Page 96 of Between Two Kings

“I’ve never petrified before.”

Apollo blinked in genuine surprise. “Why?”

Tem crossed her arms, suddenly embarrassed.

When she didn’t answer, Apollo prompted her. “Are you afraid to do so?”

“No,” said Tem firmly.

He furrowed his brow at her tone. “I see. In that case, why have you refrained?”

“Caspen won’t teach me.”

“And why not?”

“He doesn’t want me to kill anyone,” Tem grumbled.

The barest flash of amusement brightened Apollo’s eyes. “You sound disappointed. Do you dream of being a killer?”

“No,” she insisted. “But it feels like…a part of me is missing.”

“Hm.” Apollo tilted his head, considering something. “I cannot fathom why my brother would not teach you such a fundamental skill. It is unwise. You should know the full breadth of your power.”

For once, they agreed on something.

Apollo continued, “Then again, he is…sentimental.”

Tem had only heard one person call Caspen sentimental before. Rowe. “Sentimental how?”

Apollo shrugged. “Caspenon upholds a certain concept of…morality.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that you are a shiny thing to him. And he does not want to see you tarnished.”

“Excuse me? Tarnished?” Tem was not an object. She was not shiny, nor was it possible to tarnish her. The entire concept was ridiculous.

“Do not hold it against him,” Apollo said quickly. “He thinks he is protecting you. Although I rather suspect he is doing the opposite.”

Again, they agreed on something. No good could come of Tem not knowing how to petrify.

With perhaps more eagerness than was warranted, Apollo said, “Would you like me to teach you?”

Anticipation pricked Tem’s spine. Yes. She would like that. “I…” she started, then paused. Tem knew how she wanted to answer. But she couldn’t seem to do it. “Don’t know.”

Apollo’s calculating gaze held hers. “I think you do know.”

Of course she knew. She knew quite well.

But Caspen had made his stance crystal clear. There was no doubt in her mind that accepting petrification lessons from his brother would anger him, even if it felt like the right thing to do for her—even if she wanted it.

Rather than reply, Tem stared at the middle of Apollo’s chest. Anywhere was easier than looking him straight in the eye. He was standing too close. He was selfish, and his desire for her was a strategy. She had no idea whether she could truly trust him.

“Temperance,” Apollo murmured, his voice low. “I will teach you, if that is what you wish. You need only say the word.”

It was a tempting offer. An extremely tempting offer. “I want Caspen to teach me.”

“I know you want that. But he will not.”