Page 246 of Between Two Kings

Tem drank the last dregs of her whiskeys. It was all she could do.

The celebration resumed, and Gabriel disappeared to the kitchens. Tem and Caspen found themselves near a group of royals whom Tem recognized from her own wedding. They were talking to Evelyn and Leo.

“We’re so excited to start a family,” Evelyn was saying. “Isn’t that right, darling?”

Leo took a long sip of whiskey. When he didn’t reply, Evelyn continued.

“Everything worked out just the way it was supposed to.”

“I’ll say,” one of the royals said. “The last one was a chicken farmer, wasn’t she?”

It had been a long time since that simple taunt had made Tem blush. But it did so now, and she turned to Caspen. “Can we go?”

He was looking at the man with fury in his eyes.

Tem placed her hand on his arm, holding him steady. “Please, Caspen. I just want to go.”

But the man wasn’t done. “Seems like you upgraded. You wouldn’t want your children playing in chicken shit, would you?”

Immediately, Caspen opened his mouth to retaliate. But Leo beat him to it.

“Watch what you fucking say about my wife.”

Tem’s mouth fell open, and hers wasn’t the only one.

Evelyn stared at Leo with unbridled fury, her lips a tight, unforgiving line. There was no trace of hurt in her eyes—only anger. She reached for him immediately, clamping her fingers tightly around his arm.

“We’re leaving,” she hissed. “Now.”

Leo didn’t protest. He followed Evelyn out to the patio, and she slammed the double doors shut behind them. They were still visible through the glass panes, and Tem could see her beginning to yell. Tem knew she should turn away. But she couldn’t. Beside her, Caspen’s hand was gripping her waist. Tem felt for his mind, but it was closed off. She couldn’t fathom why. Perhaps he felt rage in that moment. Perhaps not. All she knew was how she felt, which was utterly enraptured by what was happening before her. She was watching their relationship fall apart. She could see it splitting at the seams like an old winter coat. Evelyn’s expression was one of complete fury and betrayal.

“Caspen,” she whispered, touching his arm again, repeating her earlier plea: “Can we go?”

He didn’t say a word. He merely placed his hand over hers and steered her out of the ballroom. Tem half expected him to take them outside, into a carriage, and back to the caves. Instead he guided her up the stairs, not stopping until they were back in their bedroom. The moment the door closed, he drew her into his arms.

Tem burrowed against his chest. All she wanted was comfort. All she wanted was him.

His mind was still closed. Tem didn’t know whether it was accidental or on purpose, and she was too afraid to ask. Instead she spoke out loud.

“He didn’t mean that. He just…” But she trailed off.

Caspen was the first to break the silence, finishing her sentence. “He loves you.”

He said it quietly. It was not a revelation—merely a fact. Tem didn’t know how to respond, so she simply said nothing. She had no idea how long they stood there. It wasn’t until a knock came on the door that they finally drew apart.

Caspen opened it to reveal Leo. He looked completely worse for wear. Tem had never seen him so worn down.

“May I…” Leo began quietly. An eternity passed as his eyes traveled from Caspen, to Tem, then back to Caspen. “…speak with Tem?”

The entire world went silent. Tem could hear nothing but her heartbeat, which was pounding like thunder in her chest. Tem looked at Caspen. She braced for impact.

But Caspen was only looking at Leo. He studied the prince with careful intent, clearly drawing some sort of conclusion. His nostrils flared. Tem held her breath.

“That is a question for Tem,” Caspen said. Then he stepped to the side.

Leo’s eyes met hers. “Tem,” he said, even quieter this time. “May I speak with you?”

Her mouth was completely dry. It took nearly all of her effort just to nod. As soon as she did so, Leo nodded back, turning and crossing to his bedroom. Tem looked up at Caspen, who was watching her closely.