Page 6 of Split or Swallow

Tem had to laugh at that. She doubted Vera was stupid enough not to take the infertility herb, considering how much sex she had on a weekly basis. All the girls took it, including Tem, although it wouldn’t matter during the training: it wasn’t possible to become pregnant by a basilisk. At least, that’s what everyone said. But the same stories had circulated the village for years: that in extremely rare cases, it was possible. And if it were to happen, the baby would be a freak of nature: half human, half basilisk, forever caught between the two species, never fully fitting in with either. But that was nonsense. Nobody Tem knew had ever met such a creature, and there was no reason to believe in rumors.

Gabriel’s voice pulled her from her musings:

“Who do you think will win?”

Tem looked up at him.

“Win what?”

“The prince’s hand in marriage, of course. Who will be the lucky lady?”

Tem found it telling that he didn’t automatically assume it would be her. Even her best friend had no faith in her abilities. She could only answer with the truth:

“Vera. She doesn’t even need the training.”

“Hm,” Gabriel said thoughtfully, taking a sip of his beer. “She’s too easy. Men don’t like that.”

Tem cocked an eyebrow at Jonathan, whose hands were unashamedly down the front of Vera’s dress.

“It would seem that men do.”

“That’s not a man, Tem. That’s a boy.”

Tem could hardly tell the difference.

“Who do you think will win?”

Gabriel shrugged. “You, of course.”

Tem blinked. Maybe he did believe in her after all.

“You must be joking.”

“I’m not. Why shouldn’t the prince choose you?”

“I can think of a hundred reasons.”

“Name one.”

Tem could’ve listed them all. But she chose the most obvious:

“I’m inexperienced.”

“That’s what the basilisk is for.”

It was the conversation at the bakery all over again. Tem bristled.

“I know what the basilisk is for. But even if I learn everything there is to learn, I’ll never look like that.”

She jerked her head at Vera, who was barely distinguishable from Jonathan.

Gabriel scoffed.

“If you ever look like that, I’m never hanging out with you again.”

She shot him a glare. “Be serious, Gabriel.”

“I am serious, Tem. You’re too hard on yourself. You’re a catch.”