Page 12 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight (A World of Sun and Shadow #2)

E smeralda's room was a tranquil sanctuary perched high above the cave, awash in natural light and caressed by ocean breezes. As they ascended several spiraling staircases to reach her suite, Renya was reminded of a crow's nest atop a ship's mast. She imagined Esmeralda surveying the vast expanse of sea from this lofty vantage point, privy to every ripple and wave. The air carried the crisp tang of salt, and Renya envisioned the serenity Esmeralda must feel, ensconced in her solitary refuge.

As if plucking the thought from Renya's mind, Esmeralda spoke in hushed tones. “I cherish my sanctuary. My brother can be...intense at times. I need a haven to retreat to. There are chambers on lower floors far more opulent and befitting my station, but none could bring me the contentment I find here.”

“I understand completely,” Renya murmured, taking in the room's ambiance. A soft lilac hue decorated the space, lending an unexpectedly feminine air to the rough-hewn rock walls. The delicate scent of jasmine intertwined with the briny ocean air, growing more pronounced as she ventured deeper into the room, yet never overwhelming—a perfect equilibrium. The bed, if Renya's eyes didn't deceive her, nestled within an enormous seashell, its curved back forming a natural headboard. It shimmered with iridescent hues, casting pastel reflections across the chamber.

“Is that seashell genuine?”

Esmeralda glided towards the circular mattress and settled onto the ivory bedding. “Indeed it is. They once grew to such mammoth proportions, with pearls larger than your head nestled inside. But over the years...”

“They vanished with the fading?” Renya ventured, recalling the disappearance of the elkten from Grayden's lands.

Esmeralda nodded, then gestured towards a pair of chairs overlooking the ocean. Renya sank into one of the plush seats as Esmeralda tugged a cord on the wall before joining her.

“I thought we might converse before your departure. I suspect that in the near future, you'll be assisting Grayden with his plans for ruling and revitalizing the Snow Lands. We should become better acquainted.”

Renya had never considered this aspect before. She knew she and Grayden were fated, but the notion of helping him govern the Snow Lands? She could scarcely wrap her mind around the concept of being fae.

“Did I say something amiss?” Esmeralda inquired, treading carefully.

“No, not at all. I'm simply embarrassed that I hadn't pieced these things together until now. Of course he'll want to involve me in his plans.” With her role as light bringer, she'd undoubtedly play a pivotal part in whatever decisions lay ahead.

Another kind smile graced Esmeralda's features. Renya found herself growing increasingly fond of and impressed by the Tidal Kingdom Princess. She exuded intelligence, thoughtfulness, and kindness.

“There's no cause for embarrassment, Renya. You've weathered numerous changes. It's only natural that you'll need time to absorb everything and adjust. But enough of that. Tell me about last night.” Esmeralda winked conspiratorially.

“Nothing happened.”

“What?” Esmeralda exclaimed incredulously. “Nothing?”

“Well, not 'nothing', but we didn't seal the bond.”

“How did he manage to resist? He looked ready to devour you at dinner.”

Renya chuckled. “He's rather intense right now. But before the bond, he was much calmer and just...simpler.”

“He will be again,” Esmeralda assured her.

“I hope so. The intensity is a bit much for me, but I do love him. We'll seal the bond when the time is right for us.”

“I'm happy for you. There's no need to rush before you're ready. That's the beauty of being fate-bound. He'll wait an eternity for you.”

Renya detected a note of wistfulness in Esmeralda's tone. Before she could inquire further, a chambermaid entered bearing sweet tea and biscuits.

Renya helped herself to a biscuit, slathering it with the thick, jam-like substance as Esmeralda did. She took a bite, and an explosion of sweetness danced across her tongue. It was like savoring the ripest berry, the flavor lingering long after she'd swallowed.

Esmeralda observed Renya's enjoyment of the jam and suddenly rose. “That reminds me,” she said, moving to a wardrobe against the side wall and rifling through the drawers. “I want to give you a necklace made of aragonite.”

Esmeralda continued her search while Renya protested. Finally, Esmeralda found what she was looking for and extended her hand. Renya examined the exquisite necklace. The reddish stones, polished and shaped into fine round beads, evoked the image of a pearl necklace. “I can't accept that,” Renya said.

“Nonsense,” Esmeralda insisted, placing the necklace on the table before Renya's small plate. “It's more than mere ornamentation. Aragonite is said to possess magical properties.”

Intrigued, Renya scrutinized the necklace more closely. She yearned to learn more about her own magic and the mystical forces that permeated this world she now called home.

“Legend tells of aragonite's power to help locate lost treasures. Our ancestors spoke of a mother with several young children. Her mate would be away for days, fishing and clamming to provide for his family while she tended to their home and offspring. One afternoon, exhaustion overtook her, and she succumbed to slumber beneath a tree in the rainforest. Upon waking, she discovered her youngest son had vanished. She scoured the area, as did all the fae in her village, searching for hours to no avail. Eventually, they feared the boy had drowned. The mother, devastated and enraged, approached the ocean's edge, intending to rail against the sea gods for claiming her child. As she gazed upon the waters, a small, sparkling gem caught her eye, glinting in the moonlight. Then another. And another. An entire trail of those beautiful crystals materialized, and the mother followed them along the shore. At last, the magical stones led her to a small ocean cave where her sweet son lay peacefully asleep.”

Renya absently twisted the beads between her fingers. “What a beautiful legend. I'm deeply grateful for this gift. I'll treasure it always.” She fastened the necklace around her neck, its weight nearly imperceptible.

“One never knows when they need to find something they thought was long gone.”

Renya blinked rapidly at her words. Where had she heard that before? Someone had recently uttered something similar about lost items returning...She grasped for the memory, but it slipped through her fingers like wisps of a fading dream.

Esmeralda sipped her tea, her gaze fixed on Renya as if sensing her momentary disquiet.

“I wish I had something to offer you in return,” Renya said, filling the awkward silence.

“There is something...” Esmeralda said quietly.

“What is it?”

“Details,” she said with a grin. “I long to know more about fated bonds. I...I had hoped to find my own one day but abandoned that dream until I met you and your prince. Perhaps, someday, it will happen for me too. Just hearing your story and knowing it's still possible gives me hope. Will you write to me?”

“Yes, I'd be delighted to. How should I send messages to you?”

“Your mate will know. I suspect my brother and your prince are forging an alliance even as we speak. They'll maintain regular correspondence, so we can easily stay in touch as well. I tend to be rather shy, so I don't have many friends. All that remains of my family is my brother, so it can grow lonely here.”

“I understand more than you might imagine. Before I came to be with Grayden and his siblings, I lived in near-total isolation. It becomes wearisome very quickly.”

“So, we are friends then?”

“Of course we are,” Renya answered with a warm smile.

“Wonderful,” Esmeralda said as Renya finished her tea, a soft yellow brew that tasted strongly of lemon and citrus.

“Shall we go find the men?”

“Lead the way,” Renya replied.

As they entered the throne room, it was evident both men had been hard at work. Bits of parchment littered the floor, and though his back was turned, Renya could tell Grayden's already unruly hair was even more disheveled than before, a sign he'd been running his hands through it repeatedly. Renya knew he did this when frustrated or deep in thought. She smiled to herself as she approached, but before she could draw near, Grayden spun around, sensing her presence.

Renya rushed towards him, feeling the bond tug at her now that they shared the same space. Grayden opened his arms wide, and she collided with his strong chest. She could feel his broad frame through the thin shirt he'd been given. Grayden's arms covered her in a tight embrace, and she felt simultaneously tiny and invincible in his hold, as if together they could conquer any challenge.

Renya gazed up at him, brushing his soft hair from his face before placing a tender kiss on his jaw. He cradled her cheeks in his hands and kissed her full on the mouth, his tongue seeking entrance. She matched his fervor, their kiss starting soft but quickly growing urgent, their brief separation having intensified their longing.

Triston cleared his throat loudly, jolting them back to the present.

Renya glanced back at Esmeralda, who looked pleased but also faintly envious. Renya fervently hoped Esmeralda would find her match. Guilt crept over her; she hadn't even been searching for someone before stumbling upon Grayden. It was pure serendipity. Or perhaps, she mused, it was fate. Was he the reason she felt so drawn to the door in the library basement? Was it their bond that pulled her through and delivered her here?

Grayden reluctantly broke their passionate kiss, but he kept Renya tucked close, his arm draped around her shoulders.

“Do you have everything you require for your journey back?” Triston asked.

“Yes, and thank you again for your hospitality,” Grayden said, briefly releasing Renya to shake Triston's hand. The moment their grasp parted, his arms encircled Renya once more.

“It was our pleasure,” Esmeralda said as they escorted Grayden and Renya from the throne room and down the passage. “Renya, don't forget to write to me.”

“I promise.”

“Grayden, the next time you decide to pay us a visit, please ensure you've bedded your female so no more trouble darkens my door,” Triston said, a smile playing on his lips.

“That's a promise I'm more than eager to keep,” Grayden replied with a wink, and he and Renya departed the Tidal Kingdom Palace to seek out Damion.