Page 29 of Between Two Kings

Tem stared at the writhing naked bodies before her. Unsuitable indeed. “Then where do you raise them?”

“Out in nature. They are born as basilisks and transition into humans when they come of age. Once they are able to assimilate, it is safe to bring them near the villagers without worry they will lose control and violate the truce.”

This was fascinating to Tem and answered most of her questions. But she found she had one more: “When do basilisks come of age?”

“One hundred.”

Tem blinked. She’d always known Caspen was ancient, but she hadn’t realized that a century was the starting point. Surely, he was far beyond childhood by now. Her eyes slid to Adelaide, who was watching her with a smile, as if she could already predict her next question.

“How old is Caspen?”

“Perhaps you might ask him that.”

“Perhaps I might not,” Tem muttered.

“We are not shy about our age, Temperance,” she laughed, touching her shoulder again softly. “But I know Caspenon, and he would want to tell you himself.”

Tem sighed. It was hard to wrap her head around the fact that everyone here was over one hundred years old. They all looked so…youthful. Even the basilisks who were clearly older—who had hardened faces and traces of gray at their temples—were beautiful. Humans wilted as they aged. Basilisks seemed to do the opposite.

They watched the crowd some more. Every once in a while, someone walked over to release themselves into the fountain. Tem spotted Apollo, entangled in a web of women. The moment he made eye contact, she blushed and looked away.

“Do you know Apollo?” Tem asked. “Caspen’s brother?”

Adelaide shifted, glancing down at her. “Of course. Why do you ask?”

“Caspen said he’ll try to sleep with me.”

The basilisk smiled elegantly. “That is likely true.”

“Well. I don’t want that.”

Adelaide’s smile only widened. “It is not such a bad thing, Temperance,” she murmured. “To have two men fall at your feet.”

Tem had no idea what to say to that, so she said nothing. Eventually, the silence lingered, and Tem felt the need to break it. “Do you have anyone falling at your feet?”

Adelaide gave her a devious look. “Always.”

Tem perked up immediately. If Adelaide had been engaged to Caspen, the son of the king, who was a suitable match after someone of such high ranking? “Who?”

Adelaide leaned in. “Can you keep a secret?”

Tem raised her eyebrows. “Yes.”

She leaned even closer, and Tem felt the thrill that only gossip could bring forth.

“Cypress has been in my bed the past seven nights.”

Adelaide pointed across the room. Tem followed her gaze to see Caspen’s sister. They had the same dark hair, the same regal stature. She was a stunning woman and a fitting complement to Adelaide. Tem could imagine they looked beautiful together.

“Why is that a secret? I thought everything was allowed here.”

Adelaide shrugged, straightening. “Men are curious creatures, Temperance. They are petty, and they are stupid.”

Tem snorted.

“It is true, is it not?”

“It’s completely true.”