Page 16 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

Grayden reached out, his thumb gently smoothing the crease between her brows. “I'll train you,” he promised. “Selenia can help, too. When she could control her magic, she was really quite astounding with it. We'll teach you all you need to know. Hopefully Cressida's fear of you with your magic will be enough for her to take some time to regroup.”

Renya chewed her lip, still nervous about the prospect of wielding magic. But Grayden's reassurance soothed her fears somewhat. “I'm so thankful you're here with me,” she said softly, her eyes meeting his.

Grayden's expression softened, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. “Renya, there is nowhere in the world I'd rather be than here with you. Being in bed with you is nice too,” he added, a playful glint in his eyes.

She laughed, the sound light and carefree. It was a welcome return to the playful banter they had shared before she went back through the portal. Everything between them had intensified when she returned, and while her feelings for him were strong and sure, she had missed the ease they once enjoyed together in their travels. She supposed once he claimed her, his intensity would drop, and he would once again be free to joke and laugh with her without the constant undercurrent of desperate need.

Renya yawned, the events of the day finally catching up with her. Grayden noticed immediately, his protective instincts kicking in. “You have to be exhausted, Little Fawn,” he said, moving the blankets so she could crawl under the covers. “You've traveled through two portals and walked all the way here. Your strength is unmatched, just as your beauty is.”

She smiled brightly at the compliment as he gently turned her to face away from him. Once she was situated with her head on the pillow, he wrapped his arms around her and pressed himself against her back, comforting her in his warmth.

Renya snuggled deeper into his embrace, feeling safe and secure for the first time in days. She was nervous about what the future held, but it was the kind of nervousness that came with unexpected joy, the anticipation of something wonderful on the horizon. Grayden kissed the shell of her ear, his hot breath making her shiver. “Goodnight, my love,” he whispered, and she felt herself drifting off to sleep, cocooned in his arms and their shared love.

Chapter Ten

Grayden watched the gentle rise and fall of Renya's chest, her breath warm and sweet, mingling with the salty sea air that permeated the Tidal Kingdom. The sight of her in the revealing nightdress—scandalous by Snow Lands standards but commonplace in this tropical realm—had ignited a fire in his blood that refused to be quenched. He shifted uncomfortably, torn between his desire and his duty, the weight of leadership warring with the primal urges of the bond.

Every time he closed his eyes, he felt himself searching for her in his arms, opening them again to make sure she was still there. Renya shifted a bit in her sleep, and he tightened his hold on her, his fingers splaying protectively across her waist. He was glad she fell asleep so easily in his arms, especially after his behavior earlier had frightened her. But it was difficult to hold himself back. Every minute he wasn't beside her or inside of her drove him mad.

The bond thrummed between them, a constant reminder of their connection and the promise of what was to come. He couldn't imagine his father going through this. Had he struggled as well? Grayden's life had changed so quickly, the world shifting beneath his feet like the sand on the Tidal Kingdom's beaches.

His primary concern had been restoring balance to his lands, but now he had Renya to protect and train. She was the most important thing to him now, and he didn't care if it made him selfish. When it came to Renya, he would choose her every time.

He found himself wondering about her magic, the potential of it both thrilling and terrifying. It must be strong if Cressida desired it enough to track Renya through the portal. So far, he hadn't seen her use it, but he could definitely sense it, a subtle current of power that seemed to dance just beneath her skin.

Maybe, with Renya's magic on their side, they would have a chance to defeat the Shadow Queen. He was certain Renya was the light bringer in the prophecy. Although, he had spent a lot of time worrying about the last lines. The idea of making a sacrifice in order to restore balance to this world scared him immensely. No matter what, he wouldn't sacrifice her.

Grayden tried to remember what Agatha had recited back before they went to the Sunset Land. Wasn't there something about lust in the prophecy? Power flowing and lust burning? So far that part had come true. Once Renya's powers were unlocked, Grayden felt nothing but lust and desire for her. But what happened next? Gods, he hated prophecies.

As dawn broke, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Renya stirred from her slumber. For a moment, disorientation clouded her face as she tried to place her unfamiliar surroundings.

“Good morning, Little Fawn,” he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

“Good morning,” Renya replied, returning his smile.

Grayden's arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. “For a moment, I thought yesterday might have been a dream,” he confessed, his free hand coming up to caress her cheek. “But you're really here. You're real.”

Renya leaned into his touch, and his heart swelled with emotion. “I'm here,” she confirmed. “And I'm not going anywhere.”

The look of pure joy that lit up Grayden's face at her words was breathtaking. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. It was tender, unhurried, a stark contrast to the desperate passion of the night before.

“How are you feeling?” she asked, searching his face.

Grayden took a moment to consider her question, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. “Better,” he said finally. “More...in control. Being near you, holding you all night, it's helped calm the bond somewhat.”

Renya nodded, relieved. “I'm glad. You seemed so...overwhelmed yesterday.”

“I was,” Grayden admitted. “The intensity of it caught me off guard. But I think I'm adjusting.” He paused, his eyes growing serious. “Renya, I want you to know that while the bond may have heightened my feelings, it didn't create them. I loved you before, and I love you now. Nothing will change that.”

Tears pricked at Renya's eyes at his heartfelt declaration. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a knock at the door interrupted them.

Grayden groaned, burying his face in Renya's hair. “I swear, the timing in this palace is impeccable,” he muttered, drawing a giggle from Renya.

“Come in,” Renya called, sitting up and making sure the blankets were pulled up to cover her nightgown.

The water curtain parted, revealing the same young servant girl from the day before. She entered carrying a tray laden with food, her expression as impassive as ever.

“King Triston requests your presence in the throne room after you've broken your fast,” she announced, setting the tray down on a nearby table. Without waiting for a response, she turned and left, the water curtain falling back into place behind her.

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