Chapter 9 #2
“Indeed.” The King impatiently tapped a finger against his goblet, considering.
“Fine. I will allow you to keep your secrets. For now. A courtesy extended only because you’ve finally proven strong enough to handle the consequences of your abilities.
I must say, you seem to be managing this incident remarkably well.
Not your usual behaviour––cowering in bed, afraid of your own shadow. ”
His lip curled in distaste.
“I can only conclude your attack on the Red Kingdom was intentional. Fortunately for us, it served our interests far better than expected.”
At those words, Rain’s mother froze, her fork suspended mid-air, eyes locked on her son.
Rain shifted his attention toward her aura, confused.
Her pulse spiked. She was worried. Why? She had never shown concern for him before.
She had always sat silent while her husband taunted him, enabling the King’s cruelty with her passivity.
“While I commend your actions,” the King continued, “you would do well to remember who the King of this realm is. You hold no authority. You are my weapon to wield. Hear me clearly, son of mine—there will be no more unauthorised incidents. No more careless wandering. Do you understand?”
Toxic energy rolled off him, thick and suffocating. Beneath the words lay the real threat. A threat of confinement and abuse, the same punishments he had always dangled over Rain’s head. Rain felt images of past incidences intrude on his mind, unbidden.
“Of course, Father,” Rain replied bitterly, lifting his chin in quiet defiance.
Snow stiffened beside him, her hand snapping to his arm again. She didn’t realise he wasn’t spiralling. For once, he saw everything with perfect clarity.
The voice from his vision tugged at him.
True king.
It echoed through him, validating every intrusive thought he’d ever had about ending his father’s reign.
The voice had implied he was ready and for the first time, he believed it.
He had always assumed he had centuries to prepare, that his father wouldn’t abdicate for any other reason than advanced age.
He had planned to spend that time strengthening himself, becoming the leader his people deserved.
But now he understood he might not wish to wait that long.
He gently lifted Snow’s hand from his arm, giving it a reassuring squeeze before placing it back on the table. Her fingers twitched, wanting to reach for him again, before curling into a fist.
“Good,” the King said. “Then we shall begin formal discussions regarding your betrothal. Morale must be lifted, alliances strengthened and nothing accomplishes that more effectively than a royal wedding. Edmond and I agree that you’ve had ample time to mature into your abilities, and any further advancement will only be accelerated with Ivy at your side.
There is no benefit in delaying what has already been decided.
Your engagement has stretched on long enough, and given its political importance, we intend to secure a date in the very near future. ”
Rain’s cutlery clattered violently against his plate as he shot to his feet.
“No.” His voice was low, dangerous.
The King slowly set down his own cutlery, dabbing the corners of his mouth with a napkin while maintaining unbroken eye contact.
“No, what?”
“I will not marry Ivy.” Rain said matter-of-factually.
“Olivis, please explain the terms of betrothal to your son. He appears to need educating.”
“I don’t care about your damn terms; I am not marrying her. I never agreed to be a political pawn, and I refuse to go through with it.”
His control flickered as anger surged.
“You will do as I tell you!” the King snarled.
“No. I won’t.” Rain let out a humourless laugh.
The King shoved his chair back, sending it crashing to the floor as he rose. The air thickened with testosterone as father and son squared off. Everything on the table began to tremble.
“RAIN!” Snow cried, reaching for him again but he swatted her away with a burst of power.
“Stop touching me! I am in control.”
“Are you? Because the tableware looks ready to launch across the room! You’re putting us all in danger!”
He gritted his teeth, pulling his power back into himself, but he refused to break eye contact with his father.
“Azrien, darling, please sit down,” their mother said sharply, positioning herself in front of Navy. “This is a sensitive subject for Rain.”
She turned to him. “Ivy is a perfect match for you.”
Rain scoffed.
“Yes, she is! She’s beautiful, elegant, and she adores you. You two were destined for this pairing before you were even conceived—just as I was promised to your father.”
“That worked out great for you, didn’t it?” he snapped.
He hadn’t meant to be cruel, but the anger was too raw.
The King grabbed his knife and lunged. Normally Rain would have backed down. Not today. The self-loathing that usually convinced him he deserved pain and punishment was gone. He stepped forward too, chest high, ready to defend himself.
Snow grabbed him and threw herself between them.
“Don’t!” she whimpered, clutching Rain’s shirt. He instinctively pushed the knife in his father’s hand away from his sister.
“Stop! Azrien, please!” their mother cried, fear radiating from her.
Rain wasn’t sure who she feared more and that infuriated him.
He had always protected her. Protected all of them.
He had taken beatings meant for her, baited his father’s rage to redirect it away from his sisters.
He had played the weakling to keep them safe.
He was done playing small.
“Rain, dear,” Olivis tried again, voice trembling.
“You are not a child anymore. You are to be King one day and it’s time you acted like it.
You’ve always led with your heart, and while that is admirable, a King must make wise choices.
Ivy was promised to you. Our alliance with the Green Kingdom depends on it.
Whatever is happening between you two is your own business but you must accept the betrothal for what it is.
A transaction. You are securing peace between our realms.”
They didn’t care about him. Only the throne. Only the political gain.
“I cannot marry Ivy,” Rain said coldly. “Find another way to strengthen your alliances. I am no longer the solution.”
“You stupid boy! How dare you—”
Rain flicked his fingers.
The discarded used napkin shot into the King’s mouth, stuffing it full.
His eyes bulged as his hands remained pinned to his sides, making him unable to remove it.
He sputtered, choking on his own outrage.
A dangerous thrill coursed through Rain, he had never dared to use his power on his father, until now.
“I’m done. Goodnight.”
Rain turned and stormed out, slamming his father back into his seat with a controlled burst of power. He didn’t look back, though every fibre of him wanted to witness the horror dawning in the King’s eyes.
But he didn’t need to see it.
He could feel it—every delicious second of it.