Page 42 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“Yes. I’ve wanted to see the other kingdoms. I’ve longed to travel beyond the eastern quarter, ever since I was a child.”

“Oh, you must! We’ll certainly be extending an invitation to you both, I do hope you accept” Her eyes sparkled at the twins. “I think you’d get along marvellously with our children, Candy and Floss. They’re around your age.”

Snow’s hand clamped onto Rain’s thigh, warning him not to laugh. Rain swallowed hard.Candy Floss.He was suddenly grateful his ownname wasn’t a dessert. WhileRain Beauwas reasonably embarrassing, he was certain he’d never be able to show his face had he been branded with a ridiculous name likeCandy.

“They’re twins as well, aren’t they?” Snow asked smoothly. Her question brought his attention back from his thoughts about Princess Candy’s likely appearance. He imagined; blonde, frilly, vapid. Though the dark complexion of their father deemed that unlikely.

“Yes. And I believe there are four sets of twins in your generation? I may be mistaken.”

“No, you’re correct,” Snow said. “The last aetherial twins recorded were the Purple Kingdom’s Duke and Duchess Mesmae. They’re fifteen now, right?” She glanced at Queen Juniper, who nodded.

“We are all truly blessed,” Virginia said, though her eyes didn’t match the sentiment. Rain dipped into her energy. Guilt clung to her heart. She evidently loved her children dearly, but something was amiss, something outside of her control.

“Virginia,” he said gently, “I’m sorry, but I haven’t heard much about your children. What powers did they inherit?”

She looked to her husband; he nodded.

“Candy, she is such a courageous force, much like the two of you. She is a weather wielder—she commands the wind.” Rain felt a deceptive edge to Virginia’s words; she wasn’t being completely truthful. It was common for royals to underplay their abilities, which lead Rain to believe Candy may be quite the powerful weather wielder.

“Oh, similar to me,” Snow said.

“Yes. And Floss is an empath.” Her sigh was heavy. “It’s been difficult for him. He hides away most days. Candy drags him out when she can, but even she’s rarely home these days. I suppose it is to be expected at your ages; you’re all seeking independence.” Her guilt sharpened. She blamed herself—her ancestry perhaps—for his gift. Though Orangewasn’t known for empathic abilities. However, empathic resonance ran deep within the Pink bloodlines, Rain had stumbled upon the knowledge when seeking answers for his own struggles. “They love each other dearly, but they’re opposites in every way.”

“Empathy can feel like a curse,” Rain said softly. “I know that better than most. Elder Isarion from the Order of Aurora helped me understand my power. Have you considered reaching out to the Order?”

“We have,” She said. “Unfortunately, Floss doesn’t do well in the company of others unless Candy is with him and neither of them responded well to the Order’s guidance. Candy has always been fiercely independent, she thrives among friends and Floss… well, he can’t tolerate people. It’s hard to know how to guide them when they’re so different.”

“Sounds like you two,” Ivy muttered beside Rain.

“You said Floss can tolerate people when Candy is with him,” Snow said, practically leaning across Rain to be part of the conversation. “Does that mean she has a second ability?”

Virginia hesitated, her brows knitting. She clearly hadn’t expected that question.

“I don’t believe they have another power — that would be unheard of. Candy simply knows how to soothe him better than anyone. It’s always been part of their bond as twins.”

Rain and Snow exchanged a look. They both suspected the Pink twins might share something similar to Snow’s nulling effect on Rain’s empathy.

“That, there...What is that look?” Virginia asked, intrigued.

“Are you aware of Snow’s ability to nullify my empathic powers?” Rain asked. “Her touch has allowed me to be around people and prevented far more incidents than the ones I’m known for.”

“Her touch?” Virginia echoed, startled.

“Yes. When Snow touches me—like now for instance, every time her arm brushes against my skin—my ability flickers, like someone playing with a light switch.” He shot Snow a glare. “Annoying, but effective. If she holds my hand, my empathy freezes entirely. I feel only my own emotions, like the rest of you fortunate souls. When she lets go, everything returns at once.”

A ripple of discomfort moved around the table. People always reacted that way when they understood the depth of his power.

“That explains why you two were always holding hands when you were younger,” the nobleman across from him said. “We always thought that was… unusual.”

“It was a temporary solution that allowed me to exist around others,” Rain replied cooly.

“Why isn’t this common knowledge?” the nobleman pressed.

“I believe it was a political secret,” Rain said with a smirk, no longer interested in protecting his father’s choices.

“You think Candy may be like Snow?” Virginia asked.

“We can’t know that,” Snow said, “but it would be interesting to meet them and test the theory. Rain has come a long way, but it’s been a journey. If they’re like us, a similar approach might help Floss.”