Page 51 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

“Ah yes. Princess Selenia, you have grown more beautiful over the years.”

Selenia remained silent, which was so unlike her that Renya's concern deepened. Selenia usually loved praise.

Grayden moved on, seemingly ignoring Selenia's silence. “And this lovely woman is my mate and fiancée, Princess Renya Solaris of the Sun Realm.”

Renya's face went ashen as the man's calm expression morphed into surprise as he took her in.

“I—it's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Renya. My name is Gillbert, and I'm Queen Kalora's most senior advisor.” He dropped his head into a respectful bow, just as he had done with Grayden and Selenia.

“There's no need to address me as princess—”

Grayden gave her a meaningful look, and she stopped mid-sentence.

If Gillbert noticed their interaction, he didn't show it. “You must be exhausted. You've missed dinner, I'm afraid, but I'll ensure someone brings you supper in your chambers.”

“Thank you. Your hospitality is very much appreciated.”

“It's our pleasure. I was sorry to hear about the loss of your parents, Prince Grayden. They were both kind and fair.”

Grayden nodded at his statement but didn't elaborate further.

Gillbert led them over the drawbridge and into a massive courtyard. Frost's hooves clip-clopped over the cobblestones as Renya glanced around. The courtyard bustled with activity: people shoeing horses, sending hawks, and maids beating out rugs.

The group dismounted, and several men came forward to take the horses. Renya watched Grayden approach her, and he pulled her into his body for just a split second before releasing her, offering a small measure of comfort.

“Why are you insistent that Gillbert calls me princess?” she asked.

“Not just him, Renya. I want everyone to know who you are. I want you to have a proper place beside me, Little Fawn. I don't want anyone—ever—to challenge your place or your right to be at my side.”

“Would anyone question it?”

“I don't think so, but if at any point we need to prove to people you are who we say you are—light bringer and all—we will have witnesses.”

Satisfied with his explanation, Renya followed Grayden and Gillbert into the castle, with Selenia trailing behind. Renya took in the large entryway, massive and daunting. She could see hallways branching off in every direction, and a large bronze sculpture of an owl perched on a tree dominated the center of the room.

The lighting was low, bathing everything in a romantic glow. Candles seemed to cover every surface, and it looked more like a church confessional inside than a castle. The air hung heavy with silence, and Renya could hear the sound of their boots on the stonework floor.

Gillbert ushered them down a long hall lined with portraits and actual suits of armor. Renya glanced at the portraits, noticing one marked as Queen Kalora. She wanted to stop and examine it, but Gillbert's pace was too quick. She did catch a glimpse, noting the queen's dark blonde hair and sharp nose.

They followed him up a grand staircase, golden posts glittering in the candlelight, before Gillbert stopped in front of a closed room. He opened the door and motioned to Selenia. “Princess, this is your guest chamber.”

Selenia didn't say a word and marched inside, shutting the door behind her. Renya felt a twinge of emotion from Grayden through their bond. Compassion, maybe? He was hurting for his sister.

Gillbert ignored Selenia's curt dismissal and nodded towards the room beside it. “Princess Renya, we've set this room aside for you. Prince Grayden, you'll be up another level.”

Before Renya could cross to the door, Grayden pushed his body in front of it. “Absolutely not. My mate and I will share a room.”

Gillbert took a step back, thrown by the unexpected harshness of Grayden's voice. The compassion he had felt for Selenia was replaced by extreme possessiveness, and Renya felt it tug at her. She placed her hand on his shoulders, and he relaxed almost instantly.

Gillbert cleared his throat. “If it is suitable to you, she is welcome to take up residence with you.”

Grayden breathed a heavy sigh and steadied himself. “That would be acceptable. Thank you for understanding.”

The older man led them up another staircase before gesturing to a room at the end of the hall. “Feel free to make yourselves comfortable. Someone will be up with a meal shortly. Also, Queen Kalora hopes that if you're not too tired from your exertions, she'd like your company for breakfast.”

It took Renya a split second to realize that the exertions he was referring to were their travel here, not the plans she assumed Grayden had for them tonight. She flushed as she watched Gillbert descend back down the spiral staircase.

A seductive look, full of pent-up passion, crossed Grayden's face as he sensed her desire. He swept her up and urged her quickly through the stone door.

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