Page 178 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Scarlet’s inner light was returning; bright, hopeful, resilient.

Despite everything she had endured, she still held onto faith.

Still believed in goodness.

Still believed in him.

She would be an extraordinary role model for her sisters.

And together, he knew, they would bloom into the powerful young females they were destined to become.

Chapter 48

Waving the princesses off this morning had been far more difficult than Rain had anticipated.

He stood at the edge of the driveway, watching the convoy of white-kingdom vehicles disappear down the long stretch of road, each metre of distance tugging painfully at his chest. He had known letting them go would hurt but he hadn’t expected the ache to feel so sharp, so immediate, so personal.

He had placed his trust in the Order.

He had made the right choice.

He knew they would be safer in the White Kingdom.

But none of that eased the heaviness settling over him like a weighted cloak.

Snow sniffled beside him, her own grief mirroring his. Rain wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him, pulling him into a tight embrace, both of them clinging to the comfort of shared loss.

“You know,” Henry said, fidgeting with the keys to his truck, “I’ve grown quite attached to the Red princesses.”

Rain glanced over, a wistful smile tugging at his lips.

“It’s going to be hard to return home after living in such a hectic household,” Henry added, shaking his head with a soft laugh.

Rain nodded. “It’s going to take some adjusting. I’ll even miss having you around.”

Henry’s expression softened. “I’ll miss you too, Your Highness. It’s been an honour to serve with you. And I look forward to continuing under your command.”

He tapped the breast pocket of his salmon uniform.

“I have your orders safely nestled here. We’ll be ready to move on your command. I’ll report back by tomorrow evening at the latest.”

He hesitated.

“Do you know how to retrieve messages via the Connekt?”

Rain scoffed, offended. “Just because I prefer not to use technology doesn’t mean I don’t know how to.”

Snow pulled away from their embrace, patting his chest with exaggerated pity.

“Don’t worry, I’ll teach him,” she said sweetly. “My brother barely knows how to turn the thing on. Actually, I’m being generous. He wouldn’t know the on button from the volume button.”

Henry snorted. Rain frowned.

He lifted his hands in mock defeat. “Okay, okay! You got me. Show me the ways, oh wise sister.”

Snow crossed her arms, adopting a regal stance.

“You may refer to me as Elder Royale.”