Page 33 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Rain stared at the Elder as though he’d finally lost his mind, silently praying he’d misheard.

“Yes. Well, you are going to.” Isarion didn’t look up from his desk. “My guides inform me your last meditation was very successful. They are pleased with your ability to receive them.”

“That voice was your guide?”

“That voice, Rain, was a collective voice of many. The very being’s mortals refer to as the Gods.”

Rain’s eyes nearly launched out of his skull.

“I’m sorry—what? Are you suggesting the Gods were communicating with me?”

“Yes, child. What did you think was communicating with you?”

“I don’t know. It felt… celestial, I suppose.” Rain rubbed his brow, trying to wrap his mind around the idea. “Why would the Gods be communicating with me, Isarion?”

The Elder chuckled warmly, as if the answer were obvious.

“If you do not know that yet, it is something you will soon begin to discover. Now—give me your questions before your sister interrupts us.”

Rain jerked his head, sending out his feelers. Sure enough, Snow’s energy signature was heading straight toward them.

“Shit. Uh… There was a mention of a Queen in my vision. Have we ever had a Queen of the Blue Kingdom?”

Isarion actually looked taken aback.

“A Queen? None of the eight kingdoms have had a Queen in any of our recorded history. What did you see?”

Rain hesitated, recalling the vision with a knot of apprehension.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Are there any prophecies you believe are about me?” Rain redirected, choosing safer ground.

“Yes. Quite a few.” Isarion folded his hands. “I was ordered never to speak of them to you when I first entered the palace. A couple you have already fulfilled; including the unfortunate events caused by your powers. Which, in my opinion, also mark you as the subject of far greater prophecies. One’s many others are now beginning to connect to you.”

“That’s all you’ll tell me?”

The Elder cleared his throat and began walking toward the door.

“Yes. I’m afraid I have witnessed what may come if I am the one to tell you. Which brings me back to your father.” He paused, turning slightly. “Choose your confidants wisely. Trust your intuition. You are more powerful than you believe—in ways you do not yet understand. In ways others will underestimate. And those ways will guide you to the correct path.”

He opened the door just as Snow reached it.

“A path I hope to witness,” he added softly. “Ah, Princess. How lovely to see you. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

Snow startled, clearly having prepared to knock. Her eyes flicked between the Elder and her brother.

“Good morning, Elder Isarion. May I steal my brother away?”

“You may. I believe we are finished here.” He turned back to Rain. “You understand your homework, Your Majesty?”

“Yes, my most humble servant,” Rain replied with a smirk, folding the parchment into quarters and sliding it into his back pocket. “Same time next week?”

“Perhaps,” Isarion said mysteriously, waving them out of his office.

“What was that all about?” Snow asked as they wandered down the corridor toward their shared dining room. It was nearly lunchtime.