Page 118 of Between Two Kings

Don’t you have control over your own actions?

Of course I do. But Caspenon is my king as much as he is yours. His word is law.

But Tem’s word was also law. Tem was the one whose power the Senecas wanted; Tem was the one who could bypass the council. Tem was the one to fear.

Apollo’s gaze locked on hers. Kissing him seemed like an admission—like giving in. Tem was aware of Caspen watching her, of Gabriel just nearby. Yet the only thing she truly felt was Apollo’s presence before her, his body as it pressed against hers. Their minds were intertwined; there was no escape from him. He leaned in.

Stop.

Apollo stopped, his lips an inch from hers. He smelled so good. Yet everything in Tem told her that this was not the right time—that no matter how much she wanted this, it would have to wait. Tem was not ready. Perhaps she never would be. This was a step too far—a step beyond what she was prepared for. The ritual had been different; she’d had to do that in order to be with Caspen. But kissing his brother would be a choice made of her own free will, and Tem wanted it on her own terms—not at Caspen’s command. Perhaps there would be a kiss for them in the future, but it was not right now. Not tonight.

She turned to look at Caspen. His brows rose in surprise, then furrowed. His eyes flicked from her to Apollo, then back again. They’d both disobeyed their king.

Apollo brushed his thumb over her lip. You wound me.

It was not the first time he’d said that. But it was the first time she believed it. There was true disappointment in his tone—genuine sadness that she was unwilling to take this step with him. Any other basilisk would have. Tem was painfully aware that she was the exception to the rule—that once again, her behavior was vexing to Apollo and to his people. But she would not be rushed. Not for something as paramount as this.

Nobody could wound you, Apollo.

It was also not the first time she’d said that. But instead of receiving it with a smile, as he had once before, Apollo gave her a grim look. Once again, you underestimate yourself. Then he dropped his hands.

Tem blinked, and he was gone. She turned to Caspen, who was watching her with his brow furrowed.

Are you angry with me?

No.

Are you sure?

Yes.

Then why are you looking at me like that?

Caspen’s brow was still furrowed. At her words, his expression softened into gentle understanding. He leaned down to kiss her. I am not angry with you, Tem. I am just observing.

They kissed, and Tem tried to believe him. But a part of her felt shame. This was yet another basilisk custom she was unwilling to take part in. She had long ago released feelings of jealousy and insecurity toward Adelaide, but in moments like these, they reared their head once more. A basilisk would be a better match for Caspen. A basilisk would have kissed his brother. That was the truth, and Tem could not so easily forget it.

Caspen kissed her harder. He was inside her mind; he could hear every insecurity and fear that gripped her like iron. It was a confusing mix of emotions. Tem knew basilisks were an ancient species, and she couldn’t possibly hope to understand them in one night. But after experiencing something like this, she felt no closer to understanding Caspen than she did before. Tem had no idea how he actually felt. She wished for clarity, but she knew she would not get it tonight.

The rest of the night passed in a blur of sex and bodies and elixir. It was not until the celebration had nearly run its course that Tem found Gabriel again. He was sequestered in a corner, intertwined with Damon.

“Gabriel,” she murmured gently, leaning over them. “Are you ready to go?”

Pink cheeks, flushed chests, they both looked at her with dazed expressions.

“Can’t I stay?” Gabriel said. His voice was hoarse.

Tem glanced up at Caspen, who was watching their interaction from a step away. “Can he?” she whispered.

Caspen pursed his lips. His eyes slid to Damon’s, and Tem saw their unspoken conversation. Tem knew Caspen was asking, tacitly, whether he was safe with Damon.

Damon nodded. Only then did Caspen nod too.

“He can stay.”

Relief swept through Tem. All she cared about was that Gabriel survived the night unharmed. If this experience had taught her anything, it was that he could handle himself among the basilisks.

“I will come find you in the morning,” Tem said. “We can leave together.”