Page 177 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Rose and Ember shrank back.

Briar bared her teeth.

Scarlet beamed.

“I have appointed him as your guardian.”

The girls flinched at the word. Rain winced internally, he regretted it instantly. Guardians were the ones who had kept them imprisoned.

“That just means he has orders to look after you,” Rain clarified gently. “Anything you need, he will ensure you get it. He will guide you, not confine you. You are not prisoners. You are students under his care. Just as I was once his student. You are safe with Isarion.”

He gestured to the men on his right.

“Fahron and Tomil will be two of your tutors. I’ve requested female tutors to join you as soon as you arrive at the Order, especially for you, Rose, until you feel comfortable controlling your ability. Your comfort and safety are incredibly important to me. Does that sound okay?”

Rose’s doe-like eyes widened. She nodded, but wrapped her arms around herself, overwhelmed.

“Why are you sending us away?” she whispered so softly Rain barely caught it.

Confusion and sadness welled behind her eyes.

Rain leaned forward, voice gentle.

“I’m not sending you away, Rose. I promise you; I will always be here for you. You and your sisters will always have a place in my court. Always. But you must learn to control your powers. I don’t know how to teach you, but the Order does. I need to know you’re safe from anyone who might hurt you because of your power. Isarion will help you do that.”

She sniffed, but offered a small, understanding smile.

“Nobody will hurt my sisters,” Briar declared, climbing onto her knees, ready to fight the entire Order if needed.

Rain couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him.

“Okay, little wolf,” he said, smirking. “You’re powerful and have great control but you also need to learn how to cool that temper of yours. The Order can teach you that. And train you to fight with and without your power.”

Her glare softened into curiosity; she had it in her to become an excellent warrior.

“I think you have the spirit to become a member of my Rainbow Royal Guard someday. Under the right guidance.”

Briar’s eyes lit up, possibilities gleaming in her expression as she sat back down.

“We will be okay with Isarion,” Scarlet said, placing a comforting arm around Rose. “The Rainbow King has to focus on claiming his kingdom.”

Her newfound confidence; a gift from her vision with the Gods, shone through her words. Rain admired her clarity, her maturity.

“That’s right,” Rain said. “And to do that, I need to know you’re safe and getting the help you need. I also need to visit the White Kingdom, where you’ll be staying for a while. I’ll come visit you before the end of this sun cycle.”

Rose’s lip quivered at the thought of separation.

Then she broke.

She ran around the table and flung herself into Rain’s arms, climbing onto his lap and clinging to his neck. Rain wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, offering the steady comfort she needed.

Agnita watched the exchange, her brows raised in quiet contemplation; studying him, studying them, studying the bond that had formed so quickly.

Isarion leaned forward, addressing the girls directly. His voice was gentle, his presence grounding. He explained what they could expect in the days ahead, easing their fears with practiced wisdom.

Rain watched in silence, a quiet smile tugging at his lips as Scarlet’s curiosity bubbled over. She peppered Isarion with questions, her enthusiasm infectious.

Pride swelled in Rain’s chest as he absently stroked Rose’s soft curls, feeling her energy settle into calm.