Page 21 of Between Two Kings

“Perhaps to you. But to us, it is natural, and it is the way things have always been done.”

“Are you telling me your father just walked around and…slept with anyone he wanted?”

“Yes.”

“And that was just…allowed?”

“Not only was it allowed, it was considered an honor to be chosen by him.”

Tem crossed her arms. “And is that what you’re going to do?”

Caspen smiled. “No. I am not.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am very sure.”

Tem frowned. While her human side didn’t like the idea of Caspen sleeping with anyone else, the last thing she wanted was to prevent him from participating in his own culture. If she stood in the way of such customs, she ran the risk of him resenting her.

Caspen took her hand in his. “I have told you before, Tem. There is no one else I want.”

She shook her head. “You say that now, but you might want someone else eventually. I don’t think I can—”

He pressed his lips to hers. I will not want anyone else. Now or eventually.

The words were exactly what Tem needed to hear. But they were hard to believe, especially after what he’d just told her about how basilisks viewed sex.

If you don’t want anyone else, why wouldn’t you expect the same from me?

The kiss deepened. Because you are new to my world, Tem. I wish for you to experience all that is available to you.

But if you—

I have already experienced everything there is to experience, Tem. No one else compares to you.

You’ve experienced…everything?

A smile tilted his lips. Everything.

Tem pictured Caspen with a man. It turned her on. Caspen smiled, and Tem wondered why the thought of Caspen with a man turned her on yet the thought of him with a woman was terrifying. In her heart, she knew it was because she was afraid he would compare her to another woman. But he himself had told her that no one else compared. Perhaps it was time she started believing him.

They continued their walk.

Most of the basilisks mingled joyfully in the middle of the courtyard, but several stayed along the perimeter, their arms crossed, clearly displeased. One group of men stared at Tem with such vitriol that she recoiled, pressing herself against Caspen.

“Who are they?” she whispered.

Caspen followed her gaze. His jaw tightened. “They are Senecas.”

“Why are they looking at me like that?”

“Because you are married to a Drakon.”

Tem understood how her father’s quiver—her quiver—might disapprove of her marriage. Surely, they expected her to marry a Seneca. Still, some solidarity would have been nice. Tem already felt out of place here; it was difficult to face rejection from her own quiver.

“Many of the Senecas chose to leave with Rowe,” Caspen continued. “Those that remained are still wary of our union.”

“Where did they go?”