Page 59 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“Dad, what are you—?” Ivy began, but her words died as Edmond seized her wrist and lifted her hand to eye level.

Shame and embarrassment radiated off her in waves. Her gaze flicked to Rain, accusation flashing across her features. Julian had gone pale, shrinking behind her, looking helplessly toward his parents.

King Azrien rose from his throne, towering above them, watching the unfolding disaster with predatory interest.

“Why, daughter,” Edmond spat, “are you wearing jewellery of the Purple Kingdom? Parading around like a piece of their property in front of the allied courts? Do you even understand the consequences of such treason?”

His power lashed out—vines snaking from his wrist, coiling tightly around Ivy’s arm. Rain felt the king’s control slipping. Instinctively, he pushed calming energy toward him, trying to diffuse the situation before it exploded.

“Your Grace,” Julian said, stepping forward like a fool, “with the greatest respect, we had hoped to speak with you privately before—”

“Son, be quiet,” King Valon snapped, mortified. Clearly the Purple Court had instigated the union and were now realising the consequences of their missteps.

“RESPECT?” Edmond roared. The vines tightened, creeping further down Ivy’s arm. She whimpered, terrified. Igna gasped and tried to pry the vines away, but Edmond’s glare froze her in place. She instead clutched Ivy’s free hand to her chest, trembling.

The Green and Purple courts erupted—shouting, accusing, threatening. Ivy sobbed silently, her hand being yanked toward the Purple King as if she were a ragdoll.

Magic thickened in the air, humming with danger.

Rain grabbed Snow’s hand as the energy threatened to overwhelm him. She squeezed tightly, eyes wide with concern.

“You dare embarrass the House of Royale under my roof?” King Azrien thundered from above. Rain rolled his eyes before he could stop himself. “Disrespecting my generosity? That girl is promised to us—to my son and heir. Speak now if you wish this to be the act of war it appears to be.”

Silence slammed through the room.

Rain gently pried Snow’s fingers from his hand. He needed to feel the energy. He and Snow were the only aetherials strong enough to stop a full-scale magical brawl or protect innocents like Navy.

“Be ready to change the forecast,” he whispered. Snow nodded, pale.

“Azrien, you are like a brother to me,” Edmond said first, voice shaking. “I would never disrespect you or your court. I have been blindsided by my daughter’s betrayal.” He released Ivy; the vines fell to the floor. Ivy’s arm dropped limply to her side as tears streamed down her face. Rain’s heart clenched; he hated seeing her cry again. She looked defeated, ashamed, unable to lift her gaze.

“We are family,” Edmond continued. “I am as appalled as you. Disgraced by my own blood.”

Azrien hummed thoughtfully, eyes narrowing at Rain as though trying to read his involvement. Of course, he suspected Rain. It was always his fault.

Rain lifted his chin, meeting his father’s gaze head-on. Snow tugged at his sleeve, silently begging him not to provoke him.

“Valon,” Azrien barked, turning to the Purple King. “Explain.”

Valon cleared his throat. “I apologise for the handling of this matter, but I will not insult you by denying my suspicions. My son has spent considerable time at the Green Palace recently. I suspected he had a love interest there. I did not know it was the princess until earlier this week. I believed them capable of making sensible choices.”

He hesitated, choosing his next words carefully.

“What has happened today blindsided us all. But perhaps there is a way to come to an agreement. We have several eligible princesses we could offer in place of Princess Ivy—”

Rain’s heart lurched.

Absolutely not.

The other kings scowled. Arguments erupted again. Azrien stormed down from the podium, guards at his heels. Snow braced herself, waiting for Rain’s signal.

The room was spiralling into madness.

Rain looked at Ivy, her spirit broken. Then at Julian, who was terrified. Then at the three kings who were seconds from war.

He didn’t think.

He acted.