Page 220 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“It wasn’t an intentional breach,” Rain said, voice cool and commanding. “I suggest you keep that in mind when you voice your command, Captain.”

He held the man’s gaze, sharp and unyielding. The captain did well to maintain eye contact for as long as he did, weighing his options.

“Fall back!” the captain finally shouted, lowering his weapon. He waved his arm in the air, repeating the order to ensure it carried.

Rain nodded in gratitude before turning back to his own army, calling them to retreat. He then offered a hand to the soldier who had miraculously recovered from her dizzy spell.

“Thanks for the assistance, Captain. I appreciate your efforts. I’d love to stop and chat, but I am incredibly late to a dinner concerning diplomatic relations.”

Short huffed in irritation as he once again addressed her by her former rank.

“It’s Lieutenant, sir!” she shouted after him, curt and clipped, as he walked away.

Keeping up his stride, he spun and walked backwards, calling out to her with a grin.

“Absolutely not, Captain! I’ll fix that.”

Chapter 57

Lightning split the sky as dark clouds surged overhead, moving with an unnatural swiftness that transformed the once tranquil summer evening. The air, previously warm and inviting, grew heavy with pressure and humidity, signalling a sudden and unsettling change in the weather. Rain was immediately reminded of Queen Virginia’s earlier comment about Princess Candy’s power—she was known to be a weather wielder, clearly more than a simple wind bender. It was clear to him that his delayed arrival had not gone unnoticed. The tempest gathering above was no accident; perhaps it was Princess Candy’s way of voicing her displeasure, her anger manifesting in the brewing storm that now loomed over the palace.

When Rain ascended the palace steps, he found the doors already wide open — a sight that heightened his unease. As he approached the foyer, he sensed a commotion unfolding inside. His mother’s energy signature flared sharply, accompanied by Snow and Queen Virginia; the tension between them was unmistakable.

He was met at the entrance by a set of glares that softened only when they recognised him; as though they had been expecting someone else entirely.

Snow stepped forward, struggling to maintain decorum in front of their esteemed guest. “Brother, how nice of you to join us,” she saidthrough gritted teeth, her disappointment evident as she took in his appearance. “Topless and late, no less.”

Rain stepped further into the foyer, directing his attention to Queen Virginia. “Please accept my sincerest apologies, Queen Virginia. I had urgent business to attend to this afternoon, and it took much longer than expected.”

Despite his unconventional arrival, Queen Virginia’s expression remained warm and unbothered. “No need to apologise, dear,” she assured him gently. “Snow mentioned you might be running a little late.”

Rain glanced down at his bare chest, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his attire. “Very well. However, my attire—or lack thereof—is extremely inappropriate. Please allow me to get dressed for dinner.”

Before anyone could respond, thunder crashed overhead, shaking the chandelier and reverberating through the foyer. Rain instinctively looked up, as though he could see the storm raging above. The intensity of the hammering rain and violent flashes of lightning was impossible to ignore. His brows lifted in admiration.

“If you could kindly extend my apologies to Princess Candy,” he added, recognising the tempest as a likely response to his tardiness.

Another thunderous bang followed, accompanied by a deluge of rain and lightning that filtered into the house, charging the air with tension and awe

Looking back to Queen Virginia, Rain offered a solution. “That is impressive. Could we please start over and meet in the dining hall in thirty minutes?”

His mother let out an agitated sound, directed toward the Pink queen.

“Darling, your fiancé deserted us moments before your arrival, apparently, she feels we are not worthy of her time. I cannot believe the filth that came out of her mouth, she was entirely disrespectful to both youand our kingdom,” Olivis directed a scowl toward Virginia, as though the queen herself were responsible for her daughter’s behaviour.

Rain glanced at Snow who appeared to be enjoying the entire situation. She gave him a look that suggested she was eager to fill him in on what he had missed.

“Olivis is correct,” Virginia said, her tone tight with exhaustion. “I shall not make excuses for her. I am as appalled by her words as everyone else. But my daughter is…” She paused, clearly sifting through a catalogue of descriptors. “For lack of a better word, exceptionally stubborn. We had many disagreements on the journey here that have certainly contributed to this latest outburst. Olivis, my daughter spoke from a place of anger—anger aimed toward me and what we are asking of her. I am sorry that it came out so boldly and disrespectfully toward you and your family.”

Rain’s brow furrowed, feeling ten steps behind everyone.

“Hold on—are you saying that Candy doesn’t wish for us to marry?” he asked, genuinely confused. It hadn’t occurred to him that she might be coerced into the arrangement. Most princesses longed to marry an heir; drawn by the allure of power and influence. Since the annulment of his betrothal, Rain was without question the most eligible bachelor among the heirs: his strength and status making him a desirable match. Given his position, and her parents’ push for the union, it seemed natural to assume Princess Candy would want the marriage.

“She will, once she has had a chance to meet you,” Virginia replied diplomatically. “It is all very sudden, that is all. She is fearful of losing her freedom—he same fears we all feel before we take our vows.”

Snow exhaled restlessly, her aura buzzing with excitement that did not match the mood. Before Rain could respond, she seized the opportunity to intervene and to steal him away.

“Let us discuss this over dinner. I can’t bear another second of this back-and-forth without food in my tummy.” Snow’s eyes shone brightly as she sent a meaningful look toward Virginia. The queen seemed to understand the silent exchange and returned it with a conspiratorial smile. “Let’s reconvene in the dining hall in thirty minutes, shall we?”