Page 17 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

Renya and Grayden exchanged a look. “I wonder what that's about,” Renya mused.

Grayden sat up, running a hand through his tousled hair. “I'm not sure, but I have a feeling it has to do with the alliance we discussed last night.”

Renya nodded, her stomach turning. Despite the peaceful night they'd shared, the reality of their situation came rushing back. They were still in a foreign kingdom, with a powerful enemy potentially on their trail, and a host of unanswered questions about Renya's newfound powers and their bond.

Sensing her unease, Grayden reached out and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Whatever it is, we'll face it together,” he promised.

Renya squeezed back, drawing strength from his touch and the unwavering certainty in his eyes. “Together,” she echoed, a small smile tugging at her lips.

They rose from the bed and began preparing for the day ahead. Grayden padded across the room, examining the items the servant had brought. It looked like some fresh clothing for them both. Triston was gracious enough to supply them with things for their journey.

Grayden picked up the black trousers and the tunic; it was more open than he usually wore his clothing, but he was thankful for the fresh set. As he riffled through the towels and things, he saw the girl brought some items for Renya as well. He swallowed hard as his fingers touched the lacy undergarments, picturing Renya's tanned skin contrasted against the pure white fabric.

He turned towards the wall and pulled his trousers off, tossing the old ones on the floor before slipping the new ones on. The heat and intensity of Renya's blush was almost palpable as he felt her stare. He grinned, knowing when he turned back around he would be greeted with crimson in her cheeks.

When he turned back, just as he anticipated, Renya was noticeably flustered. Her entire face was scarlet and he watched her swallow hard, her eyes darting away from his bare chest.

“Ummm…I'm going to go get changed in the bathroom,” Renya squeaked quietly, gathering up the clothes left for her. Before she could turn away, Grayden reached out and circled her wrist softly, his touch gentle but insistent.

“Renya, you can change in the bathroom if it makes you more comfortable. But please know, you have absolutely nothing to hide from me and nothing to be ashamed about. You could be covered in scales and I would still love you.” His voice was low and earnest, his eyes never leaving hers.

The red from her face started to fade and she looked at him, both embarrassed and touched. “Thank you,” was all she said before retreating to the bathroom, the door closing softly behind her.

He strolled over and talked to her through the door, hoping to make things less awkward. “I mean it, scales, boils, and pox marks. I'd kiss them all.” His voice was light, teasing, trying to ease the tension that had suddenly sprung up between them.

At this, Grayden got what he was trying for. He heard her small giggle from the other side of the door, the sound like music to his ears.

“I don't think that's very hygienic,” she said, her voice light and airy, a hint of laughter still in her tone.

“I mean it. There's no part of you I will leave untouched.” The words came out more intensely than he'd intended, heavy with promise and desire.

Silence fell, and Grayden cursed inwardly. One step forward, two steps back. He was angry at himself for scaring her with this intensity, for letting his need overshadow her comfort.

The door opened, almost hitting him in the face. He looked down at Renya, surprised to see a subtle smile on her face. The dress she wore was a deep eggplant with a gauzy skirt and thin straps holding it up, the fabric floating around her like a cloud. He felt like his heart was going to burst when he saw his elkten pin proudly displayed on the front of it. Grayden reached out and stroked it with his fingers, the cool metal a stark contrast to the warmth of her skin. Nothing had ever looked so provocative as Renya wearing his pin, a visible sign of their connection.

She met his eyes, knowing exactly what he was thinking. Renya reached for the hand still absentmindedly stroking the pin, and held it to her heart. He could feel the steady thump of her heartbeat beneath his palm. She stood on her tiptoes and placed a slow and sensual kiss on his mouth before dancing away from him, back towards the center of the room, eyes sparkling mischievously.

“I'd like to head back to the lodge if you feel well enough to ride,” Grayden said, grabbing a handful of dates from the platter. The fruit was sticky and sweet against his fingers, a reminder of how far they were from the crisp apples and tart berries of his homeland.

“Yes, as kind as King Triston and Princess Esmeralda have been, I miss Selenia and Doria. I even miss Jurel and his surly ways,” Renya replied, her voice tinged with longing. “I'd also like to go past the portal in the Snow Lands and see if there is any trace of my aunt. Did you see if it was destroyed too?”

Grayden couldn't meet her eyes, shame and regret washing over him. “I left once you went through. I couldn't bear to see it destroyed.” The memory of that moment, of watching her disappear, still felt like a physical pain in his chest.

Renya moved over to him, setting down the pastry she held in her hand. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his jawline, the stubble tickling her lips and chin as she made her way to his ear. “I'm here now,” she whispered, her breath warm against his skin.

Grayden nodded, but the fear that something was going to happen to take her away from him again didn't dissipate. It clung to him like a shadow, a constant companion to his newfound joy. He hoped claiming her would alleviate his fears. Feeling this way all the time would be misery.

“Let's get going,” she said, breathlessly. “I'm ready to go home.”

Home. The word filled Grayden with a warmth that rivaled the Tidal Kingdom's tropical heat. His home was going to be her home. As they prepared to meet with King Triston, Grayden's mind raced with plans for their return to the Snow Lands. They needed to check on the portal, reunite with their friends, and begin preparations for the challenges that lay ahead.

The Shadow Queen was still out there, and they had a prophecy to fulfill. But with Renya by his side, wearing his pin and carrying the promise of her magic, Grayden felt ready to face whatever came next. They would return to the Snow Lands not just as individuals, but as a united force, ready to fight for their future and the balance of their world.

Chapter Eleven

Grayden took Renya's hand, their fingers intertwining naturally, and they stepped out of the room together. The cool stone of the hallway was a stark contrast to the warmth of their joined hands. Before the couple could make it completely down the hall, they saw Princess Esmeralda approaching, her arms full with a rather large bag. She swung her hips as she walked gracefully, her sandals barely making a sound on the hard floor. The sight of her brought a mixture of gratitude and guilt to Grayden's heart.

Grayden instantly felt remorse when he recognized what she was carrying. Damion's saddlebag. Fates, he left the poor creature on the beach to fend for himself. He needed to pull himself together and focus. His single-minded pursuit of Renya had led him to neglect other responsibilities, and he vowed to do better.

---