Page 50 of Realms of Shadow and Sun

“Not at all,” Grayden interrupted gently. “I'm glad she provided you with comfort.” He ducked his head to avoid a low-hanging branch, his movements careful not to jostle Renya.

Feeling the strain in Grayden's arms, Renya squirmed slightly. “I can walk, you don't need to carry me the rest of the way.”

“Actually, we're here,” Phillippe announced from the front of the group.

Renya looked up, her breath catching in her throat as she took in the scene before them. A gorgeous meadow stretched out ahead, filled with flowers of every hue imaginable, their petals swaying gently in the breeze. As she stepped out of the shadows of her mother's land and into the lush landscape of spring, she felt as if she were entering another world entirely.

Beyond the meadow lay a shimmering lake, its surface dotted with swans in shades of soft pink. Cherry blossoms drifted on the air, their delicate petals carried by a wind that smelled of jasmine and honey.

“It's beautiful,” Renya murmured, awe evident in her voice. She knelt, running her fingers through the lush grass. A ladybug, its shell a soft pink instead of the familiar red, alighted on her arm. She watched in wonder as it spread its wings and took flight, disappearing into the vibrant landscape.

“I think the Spring Land Acropolis is just on the other side of the meadow,” Phillippe said, removing his gloves and tucking them into his pocket.

“Have you been here before?” Renya asked, turning to Grayden.

He nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. “I have. I met with Samatra and her husband, Thesand, last year. They are kind rulers, good to their people and cooperative neighbors.”

A flutter of iridescent butterflies passed by, their wings catching the light like living jewels. Renya marveled at the stark contrast between this realm of new life and the oppressive gloom of the Shadow Realm.

As they made their way across the meadow, Renya's hand found Grayden's, their fingers intertwining. Despite the beauty surrounding them, she felt a flutter of nervousness at the prospect of meeting another set of rulers. Her experiences with King Triston of the Tidal Kingdom and Queen Kalora of the Twilight Kingdom had been positive, but each new encounter brought its own challenges.

“You'll be magnificent, Renya,” Grayden's voice resonated in her mind, a wave of reassurance flowing through their bond.

Renya smiled up at him, grateful for his unwavering support. After everything they'd been through, the separation and the constant threat of death, she found herself wanting to share every thought, every feeling with him.

As they neared the lake—which Renya now realized was more the size of a small sea—she paused, mesmerized by the school of rainbow-colored fish circling beneath the surface and the graceful swans gliding across the water. She stood there for a moment, drinking in the idyllic scene, before Grayden gently tugged her hand to rejoin the group.

As they walked, Renya noticed a change in Grayden's demeanor. A frown creased his brow, and through their bond, she sensed a flicker of sadness. An image flashed across her mind: his mother's ring, slipping onto her finger in the warmth of the hot springs. Understanding dawned, and she pulled her hand from his grasp.

“It's okay, Grayden,” she said softly, reaching for the necklace. She unclasped it, sliding the ring free before placing it back on her finger where it belonged.

Grayden's expression remained uncertain, his eyes not quite meeting hers. “Grayden, what is it?” Renya pressed, concern coloring her voice.

He looked away, struggling to find the words. “Grayden,” she repeated, more firmly this time.

Finally, he turned to face her, fear evident in the depths of his green eyes. “Honey, what's wrong?”

Grayden took a shaky breath. “When we were apart, I woke up one night and I felt...I felt you.”

Confusion wrinkled Renya's brow. “What?”

“You were...satisfied,” he explained, his gaze fixed on his worn boots.

Realization hit Renya like a thunderbolt, heat flooding her cheeks. “Oh my god!” she exclaimed, mortification and amusement warring within her.

“It's okay, Renya,” Grayden rushed to assure her, his words tumbling out in a nervous stream. “If you sought comfort with someone else, I—I understand. I can't imagine what you must have been going through, alone in that castle with...her. I don't blame you at all. But you were not wearing your ring...and it scared me.”

Renya's heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice, the insecurity so at odds with his usual confidence. She stepped closer, rising on her toes to place a tender kiss on his throat. “There was no one else, Grayden,” she murmured against his skin. “There will never be anyone else. I had a—dream—about us.” She felt her face grow even hotter, the admission hanging between them. “I only think of you, always. The only reason I wasn't wearing my ring was because Cressida took it from me and flung it out into the forest. I found it while I was riding Beauty, and I tucked it away against my heart to keep it safe.”

“But...your mating mark is also gone,” Grayden persisted, a hint of doubt still lingering in his voice. “Renya, what happened?”

A smile tugged at her lips as she held out her arm, rubbing vigorously at the skin. “I was forced to hide it. Cressida tried to make Cyrus break our bond. She thought he was successful, so I had to cover it.”

Grayden's relief was palpable, a strangled sob escaping him as he pulled her into a fierce embrace. “Thank the Fates,” he breathed, peppering her face with kisses. “I was so worried.”

“Grayden,” Renya said, cupping his face in her hands, “you don't ever need to feel insecure. We are bound for life. Nothing will ever change that.”

He nodded, pressing a final kiss to her forehead before releasing her. As they hurried to catch up with Phillippe and Cyrus, Renya felt a renewed sense of connection, their bond stronger for having weathered this moment of vulnerability.

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