Page 54 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

Queen Kalora approached, and they exchanged polite bows. As Grayden kissed the queen's hand, violent jealousy seized Renya. She longed to smack the queen's hand away and stake her claim on Grayden. The feeling subsided quickly as Grayden's presence washed over her. His voice echoed in her mind:

Not even one-tenth as beautiful as you, Little Fawn.

She gasped, locking eyes with an equally startled Grayden. This was no figment of her imagination.

I don't think you're imagining it either, Renya.

Composing herself under Queen Kalora's scrutiny, Renya grasped for a compliment. “Your gown is breathtaking.”

“Why, thank you,” Kalora replied, her sweet voice tinged with firmness. “Yours is quite unusual. Are trousers common in the Snow Lands?”

Before Renya could respond, Grayden intervened, his arm encircling her waist. “Renya is more than a princess of the fallen Sun Realm. She's the prophesied light bringer, destined for greatness. Her attire ensures she's prepared for whatever our world might throw at her.” His gentle squeeze sent a wave of gratitude through Renya, which Grayden visibly processed. Clearly, they had much to learn about their bond's complexities.

“What a heavy responsibility,” Queen Kalora mused, gesturing to the chairs before her. As they sat, she appraised the couple. “Gillbert informed me you are fate-bound.”

Though not phrased as a question, Renya felt compelled to answer. “We are, Your Highness.”

“Please, no need for formalities. Address me as Kalora, and my daughter as Julietta.” Julietta offered a shy nod of greeting.

“Your parents were fate-bound as well?” Kalora asked Grayden.

“Yes.”

Kalora looked thoughtful. “Perhaps there's a familial aspect to the bond, or it's related to inherited magic. Renya, what do you know of your parents?”

“Very little, I'm afraid. I was raised in the human realm by my aunt.”

Julietta's head snapped up, her eyes wide with excitement. “The human realm? Really? Is it true no one has magic there?”

Renya chuckled at the girl's enthusiasm. “That's right. No magic. It's quite dull, honestly.”

Julietta's words tumbled out in a rush. “I think it would be amazing. No magic, no feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. No worry about your magic fading—”

Kalora cut her off. “My daughter's magic faded incredibly fast. Born powerful, her abilities diminished more quickly than anyone could have predicted. While most fae gradually lose their magic, Julietta's vanished within a moon cycle.”

Julietta's gaze dropped, a blush creeping up her cheeks. Renya's heart went out to the clearly embarrassed girl.

Seeking to change the subject, Renya asked, “Grayden mentioned you might help train me in my powers?”

Queen Kalora's eyes raked over Renya as if searching for a physical manifestation of her magic. “That depends on you. Only the wielder truly knows how their magic works. I can help you access your powers, but you must learn to weave your own magic.”

“I understand. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”

Kalora nodded as a servant arrived with steaming plates for Grayden and Renya. Famished, Renya restrained herself from devouring her meal immediately. The sight of bacon filled her with childlike glee. She savored the salty crispness, fighting the urge to close her eyes and moan, knowing Grayden's reaction to such a display.

“I'm happy to assist in any way. Shall we begin this afternoon?”

Renya nodded as Grayden squeezed her hand beneath the table. This was why they'd come. A weight lifted from her shoulders. Everything would be okay.

Her gaze drifted back to Selenia, and her heart clenched. Almost everything would be okay. She'd help her friend, too.

As breakfast concluded, Kalora and Julietta excused themselves after finalizing plans for Renya's afternoon lesson. Grayden rose, giving Renya a quick peck. “I need to send a hawk to Phillippe about our safe arrival. The Twilight guard captain wants to discuss strategy and available resources. Care to join me?”

Renya tilted her head toward Selenia, who sat absentmindedly tracing the rim of her glass, oblivious to the others' departure.

“Ah. Perhaps you're better suited for that,” Grayden conceded, clearly embarrassed by Selenia's predicament but relieved Renya would handle it. “We should also discuss this morning's discovery.” His pointed look mirrored her astonishment at their bond's new gift.

As Grayden's boots echoed down the hall, Renya moved to Julietta's vacated seat beside Selenia.

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