Page 37 of Between Two Kings

“I can’t believe this is what your life is like,” she whispered against his skin.

“It was not nearly so enjoyable before you arrived.”

Tem giggled. She looked out over the basilisks. “How late will it go on?”

“Quite late.”

At the look on her face, Caspen said, “We can take a break, if you need one.”

Tem hated to admit that she did. It was all too much—the bodies, the moans, the movement. She didn’t want Caspen to think she couldn’t handle it. But the truth was that she couldn’t.

Come, Tem. We will rest.

His hand found her waist, lifting her up off the mattress. Tem knew it was not in Caspen’s nature to take a break. But she appreciated that he did so for her, leading her to a quiet spot at the edge of the courtyard. They looked out over the chaos together. All around them, basilisks were kissing and laughing and having sex. Tem couldn’t help but think about how much Gabriel would love this.

“Caspen?”

“Yes, my love?”

“How old are you?”

He bristled. “I do not think my age is relevant.”

“Well, I do.”

“I am older than you.”

“I’d already guessed that, actually.”

He didn’t reply.

“Tell me.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because you are too eager to know.”

Tem didn’t have the energy to push him. Instead she moved the conversation to their minds:

I like Adelaide.

Do you?

Yes. She’s a girl’s girl.

I do not know what that means.

It means she would choose me over you.

His arms tightened. Who could blame her?

And I would choose her over you.

She felt him smile. Is that right?

Yes.