Page 192 of Between Two Kings

One down. Seven to go.

Tem made the rest of her selections by instinct alone. She didn’t care about their cocks—they were all equally glorious anyway—she cared about how they made her feel. Tem kissed only the basilisks whose power was compatible with hers—those who she knew, on an instinctual level, could handle her. She let the heat between her legs guide her, choosing anyone who turned her on. By the time she’d kissed the eighth man, she was wet.

The crowd roared as the final basilisk joined the line of contenders. Caspen smiled at her, and she knew she’d done well. Adelaide reappeared at her side.

“Now what?” Tem asked.

Adelaide leaned in. “Now there will be a ceremony.”

“What kind of ceremony?”

“You shall see.”

Everyone except for the final twelve contenders left the stage. Behind Tem, the banquet hall went silent. For some reason, she found herself holding her breath as a woman emerged from the crowd and ascended the stage. Her stomach was swollen.

Tem glanced at Adelaide. Is she pregnant?

Adelaide shook her head. No. She is a new mother who just gave birth.

Tem looked around for a baby but didn’t see one. Then she remembered what Adelaide had told her about basilisk children, how they were raised away from the caves until they came of age and were ready to have sex. Tem couldn’t figure out why a new mother would be here without her child. What is her purpose?

Adelaide didn’t reply. Something was happening; the contenders were kneeling.

What are they doing?

They are paying their respects.

But why?

She represents Kora.

Kora. Goddess of fertility, benevolent ruler of all.

She will touch the person she believes will be the victor of the tournament.

This was all new information to Tem, and it was completely terrifying. The victor of the tournament had to be Caspen. Needed to be Caspen. What if the woman touched someone else?

How will she make her decision?

It is believed that Kora will tell her whom to choose.

The woman walked slowly down the line of men, pausing before each one to look them in the eye, as if judging their capability. The men looked up at her with utter respect, as they would have their own mothers, kneeling before her as they would in church.

Tem held her breath as the woman stopped before Rowe. After what felt like an eternity, she continued along, trailing her fingertips through the air as she walked. She moved with undeniable grace, her hips swaying as she approached the end of the line. Apollo was second to last, right before Caspen. The woman stopped before him.

Tem immediately stiffened. No. She can’t choose him.

Adelaide didn’t reply. Tem could do nothing but watch in horrified silence as the woman held out her hand, touching Apollo gently on the forehead. Tem had never seen Apollo so proud. It was clear this was the highest honor possible, that he was receiving a gift of incalculable value. Apollo took the woman’s hand in his, raising it and pressing her wrist to his lips.

The crowd erupted into cheers. Beside Apollo, Caspen’s face expression was unreadable. Was he angry? Jealous? Afraid? Tem reached for him with her mind, but he was closed off to her. It didn’t surprise her. If his thoughts were anything like hers, they were not safe for anyone else to hear.

It will have no bearing on the actual outcome, Temperance, Adelaide said. It is merely her opinion, nothing more.

But you said that she was guided by Kora.

That is what we believe, yes.

Have you ever known Kora to be wrong?