Page 27 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

“Yes,” Renya breathed, her mind clouded with a heady mix of emotions.

“Good,” Grayden replied, dropping back to his knees and gently parting her legs.

“Grayden, I'm sore—” Renya began, a note of concern in her voice.

“I know. But you won’t feel pain,” he promised darkly, spreading her open before moving his mouth in between her legs.

Renya couldn’t believe how quickly he brought her to the peak of pleasure again. This time there was no discomfort, only sheer delight as her most powerful climax yet surged through her. She felt herself tighten and coil inside, before releasing and crying his name desperately.

Once she quieted, Grayden gathered her in his arms. She was completely spent, her head resting on his chest, struggling to look up at him. He placed her back in the bed and covered her up with the furs like a newborn babe.

“But what about you—”

“This was all for you, my love. But I won’t deny the fact that I enjoyed it as well. I’ve tasted your honey off my fingers before, but drinking from your hive is even better.”

Renya didn’t even have the energy to be embarrassed by his words. Grayden leaned forward and placed a kiss against her forehead and watched her eyelids flutter before closing.

Chapter Sixteen

Grayden sighed heavily, his gaze lingering on Renya's peaceful form nestled among the furs. The weight of responsibility settled back onto his shoulders as he reluctantly tore himself away from the bedside. The sooner he announced his presence and addressed the matters at hand, the sooner he could return to her side.

As he crossed the room to the wardrobe, his mind felt clearer than it had in days. Opening the doors, his eyes caught on Renya's clothes hanging next to his own. The sight of her garments—all his mother's old things—intermingled with his brought a bittersweet smile to his face. While it touched him to see her wearing them, he made a mental note to have Doria arrange for some new clothes tailored specifically for Renya.

“And a new wardrobe,” he murmured to himself, noting how her meager collection already dominated more than half of the available space. His smile widened as he surveyed the room they would now share. It occurred to him that he hadn't actually asked Renya if she wanted to share his chambers, or if she preferred he move into hers. But after the intimacy they'd shared, the thought of sleeping apart seemed unfathomable.

She can decorate it however she likes, he thought, his mind already conjuring images of how Renya might transform the space.As long as we get that bigger bathtub.

Once dressed, Grayden returned to the bedside for one last look at Renya. She lay curled up, her face the picture of serenity. It took every ounce of his willpower not to shed his clothes and crawl back in beside her. Instead, he squared his shoulders, steeling himself for what lay ahead, and strode purposefully towards the door.

The quiet of the corridor surprised him. He had expected Doria's efforts to keep others away would have faltered by now. At the very least, someone should have noticed Damion's return to the stables. The lack of commotion suggested that Jurel, Phillippe, and Charly were still at the mountain encampment with the new recruits.

“Small mercies,” Grayden muttered. He'd only have to deal with Tumwalt and perhaps Almory for now. Selenia already knew about his bond with Renya, which would spare him at least one explanation.

As he reached the top of the stairs, a blur of motion caught his eye. Selenia came charging towards him like a stampeding elkten, her face a mix of relief and exasperation.

“Grayden!” she cried, engulfing him in a fierce embrace. “Where in the frozen hells have you been? I've been waiting for word, any word!”

Grayden returned her hug, surprised by the intensity of her concern. “I'm sorry, Selenia. I should have sent a message, but once I found Renya, everything else just...faded away.”

Selenia pulled back, her eyes narrowing. “Is she here? Is she safe?”

“Yes, she's here and she's fine,” Grayden assured her, a soft smile playing at his lips.

“Where is she? Can I see her?” Selenia's excitement was nearly contagious, her earlier irritation seemingly forgotten.

Grayden cleared his throat, suddenly uncomfortable. “She's...indisposed at the moment.”

Selenia's eyes widened in understanding before she grimaced dramatically. “Grayden! I don't need to know that!”

“I didn't say anything,” he protested, starting down the stairs with Selenia hot on his heels.

“You implied plenty,” she retorted. “I mean, I'm happy for you, truly. But maybe she could do better...As her friend, should I warn her?”

Grayden shot her a withering glare, which only seemed to fuel Selenia's amusement.

“Kidding, kidding! Not ready for mate jokes yet. Noted.” She paused, her expression growing more serious. “Tumwalt has been in a foul mood since you left.”

Grayden's own mood darkened at the mention of his advisor. “Where is he?”

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