Page 57 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

Renya rubbed her neck. It was sore where Cressida had unlocked her powers. It hurt less than when she first brought her power forth, but it was still uncomfortable.

Grayden seemed to sense her discomfort. “I think that's enough for today.”

Kalora looked disappointed but nodded. “Good idea. We don't know how much power she has, and we don't want her to drain it all at once.” She started towards the stone archway before turning back to the couple. “Would you prefer to take dinner in the dining hall or in your chambers?”

Grayden looked at Renya, her face flushed from exertion and her shoulders sagging. “We'll take a tray in our room so Renya can recuperate.”

Kalora nodded and left the room. Grayden approached Renya and put his arms around her waist. “I'm so proud of you, Little Fawn.”

Renya shrugged off the praise. “It was just a few sparks.”

He tilted her chin up to look at him. “You're incredible. When your power came out, you practically glowed. I am in awe of you, every day.”

Renya beamed. She felt strong. She finally felt like in time, she might be able to actually accomplish what she was meant to do in this world. Whatever it was.

Grayden kissed her slowly, and she moved her hands up to grasp his biceps. His large body dwarfed her and always made her feel safe and at home. After a few seconds, she pulled away, eager to be in their room and in a hot bath. She was putting her body through so much stress, and she was constantly exhausted and sore everywhere.

Grayden guided her out of the throne room and back up to their chambers. When the door was shut behind them and they were finally alone, Grayden broached the subject.

“So, we can hear each other's thoughts now?”

“Apparently so. But I don't think it's our thoughts exactly. I feel like I make a conscious attempt to reach out to you, and then you hear it.” She sat on the bed and removed her dagger from the bodice of her dress. Grayden watched her, his eyes darkening with approval. He quickly shook himself and brought his thoughts back to their conversation.

“I felt the same way. I wanted you not to worry about Kalora, and the second I thought about what I wanted to say to you, you heard it.”

“Did your parents experience the same thing?”

Grayden stood beside her at the bed, thinking back. “I don't think so. I have never heard of being able to exchange thoughts before. I don't even know where I would find such information.”

Renya removed her satin slippers and placed them on the rug next to the bed. “Esmeralda. She might know. She has been studying fated bonds.”

“That's a good idea. You'll write to her? Do you trust her? I don't think we should let anyone know unless we have to.”

Renya agreed. For whatever reason, she felt like this revelation between the two of them was a secret that should stay in their knowledge alone. “I trust her. I'll write to her in the morning.”

“So, what do you think of our origin story? I must admit, I've never heard the whole thing told before. Only bits and pieces, like fae being created with a mate.”

“Honestly, it frightens me a bit, knowing that this prophecy has been foretold for so long. There's so much riding on it—but at the same time, a prophecy is meant to happen, right? So whatever choice I make, that's the right choice? There's comfort in that, knowing that I'm doing what I should.”

“That makes perfect sense, Little Fawn. When the time is right, you'll know exactly what to do.”

Renya continued to undress, and Grayden lay back on the bed, his legs crossed at his ankles and his arms propped behind his head. He watched her strip, but Renya wasn't in the mood for anything but the bath that was calling to her. While the tub didn't quite meet their expectations, at least the water was hot. She turned on the tap and wandered back over to where Grayden rested, a white towel tucked around her.

“So, I talked to Selenia.”

Grayden sighed, like he knew the conversation was coming but had been dreading it. “I knew you would. Did you get to the bottom of it?”

“Jurel doesn't want to get married or have a family. Ever.”

Grayden looked unsurprised.

“Did you know that about him?”

“Yes. Why do you think I discouraged the match? I've known Jurel for a very long time. And when he says he's not looking for those things, I believe him.”

“Selenia is pretty broken-hearted. Be gentle with her, Grayden.”

“What did you tell her?”

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