Chapter 47 #2
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Isarion said. “It is a pleasant surprise to see they have found comfort in you so quickly.”
He clasped his hands together, bowing his head.
“I offer our deepest apologies for imposing in such a way. Our long travel and eagerness clouded our judgement. I hope this does not impact your faith in the Order. We are yours to command.”
Rain studied the group carefully. The Order could shield their intentions if they wished but they didn’t. Their channels were open, their energy accessible. A gesture of trust.
“It doesn’t bode well for you or the Shadow Guard,” Rain said bluntly. “But let’s put it behind us and ensure it doesn’t happen again. This is meant to be a sanctuary for the girls. I promised them my protection. They trust me. And if anything were to undermine that trust…”
He paused, softening the threat that wanted to slip out.
“Well. I wouldn’t hesitate to live up to my reputation.”
The stern faces around the table stiffened.
Isarion chuckled; he knew Rain better than most, and pride shimmered through his aura.
Sister Lesker straightened, her regal posture somehow becoming even more commanding.
“Your Majesty,” she said, her voice smooth and resonant, “allow me to introduce myself. I am Agnita Johanna Royale Lesker, head sister of the Order of Aurora, keeper of the secret.”
Rain’s eyes narrowed slightly; Royale.
Agnita smiled softly at his confusion.
“Yes,” she said, “I am a distant cousin of yours. The White King is my brother. Though we of the Order do not recognise him as our king. We belong to the Rainbow Kingdom. We have awaited the prophesied birth of the True King.”
Her gaze sharpened, piercing.
“Do you claim to be him?”
Her intensity would have intimidated most but Rain met her stare with calm, steady resolve.
“I make no claims, Agnita,” he said. “But the Gods have taken it upon themselves to do so. And the blood in my veins reacts to all Aether. Make of that what you will.”
He leaned forward slightly.
“If it is my duty to unite the realm and rid it of corruption, then so be it. But my immediate concerns are with the Red Princesses.”
His gaze shifted to the males seated around the ornate metal table, settling on one of interest, his energy unmistakable.
“It is your scholars I’m interested in. I need to understand your intentions with the girls. And I need to know they align with mine.”
Agnita pursed her lips at the dismissal, but excitement flared in her aura; she had gotten the confirmation she wanted.
Isarion cleared his throat, reclaiming the floor.
“Your Majesty, this is Elder Fahron Vaelwyn, my younger brother. He is as devoted to assisting young aetherials as I am.”
Rain studied Fahron; the resemblance was clear now. Isarion was ashy and lined with age; Fahron was rounder, duskier, but they shared the same bulbous nose and pale blue eyes.
“And this,” Isarion continued, gesturing to another, “is Brother Tomil Winterbert. He is our expert in Red aetherial powers and has dedicated his life to studying Red abilities. His expertise will be invaluable in understanding how best to work with each princess.”
Rain nodded. Tomil offered a timid, tight-lipped smile.
Rain then shifted his attention to the last male, recognising the familiar hum of power that echoed one of Snow’s abilities; the subtle static of weather-wielding energy.
“And you are Agnita’s guard,” Rain observed. “A weather wielder.”
The man blinked, caught off guard by Rain’s accuracy.
“Yes, Sire,” he replied, straightening instinctively. “My name is Edmond. I am an official guard of the Keeper of the Secret, but I travel to ensure the safety of our entire convoy, Your Majesty.”
Rain nodded, though apprehension still stirred in his gut.
He hadn’t realised how much pressure he’d placed on himself; how fiercely he’d internalised the responsibility of protecting the princesses. He trusted Isarion. He trusted the Order. But trust didn’t quiet the instinctive fear of handing the girls over to anyone else.
He imagined this was what it felt like to be a parent.
The girls had already carved themselves into his heart.
Hours passed in discussion, agreements made, accommodations arranged, boundaries set. By the time Henry returned with a tray of refreshments, the Order had a clear plan for supporting the girls.
Rain asked him to invite the princesses to join them.
To everyone’s surprise, Briar came bounding out first; a whirlwind of energy. She dragged a chair across the patio, metal screeching against tile, and plopped herself at the head of the table. She clasped her tiny hands together; chin lifted in a display of adorable authority.
Scarlet and Rose followed more cautiously, fingers linked, hovering behind Briar like nervous shadows. Ember eyed the visitors warily from Snow’s arms, her small body tense as Snow and Henry took seats beside Briar.
Rain rose slightly, gesturing to each of them.
“Everyone, meet the princesses Rose, Scarlet, Briar, and Ember and of course my sister, Snow, and Duke Henry Rosenberry.”
He turned to the girls, softening his tone.
“Ladies, these are the members of the Order of Aurora I told you about. They’re the ones who will help you understand your power and guide you toward your full potential.”
He motioned to Isarion.
“This is Isarion.”
The Elder offered a warm smile.
Rose and Ember shrank back.
Briar bared her teeth.
Scarlet beamed.
“I have appointed him as your guardian.”
The girls flinched at the word. Rain winced internally, he regretted it instantly. Guardians were the ones who had kept them imprisoned.
“That just means he has orders to look after you,” Rain clarified gently. “Anything you need, he will ensure you get it. He will guide you, not confine you. You are not prisoners. You are students under his care. Just as I was once his student. You are safe with Isarion.”
He gestured to the men on his right.
“Fahron and Tomil will be two of your tutors. I’ve requested female tutors to join you as soon as you arrive at the Order, especially for you, Rose, until you feel comfortable controlling your ability. Your comfort and safety are incredibly important to me. Does that sound okay?”
Rose’s doe-like eyes widened. She nodded, but wrapped her arms around herself, overwhelmed.
“Why are you sending us away?” she whispered so softly Rain barely caught it.
Confusion and sadness welled behind her eyes.
Rain leaned forward, voice gentle.
“I’m not sending you away, Rose. I promise you; I will always be here for you.
You and your sisters will always have a place in my court.
Always. But you must learn to control your powers.
I don’t know how to teach you, but the Order does.
I need to know you’re safe from anyone who might hurt you because of your power. Isarion will help you do that.”
She sniffed, but offered a small, understanding smile.
“Nobody will hurt my sisters,” Briar declared, climbing onto her knees, ready to fight the entire Order if needed.
Rain couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him.
“Okay, little wolf,” he said, smirking. “You’re powerful and have great control but you also need to learn how to cool that temper of yours. The Order can teach you that. And train you to fight with and without your power.”
Her glare softened into curiosity; she had it in her to become an excellent warrior.
“I think you have the spirit to become a member of my Rainbow Royal Guard someday. Under the right guidance.”
Briar’s eyes lit up, possibilities gleaming in her expression as she sat back down.
“We will be okay with Isarion,” Scarlet said, placing a comforting arm around Rose. “The Rainbow King has to focus on claiming his kingdom.”
Her newfound confidence; a gift from her vision with the Gods, shone through her words. Rain admired her clarity, her maturity.
“That’s right,” Rain said. “And to do that, I need to know you’re safe and getting the help you need. I also need to visit the White Kingdom, where you’ll be staying for a while. I’ll come visit you before the end of this sun cycle.”
Rose’s lip quivered at the thought of separation.
Then she broke.
She ran around the table and flung herself into Rain’s arms, climbing onto his lap and clinging to his neck. Rain wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, offering the steady comfort she needed.
Agnita watched the exchange, her brows raised in quiet contemplation; studying him, studying them, studying the bond that had formed so quickly.
Isarion leaned forward, addressing the girls directly. His voice was gentle, his presence grounding. He explained what they could expect in the days ahead, easing their fears with practiced wisdom.
Rain watched in silence, a quiet smile tugging at his lips as Scarlet’s curiosity bubbled over. She peppered Isarion with questions, her enthusiasm infectious.
Pride swelled in Rain’s chest as he absently stroked Rose’s soft curls, feeling her energy settle into calm.
Scarlet’s inner light was returning; bright, hopeful, resilient.
Despite everything she had endured, she still held onto faith.
Still believed in goodness.
Still believed in him.
She would be an extraordinary role model for her sisters.
And together, he knew, they would bloom into the powerful young females they were destined to become.