Chapter 48
Waving the princesses off this morning had been far more difficult than Rain had anticipated.
He stood at the edge of the driveway, watching the convoy of white-kingdom vehicles disappear down the long stretch of road, each metre of distance tugging painfully at his chest. He had known letting them go would hurt but he hadn’t expected the ache to feel so sharp, so immediate, so personal.
He had placed his trust in the Order.
He had made the right choice.
He knew they would be safer in the White Kingdom.
But none of that eased the heaviness settling over him like a weighted cloak.
Snow sniffled beside him, her own grief mirroring his. Rain wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him, pulling him into a tight embrace, both of them clinging to the comfort of shared loss.
“You know,” Henry said, fidgeting with the keys to his truck, “I’ve grown quite attached to the Red princesses.”
Rain glanced over, a wistful smile tugging at his lips.
“It’s going to be hard to return home after living in such a hectic household,” Henry added, shaking his head with a soft laugh.
Rain nodded. “It’s going to take some adjusting. I’ll even miss having you around.”
Henry’s expression softened. “I’ll miss you too, Your Highness. It’s been an honour to serve with you. And I look forward to continuing under your command.”
He tapped the breast pocket of his salmon uniform.
“I have your orders safely nestled here. We’ll be ready to move on your command. I’ll report back by tomorrow evening at the latest.”
He hesitated.
“Do you know how to retrieve messages via the Connekt?”
Rain scoffed, offended. “Just because I prefer not to use technology doesn’t mean I don’t know how to.”
Snow pulled away from their embrace, patting his chest with exaggerated pity.
“Don’t worry, I’ll teach him,” she said sweetly. “My brother barely knows how to turn the thing on. Actually, I’m being generous. He wouldn’t know the on button from the volume button.”
Henry snorted. Rain frowned.
He lifted his hands in mock defeat. “Okay, okay! You got me. Show me the ways, oh wise sister.”
Snow crossed her arms, adopting a regal stance.
“You may refer to me as Elder Royale.”
Her playful authority eased the sting of the farewell, drawing a laugh from Henry as he saluted Rain and bowed to Snow before climbing into his truck. They watched him drive off toward the Pink-Red borderlands, the dust settling behind him.
Rain and Snow exchanged a look of quiet determination, before turning toward the training grounds.
Their steps fell in perfect sync, the early morning bustle of Greyswater humming around them. Neither spoke; both were lost in their own contemplation's, the silence between them comfortable and grounding.
By the time they reached the field, the team was already mid-warm-up, jogging laps around the track.
Rain broke into a slow jog, spinning around to run backwards as he grinned at Snow.
“Race you.”
He didn’t wait for her answer; he took off.
Snow’s eyes lit with mischief. She surged forward, matching his pace effortlessly. They caught up to Jay and Sean, who turned in surprise as the twins breezed past them.
“Good morning, boys!” Rain called cheerfully.
His voice carried a brightness that startled them both. The movement, the competition, the fresh air, it all helped burn off the restless energy that had been coiling inside him for days.
He pushed harder, lungs filling with crisp morning air, muscles warming, mind sharpening.
He didn’t notice Snow creeping up beside him until she overtook him with infuriating ease, sticking her tongue out over her shoulder in triumph.
Hell no.
Rain surged forward, closing the gap.
They passed more teammates; most already panting through their first lap, the twins’ effortless speed was almost insulting. By the time they reached Wren and Jasmine, the two fastest aside from Rain, the twins were neck-and-neck, neither willing to give an inch.
Wren and Jasmine exchanged a look, then picked up their pace, joining the race.
The four of them thundered into the second and final lap.
Jay and Sean hurled complaints as they passed again, accusing them of showing off. Rain only laughed, pushing harder.
By the time they reached the finish, all four collapsed onto the grass in a breathless heap—laughing, choking and gasping for air.
Wren had kept up impressively, only falling behind in the final metres. Jasmine slowed halfway but still finished strong.
“I won!” Snow declared, throwing her arms into the air.
Rain rolled his eyes, grabbing a water bottle from the bench.
“I don’t know,” he said, twisting the cap. “If it was an official race, I’d demand we watch the footage back. It was close.”
“No need to be a sore loser,” Snow teased.
The girls snorted with laughter.
The rest of the team trickled over, collapsing onto the grass. Jay arrived last, moving cautiously to avoid aggravating his healing rib. He sat beside Wren, accepting a water bottle with a quiet thank you, deliberately avoiding Rain’s gaze.
Once everyone caught their breath, Thomas suggested they play football for today’s training.
The team erupted in agreement; the thought of more running had them questioning their life choices. Football was a welcome alternative.
Thomas took charge of forming teams. He chose Snow, Sean, Emily and Jasmine for himself. Leaving Rain, Wren, Jay, Rogan and Daphne to form the opposing team.
They scattered across the field, laughter and banter filling the air as they argued over who would take the first kick-off.
The crisp morning breeze carried the thud of the ball, the shouts of teammates and the thrill of friendly rivalry. Fatigue melted away as they threw themselves into the match.
As the game neared its end, they were tied, the next goal wins.
Rain stole the ball from Thomas, spinning around him with a burst of speed. Snow was right behind him, determined to reclaim it. Wren and Jay sprinted toward the goal. Sean shouted for his team to cover Wren, leaving Jay open; assuming he was the weaker link.
Rain pretended to shoot toward Wren.
“Jay!” he called, deflecting the ball sharply in his direction.
Jay caught it cleanly.
Thomas and Snow gasped behind Rain.
Jay took aim and shot.
Time seemed to pause for a heartbeat.
Then the ball slammed into the back of the net.
The field erupted.
Rain sprinted toward Jay, scooping him up and lifting him high above his head in a spontaneous celebration. The rest of the team rushed in, piling into a tight, laughing group hug.
The opposing team lingered back, offering pats on the back and grins; acknowledging it had been a damn good game.
Jay clung to Rain’s shoulders, grinning so wide it nearly split his face. Rain lowered him gently, hands lingering for a moment.
“Well done!” Rain said, cupping Jay’s head and planting a quick peck on top.
Jay flushed crimson.
A pang of longing and regret hit Rain like a punch. He stepped back quickly, letting the others swarm Jay with praise.
Rain turned to shake hands with the losing team. Thomas and Sean received hearty pats on the back. Emily flung herself into his arms, squeezing him tight.
Snow leaned in, her breath warm against Rain’s ear, her tone dripping with mischief.
“It looks like Loverboy over there is still pining over you.”
Rain followed her gaze.
Jay stood a short distance away, awkwardly hovering at the edge of the group. Everyone around him chatted animatedly, but Jay’s attention kept drifting toward Rain. The moment their eyes met, Jay jerked his gaze back to Wren, pretending to be deeply invested in whatever she was saying.
Snow hummed knowingly.
“Tell me I’m right,” she whispered. “He’s imagining a very different way he could’ve been celebrating with you right now.”
“Snow!” Rain hissed.
The last thing he needed was mental imagery of Jay pressed against him, flushed with victory, celebrating in ways that had nothing to do with football.
Snow’s grin widened, wicked and triumphant. Emily, still tucked against Rain’s arm, followed their line of sight and perked up with interest.
Jay noticed the attention and immediately busied himself with adjusting his shirt, his cheeks pink as he angled his body away from them.
Snow clicked her tongue. “I knew it. I may not feel energy, but I’m a pro at reading it. Did he ever give you a reason for ending it?”
Rain sighed; a long, weary exhale.
Of course she’d ask now.
Snow had given him space, but clearly, she’d decided his grace period was over.
“Not exactly,” he muttered. “We’re just… not compatible.”
Snow scoffed loudly. Emily squeezed his arm tighter, offering silent comfort.
“It’s fine,” Rain continued, forcing a shrug. “He was right to end it. It would’ve been hard for me to do. And I’m not exactly in a position to offer long-term commitment to anyone. I wasn’t a good partner anyway.”
Snow’s expression hardened; she hated when he spoke about himself like that. To her, Rain deserved happiness more than anyone. And every time he got close to it, the universe seemed determined to rip it away.
“You’re allowed to make mistakes,” she said firmly, giving him a look that demanded he listen.
“It’s not like you pursued him just to cheat on him.
You and Ivy were betrothed—he knew that.
Yes, you need to communicate better in the future.
But the things you didn’t say were already obvious to everyone. ”
Rain groaned.
Why was she bringing this up now?
He’d been having a good morning.
Besides, Jay hadn’t broken up with him because of Ivy. Jay had listened, understood, and forgiven him for that; it was more than Rain deserved.
“Yes, well… we live and learn,” Rain muttered, eager to escape the conversation.
Thankfully, the rest of the group approached, saving him from further interrogation.
Rogan eyed the trio curiously; Emily clinging to Rain’s arm like a comfort blanket, Snow looking smug, Rain looking like he wanted to sink into the earth.
“Anyone up for grabbing a coffee before we head off?” Rogan asked.
Most of the team agreed immediately. Snow, however, shook her head.