Page 26 of Between Two Kings

“Tem,” Caspen said gently. “Do not let this overwhelm you. You have many things to learn.”

His words only made her feel worse. Because he was right. There was so much to learn—so much that Tem was bound to get wrong. She lived in a constant state of terror, afraid that she was going to offend someone or insult Caspen by refusing to do something. It was like learning an entirely new language in just a few days. Her brain hurt from trying to process so much information, and she was tired of feeling out of step in her own body.

Do you wish to return to our chambers?

Tem looked up at Caspen, who was looking down at her with his brow furrowed. He was worried about her. He wanted her to adjust, and she wasn’t adjusting quickly enough. Even Caspen, with his seemingly endless patience, would surely grow weary of playing teacher.

I do not mind teaching you, Tem. It is not a burden to me.

Of course he would say that. But even if it was, he wouldn’t tell her. And Tem would always wonder whether he would secretly tire of her. There were a thousand things to remember and no hope of remembering them all. Tem was overwhelmed, and she was tired. But she was also determined.

“Do you wish to return?” he asked again, this time murmuring the words against her cheek.

“No,” she said firmly. “I want to stay.”

She recognized the flash of pride in his eyes. “Good.”

They kissed. This, at least, she did not need to be taught.

“Caspenon,” a voice bloomed beside them. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your wife? Or is that honor reserved only for Apollo?”

They pulled apart to see a man watching them. Unlike most of the other male basilisks Tem had seen, who were built like warriors, this one was slim and wiry. He was also tall, his height only accentuating his thinness, as if he had been stretched.

“Tem,” Caspen said. “My youngest brother, Damon.”

Tem raised her eyebrows. She couldn’t believe she was meeting so many members of Caspen’s family tonight.

“Oh,” she said. “Nice to meet you.”

Damon took her hand and kissed it. Unlike Apollo, his lips didn’t linger.

“Nice indeed.” He tilted his head at Caspen. “She is beautiful.”

Tem almost laughed. Did these brothers know any other compliments? “You’re beautiful too,” she said without thinking.

Damon raised his eyebrows in delight. “Am I? How kind of you to say.”

It was true; Damon was stunning. Tem decided right then that she liked him. She could tell this interaction pleased Caspen too; he was almost smiling.

“Has my brother given you any trouble tonight?” Damon asked.

Tem looked up at Caspen. “No. Not yet.”

“I do not mean Caspenon,” Damon said with a wink. “I mean the one who is likely to give you trouble.”

Clearly Apollo’s reputation preceded him.

“No,” she said again. “I can handle him.”

“Can you, now?” Damon clapped Caspen on the shoulder. “You picked a strong one.”

Caspen looked down at Tem, his eyes full of pride. “I did indeed.”

With that, Damon swept away. He was the second basilisk to leave without saying goodbye. Apparently farewells were not part of their ancient customs.

As soon as he was gone, Caspen pressed his lips once more to Tem’s. The kiss was just beginning to deepen when Caspen pulled suddenly away, glancing over his shoulder as if he had heard something. Several male basilisks were gathered in a group, staring in their direction, clearly discussing something.

“Caspen? What is it?”