Page 13 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight (A World of Sun and Shadow #2)
W hile appreciative of the hospitality Triston and Esmeralda had shown them, Grayden felt a sense of relief as they journeyed back to his lodge. An urgency coursed through him; plans needed to be set in motion. He and Triston had engaged in lengthy discussions, strategizing on how to vanquish the looming threat of the Shadow Queen. Now that the two leaders stood united, they sought to forge alliances with other lands and kingdoms.
A strong, unified front was their only hope of defeating her.
Grayden's thoughts drifted to the Twilight Kingdom, their enigmatic neighbors beyond the snow-capped mountains. He would need to focus his diplomatic efforts there, while King Triston and Princess Esmeralda prepared for their own mission to the verdant Spring Lands. If fortune favored them, a summit of leaders would soon convene, laying all their cards on the table in a concerted effort to bring Cressida's reign of darkness to an end.
Yet, as crucial as these alliances were, Grayden found his mind constantly returning to Renya. Beyond his eagerness to claim her officially, he recognized the pressing need to begin honing her magical abilities. The raw power she possessed was both awe-inspiring and daunting; without proper training, it could prove as dangerous to her as to their enemies.
Grayden made a mental note to confer with Tumwalt on the intricacies of presenting Renya to his people and crowning her as his consort. Though he had long denied the title of king, he now wondered if a unified monarch might strengthen their position in negotiations with other lands. Any diplomatic missions would undoubtedly involve Renya; the mere thought of separation from her again sent a chill through him that had nothing to do with the frigid air.
“You're awfully quiet,” Renya murmured, leaning back against his chest. Grayden rested his chin atop her head, inhaling deeply. Her scent had changed subtly, likely due to the Tidal Kingdom's unique herbs and oils, but underneath it all was the essence that was uniquely Renya.
“I'm contemplating our next moves in this war,” he replied, his voice a low rumble. “Triston and I covered much ground in our discussions. There's a huge mountain of tasks ahead.”
Renya tilted her head up, placing a gentle kiss on his chest where his tunic parted. “The Tidal Kingdom's attire suits you well,” she observed, a hint of mischief in her tone.
Momentarily distracted, Grayden loosened his grip on the reins. Damion, sensing the slack, broke into a spirited gallop of his own choosing.
“Oh, Little Fawn,” Grayden chuckled, regaining control of their mount, “just wait until we're home.”
A visible shiver ran through Renya at his words, equal parts anticipation and the biting cold of their surroundings. Grayden guided Damion back to their intended path, his mind now split between strategies for war and the promise of peace in Renya's arms.
Hours passed, the landscape gradually transitioning from the lush coastal regions to the familiar, snow-blanketed terrain of the Snow Lands. As they approached the spot where Renya had first entered their world, Grayden felt her tense in his arms. The portal stood before them, a shimmering anomaly against the pristine white backdrop.
Renya dismounted, drawn to the ethereal gateway. As she reached out, curiosity overriding caution, Grayden's reflexes kicked in. In a heartbeat, he was at her side, gently but firmly grasping her wrists and turning her to face him.
“Forgive me, my love,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I can't risk losing you again. There's no telling where or when that portal might lead now.”
Renya nodded, understanding flooding her features.
Releasing her, Grayden turned his attention to the ground, searching for any signs of their previous passage. “These tracks,” he mused, indicating faint indentations in the snow, “they might be from before, when you...when you left.” The pain in his voice was palpable, the memory of their separation still raw.
Renya shuddered, overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions the site evoked. Grayden, ever attentive, removed his cloak and draped it over her shoulders before intertwining his fingers with hers.
“Never again,” he vowed, his voice barely above a whisper. “Nothing will part us, sweet Renya. Not Cressida, not magic, not the very fabric of our worlds.”
As Grayden helped Renya remount Damion, he noticed a subtle change in her demeanor. She paused, staring at her hands with a mixture of wonder and confusion.
“Renya? What's wrong?” Grayden asked, concern etching his features.
“I'm not sure,” she murmured, her forehead wrinkling in concentration. “It feels...different.”
Grayden watched intently, his eyes scanning for any sign of her magic manifesting. He saw no visible change, but there was an undeniable shift in the air around them, a subtle warmth that seemed to come from Renya herself.
“Your magic,” he breathed, more sensing than seeing the change. “It's awakening.”
Renya nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of excitement and trepidation. “I can feel it,” she whispered. “It's like...it's a part of me, but also something more.”
Grayden watched in awe, his voice low and reverent. “This is extraordinary, Renya. Even without seeing it, I can sense the power within you.”
As they prepared to continue their journey, Grayden couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and concern. Renya's newfound abilities opened up a world of possibilities, but they also brought new challenges and responsibilities. He drew her close, offering silent support and strength.
“We'll face this together,” he assured her, voicing his thoughts. “Every step of the way.”
With a nod, Renya settled back against him as Damion resumed their journey. As they rode, Grayden remained acutely aware of the subtle changes in Renya, the barely perceptible hum of magic that now seemed to surround her. He knew that helping her master this power would be crucial in the challenges that lay ahead, not just for them, but for all the lands threatened by the Shadow Queen's darkness.
As Damion found his rhythm once more, Grayden felt Renya relax against him, her breathing evening out as she drifted off to sleep. He held her securely, his mind racing with plans and possibilities, all while remaining vigilant for any signs of danger.
When Renya next stirred, twilight had fallen. The forest around them had transformed, icicles hanging from branches like crystal chandeliers, catching and refracting the moonlight in a dazzling display.
“Are we staying here for the night?” Renya asked, eyeing their surroundings with a mixture of wonder and apprehension.
Grayden shook his head, reaching into the saddlebag for provisions. “It's not wise to remain exposed,” he explained, handing her a nutrient-rich travel cake. “Cressida will be searching for you, and the Snow Lands are the obvious place to start. Our best hope is that she's preoccupied with the unexpected turn of events—your newfound powers have likely thrown her plans into disarray.”
They rode on through the night, the only sounds the rhythmic beat of Damion's hooves against the snow and the occasional musical chime of falling icicles. The closer they drew to the lodge, the more alert Grayden became, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings for any sign of threat.
As the first hints of dawn began to paint the sky, the familiar silhouette of the lodge came into view. Grayden felt a surge of relief at the sight of the snow-laden turrets, his posture relaxing ever so slightly.
They entered the village just as the first stirrings of life began to animate the streets. A baker, bleary-eyed but determined, nodded a greeting as they passed. Grayden guided Damion to the lodge's courtyard, where two young stable hands awaited them.
“Please,” Grayden instructed the boys in a low voice, “keep our arrival quiet for now.”
The older of the two nodded solemnly, leading the exhausted Damion away with his younger companion in tow.
“No grand announcement of your return?” Renya teased, a hint of her usual spirit returning now that they were safely home.
“Absolutely not,” Grayden said, guiding her along a small stone corridor rather than the large front door. He gave Renya an intense look, desire coursing through him. “We're sneaking in through the back passageway. The last few days have been torture. I'm going to do what I've wanted to do from nearly the moment I laid eyes on you. I'm spending the entire morning inside of you, and you, my Little Fawn, will be too sore to even think about walking away from my bed.”