Page 30 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“Interesting.” Rain pushed himself to his feet and turned to Raymon. “I guess that means you’ll have to wait for our next cuddle on the mat.”

Raymon huffed.

“Next time I’m getting in a kidney shot or two and handing you your ass.”

“Ohhh, and there goes your element of surprise,” Rain teased. “See you on Verday.”

“See you bright and early!”

Rain groaned, shooting him a narrowed look. Verday morning training was his least favourite, mostly because it was at five a.m., a time of day he would rather pretend didn’t exist. Neel handed him a bottle of water and a towel as he stepped off the mat.

“Thanks, let’s find out who my mystery visitor is.

As he approached the gate, Rain spotted two guards restraining someone dressed in blue—not unusual in Nilantra, but the encounter was clearly escalating. He couldn’t see the visitor’s face through the commotion and his energy felt familiar, but he couldn’t place it. Clearing his throat loudly, he made sure they heard him.

The young man froze at the sound. His emotions shifted sharply; fear and anger dissolving into relief. The guards took advantage of his hesitation, twisting his arm behind his back and pinning him to the stone wall.

“Rain, help!” he shouted as his face finally came into view.

“Thomas? Fuck me—it is you. What are you doing here?” Rain blurted, stunned.

“I came to see you...for the team. Ouch! You’re hurting me, di—” His voice cut off as his cheek was mashed against the wall under the guard’s pressure.

“Bloody hell. Release him, you idiots.”

“Your Highness, he—”

“Now.” Rain’s tone left no room for argument.

The guards released Thomas immediately. Rain flicked his power outward, nudging them an extra foot back; they stumbled clumsily, faces flushing red.

“I apologise on behalf of our guard. This is not an acceptable way to greet our visitors.” He shot them a pointed glare before turning back to Thomas. “Come inside. I can’t believe you came all this way.”

“Everybody’s worried about you, bro,” Thomas said, brushing off his T-shirt and rubbing the side of his face as he fell into step beside Rain.

“Don’t say anything else until we reach my quarters. I don’t trust the eyes and ears around here,” Rain warned. It was a sad truth; he couldn’t trust anyone in his own court.

Thomas gulped audibly, glancing around as they made their way through the palace. His eyes widened further as they reached the grand oval staircase leading toward the twins’ wing, awe radiating off him.

“I never thought I’d see inside the palace,” he admitted.

Rain scanned deeper into his friend’s emotions, curiosity tugging at him and instantly felt self-conscious. He was confronted by feelings of awe, intimidation and a touch of disbelief. He had never invited anyone into his home before. As a child, he’d had no friends to bring. As a teenager, he’d been too lost, too dangerous. The only mortals who ever entered his wing were staff. Other aetherials that visited were nobles and royals, they were used to luxury; they never looked at his home with such wonder.

He realised, uncomfortably, that he liked keeping his personal life separate from this place. One day, he would have to prioritise his kingdom over friendships. Maybe he already did to a degree.

He stayed quiet, letting Thomas take in the surroundings as they reached his rooms. When they stepped through the carved doorway, Neel was already waiting to greet them.

“Good noon, Your Highness,” Neel said warmly before turning to Thomas. “And whom do I have the honour of serving today?”

Thomas turned beetroot red, shyness swallowing him whole.

“This is Thomas,” Rain supplied, watching his friend squirm in his peripheral vision. “He’s a new friend of mine. We met on a training court last week, before… everything went to shit.”

“Good noon, Thomas. A pleasure.” Neel dipped his head. “I’m Neel. I work as the pri—” He caught himself, reconsidering the formality. “Pardon me. As Rain’s personal butler. I’ve taken the liberty of setting out a few beverages and light snacks for you both on the balcony.”

He smiled at them with such open pride that Rain felt it radiate off him; like a father whose child had finally made a friend at school. Embarrassing, Rain thought… though oddly humbling.

“Is there anything else you may need?”