Page 176 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“I make no claims, Agnita,” he said. “But the Gods have taken it upon themselves to do so. And the blood in my veins reacts to all Aether. Make of that what you will.”

He leaned forward slightly.

“If it is my duty to unite the realm and rid it of corruption, then so be it. But my immediate concerns are with the Red Princesses.”

His gaze shifted to the males seated around the ornate metal table, settling on one of interest, his energy unmistakable.

“It is your scholars I’m interested in. I need to understand your intentions with the girls. And I need to know they align with mine.”

Agnita pursed her lips at the dismissal, but excitement flared in her aura; she had gotten the confirmation she wanted.

Isarion cleared his throat, reclaiming the floor.

“Your Majesty, this is Elder Fahron Vaelwyn, my younger brother. He is as devoted to assisting young aetherials as I am.”

Rain studied Fahron; the resemblance was clear now. Isarion was ashy and lined with age; Fahron was rounder, duskier, but they shared the same bulbous nose and pale blue eyes.

“And this,” Isarion continued, gesturing to another, “is Brother Tomil Winterbert. He is our expert in Red aetherial powers and has dedicated his life to studying Red abilities. His expertise will be invaluable in understanding how best to work with each princess.”

Rain nodded. Tomil offered a timid, tight-lipped smile.

Rain then shifted his attention to the last male, recognising the familiar hum of power that echoed one of Snow’s abilities; the subtle static of weather-wielding energy.

“And you are Agnita’s guard,” Rain observed. “A weather wielder.”

The man blinked, caught off guard by Rain’s accuracy.

“Yes, Sire,” he replied, straightening instinctively. “My name is Edmond. I am an official guard of the Keeper of the Secret, but I travel to ensure the safety of our entire convoy, Your Majesty.”

Rain nodded, though apprehension still stirred in his gut.

He hadn’t realised how much pressure he’d placed on himself; how fiercely he’d internalised the responsibility of protecting the princesses. He trusted Isarion. He trusted the Order. But trust didn’t quiet the instinctive fear of handing the girls over to anyone else.

He imagined this was what it felt like to be a parent.

The girls had already carved themselves into his heart.

Hours passed in discussion, agreements made, accommodations arranged, boundaries set. By the time Henry returned with a tray of refreshments, the Order had a clear plan for supporting the girls.

Rain asked him to invite the princesses to join them.

To everyone’s surprise, Briar came bounding out first; a whirlwind of energy. She dragged a chair across the patio, metal screeching against tile, and plopped herself at the head of the table. She clasped her tiny hands together; chin lifted in a display of adorable authority.

Scarlet and Rose followed more cautiously, fingers linked, hovering behind Briar like nervous shadows. Ember eyed the visitors warily from Snow’s arms, her small body tense as Snow and Henry took seats beside Briar.

Rain rose slightly, gesturing to each of them.

“Everyone, meet the princesses Rose, Scarlet, Briar, and Ember and of course my sister, Snow, and Duke Henry Rosenberry.”

He turned to the girls, softening his tone.

“Ladies, these are the members of the Order of Aurora I told you about. They’re the ones who will help you understand your power and guide you toward your full potential.”

He motioned to Isarion.

“This is Isarion.”

The Elder offered a warm smile.