Page 88 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

Rain turned away and descended the steps toward the army vehicle waiting in the driveway. The soldier by the passenger door straightened, saluted, and opened it as Rain approached.

Once Rain was seated, the soldier hurried around to the driver’s side. The royal guard ordered to shadow him, climbed stiffly into the back. The drive to the barracks was eerily silent. Rain’s energy filled the cab like a storm cloud, thick and electric, and the soldier kept both hands locked on the wheel, spine rigid. He was terrified of being alone with the prince; after all, Rain was the weapon he was delivering.

When they arrived, Rain stepped out without a word and headed straight for the strategy room, leaving the royal guard behind; his duty fulfilled. Soldiers rushed through the corridors in organised chaos, several stopping mid-stride to salute him before continuing. The strategy room was overflowing, hundreds of soldiers packed shoulder to shoulder, spilling into the hallway. Only the backs of heads were visible.

As Rain approached, those heads slowly turned. They felt him before they saw him; his powerful energy rolling off him in waves. He didn’t bother masking it. The crowd parted instinctively, carving a path for him without a single word or gesture.

“Your Highness, good, you are here,” the General said, visibly strained as Rain reached him.

“What are the orders?” Rain asked, cutting straight to the point.

“You are being sent into Burgundy.” The General handed him the directive. A large portion of the crowd quietly dispersed, their survival instincts kicking in. Rain wasn’t an immediate threat, but they knew better than to linger near him when he was summoned like this.

“Plans have changed, I see.” Rain scanned the document. Surprised to see he wasn’t expected to assassinate the red king just yet. “It states that only five soldiers will accompany me.” His eyes flicked to the table, studying the battle formation laid out. “What are your orders, Toyne?”

The General grimaced at the use of his name without title but forced himself to remain composed.

“His Majesty has called for an offensive attack on the southern region. We are to create a distraction, Your Highness.” Toyne paused, the permanent crease in his brow deepening. Rain felt the king’s influence tightening around the man’s mind like a leash. “With all eyes on us… you should be able to successfully achieve your objective.”

“And what is it I am expected to retrieve, General? This objective is vague. I have no room to prepare for what is within that tower. Surely, he is not sending me in blind.” Rain balled the paper in his fist, frustration rising. “I need more information.”

“With all due respect, Your Highness, I am not at liberty to share anything further,” Toyne replied, voice flat, almost mechanical.

Rain growled, the sound low and dangerous. Several soldiers shifted uneasily.

“I will not go into enemy territory without a full briefing,” he insisted. “I am not simply one of the men under your chain of command, General. I am your crown prince.”

“Respectfully, sir,” Toyne muttered through clenched teeth, “I am not at liberty to divulge any top-secret information regarding your directive.”

Rain’s frustration snapped. He realised he would get nothing from Toyne’s mouth; his father’s influence was too strong. If he wanted answers, he would have to take them.

He hated this. Hated using his power on a man he respected like a father. But he also knew the king would not hesitate to weaponize ignorance against him.

Without hesitation, Rain thrust his hand forward, sending a channel of energy slamming into the General, pinning him against the wall. Gasps erupted around the room. Toyne shouted in shock. Several soldiers stepped forward on instinct, but Rain flicked his power outward, nudging them back with a warning pulse.

He erected an energetic barrier around them, sealing out interference.

Then he prowled toward the General with the slow deliberation of a predator toying with its prey.

“I do not seem to have much patience today, General,” Rain said mockingly.

His eyes drifted to the wall where two Blue flags hung from ornate brass poles in a crossed formation. With a flick of his power, he snapped one pole free and summoned it into his palm. He tested its weight, then pressed it firmly against Toyne’s chest, just below the collarbone.

“So, it seems we’re doing this the hard way.”

He pressed harder. Sweat beaded down Toyne’s temple, his eyes darting around the room searching for help. There was no help. Nobody in this room could save him.

“What am I being sent to retrieve?” Rain demanded, focusing on the man’s energy, witnessing emotions flicker like sparks.

“I… can’t…” Toyne stuttered, fighting himself. “I am not at liberty to divulge that information.” His pulse spiked. His energy screamed that he wanted to tell Rain everything he knew but the king’s influence held fast.

“Am I being sent to my death?” Rain asked, shifting tactics.

“No! The king no longer wishes you dead, Your Highness,” Toyne croaked.

Rain tilted his head. That alone was telling. His father was counting on the Pink Kingdom’s allegiance.

“He insisted we send you with our best officers. Your safety is to be their top priority.”