Chapter 57 #2
Once Rain had finished dressing, he turned to Snow, ready to confide in her about his side quest to check on Jay.
He recounted his risky venture into the Red kingdom, describing the obscene amount of military presence and the narrow escape at the border.
Snow listened intently, her expression growing serious as she considered the risks he had taken.
She understood why he had to ensure Jay was safe, but she wished there had been a better way.
Shifting the conversation, Rain described the unsettling visit from an aetherial at Jay’s home.
Jay’s father, as chair of the Carminia council, certainly had aetherial contacts but Jay’s mother’s reaction suggested this was not a common occurrence.
She had been nervous, fearful, and deeply uncomfortable hosting a royal guest.
Complicating matters further, Jay had once made it clear that Rain was the first aetherial he had ever met in person.
The visitor’s presence left a sour taste in Rain’s mouth.
Something about it felt off, even if it didn’t pose immediate danger.
In the morning, he would ask Jay directly, hoping to unravel the mystery behind the unusual visit and the increased security.
Falling into step beside one another, the twins headed toward the dining hall.
Rain consciously scanned the palace; he found himself eagerly searching for signs of his fiancé but sensed no new aetherial signatures; only the usual court inhabitants.
It appeared the queen and her daughter had travelled alone, aside from a few mortal companions.
The family dining hall had been meticulously prepared for an intimate dinner, every detail crafted to evoke a romantic atmosphere.
Candles in elegant golden candelabras flickered softly, casting warm, dancing shadows across the room.
Dyed roses were arranged in shades of blue and pink; each blue bloom rimmed with pink; each pink edged with blue, their stems woven together in elaborate knots to symbolise harmonious union.
The overall effect was enchanting and symbolic, setting the tone for the couple’s first meeting.
Rain felt a twinge of disappointment at his bride’s absence. Although he had not been particularly enthusiastic about the union before, he was eager to have their first meeting behind him. Perhaps Snow was right; perhaps he would find fulfilment in the arrangement after all.
Upon entering the dining hall, Rain noticed that Virginia, their mother, and Navy were already seated.
Snow made her way around the table and took her designated seat beside Navy, who waved enthusiastically at Rain, thrilled to see him after such a long time.
Rain returned the gesture with a big smile, her joy warming his heart.
With a flick of his power, he plucked a blue rose from the centrepiece and sent it floating toward her.
Navy snatched it from the air with a gleeful cheer.
She had been hounding her mother all evening, begging to touch the pretty flowers, only to be scolded and told no.
Rain had made her night with that small gesture.
Candy’s name card had been placed in his usual seat, with Virginia to her left and Rain intended to sit at her right.
His own name card had been intentionally defaced impaled to the table with a steak knife.
Rain smirked at the passive-aggressive gesture, removing the knife from the card before settling himself beside Virginia.
Since their honoured guest had not appeared, he saw no reason to leave an empty space between them.
Virginia offered him an apologetic smile, her exasperation over her daughter’s behaviour swirling visibly through her aura.
“I am terribly sorry. Candy wasn’t best pleased when your father compared her defiant behaviour to yours and angrily took it out on your place marker.
” Virginia’s apology was fraught with anxiety, her nervous energy making it clear that Candy’s outburst had shaken her deeply.
Rain sensed her distress and, feeling sympathy, wanted to ease her worries.
It was obvious that Virginia and Taffy were deeply invested in securing Candy’s marriage; so invested they seemed willing to sacrifice almost anything to make it happen.
Yet Candy’s resistance posed a real threat, jeopardising the very agreement they had worked so hard to secure.
“No need to keep apologising on behalf of your daughter, Virginia. I am not so easily offended,” Rain said, smiling as he signalled for the server to pour wine. Virginia accepted gratefully, her nerves easing as Rain clinked his glass against hers, prompting her warm smile to return.
“Forgive me if this is inappropriate,” he added lightly, “but I see Candy’s actions as nothing more than foreplay.”
His mother tutted sharply, shooting him a scolding glare from the head of the table.
Clearing his throat, he quickly clarified, “What I mean is that I intend to do whatever I must to win your daughter’s hand and honour our agreements.
Nothing that has occurred today alters my commitment to our arrangement. ”
Olivis nearly upset a bowl of soup from a server’s hands in her shock.
She steadied herself before speaking. “I have to say, I am incredibly surprised to hear you say that. I am very glad you have come around to the idea of marriage. I am happy to see you have matured and are beginning to take your father’s direction seriously. ”
Across the table, Snow snorted, nearly inhaling a spoonful of soup.
She fought off a coughing fit, quickly regaining her composure.
Rain grinned at her, choosing to ignore his mother’s delusions as he focused on his own dish.
Virginia, noticing the silent exchange between the twins, took the opportunity to discuss the wedding with Olivis; mother to mother.
Rain and his sisters settled into a comfortable silence as they enjoyed the meal, focusing on each delicious course.
For Rain, the experience was especially gratifying; after a week of fending for himself.
surviving on fast food and whatever scraps he could find at Grey House, the feast before him felt like pure heaven.
As they dined, Virginia shared stories about her twins, offering a glimpse into their upbringing.
Candy, she explained, had always been cheeky and confident, often the source of laughter in their household.
Floss, in contrast, had been timid and reserved, constantly at Candy’s side like a shadow.
Virginia recounted the challenges Floss faced as his powers grew stronger, and how this shift prompted Candy to withdraw, becoming more hardened, driven by duty and a fierce desire to protect her brother.