Page 27 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight (A World of Sun and Shadow #2)

R enya knew they were getting closer as the snow thinned and the biting wind no longer stung her ears. They finally reached the end of their long, grueling descent and found themselves on flat ground. Though still cold, unlike the tropical heat of the Tidal Kingdom, she could at least feel all her fingers and toes. Selenia and Grayden, seemingly well-adapted to the cool weather, removed their gloves and thick fur cloaks. Renya kept her cloak wrapped tightly around her, not yet ready to surrender its warmth.

Now at a lower elevation, their pace quickened, and Dimitri once again fell behind. Grayden didn't seem to mind the healer's slower pace; his trust in Dimitri outweighed any concern for his lagging.

The trees grew thicker and fuller as they traveled farther south, and Renya spotted flowering bushes dappled among them. The blossoms were all dark colors: maroon, navy, and deep indigo. As they approached a large forest, the sky began to darken, bathing everything in a soft glow. Renya could just make out the path ahead, but she had to squint to see clearly.

Grayden halted and dismounted, rummaging through a saddlebag until he produced a torch. He lit it and remounted Damion. Renya and Selenia followed the flickering orange beacon deeper into the forest.

An owl hooted, causing Renya to jump. Her heart raced, and she noticed Grayden slowing to join her side. “I can sense your fear, Little Fawn. What's troubling you?”

Renya struggled to find the words. “I think this place reminds me too much of the Sunset Land. It's bringing back some unpleasant memories.”

They hadn't discussed Renya's time in the nightmare dungeon since fleeing the Sunset Land. Grayden knew she had managed to keep her sanity, but he also realized that her intact mind didn't mean she wasn't still scarred internally from the ordeal. His worst fear had been realized when he lost Renya to the human realm, and he had only lived through it once. He couldn't fathom having the darkest moments of his life play on an endless loop.

“You're an extraordinary woman, Little Fawn.”

Renya looked at him, puzzled by his meaning. “I tell you I'm scared, and you think I'm extraordinary? I know our mating bond is unconditional, but—”

“You survived something most people wouldn't have. I stand by my words. You are magnificent and one hell of a woman.”

Renya's cheeks flushed, and not just from the cold. His praise felt too generous, but she allowed the compliment to surround her, lightening her heart. The fear slowly ebbed away, and she wasn't sure if it was Grayden's words or if he was manipulating her feelings through their bond.

Selenia remained oddly quiet, and Renya found herself glancing at the girl more frequently as the day wore on. She looked quite forlorn, and Renya wondered how she had missed it before. Perhaps the separation from Jurel was causing the change in her mood. She made a mental note to chat with Selenia once they reached the Twilight Kingdom.

The temperature seemed to rise with every step, and just as Renya prepared to remove her cloak, she caught sight of something massive looming in the distance.

An enormous, gray-brick castle stood along the horizon, nearly blocking out the sun behind it. It was the largest castle Renya had ever seen, easily double, if not triple, the size of the lodge. Four distinct towers stood at the corners, rising high above the land below. Unlike Snowden Lodge or the Tidal Kingdom Palace, this was a real fairytale castle. Renya even spotted a moat surrounding the massive structure. Behind the castle, the sky was a deep cerulean, transitioning to a fiery orange as it neared the horizon.

“What do you think?” Grayden asked, pulling on Damion's reins as he tried to circle Frost.

“It's...breathtaking.”

“It's quite a bit larger than our home, I'm afraid.”

Our home . The lodge was their home. She had developed a soft spot for the cozy lodge ever since Grayden had brought her there, and nothing, not even this castle, could replace her fondness for Snowden Lodge.

“Our home has something this castle will never have,” she said, meeting his eyes. “We fell in love at our lodge.”

A smile played across his lips, appreciative of her remark.

Selenia pushed ahead, moving past the couple and breaking their moment. Once she was out of earshot, Renya gave Grayden a pointed look.

“Do you know what's troubling her?”

Grayden released a sigh into the silent forest. “I think something happened between her and Jurel. I'm not sure what, but Jurel was incredibly surly before we left.”

“I noticed that too. He didn't seem as happy to see her as she did him.”

“I worry about them,” Grayden confessed. “Selenia is young, and she and Jurel are very different people. Selenia is passionate. I'm not sure Jurel will ever be able to fully reciprocate her love.”

“She seemed hurt that he wasn't happier to see her.”

“I think he was, in his own way. He's just not adept at communicating his feelings. He's a closed book. I know you think I'm being hard on their relationship, but I am concerned that they are fundamentally incompatible long-term.”

Renya chewed on the inside of her cheek. She had been the couple's biggest advocate, but now she wondered if she had misjudged their compatibility. Jurel was so serious. Selenia was bright and youthful, shining like a star in the darkest night. Perhaps the match wasn't as ideal as she had originally thought. “I just wish everyone could be as happy as we are together.”

The look of adoration returned to his face. She had never felt so loved or admired before. She wished they were already at the castle so she could sink into his warm and possessive embrace.

Almost as if reading her mind, he nudged Damion forward. “If we hurry, we might be able to get a hot meal and a bath before bed.”

Motivated by the thought of a warm meal and a hot bath, she urged Frost ahead, trying to overtake Damion's powerful strides. It was a losing battle, but she enjoyed it nonetheless, her hair pulling loose and whipping behind her. They caught up to Selenia quickly, and the trio crossed the forest far more easily than any other part of their journey.

When they reached the moat, they were greeted by a rather large man with a long white beard. He was dressed in a deep blood orange-colored overcoat and black trousers with thick boots covering his feet. Renya trailed behind Grayden, allowing him to approach and greet the man.

“Welcome, Prince Grayden,” the man said, his voice booming and jovial. “We are delighted you could join us. We received your hawk a few days ago and made arrangements for you and your group. Although the letter mentioned a fourth traveler...”

“Our healer, Dimitri. He isn't a fast rider but should arrive within the next few hours. If you would be so kind as to have a meal waiting for him, I would greatly appreciate it.”

“Of course. Our healer will be most delighted to have another fae of the healing arts to confer with.”

Grayden motioned to the two women behind him. “I'd like to introduce you to my companions. This is Princess Selenia, my sister. I believe you are somewhat acquainted with her.”

“Ah yes. Princess Selenia, you have grown more beautiful over the years.”

Selenia remained silent, which was so unlike her that Renya's concern deepened. Selenia usually loved praise.

Grayden moved on, seemingly ignoring Selenia's silence. “And this lovely woman is my mate and fiancée, Princess Renya Solaris of the Sun Realm.”

Renya's face went ashen as the man's calm expression morphed into surprise as he took her in.

“I—it's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Renya. My name is Gillbert, and I'm Queen Kalora's most senior advisor.” He dropped his head into a respectful bow, just as he had done with Grayden and Selenia.

“There's no need to address me as princess—”

Grayden gave her a meaningful look, and she stopped mid-sentence.

If Gillbert noticed their interaction, he didn't show it. “You must be exhausted. You've missed dinner, I'm afraid, but I'll ensure someone brings you supper in your chambers.”

“Thank you. Your hospitality is very much appreciated.”

“It's our pleasure. I was sorry to hear about the loss of your parents, Prince Grayden. They were both kind and fair.”

Grayden nodded at his statement but didn't elaborate further.

Gillbert led them over the drawbridge and into a massive courtyard. Frost's hooves clip-clopped over the cobblestones as Renya glanced around. The courtyard bustled with activity: people shoeing horses, sending hawks, and maids beating out rugs.

The group dismounted, and several men came forward to take the horses. Renya watched Grayden approach her, and he pulled her into his body for just a split second before releasing her, offering a small measure of comfort.

“Why are you insistent that Gillbert calls me princess?” she asked.

“Not just him, Renya. I want everyone to know who you are. I want you to have a proper place beside me, Little Fawn. I don't want anyone—ever—to challenge your place or your right to be at my side.”

“Would anyone question it?”

“I don't think so, but if at any point we need to prove to people you are who we say you are—light bringer and all—we will have witnesses.”

Satisfied with his explanation, Renya followed Grayden and Gillbert into the castle, with Selenia trailing behind. Renya took in the large entryway, massive and daunting. She could see hallways branching off in every direction, and a large bronze sculpture of an owl perched on a tree dominated the center of the room.

The lighting was low, bathing everything in a romantic glow. Candles seemed to cover every surface, and it looked more like a church confessional inside than a castle. The air hung heavy with silence, and Renya could hear the sound of their boots on the stonework floor.

Gillbert ushered them down a long hall lined with portraits and actual suits of armor. Renya glanced at the portraits, noticing one marked as Queen Kalora. She wanted to stop and examine it, but Gillbert's pace was too quick. She did catch a glimpse, noting the queen's dark blonde hair and sharp nose.

They followed him up a grand staircase, golden posts glittering in the candlelight, before Gillbert stopped in front of a closed room. He opened the door and motioned to Selenia. “Princess, this is your guest chamber.”

Selenia didn't say a word and marched inside, shutting the door behind her. Renya felt a twinge of emotion from Grayden through their bond. Compassion, maybe? He was hurting for his sister.

Gillbert ignored Selenia's curt dismissal and nodded towards the room beside it. “Princess Renya, we've set this room aside for you. Prince Grayden, you'll be up another level.”

Before Renya could cross to the door, Grayden pushed his body in front of it. “Absolutely not. My mate and I will share a room.”

Gillbert took a step back, thrown by the unexpected harshness of Grayden's voice. The compassion he had felt for Selenia was replaced by extreme possessiveness, and Renya felt it tug at her. She placed her hand on his shoulders, and he relaxed almost instantly.

Gillbert cleared his throat. “If it is suitable to you, she is welcome to take up residence with you.”

Grayden breathed a heavy sigh and steadied himself. “That would be acceptable. Thank you for understanding.”

The older man led them up another staircase before gesturing to a room at the end of the hall. “Feel free to make yourselves comfortable. Someone will be up with a meal shortly. Also, Queen Kalora hopes that if you're not too tired from your exertions, she'd like your company for breakfast.”

It took Renya a split second to realize that the exertions he was referring to were their travel here, not the plans she assumed Grayden had for them tonight. She flushed as she watched Gillbert descend back down the spiral staircase.

A seductive look, full of pent-up passion, crossed Grayden's face as he sensed her desire. He swept her up and urged her quickly through the stone door.

“Possessive much?” she teased as he backed her into the room, slamming the door with his booted foot.

His eyes glistened intoxicatingly. Renya could get lost in those deep pools of jade and never resurface. He tugged her alongside the bed next to him and wrapped his arms tightly around her chest. Rolling her on her back, he gave her a scorching kiss, his lips seeking out hers like the force of two magnets.

After a few moments, Grayden pulled away, and they both lay back on the bed, panting and trying to catch their breath. Renya felt herself being pulled into his side, and he stroked her head like a prized puppy. She finally started to relax after their long day of travel. They hadn't discussed how long they would be at the Twilight Kingdom, but their accommodations suggested an extended stay. Plus, Renya was sure it would take a while for her to learn how to use her magic.

The calm seemed to settle both of them, and Renya felt her eyes growing heavy as she tucked her head against the side of his neck, breathing in his unique scent of pine and cinnamon. She listened to his blood pumping through his jugular and could feel his heart steady under her palm. The sound soothed her like waves crashing along the beach, and she was pulled under, the allure of sleep too strong to resist.

The smell of freshly baked bread gradually roused her. She reached for Grayden on the bed, only to find herself alone. She sat up immediately, looking around the room.

Grayden sat at a small table near a crackling fireplace, his feet and chest bare. He was picking at something on a silver platter, holding it between two fingers as he looked at her.

“How long was I asleep?”

“Just an hour. A maid brought in the tray, and you looked so peaceful I couldn't bear to disturb you. But I saved some for you.”

Renya swung her legs over the bed. She tried to push herself off, but the soft down mattress hugged her body as she tried to force herself up. Her legs were sore, and Grayden saw her struggle.

“Rest, my Little Fawn.” He crossed the large room and brought her the platter. He set it down on the bed and crawled behind her, his hands moving to her shoulders and pressing deeply with his thumbs, rubbing out the knots that had formed there.

She purred contentedly as she brought a piece of bread to her lips. Renya admired the room as she scarfed down her supper. She could tell they were in one of the towers by the large circular shape of the chamber. The bed was centered in the circular part of the room, with a small bathroom off to the left. The walls were a deep crimson, and plush white carpets lined the hard cobblestone floor. The little table was circled by two chairs, and they each had a nightstand on their side of the large bed. It was even larger than Grayden's bed back at the lodge, and the four corners of the posters almost reached the tall ceiling. Gauzy tulle curtains were pulled back, and thick embroidered tapestries covered whatever view there was from the window.

Grayden continued to work his way down her back, massaging and caressing her aching muscles.

“Aren't you glad we're in the same room now?”

She moaned and leaned back into his chest as she popped a candied date into her mouth.

“I never said I wasn't,” she responded, trying to keep herself upright when all she wanted to do was sink back into the feather bed and disappear into her dreams. “I'm always happiest when I'm with you. But I have to admit, I don't think I've ever been this tired.”

His eyes warmed, and she couldn't help but notice the stark difference from when she first met him in the woods. He had always been caring and compassionate, but he seemed so much happier now. She wondered if she had changed as well.

Grayden stopped his fingers and moved to the floor on her side of the bed. He knelt before her and started working the laces of her boots. He slipped them off, placing her dagger on her nightstand, and then massaged her arches and the pads of her toes. Next came her calves, and he pushed her trousers up as far as he could, continuing his gentle care. She tried to sit up, but he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

“Let me take care of you.”

It felt so good to be pampered that she let him continue. He undid the fasteners of her trousers and pulled them down her legs, then pulled up her tunic. Grayden crossed the room and Renya noticed their travel trunk had been brought in as well. He rummaged through it, before coming up with a peach-colored nightgown. Her clothes were folded and left on the trunk, and he came back over to her.

Her eyes were unbelievably heavy. She looked at him through lidded eyes as he slipped off her bralette. Exposed to the cool air, she shivered, and he couldn't help but place a warm, masculine kiss between the valley of her breasts. She whined a bit when he stopped, but he hushed her.

“Hands up.”

She did as she was told, and he pulled the nightgown on and settled it over her hips.

“You're so good to me,” she murmured as he placed her back against the pillow, tucking her legs underneath the white sheets and coverlet.

“You are good for me.”

She was nearly drifting off when he moved to the other side of the bed. Grayden pulled back the sheets and removed his trousers, sleeping in the nude as he generally preferred when they weren't out in the harsh elements of his lands. He tugged her closer to the center of the bed, pulling her leg over his hip before kissing her on her temple.

“Goodnight, my little light bringer.”