Page 34 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“Honestly? As always, I couldn’t tell you even if I wanted to. That man is far too cryptic. I leave every session with more questions than answers these days.”

“Ah, the student has become the teacher,” she teased, sliding into her seat. Dishes were already laid out; she’d clearly instructed the servants before coming to fetch him. “I requested your favourite eastern dishes.”

She beamed at him as he sat opposite her. Rain narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

“Why are you buttering me up?”

“Can’t a sister do something nice out of the kindness of her heart?” She pressed a hand to her chest dramatically. His stare deepened until she sighed. “Fine. It’s a peace offering. Or a forgive-me meal.”

Guilt and hope fluttered through her aura in overlapping waves.

“And what, pray tell, am I forgiving you for?” Rain muttered, resting his head on his propped hand. He was far too hungover for games. First Isarion, now Snow—the gods were testing him.

“Now don’t get mad,” she warned. “I persuaded Father to invite Purple, Pink, and Green for a banquet and ball. This weekend.”

Rain just stared at her.

“You know how I am with public relations,” she continued quickly. “I thought it was in our best interest to solidify alliances. With Red seeking an heir and hosting celebrations, I felt inspired. My charity events are great for our people, but they don’t guarantee strong allies if this war goes the way Father wants.”

Still nothing from Rain.

“Okay, you’re mad. And to make it worse, Green will be arriving first—tomorrow—which is obviously not ideal for you. HOWEVER! I did this for you.”

“How does this help me?” Rain groaned. “How is inviting Ivy and her entire family helpful right now? How is it helpful that I’ll have to attend these events as Father’s heir and play happy families while I’m trying to avoid being in his line of sight?”

“It helps you by buying you time,” Snow insisted. “You know how he is, he’ll be too busy keeping up appearances to bother you. He won’t let other kingdoms see that he and his son don’t get along. He thrives on flaunting his powerful heir. Use that to your advantage.”

Rain grumbled but began loading his plate with curry and rice. His appetite was low, but the smell was tempting. Snow followed suit, leaning over to add paratha to his plate before serving herself. They ate in silence for a while, lost in their own thoughts, the only sound the scrape of silverware on porcelain.

When Rain finally dabbed his mouth with his napkin, he broke the quiet.

“I’m getting tired of replacing one method of torture with another.” He glanced at Snow’s identical eyes. “It’s starting to feel like I need to stop enduring all this nonsense and start paving the way for a better future for us. I know you’re buying me time, and I appreciate it. You’ve always been able to see what’s needed and put it into practice. I admire that. Meanwhile, all I’ve done is take the hits and survive. I’m done simply surviving.”

“I’m happy to hear your fighting talk, but what does that mean exactly?” she asked, setting down her cutlery. “Are you finally going to step up and marry Ivy? Start learning what it is to be a king?”

Her words hit like a slap, dragging sobriety closer to the surface.

“Really, sis?” Rain felt his defences spike. He inhaled deeply through his nose, steadying himself before he snapped. “Are you truly ready to accept Ivy as your sister-in-law? Have her living permanently down the hall?”

Snow’s nose scrunched instinctively.

“I thought as much. Horrifying thought, isn’t it? Yet that’s supposedly in my best interest. That’s what it takes to be taken seriously as king? I think not.”

“I like Ivy,” Snow argued weakly. “In small doses. It’ll be an adjustment for all of us. But it’s a sacrifice we must make. We don’t get to choose love, Rain. You know that.”

“I am the heir, Snow. Not you.” His tone sharpened. “Sometimes I think you all forget that. You are the one expected to marry for the crown. Not me. Father may have been too cowardly to fight his betrothal, but it is well within my rights to refuse mine.”

Snow’s expression hardened to match his. Rain softened his voice.

“I know I’m not worthy of real love. Maybe one day I’ll find someone to carry on my legacy with. But despite your lack of faith in me—which is rather insulting—I’m making this decision as a future king, not a selfish child. Ivy and I are a chaotic combination. Her powers influence mine too easily. She’d have far too much control over me and the crown. I won’t allow that and I’m shocked you can’t see it. You’re the most critical thinker I know. Tell me I’m wrong.”

Snow’s face softened into a pout.

“You have selfish reasons too,” she muttered.

“Fuck yes. I can’t be bound to that woman. Can you imagine?”

They both laughed as he visibly shuddered.