Page 53 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

“I did,” she managed breathlessly. “I—”

Her words dissolved into a gasp as he palmed her breast and nipped at her neck. Coherent thought slipped away like a child's escaped balloon.

Grayden's eyes darted across her face, drinking in every nuance of her expression. “Gods, I need you. How did I survive before you came through that portal?” He parted her thighs with his own and captured her lips in an artful kiss. Renya had kissed many men, but none like Grayden. His kisses were neither messy nor sloppy, but purposeful and perfect. He knew when to tease and when she craved him hard and fast. Whether it was the bond or just him, she couldn't say. She lost herself in his kiss, the world narrowing to just the two of them and their bodies moving against the sheets.

Grayden entered her slowly, drawing a low groan from Renya. He filled her completely, careful to keep the last inch of his length outside to avoid hurting her. His rhythm was slow and languid, perfect for their morning coupling.

Renya reached her peak almost immediately, Grayden following close behind with a quiet grunt as he spilled inside her.

“It's never not good with you,” she panted, rolling onto her side and propping herself up on an elbow to watch him recover.

He turned to meet her gaze. “I didn't know what I was missing until you. My encounters before—they seem so hollow and meaningless. It's like I didn't truly live until I was with you.”

His confession struck her deeply. She wondered if she, too, hadn't truly lived until meeting him. Those other men—boys, really—paled in comparison to the magnificent specimen beside her.

He traced a single knuckle along her arm, raising goosebumps in its wake. “As enjoyable as this is, I suspect we'll be missed if we don't make it to breakfast.”

Renya sat up, clutching the sheet to ward off the chill. The fire had died during the night, and now that their passionate inferno had subsided, the cold air bit at her skin. She forced herself out of bed, her legs protesting as she crossed to the bathroom. A simple, small stone tub awaited her. Grayden followed, eyeing the modest bathing arrangement.

“Well, that's no fun,” he quipped.

She grinned, understanding his implication before playfully shoving him out. “Let me get ready! If I don't eat soon, I'm going to get hangry.”

“Hangry?”

“Yes. Angry because I'm hungry.”

“Ah. Quite clever, that.”

Ignoring him, she turned on the tap and began to freshen up. The scent of campfire clung to her hair, and she felt as if a layer of ash had settled into her pores.

After scrubbing herself clean, Renya returned to the main room wrapped in a towel. Grayden stood fully dressed, cutting a handsome figure in a navy tunic adorned with gold filigree. The elkten pin gleamed on his breast, his sword strapped across his back as if anticipating an imminent attack.

She brushed past him to the trunk, carefully selecting her attire. Remembering Selenia's words about Twilight Kingdom fashion, she opted for a light blue silk dress embroidered with cream snowflakes and a removable white fur collar. The skirt's large slit revealed tight matching trousers underneath. She braided her hair meticulously, securing it with snow clips. Her engagement ring caught the light, drawing Grayden's appreciative gaze as he began shaving weeks of stubble.

“You look radiant,” he said, admiring her reflection as he wielded the razor.

“You always say that.”

“Because it's always true.”

Smoothing her skirt, she slipped on silk shoes before her eyes fell on her dagger. Frowning, she grasped it and tucked it into her bralette. Grayden emerged from the bathroom just as she adjusted it, stopping dead in his tracks.

“Gods, that's sexy.” He circled her, shamelessly peering down her dress to glimpse the jeweled hilt. He swallowed hard, unable to tear his gaze away.

“We should leave before we never do,” she said, sensing his rising arousal.

“Agreed, and quickly, lest you end up needing to dress all over again.”

Finding the dining hall proved challenging, requiring directions from two attendants before they succeeded.

The hall's grandeur matched the rest of Twilight Castle, though Renya felt it lacked the warmth and coziness of Snowden Lodge. They crossed the room together, Grayden's hand resting gently on the small of her back.

At the head of a long, polished table sat two women. Queen Kalora rose regally as they approached, her long gown flowing to her feet. Renya noted the queen's impressive height, easily half a foot taller than herself. Kalora's simple crown glittered in the chandelier's light, its dark gemstones reminiscent of the twilight sky. Her burnt orange dress, trimmed with golden suns and moons and adorned with owl feathers, accentuated her olive skin. Though she appeared barely older than Renya, the queen must have been considerably older given her teenage daughter.

Julietta wore a chartreuse dress adorned with peacock feathers, a matching headdress perched atop her piled strawberry blonde curls. The gowns' elaborate elegance made Renya feel decidedly plain in comparison.

Selenia sat beside Julietta, nearly unnoticeable. Renya's worry deepened. Selenia typically commanded attention, yet now she sat with downcast eyes. Renya's heart ached, angry at herself for neglecting her friend's welfare. She vowed to address it after breakfast.

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