Page 26 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

Instantly alert, Grayden was at her side, concern etched on his features. “Is it too hot?”

“No, I'm just sore from everything that happened in the Tidal Kingdom and...our exertions this morning.”

A fleeting look of pride crossed Grayden's face before it softened into sympathy. Renya couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for him, recognizing the mix of emotions playing across his features.

“Do you have room for one more in there?” Grayden asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Renya shifted forward, drawing her knees to her chest to make space. Grayden slipped in behind her, the water level rising precariously close to the tub's rim.

“After things settle down, we're getting a bigger bathtub in here,” he declared, reaching for a jar of soap and working it into a lather between his hands.

“Why do you need a bigger tub?” Renya asked innocently.

“Weneed a bigger tub, Little Fawn,” Grayden corrected, his voice low and teasing. “If you think I'm ever going to allow you to be naked in here without me, you don't know me at all.”

His strong hands began massaging her shoulders, working out the knots of tension. Renya leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed in bliss. The thought of sharing moments like this every day sent a thrill through her.

As Grayden continued his ministrations, he began to hum softly, the rich timbre of his voice reverberating through the small space. The melody washed over Renya, as soothing as the warm water surrounding them.

Reluctantly, Renya broke the peaceful silence. “Grayden?”

“Hmm?” he responded, his fingers still working their magic on her tight muscles.

“We've been hidden away in here for over four hours...do you think we should let everyone know we're back?”

“Hush,” Grayden murmured, gently tipping her head back to begin washing her hair. He pulled her onto his lap, his fingers massaging her scalp with tender care. As Renya opened her mouth to protest, he continued softly, “Soon, my love. Just let me enjoy these last moments. Once I leave this room, I'm no longer just your mate and lover. I'm a ruler, a brother, a leader, and a soldier. But right now, I just want to be yours. Let me be yours alone for just a little longer.”

Renya's heart swelled at his words. She understood his need for this stolen time, recognizing the weight of responsibility that awaited him beyond these walls. Settling back against his chest, she allowed herself to be surrounded by his warmth and the intimacy of the moment.

As Grayden's hands roamed over her skin, Renya felt a different kind of heat building within her. She shifted slightly, acutely aware of his body's response to their closeness.

“Grayden!” she scolded playfully, feeling him guide her hips in a slow, rhythmic motion.

“What?” he asked, feigning innocence even as the water lapped gently against the tub's sides.

“You know what!”

“You started it,” he teased, his breath warm against her ear. “If you didn't want me to desire you so, you shouldn't have tricked me into your bath, you wanton temptress.”

Laughter bubbled up in Renya's chest, and she splashed water at him in mock indignation. Quick as lightning, Grayden caught her wrists, turning her to face him. In one fluid motion, he lifted her from the water, droplets cascading down her skin like rain on a windowpane. His lips found her ribcage, following the trail of a water droplet. Renya squirmed, torn between giving in to the sensation and putting a stop to their antics.

Releasing her, Grayden stepped out of the bath and retrieved a plush towel. He wrapped it around Renya, cocooning her in its soft warmth. The tenderness of the gesture touched her deeply; it had been so long since anyone had cared for her in this way.

While Renya dried her hair, working out the tangles with her fingers, Grayden moved to the fireplace, examining the food Doria had left. By the time Renya joined him, wrapping the towel around her body, he was already dry and helping himself to the spread.

Renya reached for an arctic pear, its cool flesh a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the room. As she brought it to her lips, Grayden gently grasped her wrist, guiding the fruit to his own mouth. His eyes never left hers as he took a bite, the intensity of his gaze sending a shiver down her spine.

Taking the pear from her, Grayden helped Renya into a chair before kneeling before her. His hands came to rest on her thighs, and Renya's breath caught in her throat, a mix of anticipation and nervousness fluttering in her stomach.

Grayden carefully opened the front of her towel, baring her to his gaze. As Renya instinctively looked away, he gently turned her face back towards him. “I want you to look down,” he instructed, his voice low and reverent. “Look at your body. You are the most beautiful woman in any realm.”

Hesitantly, Renya complied. She tried to see herself through his eyes, to look past the imperfections she usually fixated on – the slight curve of her stomach, the stretch marks around her breasts. This was the body he loved, the body he desired.

“See?” Grayden said, rising to his feet. He cupped her chin tenderly, his thumb tracing the outline of her lower lip. “You're the sexiest woman I've ever seen. Do you need proof?” He guided her hand to his body, letting her feel the physical evidence of his desire.

“If you ever—ever—doubt your worth or beauty, I want you to picture this moment, and remember how much I desire you.” As if to emphasize his point, Renya felt him twitch beneath her palm, a rush of heat flooding her cheeks.

“Do you see how ready I am for you? Just how much I desire you?”

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