Page 29 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight (A World of Sun and Shadow #2)

R enya stood with her eyes closed, feeling foolish as Kalora and Grayden watched her intently. She searched inward, trying to find the tiny golden spark she had felt surge through her body when Cressida unlocked her powers. Now more attuned to the magic within her, she could only distinguish a slight electric current humming beneath her skin. She recalled the sensation of pulling that small ball of power closer to her in the jungles of the Tidal Kingdom, or the panic she felt when the avalanche hit.

Nothing happened. Well, not nothing exactly. Her head throbbed from clenching her eyes and teeth, and for a split second, she feared she might be sick all over the castle floor.

“Renya, you have to relax,” Grayden said. “I can feel your tension, and it's giving me a migraine.”

Tell me about it. It's even worse over here.

He looked at her, hearing her voice inside his head. He laughed, and suddenly Renya felt warm.

“There it is!” Kalora exclaimed excitedly.

Renya watched as a tiny trail of golden dust flew from her fingers. If she hadn't been staring intently, waiting for something to happen, she might not have noticed it.

“What did you do differently?” Kalora asked, approaching Renya. Her canary-yellow gown swished around her petite ankles, her slippers silent against the gray stone of the throne room floor. The chamber was empty, save for the single throne placed on a dais. It was made of glass, not clear and transparent, but a deep blue. Lapis lazuli stones decorated the edges, and plush cream velvet lined the seat.

“I'm not sure.” Renya bit her lip, trying to remember. Grayden had laughed down their bond. Was that it?

“Try it again.”

Renya focused, trying to relax yet search for the ball of light in her body. Suddenly, confidence overcame her, and she grasped the sensation of electricity vibrating throughout her. She concentrated on the feeling, then pushed it out through her fingertips. Golden sparks streamed out, illuminating the dimly lit room.

“I did it!” She looked at Grayden. He smiled, pride evident on his face. Renya beamed as she returned his grin.

You just needed confidence.

Renya looked at him. Was that you?

He just smiled in return.

Kalora looked thrilled. “Keep trying. I want you to be able to summon it at will, with no delay. Reach inside and feel the connection to our ancestors. Our magic is ancient, a gift from the Gods. Do you know the legend?”

Renya shook her head. Kalora looked at Grayden, appalled. “You didn't even tell your mate about the source of magic?”

Grayden looked embarrassed. “I can't explain something I don't even know.”

Kalora sat on the edge of the dais, her gown trailing at her side. She took a deep breath, as if building anticipation for her captive audience.

“In the beginning, the Gods ruled everything. All of our kingdoms, our seasons, and elements were governed by them. Each God possessed a special power, making them unique. The Snow Land God had the power of frost, wielding cold and ice over her domain. The Sun Realm God did the same, shining light over his lands and filling his corner of our world with sun. And so forth. But each God was lonely. Unable to find happiness ruling their lands alone, they came together and decided to fashion a mate for each of them, their perfect match in every way—this is where our fated bonds come from.”

Renya shivered at her proclamation, noticing a look of awe on Grayden's face.

Kalora continued. “The Gods were content with their Fate—which is what they called them. Eventually, the 'T' was dropped, and they became simply 'Fae.' This is our origin. As years passed, the Gods and the fae reproduced, creating children with powers. But just as the Gods struggled with loneliness, so did their offspring. So, the Gods ensured that every fae was created with a mate—a matching half to continue their lineage. But something happened, unknown even to the first fae, and the Gods disappeared, leaving their descendants to steward their world alone. Over time, the magic waned.”

“The fading?” Grayden guessed.

“Correct. The fae waited for the Gods' return, hoping they would restore their power. However, the first fae from the Sun Realm had a powerful connection with the Sun God. He loved her more than any other God loved their fae, and he left within her the secret to reviving the magic, hoping to reunite with her.”

At this, Renya's heart raced. Grayden's excitement was palpable through their bond, and they both had the same thought simultaneously.

The Sun Realm Scrolls.

“The secret is said to foretell the arrival of a woman from another world, with the power to restore the ancient magic. This part, I think you already know.”

“Yes,” Renya whispered, barely audible in the quiet recesses of the throne room.

“So, you see, that is how our magic came to be, and how fae were created. Now, Renya, I want you to try again.”

Renya squared her shoulders, determined. She pushed her braid over her shoulder and closed her eyes again. Calm. She needed to be calm. She breathed in and out. In and out. Her heart rate slowed, and her breathing steadied. This time, when she reached for her power, it came more quickly, and the light that erupted from her was brighter and lasted longer before fading.

“Bravo!” Kalora called. “It will get easier each time. Now that you've found where it resides in you, you'll be able to bring it forward much more easily.”

Renya rubbed her neck. It was sore where Cressida had unlocked her powers. It hurt less than when she first brought her power forth, but it was still uncomfortable.

Grayden seemed to sense her discomfort. “I think that's enough for today.”

Kalora looked disappointed but nodded. “Good idea. We don't know how much power she has, and we don't want her to drain it all at once.” She started towards the stone archway before turning back to the couple. “Would you prefer to take dinner in the dining hall or in your chambers?”

Grayden looked at Renya, her face flushed from exertion and her shoulders sagging. “We'll take a tray in our room so Renya can recuperate.”

Kalora nodded and left the room. Grayden approached Renya and put his arms around her waist. “I'm so proud of you, Little Fawn.”

Renya shrugged off the praise. “It was just a few sparks.”

He tilted her chin up to look at him. “You're incredible. When your power came out, you practically glowed. I am in awe of you, every day.”

Renya beamed. She felt strong. She finally felt like in time, she might be able to actually accomplish what she was meant to do in this world. Whatever it was.

Grayden kissed her slowly, and she moved her hands up to grasp his biceps. His large body dwarfed her and always made her feel safe and at home. After a few seconds, she pulled away, eager to be in their room and in a hot bath. She was putting her body through so much stress, and she was constantly exhausted and sore everywhere.

Grayden guided her out of the throne room and back up to their chambers. When the door was shut behind them and they were finally alone, Grayden broached the subject.

“So, we can hear each other's thoughts now?”

“Apparently so. But I don't think it's our thoughts exactly. I feel like I make a conscious attempt to reach out to you, and then you hear it.” She sat on the bed and removed her dagger from the bodice of her dress. Grayden watched her, his eyes darkening with approval. He quickly shook himself and brought his thoughts back to their conversation.

“I felt the same way. I wanted you not to worry about Kalora, and the second I thought about what I wanted to say to you, you heard it.”

“Did your parents experience the same thing?”

Grayden stood beside her at the bed, thinking back. “I don't think so. I have never heard of being able to exchange thoughts before. I don't even know where I would find such information.”

Renya removed her satin slippers and placed them on the rug next to the bed. “Esmeralda. She might know. She has been studying fated bonds.”

“That's a good idea. You'll write to her? Do you trust her? I don't think we should let anyone know unless we have to.”

Renya agreed. For whatever reason, she felt like this revelation between the two of them was a secret that should stay in their knowledge alone. “I trust her. I'll write to her in the morning.”

“So, what do you think of our origin story? I must admit, I've never heard the whole thing told before. Only bits and pieces, like fae being created with a mate.”

“Honestly, it frightens me a bit, knowing that this prophecy has been foretold for so long. There's so much riding on it—but at the same time, a prophecy is meant to happen, right? So whatever choice I make, that's the right choice? There's comfort in that, knowing that I'm doing what I should.”

“That makes perfect sense, Little Fawn. When the time is right, you'll know exactly what to do.”

Renya continued to undress, and Grayden lay back on the bed, his legs crossed at his ankles and his arms propped behind his head. He watched her strip, but Renya wasn't in the mood for anything but the bath that was calling to her. While the tub didn't quite meet their expectations, at least the water was hot. She turned on the tap and wandered back over to where Grayden rested, a white towel tucked around her.

“So, I talked to Selenia.”

Grayden sighed, like he knew the conversation was coming but had been dreading it. “I knew you would. Did you get to the bottom of it?”

“Jurel doesn't want to get married or have a family. Ever.”

Grayden looked unsurprised.

“Did you know that about him?”

“Yes. Why do you think I discouraged the match? I've known Jurel for a very long time. And when he says he's not looking for those things, I believe him.”

“Selenia is pretty broken-hearted. Be gentle with her, Grayden.”

“What did you tell her?”

“I sympathized as much as I could. Our engagement came at a bad time, I'm afraid. I think us being fated and engaged is hard for her, especially when she wants a family of her own. I think it's hard for a lot of people.” Renya thought back to the quick rush of jealousy she had picked up from Esmeralda at the Tidal Kingdom.

“How is she now?”

“A little better, I think. I—I told her what happened to me back in my world and how it affected my relationship with you at the beginning.”

“I wondered what was going on. While I was meeting the captain of the guard, I thought I felt you panic for a split second. I tried to help relax you a bit.”

“I felt it. I didn't realize it was you. Thank you.”

He brushed off her gratitude, since it was unnecessary. “That must have been hard for you.”

Renya went back into the bathroom to check on the bath water. Grayden got up from the bed, removing his boots. She stepped back into the main room. “It was. But not as hard as it used to be. But I think Selenia understood that sometimes we get dealt a bad hand of cards, but we just have to return them to the dealer and start fresh.”

Grayden looked at her before pulling his tunic over his head and tossing it on the ground. “I'm guessing that's a human expression?”

“Sorry, yes. But anyway, I think it will take some time, but she'll come around. I don't know if Jurel will change his mind—”

“He won't.”

“—but I think she'll be okay either way.”

Renya disappeared into the bathroom and unbraided her hair, preparing to submerge herself in the minuscule tub.

She called out to him from the bathroom. “What happened during your meeting with the captain?”

Grayden stepped inside the bathroom, sitting down on a small bench near the tub. “We had a great talk. They've been perfecting a new type of armor that is lighter and stronger than any before. It should make coming up head-to-head with a dragon a little easier. It won't be an instant death, at least.”

“That sounds encouraging,” she said sarcastically.

“Honestly, I've been trying not to think about it. One day at a time. We'll figure it out.”

“Together,” she agreed. She slipped into the hot water and suppressed a whimper. Her body was in worse shape than she thought. All the magic had been resting inside of her, a part of her. Pushing and pulling it out took its toll. She was glad Grayden had insisted she rest tonight.

He watched her, entranced, as she began washing her hair. She lathered up the soap and began rinsing away the sweat that had accumulated on her scalp from the effort of bringing her magic forth. Grayden sighed loudly and she turned towards him.

“I hate that pathetic excuse for a bathtub.”

She laughed, splashing a bit of water towards him. “How long do you plan to stay here?” Their accommodations weren't bad, but she was starting to miss Doria and the cozy comfort of the lodge.

“I think perhaps a week more or so. I want to be sure you've learned all you can from Kalora. I'm also planning on returning to the camp on the way back. About half of the Twilight Kingdom soldiers will travel towards our encampment. They'll train with our men. The landscape is pretty impenetrable to outsiders. They are safer there than here and can train away from prying eyes. Unless Phillippe lets in another spy...”

“You have to forgive his mistake.”

“No, I don't.”

“Grayden,” Renya warned. “He didn't do it intentionally. Also, how are you sure the Twilight soldiers are trustworthy?”

“Orien vouched for them all personally. He's the captain of the Queen's Guard and oversees their armies as well. He seems like a decent man. Fair, perhaps a bit standoffish, but he didn't give me any reason to doubt his loyalty to Queen Kalora.”

Renya started to drain the tub. She stood up, and Grayden's eyes flickered over her body appreciatively. However, he handed her a towel, and she wrapped it around herself after drying off. Grayden followed her into the main room as she searched the trunk for another nightdress. She slipped the pale pink gown over her head and found a robe. She had barely fastened it when there was a knock on the door. Grayden strode towards the heavy door and opened it. A maid stood there, a large tray in hand. Grayden took it from her quickly and muttered his thanks. Renya caught the young woman glancing at Grayden's bare chest and the way his trousers hung low on his hips before he shut the door.

Annoyed, she scolded him. “Don't answer the door without a shirt.”

His eyebrow lifted. “Why?”

“Because she was ogling you!”

“I assure you, she did no such thing. What does ogling mean?”

Renya rubbed her forehead exasperatedly. “Just don't do it again, okay? Or I'll answer the door without a shirt on the next time Gillbert comes by.”

That seemed to drive the point home.

He moved over to the small table and placed the tray down, uncovering the lid of a silver dish, one for each of them. Renya sat down and looked at hers. It was some kind of meat stew, and it smelled like home. It reminded her of the winters in the mountains of California, where her aunt would put a pot on the stove all day and let it simmer. Her heart lurched as sorrow overcame her. She still hadn't fully processed the loss of her aunt. Renya fervently wished she was alive and safe in the human realm, but without knowing for sure, her grief clawed at her heart like an angry bear.

A hand reached across the table. She looked up into Grayden's handsome face. His stubble was back, and he seemed to grow hairier by the hour. His thick mess of hair was even longer, and he was desperately in need of a haircut. “You'll find her again, I'm sure of it.”

“How did you know what I was thinking?”

“I felt your sorrow and then saw a flash of your aunt's face. Apparently, we aren't just hearing each other's thoughts, but getting flashes of images here and there.”

Renya frowned slightly. The idea of Grayden being in her head all the time frightened her. Some things were just private. She didn't plan to withhold anything from him, but the notion of someone accessing her thoughts scared her. The longer she dwelled on it, the more it unsettled her. She felt violated, as if her power had been stripped away.

“I'll stay out the best I can, Renya. I understand.”

At least with him knowing her thoughts, she didn't have to explain herself. “It's not that I don't want you in my head or that I'm keeping anything from you—”

“I know, sweet Renya. It's going to be an adjustment for us both. The only reason I pried was because I felt your sadness. I didn't know what I was doing, and then suddenly I saw a flash of your thoughts. I won't do it again.”

She picked at the bowl of stew, her appetite gone. She tried to force down a piece of bread but gave up. Her hands pushed the bowl away.

“I'm going to bed.” She took off her robe and left it on the floor, eager to get underneath the covers and away from Grayden's watchful eyes. She knew it wasn't his fault and that he would never hurt or betray her intentionally, but that seemed to make it even worse. She wanted to be mad at him, but she knew there was no rational reason for it. It wasn't his fault. Yet, she was furious.

Not looking over at where he sat, she crawled into bed and faced the wall. She felt tears sting her eyes and leak onto the satin pillowcase. The appearance of her tears made her even angrier, which in turn caused her to cry more. She held her breath, trying not to give in to the full-on meltdown she wanted to have. Renya wished she could be alone, in the dark, and cry until she was dehydrated, her body sore from shaking. She desperately sought that kind of cathartic release.

She heard Grayden blow out the candles, the room dark except for the low-burning flames dancing in the fireplace. Eyes closed tight, she tried to fall asleep as fast as she could, wanting to safeguard her thoughts from the man who was her mate. She felt resentful towards him. All of these things happening to them didn't seem to affect him at all. She was the one in a strange world, with strange magic, with a strange connection to a man she'd only known for a handful of weeks.

Renya felt the mattress dip, felt the warm body slide under the covers next to her. His gentle hands reached out for her, and she allowed herself to be pulled into his chest. She wanted to push him away, but the second she felt his breath on her neck, she craved the comfort he provided.

“It's okay, Little Fawn. You can be as mad at me as you want. I'm here for you. Hate me if you must. Use me in whatever way you need to. I won't leave you.”

She turned towards his warm embrace, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Sobs racked through her body, and he held her tightly as she cried long into the night.