Page 93 of Between Two Kings

With a jolt, Tem realized she was their queen. She’d spent her entire life as an outcast—chided and ostracized by the villagers. But now that there was a common enemy in Evelyn, they considered Tem one of their own. How quickly the tides changed.

Just then, she spotted Gabriel. He was by the mead, as he always was. But the usual flush on his cheeks from drinking was not there; instead, he was pale, greeting her with a somber wave.

“Gabriel,” she said immediately. “What’s wrong?”

“Why would you assume something’s wrong?”

“Because it’s full moon, and you’re not drinking.”

A small smile twisted his lips. “Maybe I’m on a health journey.”

Tem snorted.

His smile faded. “I can’t drink tonight, Tem.”

“Why not?”

But he didn’t answer. Instead, he looked out over the square, and Tem followed his gaze. The villagers were standing in groups, whispering to each other.

Understanding crept into her like frost. “Something’s happening tonight, isn’t it?”

Gabriel still didn’t answer. She stared up at his clenched jaw, wondering just how much had happened since the last time she’d seen him. Gabriel was probably the head of the revolution by now. He’d organized the last protest, and surely he’d organized this one. He was growing into a person Tem didn’t recognize. They’d always been close—even though Gabriel was a year older—but now there was distance between them, and Tem had no idea what to do about it.

“Gabriel,” she insisted. “Tell me what’s going on.”

“Tem,” Gabriel sighed, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You should go.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re—” He cut himself off.

Tem found she knew what he was going to say. “I’m what, Gabriel?” she whispered.

For a moment, they simply stared at each other, two best friends who no longer lived their lives the way they used to. “You’re one of them.”

Tem went cold.

One of them: the enemy. And he was right. There were two enemies here—the basilisks and the royals—and Tem was associated with both. She thought about her conversation with Leo, how he’d asked her if she knew who was behind the protests. She could understand how that would put Gabriel in a difficult position, how being seen with her would cast doubt on his allegiance. But she couldn’t imagine not being close to Gabriel. He was her only friend—her last true sanctuary. Even when things were going horribly with Caspen or when she was arguing with Leo, he was there. He’d always been there.

“I’m with you,” she whispered. “I always will be.”

He just shook his head. “I’m trying to protect you, Tem.”

“And I’m trying to do the same. But you have to tell me what’s going on.”

“I can’t. Not while you’re sleeping with a snake.”

Tem hated the way he said it—like it was an insult. But of course Gabriel said it like that. He didn’t know the basilisks like she did. He only knew their cruelty, their cunning. He had no idea that they were not so different from humans—that they were exactly like humans.

“Gabriel,” she whispered. “When did you stop trusting me?”

He sighed. Everything she’d told him at the Horseman ran through her mind: how she was a Hybreed, how she was powerful, how basilisks lived and existed under the mountain. Was that information safe with him? Was she safe with him?

“Tem,” he said quietly. “I’m trying to protect you.”

The same thing he said before. It hurt even worse the second time.

The wind rustled his golden-blond hair.