Page 54 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Jay wasn’t sad anymore; just wrung out. But every time he looked at Rain, his heart fluttered the same way it always had.

Things weren’t perfect. They weren’t certain.

But right now, this was exactly where he wanted to be.

Chapter 22

By the time Rain stumbled out of the club, he was heavily intoxicated. He and Jay had put on quite the public display, enough that Wren had to pry Jay off him and shove him onto a bus home. Elijah, bless him, had called the Shadow Guard on Rain’s behalf to arrange a lift back to the palace. There was no universe in which Rain could be trusted to navigate home alone; not without detours, disasters, or accidentally starting another international incident.

When the car rolled through the palace gates, the guards stared in open shock. Nobody expected the prince to arrive at the ball blackout drunk, but perhaps that would make the whole ordeal more tolerable for him. They ushered the car through quickly, muttering into their radios. Rain felt their panic buzzing through their energies. They were terrified he’d lose control tonight, especially with half the continent’s royal families inside.

The car stopped. The Shadow Guard driver opened the door politely. Rain tried to step out but couldn’t move. He blinked, confused; then burst out laughing when he realised he was still buckled in. He didn’t even remember fastening it. After a clumsy battle with the clasp, he finally tumbled out of the car

“Rain! What in the God’s names are you doing?” Snow came flying down the steps, stopping halfway. She was wrapped in a pastel blue silk dressing gown over the top half of a stunning waterfall of blue fabric. Herhair was in rollers, makeup half done—one eye a perfect smoky blend of violets and blues, the other barely started.

Rain laughed at the sight of her.

“I don’t understand what is so funny. Look at the state of you.”

“Sissss, you need to chill. I amfine. I am better than fine,” he slurred, immediately tripping on the first step. “Oops.”

Snow tutted loudly. “Yes, you’re fine, and yet I’m being dragged out here because the guards are too scared to deal with you.”

“Some guards we have then. Very comforting.” Rain plopped down on the step where he’d tripped, letting the world spin around him.

Neel trotted down the stairs. “Your Highnesses,” he greeted. “Let’s get you inside before more guests arrive.”

“Ugh, this stupid ball,” Rain groaned, burying his face in his hands. “And fuckin’ Julian.”

“No. You’re not doing this here.” Snow grabbed his arm, yanking away the support for his head. Rain groaned and swatted her away.

“It’s fine, I’ll come inside. I don’t need your help.” He pushed himself upright, nearly toppled backwards, then jerked forward to compensate. Neel moved behind him; close enough to catch him, far enough to preserve his dignity.

“Neel, can you get him ready? Hemustattend,” Snow said.

“Yes, Your Highness. It may take some time, but he will be there. Won’t you, Sir?”

Rain rolled his eyes.

“And if there’s anything you can do to sober him, I’d be eternally grateful,” Snow added, glaring.

“I am here, you know.”

“Barely,” she muttered.

“Ugh, more damn stairs. Why do we live with such inconvenience?” Rain complained.

“Come, take my arm,” Neel said warmly. “I, too, understand the frustration of many stairs.”

Rain didn’t argue. He let Neel guide him up the curved staircase toward their wing. At his room, Snow bid them goodbye, hurrying off to finish getting ready.

Rain collapsed face-first onto his bed, groaning as the room spun violently.

“Sir,” Neel said gently, “I’ll fetch water and medication. Are you able to get yourself into the shower?”

Rain only groaned.

“Rain, Sir. I know it’s a chore, but we must prepare you for this evening.”