Page 76 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Rain’s green eyes locked onto hers, his jaw tightening. Snow froze mid-breath.

“As the crowned prince of the Blue Kingdom, it is your duty…” Olivis faltered, her eyes pleading for him to understand, then pushed forward. “You are to be wed to Princess Candy of the Pink Kingdom.”

The words dropped into the room like a cold stone.

“What?!” Rain and Snow gasped in unison, whipping their heads toward their parents. Rain sat back, stunned. His fingers curled around the table’s edge, knuckles whitening.

“This union is your saving grace,” Azrien said with such joy that Navy cheered along with him. “You are to meet with the princess—”

“No.” Rain’s voice came low and immediate.

“You are to meet with the princess, here and then you are to travel to Rosamaris. You will aid Prince Floss, Candy’s twin brother, in mastering his empathic gift and prepare him to one day take his throne. In return, the Pink Kingdom has granted command of their armed forces—all of them—to you.”

A hollow silence followed.

Rain’s mind reeled. Another engagement. To a stranger. A flouncy princess named Candy, no less.

“Well, that’s not happening,” Rain said through gritted teeth. He seized his goblet and took a long, steadying drink.

Azrien leaned forward, his smile returning like a blade drawn from its sheath. “Imagine it, son. A full Eastern army at your command. Troopswho adore their princess, your wife, loyal to a cause we will write together. All you need to do is your duty. A strong allegiance that only marriage can forge.”

He sat back, shifting his expression into something resembling remorse; a calculated performance.

“I will be the first to apologise for pushing that Green girl upon you. I feel foolish for insisting you honour your betrothal to that promiscuous girl. I understand now why you were so resistant.” Azrien lifted his goblet again, peering over the rim as he sipped, his energy strangely warm toward Rain, as if he had rewritten his opinion of him overnight.

Rain’s mind raced. Another army at his command would benefit him but not Azrien.

“Queen Virginia is very impressed with you,” Azrien added. “Whatever did you say to win her over?”

Rain’s brow creased. “I don’t believe I said anything deserving of praise.”

“Well, whatever you said made quite the impression. They were practically begging for your hand,” Azrien said gleefully.

Olivis inhaled sharply, her eyes darting between father and son. Nervously, she cut in. “They were very specific with their intentions; that they wish for this marriage to solidify your position within their court.Youwill hold commanding authority.” She fiddled with her fork, avoiding her husband’s eye. “Everything Virginia said about her daughter… it sounds as though you and Candy are kindred spirits. I truly believe this is a worthy proposal.”

Snow snorted before she could stop herself, clapping a hand over her mouth.

“Pardon me,” she said, then glared at her parents. “You’re selling him off as a bargaining chip to the first offer you receive. It makes us appear desperate.”

Azrien’s gaze snapped to her, though the smile never left his face. “If that were the case, my dear, I’d have accepted their offer for you.”

Navy let out a little hum as a giant bubble popped, spraying droplets across her setting. Snow’s glare sharpened.

“And when I refuse to honour your negotiations?” Rain asked, pushing back from the table and rising with slow, controlled fury; already preparing to leave.

Azrien’s smile vanished; snuffed out like a candle. “They have an army of six hundred thousand sitting comfortably within the Penadaja Mountains, and they are handing it over to you on a silver platter. All they ask is that you teach their son and marry their daughter. It is an outstanding offer even you can’t refuse.” He laughed, but the sound was hollow, brittle. “We would be unmatched in numbers, dominating both Eastern and Western territories. Finally, my heir will truly be the most powerful.”

Oh, if only he knew how right he was; though to his own detriment. This agreement would not benefit him in the slightest.

Rain didn’t know how to respond. He couldn’t comprehend how delusional Azrien had become. Their ideologies had never aligned, and the king knew that. Azrien had to have something more to gain from this transaction.

“The Queen of Pink will return with the princess in two weeks’ time,” Olivis said, folding her hands tightly in her lap. Her face remained composed, but her eyes flickered with sadness, resignation and something unspoken. Rain saw it. He felt it. And he resented her for it. He resented himself for wanting more from her when she simply wasn’t capable.

“You said you’ve already accepted the proposal. Is this an informal agreement, or has a treaty been signed?” Snow asked, cutting straight to the point. Cleverly working to save her brother from another arrangement.

“How is that of any importance to you?” Azrien snapped, his tone souring. Snow flinched; she was rarely the target of his sharp tongue. Rain placed a protective hand on her shoulder.

“I’m interested in the answer,” Rain interjected, redirecting the king’s attention to himself. “I’m wondering if you considered me in any of this, or if I’m still just a pawn for you to move across your board.”