Page 40 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“Like the tweety birds?” She asked, her fingers delicately fluttering in the air.

“Yes. Like the little birds that fly away when you try to feed them. Everyone in here is just like those birds — they’re more scared of you than you are of them.”

“And we feed them.”

“Yes,” he laughed. “We feed our guests. See how brave they are?”

She looked around, eyes bright, scanning the faces turned toward them. She nodded, still clutching his pendant.

“I think you can show them how to be the bravest princess in the room. Do you think you can do that?”

She thought hard, her mouth twitching with concentration.

“Yep. Navy is like Rain.”

“That’s right. Strong and brave.” He kissed her cheek again. “Now, a princess should walk to her seat. Hold my hand and let me lead the way.”

She straightened proudly in him arms. Erica smoothed her skirts as Rain set her down, and Navy slipped her tiny hand into his. He led her to the seat beside their mothers. Guests nodded and waved at the princess as they passed. Once she was settled, Rain left her with Erica and headed toward Snow.

She was deep in conversation with Sebastian, Ivy’s brother, and Julian, the Purple heir.

“Good evening, boys,” Rain said, positioning himself so both princes had to take a step away from his sister.

“Rain,” Sebastian replied, his tone as warm as a glacier, just like his personality.

“Good evening,” Julian added. “I’m surprised you’re capable of joining us tonight. It’s only been… what? Seven days since you started this war. Eight?”

“It appears you underestimate me.” Rain’s gaze slid down Julian’s outfit. “Is that lavender or lilac? I can never remember the difference.”

He traced a finger down Julian’s chest. Julian’s muscles tensed, though his expression stayed perfectly composed. Sebastian took another step back, clearly preparing to escape the conversation.

Before anyone could speak again, the room’s volume dropped sharply—courtesy of Duke Clarington, who could dampen sound. He often bragged he could mute an entire nation, though Rain had only ever seen him silence himself. Still, his ability was useful when the King and Queen entered and expected everyone to take their seats.

Rain offered his arm to Snow. She rolled her eyes but linked hers through his, and he guided them to their places. The seat to his left remained empty, reserved for Ivy.

“Have you seen Ivy yet?” he murmured to Snow, he knew the answer, but nerves made him compulsively ask.

She shook her head as their parents began their welcome speech.

“It is with great honour that we welcome you, our friends and family, into our humble home,” the King announced.

The hall of nearly one hundred and eighty guests, chuckled.

“We thank you for gracing us with your presence this weekend. In celebration of our bonded alliances, may we enjoy long-overduecompany or at the very least, fill our stomachs and get incredibly intoxicated together.”

More laughter.

“Raise your glasses in thanks to our beautifully talented daughter Snow, who managed to gather us all here on such short notice. And to love, joy, and laughter. May the Gods bless us all.”

He lifted his champagne flute with a glint in his eye.

“Cheers!”

“Cheers,” echoed through the hall.

Rain drained his glass in one swift motion. The Queen of Pink caught his attention as she eyed him curiously. He met her gaze briefly before she looked away, whispering to her husband. He scanned her energy; a difficult endeavour in such a crowded room but sensed no judgement. Very surprising.

Servers began loading plates with meats and vegetables. Rain’s stomach growled as the aroma hit his senses. He’d skipped lunch, due to his nerves eating him alive.