Page 205 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

He paused mid-push-up, lifting his gaze to meet Jay’s. “You can say no. I won’t hold it against you.”

Jay brightened; eager, almost relieved to be useful. “Sure. Ask anything. Just… maybe don’t let Wren overhear.”

They both glanced toward Wren. Her braid bounced as she animatedly chatted with Jasmine, her expressive hands slicing through the air. She looked carefree, but Rain could feel the sharpness beneath her surface; her protectiveness, her suspicion.

“She means well,” Jay said softly. “She’s just overprotective. Our dads work together—we’ve always had each other’s backs. She’s like my sister.”

“Understandable,” Rain murmured. “I’ll admit, the change in her opinion of me… it stings a little. But I’m grateful you have someone looking out for you. That matters more to me.”

Jay’s expression softened.

Rain continued, “I wouldn’t ask if I thought it put you in danger. I’m just curious.”

Jay nodded, leaning in slightly.

“Last night I went for a drink at the Black Hole. It was unusually busy for a Gilday. And most of the crowd were Red citizens. It felt… odd.”

Rain held another plank, his brows knitting. “Do you know why so many would be in the area?”

Jay hesitated, glancing toward Wren again before lowering his voice.

“Yeah… it’s because the King is visiting Carminia. I overheard my dad telling my mum he’s hosting another heir ball on Velday.”

He leaned closer, conspiratorial. “There were rumours he’d narrowed his choices to two noblemen and was going to announce it. But suddenly—another ball.”

Rain paused mid-movement.

He sat back on his heels, processing.

Jay continued, “Most people think the obvious choice is Malcom Drisconi. He’s always been close to the King and has the same ability. People like him because he’s familiar. But… our opinions don’t matter.”

Rain’s jaw tightened.

Malcom Drisconi.

An arrogant prick. Cruel.

Rain had never met him, but he experienced the suffocating effects of Malcom’s smoke on the battlefield.

Drazier had every opportunity to name him heir and never had. The tension between them was practically public theatre.

Jay plucked at the grass again. “We’re patriotic. Where the King goes, crowds follow. Everyone will be lining up at the grand hall to see the royals. Usually there are royals from all kingdoms—just not Blue.”

A sour weight settled in Rain’s stomach.

The Red Kingdom would never bow to him easily. He knew that. But hearing it aloud; hearing the devotion they held for their own, made the reality feel heavier.

“Yeah,” Rain said dryly. “Sworn enemies don’t tend to invite you to their festivities.”

He tried to laugh it off, but the unease lingered.

“I don’t understand why he’s hosting it in Carminia,” Rain added. “So far from the capital. So close to us. It doesn’t make sense.”

Not when he knows I have his daughters.

Jay opened his mouth to respond but Wren had spotted them.

She marched over with purpose, dropping onto the grass beside Jay with a thud. Her braid swished dramatically, but her posture was stiff, her smile too tight.