintly amused, until—

A sharp sting seared his wrist.

He hissed softly, brow furrowing, but he didn’t move.

“Ta-dah!”

She pulled her hand away, revealing his wrist.

Rain’s eyes widened.

He yanked his arm closer, inspecting the skin beneath the pad of his thumb.

A delicate white snowflake was embedded into his skin; intricate, crystalline and impossibly detailed.

Snow’s confidence faltered.

“We can get it healed off if you want,” she said quickly. “It just seemed like the best way to show you my new power.”