Page 21 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

“Wonderful,” Esmeralda said as Renya finished her tea, a soft yellow brew that tasted strongly of lemon and citrus.

“Shall we go find the men?”

“Lead the way,” Renya replied.

As they entered the throne room, it was evident both men had been hard at work. Bits of parchment littered the floor, and though his back was turned, Renya could tell Grayden's already unruly hair was even more disheveled than before, a sign he'd been running his hands through it repeatedly. Renya knew he did this when frustrated or deep in thought. She smiled to herself as she approached, but before she could draw near, Grayden spun around, sensing her presence.

Renya rushed towards him, feeling the bond tug at her now that they shared the same space. Grayden opened his arms wide, and she collided with his strong chest. She could feel his broad frame through the thin shirt he'd been given. Grayden's arms covered her in a tight embrace, and she felt simultaneously tiny and invincible in his hold, as if together they could conquer any challenge.

Renya gazed up at him, brushing his soft hair from his face before placing a tender kiss on his jaw. He cradled her cheeks in his hands and kissed her full on the mouth, his tongue seeking entrance. She matched his fervor, their kiss starting soft but quickly growing urgent, their brief separation having intensified their longing.

Triston cleared his throat loudly, jolting them back to the present.

Renya glanced back at Esmeralda, who looked pleased but also faintly envious. Renya fervently hoped Esmeralda would find her match. Guilt crept over her; she hadn't even been searching for someone before stumbling upon Grayden. It was pure serendipity. Or perhaps, she mused, it was fate. Was he the reason she felt so drawn to the door in the library basement? Was it their bond that pulled her through and delivered her here?

Grayden reluctantly broke their passionate kiss, but he kept Renya tucked close, his arm draped around her shoulders.

“Do you have everything you require for your journey back?” Triston asked.

“Yes, and thank you again for your hospitality,” Grayden said, briefly releasing Renya to shake Triston's hand. The moment their grasp parted, his arms encircled Renya once more.

“It was our pleasure,” Esmeralda said as they escorted Grayden and Renya from the throne room and down the passage. “Renya, don't forget to write to me.”

“I promise.”

“Grayden, the next time you decide to pay us a visit, please ensure you've bedded your female so no more trouble darkens my door,” Triston said, a smile playing on his lips.

“That's a promise I'm more than eager to keep,” Grayden replied with a wink, and he and Renya departed the Tidal Kingdom Palace to seek out Damion.

Chapter Thirteen

While appreciative of the hospitality Triston and Esmeralda had shown them, Grayden felt a sense of relief as they journeyed back to his lodge. An urgency coursed through him; plans needed to be set in motion. He and Triston had engaged in lengthy discussions, strategizing on how to vanquish the looming threat of the Shadow Queen. Now that the two leaders stood united, they sought to forge alliances with other lands and kingdoms.

A strong, unified front was their only hope of defeating her.

Grayden's thoughts drifted to the Twilight Kingdom, their enigmatic neighbors beyond the snow-capped mountains. He would need to focus his diplomatic efforts there, while King Triston and Princess Esmeralda prepared for their own mission to the verdant Spring Lands. If fortune favored them, a summit of leaders would soon convene, laying all their cards on the table in a concerted effort to bring Cressida's reign of darkness to an end.

Yet, as crucial as these alliances were, Grayden found his mind constantly returning to Renya. Beyond his eagerness to claim her officially, he recognized the pressing need to begin honing her magical abilities. The raw power she possessed was both awe-inspiring and daunting; without proper training, it could prove as dangerous to her as to their enemies.

Grayden made a mental note to confer with Tumwalt on the intricacies of presenting Renya to his people and crowning her as his consort. Though he had long denied the title of king, he now wondered if a unified monarch might strengthen their position in negotiations with other lands. Any diplomatic missions would undoubtedly involve Renya; the mere thought of separation from her again sent a chill through him that had nothing to do with the frigid air.

“You're awfully quiet,” Renya murmured, leaning back against his chest. Grayden rested his chin atop her head, inhaling deeply. Her scent had changed subtly, likely due to the Tidal Kingdom's unique herbs and oils, but underneath it all was the essence that was uniquely Renya.

“I'm contemplating our next moves in this war,” he replied, his voice a low rumble. “Triston and I covered much ground in our discussions. There's a huge mountain of tasks ahead.”

Renya tilted her head up, placing a gentle kiss on his chest where his tunic parted. “The Tidal Kingdom's attire suits you well,” she observed, a hint of mischief in her tone.

Momentarily distracted, Grayden loosened his grip on the reins. Damion, sensing the slack, broke into a spirited gallop of his own choosing.

“Oh, Little Fawn,” Grayden chuckled, regaining control of their mount, “just wait until we're home.”

A visible shiver ran through Renya at his words, equal parts anticipation and the biting cold of their surroundings. Grayden guided Damion back to their intended path, his mind now split between strategies for war and the promise of peace in Renya's arms.

Hours passed, the landscape gradually transitioning from the lush coastal regions to the familiar, snow-blanketed terrain of the Snow Lands. As they approached the spot where Renya had first entered their world, Grayden felt her tense in his arms. The portal stood before them, a shimmering anomaly against the pristine white backdrop.

Renya dismounted, drawn to the ethereal gateway. As she reached out, curiosity overriding caution, Grayden's reflexes kicked in. In a heartbeat, he was at her side, gently but firmly grasping her wrists and turning her to face him.

“Forgive me, my love,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I can't risk losing you again. There's no telling where or when that portal might lead now.”

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