Page 61 of Split or Swallow

The butler reappeared, setting a small velvet box in front of Tem.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“A way to make it up to you,” Leo answered.

“I don’t wear jewelry.”

“You’re wearing a necklace.”

She touched the little gold claw, feeling its warmth.

“This is…special.”

Leo nodded at the box. “That could be special too.”

Tem shook her head.

“I don’t want it.”

“You don’t know what it is.”

“It’s a bribe. And I don’t take bribes.”

Leo leaned forward.

“Perhaps you would if it was the right bribe.”

Tem crossed her arms. “You’re not used to hearing the word ‘no’, are you?”

Leo leaned back. He smiled.

“No.”

They stared at each other, the small velvet box sitting between them. Tem wasn’t going to open it. There was nothing he could say to make her do so. If she opened it, it sent the message that she could be swayed by trinkets and gold. If she opened it, he won. She didn’t need Leo thinking she was shallow, and she certainly didn’t need another necklace.

Leo sighed, raising his wine glass to his lips.

“So difficult to please. What am I going to do with you, Tem?”

Tem returned her attention to her salad.

“That’s for you to figure out.”

There were two more courses after the salad—a butternut soup with crusty bread, and a tender roast. Tem devoured it all. Leo barely ate—he seemed content to drink his wine and watch her. No doubt he was used to the castle food anyway. The meal was a luxury for Tem. For Leo, it was just another dinner.

“Tell me something,” Leo said presently. “Why are you here?”

It felt like an echo of what Caspen had said in the caves. You do not seem desperate to be here. Tem was getting a little tired of people questioning her decisions.

“You told me to be,” she said shortly.

“You make it sound like you didn’t have a choice.”

“I didn’t.”

To Tem’s surprise, Leo frowned.

“You always have a choice, Tem.”