Chapter 48 #2
“I can’t join you. I need to return to the palace and prepare for travel.” She turned to the group with a bright smile. “My dear brother, however, is all yours. Please take good care of him for me.”
She kissed Rain’s cheek, then leaned into whisper.
“Don’t go home while we’re away. Please. I don’t want you alone with Father. I’ll be home Cyrday morning. See you then?”
Rain offered her a tight, reassuring smile.
He didn’t want to be alone with Azrien either.
But he needed to make sure the king had honoured their agreement. If not… Rain would have no choice but to confront him.
He cupped Snow’s chin gently, making sure she met his eyes.
“I don’t like that you’re returning without me,” he murmured. “Be safe. Stay away from him. And if you can’t—use your powers first and ask for forgiveness later.”
A blanket of worry flickered behind her eyes, though she tried to hide it. Rain felt it anyway.
She nodded, but as she turned to leave, he caught her hand.
“And tread carefully in Green,” he warned. “I know you have ideas but move with caution.”
She tutted loudly.
“Tsk. Brother, have faith. We share more than a womb—you know I can handle myself. I love you.”
She squeezed his hand, then turned to the others.
“I’ll see you all on Velday! Goodbye for now!”
A chorus of goodbyes followed her as she walked away.
The café was a quaint little spot tucked between a florist and the old bookshop owned by Rain’s estranged aunt. The bookshop windows were boarded up, a large CLOSED sign hanging crookedly across the door.
A flicker of grief settled in Rain’s chest, for a family member he’d never truly known.
The café, however, was warm and inviting. The scent of roasted beans drifted out each time the door opened. Inside, the gentle clatter of crockery and the low hum of conversation wrapped around them like a soft blanket.
Emily led the way to a booth by the window, still clinging to Rain’s arm. Rogan went to order drinks with his usual easy charm.
Rain slid into the seat, grateful for the chance to relax. Out of habit, he scanned the room; every person, every flicker of energy, every potential threat. Only once he was satisfied did he pull his power back.
And that was when he felt Jay.
The familiar tug of warmth that was unmistakably him. Rain glanced across the table.
Jay was staring at him. Not subtly. Not accidentally. His sky-blue eyes were fixed on him with a curious, searching intensity; as though he were trying to read Rain’s soul.
Rain gave in before he could stop himself.
He reached with his power.
Emily nudged him, pulling his gaze away, but he kept his focus on Jay’s energy.
It washed over him like a warm hug; comforting, familiar, achingly gentle. For the first time since the breakup, it didn’t feel torturous to feel him like this.
Jay was confused.
Lost in thought.
Analysing his own emotions with adorable earnestness.
Rain bit his lower lip without meaning to.
Emily chuckled, still talking, and guilt snapped Rain back to her words. He had no idea what she’d been saying.
“…alike but also different, you know what I mean.”
Rain blinked.
“I guess,” he said, hoping it was the right answer.
Emily laughed, slapping his bicep. “Anyway, I’m sure you hear that all the time.”
Rain offered a polite smile, leaning back in the booth, arms folded. He was about to steer the conversation elsewhere when a sudden surge of desire hit him.
Sharp.
Hot.
Undeniable.
His gaze snapped to Jay.
Jay was staring at him again but this time, with open hunger. His eyes roamed Rain’s torso, lingering shamelessly.
For a moment, Jay looked completely lost in it; caught in longing so raw Rain felt it like a physical touch.
Then Jay realised he’d been caught.
He froze.
His expression shifted from heat to horror in a heartbeat. His cheeks flushed crimson. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.
“Snow was right, wasn’t she?” Emily whispered, following Rain’s gaze. “He still wants you.”
Rain sighed, exhaustion tightening around his heart like a fist.
“I would never presume such a thing,” he murmured, rubbing his face with both hands.
“Answered like a true politician,” Emily teased.
The waitress arrived with their drinks. Emily thanked her, then continued, animated as ever.
“Look—as your best friend first, and loyal Blue subject second, or whatever you royals call us common folk—”
Rain snorted.
“—I loved seeing you happy. Before I knew you personally, you always looked so withdrawn at royal events. Brooding suits you, sure, but it was nice to see you happy. I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but I think a happy Rain would make a better king.”
Rain blinked, taken aback.
He’d never considered that.
Never thought about how his personal life might affect his reign.
He’d never dared to imagine a future with Jay because wanting him had always felt dangerous.
But Emily’s words cracked something open.
He loved Jay.
He knew that.
He’d known it long before he admitted it to himself.
And losing him had hurt—deeply—but he had survived it.
He could live without him.
But gods, he didn’t want to.