Page 50 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

They hadn't discussed Renya's time in the nightmare dungeon since fleeing the Sunset Land. Grayden knew she had managed to keep her sanity, but he also realized that her intact mind didn't mean she wasn't still scarred internally from the ordeal. His worst fear had been realized when he lost Renya to the human realm, and he had only lived through it once. He couldn't fathom having the darkest moments of his life play on an endless loop.

“You're an extraordinary woman, Little Fawn.”

Renya looked at him, puzzled by his meaning. “I tell you I'm scared, and you think I'm extraordinary? I know our mating bond is unconditional, but—”

“You survived something most people wouldn't have. I stand by my words. You are magnificent and one hell of a woman.”

Renya's cheeks flushed, and not just from the cold. His praise felt too generous, but she allowed the compliment to surround her, lightening her heart. The fear slowly ebbed away, and she wasn't sure if it was Grayden's words or if he was manipulating her feelings through their bond.

Selenia remained oddly quiet, and Renya found herself glancing at the girl more frequently as the day wore on. She looked quite forlorn, and Renya wondered how she had missed it before. Perhaps the separation from Jurel was causing the change in her mood. She made a mental note to chat with Selenia once they reached the Twilight Kingdom.

The temperature seemed to rise with every step, and just as Renya prepared to remove her cloak, she caught sight of something massive looming in the distance.

An enormous, gray-brick castle stood along the horizon, nearly blocking out the sun behind it. It was the largest castle Renya had ever seen, easily double, if not triple, the size of the lodge. Four distinct towers stood at the corners, rising high above the land below. Unlike Snowden Lodge or the Tidal Kingdom Palace, this was a real fairytale castle. Renya even spotted a moat surrounding the massive structure. Behind the castle, the sky was a deep cerulean, transitioning to a fiery orange as it neared the horizon.

“What do you think?” Grayden asked, pulling on Damion's reins as he tried to circle Frost.

“It's...breathtaking.”

“It's quite a bit larger than our home, I'm afraid.”

Our home. The lodge was their home. She had developed a soft spot for the cozy lodge ever since Grayden had brought her there, and nothing, not even this castle, could replace her fondness for Snowden Lodge.

“Our home has something this castle will never have,” she said, meeting his eyes. “We fell in love at our lodge.”

A smile played across his lips, appreciative of her remark.

Selenia pushed ahead, moving past the couple and breaking their moment. Once she was out of earshot, Renya gave Grayden a pointed look.

“Do you know what's troubling her?”

Grayden released a sigh into the silent forest. “I think something happened between her and Jurel. I'm not sure what, but Jurel was incredibly surly before we left.”

“I noticed that too. He didn't seem as happy to see her as she did him.”

“I worry about them,” Grayden confessed. “Selenia is young, and she and Jurel are very different people. Selenia is passionate. I'm not sure Jurel will ever be able to fully reciprocate her love.”

“She seemed hurt that he wasn't happier to see her.”

“I think he was, in his own way. He's just not adept at communicating his feelings. He's a closed book. I know you think I'm being hard on their relationship, but I am concerned that they are fundamentally incompatible long-term.”

Renya chewed on the inside of her cheek. She had been the couple's biggest advocate, but now she wondered if she had misjudged their compatibility. Jurel was so serious. Selenia was bright and youthful, shining like a star in the darkest night. Perhaps the match wasn't as ideal as she had originally thought. “I just wish everyone could be as happy as we are together.”

The look of adoration returned to his face. She had never felt so loved or admired before. She wished they were already at the castle so she could sink into his warm and possessive embrace.

Almost as if reading her mind, he nudged Damion forward. “If we hurry, we might be able to get a hot meal and a bath before bed.”

Motivated by the thought of a warm meal and a hot bath, she urged Frost ahead, trying to overtake Damion's powerful strides. It was a losing battle, but she enjoyed it nonetheless, her hair pulling loose and whipping behind her. They caught up to Selenia quickly, and the trio crossed the forest far more easily than any other part of their journey.

When they reached the moat, they were greeted by a rather large man with a long white beard. He was dressed in a deep blood orange-colored overcoat and black trousers with thick boots covering his feet. Renya trailed behind Grayden, allowing him to approach and greet the man.

“Welcome, Prince Grayden,” the man said, his voice booming and jovial. “We are delighted you could join us. We received your hawk a few days ago and made arrangements for you and your group. Although the letter mentioned a fourth traveler...”

“Our healer, Dimitri. He isn't a fast rider but should arrive within the next few hours. If you would be so kind as to have a meal waiting for him, I would greatly appreciate it.”

“Of course. Our healer will be most delighted to have another fae of the healing arts to confer with.”

Grayden motioned to the two women behind him. “I'd like to introduce you to my companions. This is Princess Selenia, my sister. I believe you are somewhat acquainted with her.”

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