Page 77 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“I figured you would prefer this option over the alternative,” Azrien said, dropping the last remnants of his pleasant facade. Olivis’s face hardened again, her clasp tightening beneath the table.

“And what is the alternative?” Rain asked drily.

Azrien’s wicked smile returned. “A counteroffer was made. Should you refuse, Snow is to marry the Pink Prince, where she will become Queen Consort of the Pink Kingdom. Not the most practical pairing, as they say the timid prince favours the company of males. Securing an heir will be challenging, but that is none of my concern. It doesn’t affect our royal line, does it? The downside is that we lose the advantage of you having commanding authority. They will only provide aid upon request. It is a shame. Snow would have been the easier option.”

“Easier?” Snow stared at him, confusion and hurt twisting her features. Rain inched closer, protective instinct flaring.

“Unlike your brother, you will do what I ask of you,” Azrien said bluntly.

“Wow.” Snow sat back, jaw clenched, tossing her napkin onto her plate.

“Let’s not—” Olivis began, but Snow cut her off.

“You know what? There truly is nothing any of us can do to impress you. Is there? You would ship me off to the other side of the world without a second thought, despite everything I do for you. For our kingdom. For our council!” Snow stood, joining Rain, her voice rising. “If only someone offered the right incentive.”

“Dear, sit down. You’re causing a scene. It is politics,” Azrien said, still smiling, amused by her outburst.

Rain braced himself; he felt Snow’s next move before she even made it.

“This is what I think of your politics.”

She thrust her hand toward the king. A gust of blistering wind tore across the table, a small avalanche of snow exploding over the dishes. Navy squealed as Olivis scooped her up, shielding her with her arms. Navy burrowed into her mother’s chest as Olivis ducked her head.

Rain grabbed Snow, twisting her away from the table, placing himself between her and the rest of the family. Her heart hammered, breath ragged with fury.

“Breathe.”

He cupped her face, forcing her to meet his eyes, inhaling deeply to guide her. He sent calming energy through her, steadying her pulse. Slowly, her features softened, rage melting into sorrow.

“How dare you!” Azrien bellowed, rising to his feet, brushing snow from his robes. “You attacked me. You worthless, idiotic girl.”

Oh no he fucking didn’t.

“Shut the fuck up and sit down,” Rain commanded, venom dripping from every word as he used his power to force the king into his chair.

“And now you! Again. My own children think it’s acceptable to use their powers against me. OUTRAGEOUS! You will be sorry for this,” Azrien spat.

“I said shut… the fuck… up.”

Rain punctuated each word as he turned from Snow. Without hesitation, he stalked toward his father, seized him by the collar, and yanked him from his chair. Azrien struggled, clawing at Rain’s wrists in a pathetic attempt to break free.

Rain dragged him forward and slammed his head into the frosted table, holding him there as he leaned in close. Breath hot against his father's ear.

“I don’t need my power to beat you. I am superior to you in every way imaginable. It will do you good to remember that. Keep your pathetic threats to yourself. If I do your bidding, I do it of my own free will. So, if you want my cooperation, you will respect my sisters. Understood?”

Azrien’s aura flared red; rage and fear tangled together, choking him silent.

“Do you understand?” Rain repeated, louder, pressing him harder into the table. Olivis gasped. Navy whimpered.

“Yes. Fine,” Azrien muttered.

Rain released him and stepped back, turning his back on the king in a deliberate display of dominance.

“Very well. Thank you, family, for a lovely dinner as always. I will agree to this proposal—for now. Goodnight.” He didn’t spare Azrien a glance as he took Snow by the arm and guided her toward the exit.

“Snow, stop!”

Azrien’s voice boomed, power laced through it.