Page 8 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight (A World of Sun and Shadow #2)

R enya's heart thundered against her ribs, a wild rhythm that matched the surge of magic tingling beneath her skin. Grayden was here. The realization buzzed through her like sweet wine, leaving her light-headed and almost giddy. Safety, power, and Grayden—she had all three within her grasp. Or at least, she would soon enough.

Throwing her towel on the bed, Renya quickly dressed in the light blue gown, the silky fabric cool against her skin. She laced up the sandals, the leather straps snaking around her ankles. Her damp hair clung to her neck as she tossed it in a quick ponytail. With a deep breath, she left the room, her sandals sounding softly on the stone floor as she searched for Grayden.

Surprise flickered through her as she found the corridor outside her room empty. Earlier, when she had tried to run after Grayden, two guards had blocked her path, their firm hands holding her back. Now, with Grayden gone, the hallway stretched before her, silent and uninhabited. She started down the passage towards the main entrance, but something tugged at her consciousness, an invisible thread pulling her in the opposite direction. Following this inexplicable instinct, Renya turned on her heels and began retracing her steps, moving past her room.

As she rounded a corner, she spotted King Triston ahead, his regal figure emerging from one of the doors. He strode towards her, and Renya's keen eyes caught what seemed to be the ghost of a smile playing on his lips. As he drew closer, the subtle expression became more apparent. A knot of fear twisted in Renya's stomach, her mind conjuring images of Grayden in distress. Had the king done something to him? She held her breath, muscles tensing in anticipation. However, as Triston passed her, his smile morphed into a knowing grin that lit up his usually stoic features.

“He's all yours, Renya,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement. With a conspiratorial wink, he continued down the hall, leaving Renya standing in bewildered silence.

Heart racing, Renya sprinted the rest of the way to the door from which King Triston had emerged. Her hand trembled as she grasped the knob, her breath coming in short, rapid bursts. She forced herself to inhale deeply, trying to calm the tempest of emotions swirling within her.

She pushed the door open, and in an instant, she was engulfed in a frenzied embrace. Grayden stood before her, his presence overwhelming her senses. His lips were everywhere at once—her face, her hands, her eyelids—showering her with lavish attention. Each kiss left a trail of fire on her skin, igniting a desire that threatened to consume her. She wanted to ask him about his encounter with Triston, but his mouth claimed her lips, swallowing her words before she could give them voice. She barely had time to kick the door closed behind her before Grayden scooped her up in his arms, cradling her against his chest as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

As he carried her to the bed, Renya sensed a shift in their dynamic. Before she had left through the portal, Grayden had been hesitant, always holding back as if fighting some internal battle. But now, there was no resistance as he lowered her onto the soft mattress, his body hovering over hers. She could feel the evidence of his desire pressing against her thigh, hard and insistent. His kisses continued their passionate assault, trailing down her neck and leaving her breathless.

“Grayden!” she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of desire and confusion. She placed her hands on his chest, gently pushing him back. “Honey, look at me.” The endearment slipped from her lips unbidden, surprising even herself.

Grayden lifted his head, his jade eyes meeting hers. She could see the struggle for control etched on his face, his jaw clenched with the effort of restraint. It was so unlike the Grayden she knew—the serious, calculating leader. The few times they had gotten carried away with their mutual attraction, he had always been able to pull back. But now, as she gazed into his eyes, she saw a consuming lust that threatened to overtake them both.

“Honey...” he murmured, his gaze fixed on her lips as if they held the secrets of the universe. “Renya, say it again,” he groaned, his voice rough with need.

“Honey?” she repeated, uncertainty coloring her tone. She tried to sit up, but Grayden's weight pinned her to the bed.

“Yes, that's it,” he breathed, his lips descending to capture hers once more.

Renya turned her head, denying him the kiss. A flash of hurt and confusion crossed Grayden's face, and regret washed over Renya in waves. His fallen expression was heartbreaking, and it took all of her resolve not to give in to his passionate advances. Desire coursed through her veins, making it almost painful to resist him.

With huge effort, Renya managed to sit up, gently pushing Grayden back. “Grayden, what happened? How are you here?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

He looked at her, his eyes dark with desire, lips swollen from their kisses. “I think the better question, Little Fawn, is how are you here?”

Renya could see his hands twitching, longing to reach for her. Taking pity on him, she grabbed them, entwining their fingers. The contact seemed to soothe him somewhat, though she could still feel the tension thrumming through his body.

“The second I went through the portal, I saw my aunt bound in a corner,” Renya began, her voice soft. “Before I could do anything, the Shadow Queen pushed me through another door and I ended up on this beach. Brandle and Sion were there too, and they took me to this outcropping of rocks—”

“I saw it,” Grayden interjected, his grip on her hands tightening. “I tracked you to the jungle and then back here. When I couldn't get to you fast enough, I went...a bit primal.”

“A bit?” Renya raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her voice. “You looked crazed when you came into my room.”

Grayden had the grace to look embarrassed, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

“She did something to me,” Renya continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Some kind of spell or ritual that unlocked my power. Sion helped me, he told me what to do and as she tried to take my magic, it backfired and caused the cave-in. I got away and fled here.”

Grayden reached out, his knuckles tracing feather-light circles up and down her bare arm. Renya shivered at his touch, her skin tingling everywhere his fingers brushed.

“Grayden, what's going on?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion. “You're so desperate...I'm glad to see you too, but it's like you're possessed.”

His eyes roamed over her, drinking in every detail as if committing her to memory. Renya felt his body tremble with barely contained desire. “Renya, my Little Fawn, don't you feel it? Don't you want me?”

“Of course I do,” she responded, her cheeks flushing. “I can just control myself.”

Grayden's face fell, hurt once again readable in his eyes. “It has nothing to do with control,” he said, his fingers finding their way to her waist, stroking her sides through the thin fabric of her dress. “When the Shadow Queen unlocked you, it unlocked something in me, too.”

Confusion swirled in Renya's mind, an ocean of questions and half-formed theories. What could be driving Grayden to this obsessive need for her? As she pondered, a realization began to dawn. She thought back to the moment after she had claimed her powers, to the desperate urge she had felt to find Grayden. The need to get back to him had been her first coherent thought after Cressida's ritual. And hadn't she sensed him earlier? When she had left her room, she had started towards the other side of the palace before changing her mind and heading back towards this room.

“Grayden,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Are we...is it like with your parents?”

Grayden's warm hands continued their exploration of her body, sliding down to the top of her thighs. His fingers traced slow, maddening patterns up and down her leg, finding the bare skin exposed by the slit in her dress.

Renya shuddered with pleasure, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She knew the answer before Grayden even spoke, the truth of it resonating in her very bones.

“Yes,” Grayden confirmed, his voice low and intense. “Renya, I believe we're fated to be together.” His eyes locked with hers, and she could see the struggle within him, the battle between his desire to claim her and his need to explain. As his fingers continued their sensual dance along her skin, Renya felt something else emanating from him. It was a cocktail of emotions—wild exhilaration, profound joy, and an underlying current of fear.

Renya focused, allowing herself to open up to this new connection between them. Suddenly, she could feel what Grayden was feeling, his emotions washing over her like waves on a shore. Yet, somehow, she knew these weren't her own feelings. There was no denying it now—a bond had formed between them, invisible but undeniably real.

“Renya...” Grayden's voice was hesitant, a stark contrast to his earlier passion. “If you're disappointed or if you don't...don't want me...we can look and see if there's some way to sever our bond. I don't know if it's possible, but I'll do anything to make you happy.” The devastation in his eyes as he spoke tore at Renya's heart.

“Grayden, no,” she said firmly, cupping his face in her hands. “That's not what I want at all. I'm just trying to figure this out and you touching me is making it hard to think because...” she paused, gathering her courage, “I do want you.” The admission left her lips without a hint of embarrassment, a new confidence embroiled in her words.

Grayden's eyes shone with emotion, a myriad of feelings playing across his face. “Gods, I want you too,” he breathed, his voice husky with desire. “I want to take you in this exact moment, however and wherever I can. I need to make you mine, and soon.” His words sent a shiver down Renya's spine, but he wasn't finished. “But I also want to wait. I want to wait until we aren't in a borrowed room in someone else's palace. I want you on a bed of lotus petals with a fire burning in the hearth. I want you on my bed, under my furs where I can claim you and make you mine forever.”

Renya trembled at the intensity of his words, each one striking her like a physical caress. They were both a promise and a prophecy, painting a vivid picture of their future together.

“I want you however I can have you,” Grayden continued, replacing his fingers against her thighs with his lips. The heat of his mouth against her skin sent jolts of pleasure through her body. Renya pressed her thighs together, acutely aware of the growing moisture there. She choked back a sob of desire, and Grayden looked up at her, his eyes heavy-lidded with need. “So, what do you want, my sweet Renya?”

Before she could answer, a sharp knock at the door shattered the intimate atmosphere. The young girl who had brought Renya's clothing earlier appeared in the doorway, her expression impassive. Grayden let out a low growl, reluctantly pulling away from Renya's legs.

“None of that now,” Renya admonished playfully, finding her voice. “You can act like a beast later, in private.” The words left her mouth before she could stop them, and she flushed deeply, knowing the effect they would have on Grayden.

The girl, seemingly oblivious to the charged atmosphere in the room, announced that King Triston and Princess Esmeralda requested Renya and Grayden's presence for dinner. Having delivered her message, she turned on her heel and left without waiting for a response.

“Well, she's efficient,” Renya mumbled, still flustered from their interrupted moment.

Grayden, for his part, couldn't tear his eyes away from Renya. His gaze was so intense, so full of heat and longing, that Renya felt as if she were naked despite being fully clothed.

With a deep breath, Renya stood up, smoothing down her dress. Grayden remained seated on the bed, his eyes following her every movement. She could sense his desire to close the distance between them, to take her in his arms again, but he was visibly restraining himself.

“I don't know about you, but I'm starving,” Renya announced, trying to inject some normalcy into the situation.

“Me too,” Grayden replied, his voice low and husky. “I could feast on you for days.” His gaze darkened as it focused on her exposed thighs where the slit in her dress revealed a tantalizing glimpse of skin.

Renya rolled her eyes, a mix of exasperation and affection coloring her expression. “Seriously, Grayden. Can you handle a civilized dinner?”

He looked at her, swallowing hard before nodding. “Perfect,” Renya said, “because if I don't eat soon, I'm going to get cranky.”

She moved towards the door, and Grayden followed, rising from the bed with fluid grace. As they walked down the long corridor, Renya noticed him flexing his fingers repeatedly, as if trying to keep them from reaching for her. Taking pity on him, she offered her hand. Grayden grasped it like a lifeline, his fingers interlacing with hers as they walked side-by-side.

When they reached the main hall, a guard led them to a formal dining room. They passed through another waterway, the curtain of liquid parting to allow them entry. Grayden's grip on Renya's hand tightened as they stepped into the room, as if afraid she might disappear if he let go.

The dining room was a marvel of nature and architecture combined. It was better lit than Renya's guest room, everything bathed in a soft, seafoam green glow that gave the impression of being underwater. Against the back wall, the stone cliff that the palace rested on towered overhead, its rough surface a stark contrast to the polished floors and furnishings.

From the very top of the cliff, an impressive waterfall cascaded down, its crystal waters rushing towards a bed of rocks below. The waterfall fed into a large reservoir, its surface rippling with tiny waves. On each side of the pond, a steady stream branched out, running along the sides of the room before converging and plunging down another waterfall on the opposite side of the room. This second fall disappeared over a cliff, presumably flowing into the sea below. A small, ornate bridge arched over the rushing stream, allowing access to the dining area. The overall effect was breathtaking, making Renya feel as if they were dining in an underwater grotto.

Sitting nearest the waterfall at a table covered in gold place settings was King Triston. He had changed for dinner and now wore a grand pair of dark green robes that shimmered in the watery light. His sister, Princess Esmeralda, sat beside him, resplendent in a dress of fine orange silk. It was crafted in the same style as the one she had worn earlier, but instead of pearls, this gown was adorned with tiny reddish gems. As Renya and Grayden approached, she found herself captivated by the jewels. They seemed to glow from within, pulsing with an inner light that might have been a trick of the flowing water behind the princess, or something more magical.

Esmeralda caught Renya staring at her gown and smiled. “It's aragonite,” she explained, her fingers lightly touching the tiny gemstones. “It's found naturally here in our kingdom.”

“It's beautiful,” Renya responded, remembering her manners and giving a slight bow.

“You think so?” Esmeralda's smile widened. “Well then, you must have a necklace made of it. I have dozens.”

“There's no need to do that,” Renya protested, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. She was acutely aware that they had already benefited greatly from the Tidal Kingdom's hospitality, not to mention the chaos Grayden had caused in his desperate search for her.

“Nonsense,” Princess Esmeralda replied with a polite but firm smile. She gestured to the chair on her left. “Please, sit beside me.”

As Renya moved to take her seat, Grayden moved to follow, clearly intent on sitting next to her. However, King Triston's voice cut through the air, halting Grayden in his tracks.

“Prince Grayden,” Triston called, his tone brooking no argument. “Let the two women talk. You and I have an alliance to discuss.”

Grayden hesitated, his eyes flickering between Renya and Triston. Renya could feel his reluctance through their newfound bond, a mixture of frustration and anxiety at the thought of being separated from her. She gave him an encouraging smile, trying to project calm reassurance through their connection. With visible effort, Grayden nodded and made his way to sit beside King Triston, though his eyes never left Renya.

As she settled into her seat, Renya couldn't help but think, 'Honestly, it's like having a toddler. ' Immediately, she felt a pang of guilt for the uncharitable thought. She knew Grayden was struggling with their bond, fighting against instincts he barely understood. She wasn't sure why she was able to stay so clear-headed while he seemed lost in his desire, but she was grateful for her relative composure.

Princess Esmeralda turned to Renya, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “I've heard from my brother that you and the prince are fate-bound,” she said, her voice low and conspiratorial. “I hope you don't mind that he told me. I've always found fated couples to be incredibly interesting and have studied the lore a bit.”

Renya smiled shyly, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the ornate tablecloth. “I have to admit, I'm really not sure what it entails exactly,” she confessed. “I don't know how much you've learned about me from your brother, but I grew up in the human realm. Grayden told me his parents were fate-bound, and I understand the general idea but...” she trailed off, unsure how to articulate her confusion.

“What is it, Renya?” Princess Esmeralda prompted gently, her eyes warm with understanding.

Renya took a deep breath, steadying her tone. “He seems to be feeling much more than I do,” she admitted, guilt evident in her voice. “I feel like I'm disappointing him somehow.”

Another kind smile graced Esmeralda's face, and she leaned in closer, lowering her voice to ensure their conversation remained private. “I take it that you two haven't... sealed the bond yet?”

Renya's brow wrinkled in confusion. “No, is there another ritual or—”

Princess Esmeralda chuckled softly, the sound like tinkling bells. “Sorry Renya, I didn't mean to confuse you. I know how new this must be to you.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “Not much is known about fated bonds, and our memories and stories have been lost with the fading, but from what I've learned, I do know that until the bond is sealed, your prince will feel quite desperate to claim you.” She gave Renya a pointed look, her meaning clear.

Renya's eyes widened as understanding dawned. “Oh...oh!” she exclaimed, heat rising to her cheeks.

Princess Esmeralda reached out, placing her hand gently atop Renya's. “Given his...outbursts...I figured he hasn't made your bond official. Once he does, he should be...less possessive of you. That is one of the few things I've learned throughout the years. With each subsequent mating, he'll feel more confident in his claim to you. It varies for each person, too. The physical side could be more demanding on him than on you.”

Renya's blush deepened, but before she could respond, servers arrived bearing trays laden with an array of mouthwatering dishes. The aroma of freshly cooked seafood and exotic fruits filled the air, making Renya's stomach growl in anticipation. Grateful for the distraction, she began filling her plate, suddenly ravenous.

As she sampled the various dishes, Renya couldn't help but glance over at Grayden. The moment her eyes found him, he stopped mid-conversation with King Triston and returned her gaze. It was as if he had sensed her attention, their bond allowing him to feel her eyes on him. The look he gave her was smoldering, filled with such intensity that it would have melted the hardest of hearts. His messy dark hair, chiseled jaw, and those piercing green eyes would have made any woman want him. A thrill ran through Renya as she realized that no other woman could ever have him. He was hers, and hers alone.

As the evening progressed, Renya could feel Grayden's urgency growing. Even when engaged in conversation with Triston, his eyes would constantly drift back to her, filled with desperation and hunger. She knew what he needed, but she also knew he didn't want to claim her in someone else's home. And if she was honest with herself, she didn't want it to happen here, either. She was nervous and hadn't had much time to get used to the idea of what was happening between them. While she loved him, everything was still raw, from the pain of their separation to the surprise of their mating bond.

After the meal concluded, King Triston excused himself and left the hall, his robes swishing softly against the polished floor.

“Take care of yourself tonight, Renya,” Princess Esmeralda said with a meaningful look, before she too departed for her own quarters.

Suddenly, Grayden and Renya found themselves alone in the grand dining room. The only sounds were the gentle rushing of the waterfalls and the pounding of Renya's heart in her ears.