Page 53 of Realms of Shadow and Sun

Renya suppressed a smile, Grayden's words bolstering her confidence. She straightened her posture, meeting his eyes across the room and giving him a tiny nod of appreciation.

King Thesand was not at all what Renya had expected. He was dressed in black leather, a sword hanging at his hip, with no crown or other obvious signifiers of his royal status. His black hair was cropped short, and his alert eyes darted around the room, assessing each newcomer with cautious interest. While he allowed his wife to approach the group first, his posture made it clear he was ready to defend her at a moment's notice, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword and a quiver of arrows visible at his back.

“Welcome,” Queen Samatra said, her melodious voice carrying easily in the large chamber. Her gaze swept over the visitors, taking in each face carefully. She shook hands with Renya, Phillippe, and Cyrus in turn, but when she came to Grayden, she merely inclined her head in a respectful nod.

“I've heard from our guests that you two are fate-bound,” she said, her eyes moving between Renya and Grayden. “I'll try not to touch him in your presence, Renya. I've instructed my husband to do the same with Renya.”

Renya's eyes immediately sought out Esmeralda, noting the crimson blush that spread across her friend's cheeks as she looked down, avoiding eye contact. It was clear that Esmeralda had shared the story of Grayden's possessive behavior in the Tidal Kingdom.

“That's most considerate,” Grayden said, his tone light as he attempted to dispel the awkwardness. “I do get incredibly possessive when anyone touches my mate.” He let out a hearty laugh, and gradually, everyone in the room joined in, the tension dissipating.

With the ice broken, Queen Samatra invited everyone to gather around a large table deeper in the receiving hall. Grayden wasted no time in claiming the seat next to Renya, while Esmeralda took the chair on her other side. Renya hid a smile as she watched Phillippe make a beeline for the remaining seat beside Esmeralda.

As they settled into their seats, Queen Samatra's gaze swept over the group once more. “What brings you to the Spring Lands? I was surprised to get your letter,” she said, her tone both welcoming and curious.

Cyrus took the lead, his voice steady as he explained their situation. “We seek shelter and rest on our way back to the Snow Lands. My daughter, Renya, was taken hostage by the Shadow Queen. While she was there, she was able to earn her trust, which could assist us later on.”

King Thesand nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin. “We've been speaking with King Triston about pooling our resources to make a final stand against her. We've agreed.”

“That is wonderful news,” Grayden said, his hand finding Renya's under the table and giving it a gentle squeeze. He turned his attention to the other rulers, his voice taking on a more authoritative tone. “We'd like your input on where and how to take a stand.”

Renya hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. “I have a suggestion.”

All eyes turned towards her, and she swallowed nervously before continuing. “While I was in the Shadow Realm, I learned that Cressida's magic is weakest in opposite power types. Since her magic is dark, it is weaker in areas of light, like the Sun Realm. I think that we should lure her there, using me.”

Grayden's grip on her hand tightened, and his voice resonated in her mind, tinged with worry and a hint of anger.I won't allow you to be bait.

Renya met his gaze steadily.You don't have a choice, my love. This is how it has to be.

For a moment, she thought Grayden would protest aloud, but he gave a small shake of his head, reluctantly accepting her decision. Renya released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, relieved that the biggest hurdle to her plan had been overcome.

“You'll only do that if I'm there too,” Cyrus interjected, his eyes full of affection as he looked at Renya.

She closed her eyes briefly, touched by the wave of emotion that washed over her at her father's protective instinct.

“I'm sorry, but who are you?” King Thesand asked, his piercing gaze fixed on Cyrus as he assessed this newcomer.

Cyrus met the king's stare unflinchingly. “I'm the King of the Sun Realm.”

The declaration was met with gasps and murmurs of disbelief from around the table.

“That can't be—”

“It's not possible—”

“It must be a trick—”

Grayden rose to his feet, his presence commanding attention as he addressed the group. “I assure you, I've been to the Sun Realm. It's cloaked, but the entire city is active. More importantly, they have an army that is untouched. I've seen it personally.”

The room buzzed with side conversations and speculation. Finally, King Triston's voice cut through the chatter. “Grayden, you've never given me a reason to doubt your word. You've been honest with me when the truth seemed unbelievable. If you say this is true, I believe you.”

Grayden inclined his head towards Triston, gratitude evident in his expression.

“Thank you, Grayden,” Cyrus said, his voice carrying the weight of his royal status. “We have much to plan, but I know my daughter and the rest of our party are exhausted from our travels. Would it be possible to continue this conversation tomorrow?”

Renya felt a surge of pride as she watched her father take command of the room. He exuded the same natural leadership she had come to associate with Grayden.

You get your strength and leadership from him, my princess, Grayden's voice sounded in her mind, accompanied by a pulse of admiration and love.

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