CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Her mother retired to her bedroom, and Tem did the same.
The visual of Leo being swarmed onstage ran repeatedly through her mind, and she knew she would never forget the stab of fear she’d felt at the sight. But there was no use in fixating on it tonight. All she could do for now was try to sleep, and prepare herself for what was to come.
So Tem slept.
The next morning brought little relief. Tem awoke to the crowing of the roosters, as she always did. She hated the sound, as she always had. Her chores were completed without complaint, and she took only enough breaks to eat her meals. Her mother didn’t ask about the prince’s visit—it seemed their shared moment of intimacy had passed. Tem wondered whether there was a similar distance between Leo and Maximus today. Would father and son discuss what had happened at the Passing of the Crown? Had Leo noticed the king’s hesitation before setting the golden crown on his head? Tem dearly hoped he hadn’t. It was a difficult thing to face the rejection of a parent. She wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
Before Tem knew it, evening had arrived.
She walked slowly through the woods, noticing the way the birds were barely chirping. Autumn was rapidly turning to winter; soon the mountain where the basilisks dwelled would be covered in snow. The temperature rose the moment she entered the cave.
Caspen was already waiting for her.
Without a word, he tilted his head, and she knew to follow him. When they reached his chambers, Caspen turned to face her. His expression was a mixture of caution and reverence. It was no surprise to Tem that the first words out of his mouth were:
“May I ask what prompted your decision?”
Tem didn’t reply. She found it quite telling that Caspen didn’t try to talk her out of her decision. Only further confirmation of what she already knew: he secretly wished for her to do it.
She said the same thing she’d said to Leo:
“I changed my mind.”
Caspen looked like he wanted to ask another question, but he didn’t. Instead, he said:
“Thank you, Tem.”
He was grateful to her for agreeing to the ritual—for deciding to put her body on the line for him. But Tem wasn’t ready to be benevolent just yet.
“When will it happen?” she asked.
Caspen splayed his broad, graceful hands. “Whenever you choose.”
Tem looked up at him.
“I want to do it before I move into the castle.”
She said it confidently, as if it were a guarantee. Caspen knew as well as she did that according to tradition, the ball was when the prince would choose the final three girls. Of course, Leo might not choose her. But considering the way he’d so clearly feared for her wellbeing last night—the way he’d shown up at her doorstep just to make sure she was unharmed—Tem knew in her soul that he would.
Caspen interrupted her thoughts:
“In that case,” he said slowly. “I will make the arrangements for tomorrow night.”
Tomorrow night. Twenty four hours from now.
Tem swallowed her fear, remembering why she was really doing this—remembering what was at stake if she failed.
“I need to know more,” she said.
Caspen tilted his head.
“More?”
“About the ritual,” Tem insisted. “I need to know everything.”
“Very well,” Caspen said. “What do you wish to know?”
Her first question came easily:
“Where will it take place?”
“There is an auditorium specifically for its purpose.”
The fear threatened to return.
“So it’s public?”
“Yes.”
Tem couldn’t help but blush. Imagining that many people—that many snakes —watching her have sex was enough to make her weak.
“How many basilisks will be there?”
“Everyone in my quiver will attend.”
“But is it…more than a hundred? Two hundred?”
“I do not know the exact number. But yes. Hundreds.”
Tem closed her eyes.
Hundreds.
When she opened her eyes, Caspen was watching her.
“And what of your father?”
“What of him?”
“You need to teach me how to—”
Caspen held up his hand.
“Do not speak of it.”
“I need to know what he—”
“I do not wish to discuss —”
“Well I do .”
They stared at each other. The topic was uncomfortable for them both. But Tem was right. If the future of the kingdom hinged on her excelling at the ritual, she needed to know exactly what to expect.Caspen knew his father better than anyone; he was the only one who could prepare her for this.
“It’s just another lesson,” Tem whispered. “That’s all.”
Caspen shook his head.
She touched his arm gently.
“You taught me everything else. So teach me this.”
Caspen turned to the fire, staring at it for so long that it actually began to dim. Finally, he spoke:
“You will be on top,” he said, still not looking at her, “to signify you have come to the ritual willingly.”
“The whole time?” Tem asked, her voice small.
“Yes. He will not kiss you, or touch you more than necessary.”
Tem looked up at him.
“I know I made you promise never to alter my feelings,” she said. “But will you make me calm during it?”
Caspen shook his head.
“I cannot interfere—my father will hold it against you.”
Tem nodded.
“But I will make you calm before and after,” he said. “You have my word.”
She nodded.
“Will you be watching?”
“Yes.”
The thought repulsed her.
“I’d really prefer you didn’t.”
Caspen’s jaw clenched. “Trust me, I would prefer that too. But I must, Tem. I have to make sure his hands do not stray. If they do, I will kill him.”
“Are his hands known to stray?”
By the look on his face, Tem could guess the answer.
“I’d rather you didn’t kill your own father because of me.”
“It would be because of him.”
“Still.”
The entire conversation was absurd. Tem couldn’t believe they were talking about this—that she was really going to sleep with Caspen’s father in a public auditorium. Nothing about this was normal.
“What else?” she asked.
“He values confidence. He will sense if you are afraid or if you doubtyour???self.”
“I’m not afraid.”
The barest of smiles touched Caspen’s lips.
“You never are.”
They both stared at the fire.
“Is that it?” Tem asked.
Caspen sighed.
“There is more. You will sleep with me as well as my father.”
Tem stared up at him.
“At the same time? ”
“No,” Caspen said quickly. “One after the other. My father has seniority, so you will be with him first. Ideally, you will bring him to climax. If not, then the ritual is already over. If you succeed, you will sleep with me next. It is imperative that both my father and I finish quickly. If it draws on, he is less likely to give his blessing. In both cases, we will come outside of you.”
Tem frowned.
“Why?”
“To present proof to my quiver. That way there can be no question of your achievement.”
Tem processed this information. She had no idea there would be so many rules.
“Is that all?” she whispered.
“Nearly. If you succeed in both cases, you are worthy of my father’s blessing. Should he decide to give it, you and I would go to a designated suite.”
“A suite? What happens there?”
Caspen sighed.
“Well?”
“We would be expected to…celebrate the king’s decision.”
“Celebrate how?”
The pause lingered.
“Oh for Kora’s sake ,” Tem cried. “Just tell me, Caspen. Tell me all of it , right this second, or I’m walking home.”
Caspen didn’t protest. He simply said in a monotone:
“We would celebrate by having sex. Continuously.”
“ Continuously? ”
“Yes. The closest comparison I can make is to what humans call a honeymoon. It is customary for the new couple to sleep together until midnight. If we do not, my father could revoke his blessing.”
“He could revoke it at any time?”
“Yes.”
“But how would he know if we didn’t sleep together until midnight?”
Caspen answered in the same quiet tone:
“The suite is public, just like the ritual. Everyone will be watching us.”
It was incomprehensible—the whole thing. There was nothing in Tem’s mind except pure, unfiltered disbelief, and it threatened to consume her in an unstoppable wave. She felt the sudden need to sit down.
“Is that all?” she breathed.
“Yes. That is all.”
Tem had never been so happy to hear it.
She closed her eyes. A moment later, Caspen embraced her, and she let him. Tem leaned against his chest, trying not to think about what would happen tomorrow. But there was no avoiding it. Everything culminated here.
“Tem,” Caspen’s voice was a strained whisper. “Please. Tell me what you are thinking.”
She opened her eyes.
“I’m thinking I had no idea what I was getting into when I told you to undress the first night we met.”
His arms tightened around her.
“Yes. Of that I am quite sure.”
There was nothing else to say. Tem was numb.
Caspen held her for a long time, and eventually, they climbed onto his bed, pulling off their clothes as they went. They didn’t have sex. Instead, they stared at each other in the dimly flickering firelight as Caspen traced his fingertips up and down Tem’s body. She knew he was using the motion to calm himself just as much as her.
It seemed as if they were on the verge of something significant—something that would alter their relationship forever. Tem had no idea how the ritual would affect them—whether it would change their dynamic for better or for worse. Caspen was a basilisk, so he respected his people’s customs. But he was also a man, and a possessive one at that. Tem couldn’t imagine that sleeping with his father would improve things between them.
They drifted off together, Caspen’s hand still on her waist.
She was awoken by her name:
Tem .
Caspen’s voice was clear as day, ringing through her mind like a bell. Tem sat up straight, her heart pounding like she’d just ran a mile.
“What is it?” she asked.
He didn’t answer. His eyes were closed, his body motionless except for the gentle rise and fall of his chest.Tem leaned down, squinting her eyes at him. A slow smile pulled her cheeks as she realized he was asleep.
Caspen must be dreaming about her.
As soon as she thought it, she knew it was true. His mind must be interacting with hers—the barrier lowered—the corridor between them wide open.
Tem.
There it was again.
Tem shifted so she was facing him. She closed her eyes, concentrating as hard as she could.
Caspen .
No response. The corridor between their minds felt clogged, as if it were filled with smoke. Tem wondered if it was because Caspen was unconscious. She waited for him to call to her again, and when he didn’t, she felt sudden disappointment.
Her name was only worth saying twice? That wouldn’t do at all.
Tem touched his temple, concentrating on their connection. She pushed through the smoke, feeling her way down the corridor and toward the door to his mind. Just outside it, she stopped.
Was this a violation?
Tem didn’t want to infiltrate Caspen’s mind without his permission. But he had never told her not to do so. And he had pulled her into his mind once before, when they’d stood in front of the mirror together. Besides, did they not belong to one another? What secrets could he possibly have that weren’t hers to know?
Tem entered Caspen’s mind.
It was completely dark; there was nothing to see. Rather she felt sensations all around her, curling against her own mind like vines on a tree. First and foremost was sexual desire—it surrounded her with such intensity that Tem felt immediately turned on. She searched for something else— anything else—to focus on, finding that there was only one other clear presence in Caspen’s mind: worry. A thick thread of anxiety loomed in the background of his consciousness, casting a pall on everything around it.
What was he so worried about?
Tem tried to see the emotion, but found that she could not. Instead she could only feel it, concern and apprehension lacing into her as surely as if they were her own emotions. When she probed further, she realized the worry was surrounding her. Not the version of her that was currently inside Caspen’s mind—but the version of Tem he thought about when she wasn’t around. He was worried about her. Although, that wasn’t quite right—it was more that he was worried for her. Perhaps because of the ritual. But Tem had a feeling it had nothing to do with tomorrow’s events. It was a broader worry—a deep echo of uneasiness that bordered on fear. Fear for her.
Tem.
Caspen was awake. His voice boomed around her in the same way it had when they’d stood in front of the mirror together. She felt his consciousness join hers, and suddenly she was not the only one active in his mind. When he opened his eyes, Tem saw what he saw, which was her own body kneeling on the bed beside him. She was struck once more by the way he perceived her, as if she were the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. His gaze traveled over her hungrily, taking in the curve of her hips and the way her hair curled gently around her shoulders.
Tem was in two places at once—his mind and her body—and she found that she had control in both. She smiled, and a bright surge of joy shot through Caspen’s mind. He reached for her, threading his fingers into her hair and pulling her face down to his. When their lips touched, Tem felt what he felt when he kissed her: pure, aching desire. She kissed him back, savoring the hunger that flooded his mind as he pulled her even closer. Caspen’s hands went to her body, his palms flat against her skin to feel as much of her as possible. Every time she moaned, a wave of lust overtook him. It was a wonder he didn’t tear her apart.
The kiss deepened.
Caspen rolled on top of her, nestling himself into the cradle of her hips. Tem spread her legs to accommodate him, and as soon as she did so, the worry vanished from his mind. His only focus was her: he only wanted more. Still, he didn’t initiate sex. He followed her lead, letting Tem set the pace, letting her determine when and how things progressed. Tem felt firsthand the restraint it took for him to go slowly. She saw how his gaze lingered on certain parts of her body—her neck, her collarbones, her lips—how he concentrated on a single thought every time he came close to losing control:
Keep her safe.
He thought it over and over, relentlessly, whenever Tem’s naked body became too much for him to resist.
Keep her safe. Keep her safe. Keep her safe.
It was extraordinary to experience him this way. He was utterly enamored with Tem—nothing mattered to him except for her experience. His pleasure came from her pleasure. Anything she did turned him on; the mere thought of her was enough to harden his cock.
He palmed her breasts, and she watched as her cheeks flushed.
Caspen groaned at the sight.
See what you do to me?
He was addressing her now, within his own mind. Tem still didn’t know how to answer him when they were joined like this. So she used her body to communicate, pulling him closer and kissing him on the lips. Heat flared all around her.
Perfect, perfect girl.
Tem only kissed him harder.
Caspen slipped a finger inside her, then another. Tem felt her own wetness—how soft and inviting her center was to him. He touched her gently, dipping ever deeper, adjusting his technique based on the sounds she made. He knew her body intimately—knew exactly what to do to make her moan. He bit her earlobe, she yelped, and he bit it again.
Something was brewing in the back of his mind now: something dangerous. Tem recognized it as the part of him that wanted to transition—the part that want?ed to shed his human form and rip into her with no regard for consequences.
Keep her safe.
The words were quiet—strained. It was becoming more difficult to follow them.
Tem realized she had some power here: she could help him resist his instincts. She placed her palms on his torso, pushing him away and creating distance between them. Caspen let her do this. Then she took the hand that wasn’t inside her and brushed the tip of her tongue over his fingertips. She was distracting him—forcing him to focus on something that wasn’t sex. The monster inside him settled, content to watch her as she sucked gently on his first two fingers. Caspen leaned forward, pushing them deeper into her mouth, all the way to the back of her throat. Tem closed her eyes, letting him penetrate her this way—letting him feel how far she could take him.
Look at you.
For once, Tem could do so. She watched herself through Caspen’s eyes, seeing everything he saw—seeing everything he loved. She felt how warm and wet her mouth was—how proud he was that she willingly took any part of him inside her. There was ownership in his gaze, but not control. He didn’t want to dominate her; he only wanted her all to himself. It was no different, really, than the way she felt about him. Tem wanted Caspen to belong to her and her alone.
I already told you, Tem. You have me.
Caspen withdrew his fingers from her mouth and pressed his lips there instead. His cock was completely hard, and Tem wrapped her palm around it, beginning to pull him inside her. Caspen followed willingly, and the moment he was all the way in, she finally understood what it was like for him to fuck her.
It was pleasure like she’d never known. It was so much bigger for him—so much more. Basilisks experienced sex on a spiritual level—one that humans couldn’t hope to comprehend. It was as if he wasn’t complete until he was inside her, as if only a fraction of himself existed without Tem. She felt the way he listened to her body, adjusting his movements based on cues as subtle as her heartbeat. Even her skin told a story. Caspen’s fingertips sensed every bead of sweat, every goosebump, every tiny variation in temperature. He knew she was about to orgasm before she did; he could hear the difference in the cadence of her breath. Of all the things Caspen had taught her, Tem never thought she’d be learning how to have sex with herself . It was extraordinary.
Caspen propped himself up on his elbows so he could watch her face with every thrust. Tem stared back at him, her expression open and trusting and at ease. She was happy and fulfilled in his arms; she was at peace. Nothing brought him more pride than seeing her that way. There was no greater honor than being inside her.
The monster was rapidly returning. Smoke seeped off Caspen in black swirls. When they skimmed Tem’s body, they were an extension of him—touching her like his hands would—feeling her just the same as he did with his fingers. The hiss that filled the air was deafening from within his mind. Tem almost wanted to cover her ears. But the imminence of orgasm was far more pressing. As it built in her, it built in Caspen, and Tem could feel how unstoppable the force of a basilisk’s climax truly was. He would not transition; he would keep her safe. But he also would?n’t hold back a single ounce of the pleasure that threatened to shatter the confines of his human form.
At the very last moment, Caspen pushed her from his mind.
It wasn’t because he no longer wanted her there—rather, it was so she could experience the orgasm he’d worked so hard to give her. Tem returned to her own mind just as her climax hit, and she gasped as the first moments of pleasure reverberated through her body. She looked up at Caspen, who was looking down at her.
Her eyes slammed shut as she came.
Caspen’s hands gripped her hips, his fingers digging deep into her skin. He held her against him as he thrust into her, again and again, so quickly Tem could barely breathe. He was coming too—just as intensely, just as desperately as she was.
When they were finally finished, they lay together, his head resting on her chest. Tem ran her fingers through his dark hair, marveling at what had just happened.
Eventually, Caspen asked:
Why did you come into my mind?
You said my name in your sleep.
She felt him smile against her skin.
I see. And?
And, what?
He raised his head to look her in the eye.
Did you find what you were looking for?
Tem thought about what she’d sensed in his mind: the dark cloud of fear that surrounded his thoughts of her. She wanted to ask about it. But she also wanted to savor this moment with him. So she said:
Yes.
Good. You are welcome anytime.
They fell asleep together.
When Tem awoke, her first thought was of the ritual. She couldn’t believe it was happening tonight—that in a few short hours she would be doing unthinkable things in order to prove herself to Caspen’s quiver. She wanted to stay here with Caspen until it was time. But her mother needed her on the farm, and there was no possibility of lingering.
Caspen walked her to the head of the trail. Instead of kissing her, he placed his hands on her shoulders.
“It will begin at dusk,” he said. “Come when you can.”
Tem nodded. She was trying to remain calm, but her stomach wasn’t cooperating.
“Do I need to…bring anything?”
She didn’t know what else to ask.
Caspen shook his head.
“No. But do not exert yourself today. You will need your strength.”
Tem nodded again. Before she could begin to worry, Caspen kissed her. They kissed slowly, and by the time they drew apart, Tem was wet again.
“I wish I could stay with you,” she whispered against his lips.
“Soon,” he whispered back.
Tem traipsed through her farm work, trying not to think about tonight. Her mother was gone, running an errand in the village, so at least she didn’t have to visit Vera. But on a day like today, Tem would have welcomed the distraction. Her chores were done early; there was nothing to do but worry. When her mother returned, they spent the afternoon together in the kitchen, mending their winter cloaks. Hours passed in silence, and Tem’s mind spun.
Her thoughts wandered to her very first night in the caves—how the girl in front of her had run screaming back down the path. Tem wondered where that girl was now, and whether she regretted fleeing from her fate. She remembered what her mother had said to her that night after she’d spread oil on her thighs: They will give you courage.
Tem could use that courage now.
“Mother?” she asked.
Her mother looked up from her sewing.
“Yes, dear?”
“Do you still have the ylang ylang and sandalwood?”
Her mother frowned.
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
Tem hesitated. They were well into the training process; there was no reason why Tem would need the same thing she’d needed on her first night in the caves. Yet she felt much the same as she had that night: like everything she’d ever known was about to change.
“I…need courage tonight.”
It was all she could say without revealing anything else. Her mother’s frown deepened, but she didn’t ask any more questions. Instead she set her sewing aside and retrieved the amber glass vials, motioning to Tem to lift her skirt. She spread the oil gently on each thigh, and Tem felt immediately calmed by the contact. It reminded her why she was doing this: for the people she loved.
“Thank you,” she whispered when her mother was done.
In response, her mother kissed her on the cheek.
The walk was cold and windy.
Tem hunched her shoulders against the autumn chill, hurrying her way to the base of the mountain. Caspen was already waiting for her in the warm darkness of the cave, and he took her hand in greeting, brushing his lips against her wrist. Tem followed him to his chambers and they sat on the edge of his bed. Instead of initiating sex like they normally would, they stared at each other in anticipatory silence.Caspen squeezed her hand in his.
“You do not have to do this.”
Tem rolled her eyes. “ Don’t say that to me.”
“Tem,” Caspen pulled her closer, forcing her to look him in the eye. “I will say it until the very last moment, so you know you have a choice.”
But Tem just shook her head. Because she didn’t have a choice—not really. She was on a mission now, one that Caspen couldn’t possibly understand. It wasn’t just about him. Or her. Or even Leo. This was about the future of the kingdom, and Tem would not falter now.
“I’ve made my choice,” she said.
Caspen gave her a small smile.
“So stubborn,” he whispered.
“You should know that by now.”
The small smile grew.
“That I should.”
They lay in bed for a while longer, watching the fire and talking about anything other than what was about to happen.Finally, it was time to go.When Tem began to stand, Caspen stopped her. He tugged at the bottom of her dress.
“There is no need for this,” he said.
Realization dawned.
“I’m supposed to go… naked? ”
“Yes.”
“But why? ”
“Basilisks have different rules than humans do.”
“I don’t understand.”
“We are sexual creatures.”
“I know that already.”
“What I mean to say is that we are…open.”
“What do you mean by ‘open’?”
“Out there—” Caspen nodded his head at the doorway, beyond which Tem knew lay the winding passages, “—if a basilisk chooses to wear their human form, they will not burden it with clothing.”
Tem frowned. “You’re saying they’re…naked…all the time?”
Caspen’s mouth twitched.
“That is exactly what I am saying.”
“So everyone just… sees everyone else?”
“Yes.”
“But why? ”
“Because it does not matter to them, Tem. You do not matter to them. To a basilisk, the human form is inferior to our true one. The human obsession with privacy is not one the basilisk shares, or understands. They do not respect your body.”
Tem bristled.
“Does my body not deserve respect?”
“Of course,” he pressed his lips to her shoulder. “Of course it does . But there is no need for clothing when you will be removing it anyway.”
Tem had no argument for that, so she pulled off her dress.
They walked together through the winding tunnels, deeper beneath the mountain than Tem had ever gone before. It was completely dark except for the occasional torch, and Tem had to rely on Caspen for guidance. He held her waist, directing her every time they came to a fork in the passageway. Eventually they stopped in front of an ancient pair of wooden doors. Caspen pushed them open.
The auditorium wasn’t at all what Tem expected.
It was lined with torches and circular in shape, with rows of stone benches that sloped gently down toward an enormous stone statue. Tem craned her neck to look up at it. When she realized what she was looking at, her heart stopped. She turned to Caspen.
“You said the ritual was in an auditorium.”
“It is.”
She pointed at the statue.
“Then explain that .”
Caspen looked up, following her gaze.
“That…”
He trailed off, and Tem finished for him:
“That’s Kora .”
“Yes. It is.”
Tem stared up at the statue numbly. It was the largest depiction of Kora she had ever seen, carved from a stone that looked like marble, with delicate threads of gold laced throughout it. The goddess was in a seated position, cross-legged, her elaborately braided hair nearly touching the arched ceiling.
“Where—?” Tem started, but the question died on her tongue. There was only one obvious place the ritual could occur. Kora’s hands were resting palm-up in her lap, splayed open to form a perfect level surface, right in the center of her legs. An altar.
“Her hands,” Caspen said, even though Tem already knew.
“And you expect me to—”
“I do not expect you to do anything.”
“You know that’s not what I mean. This is…”
But there were no words.
Caspen walked her all the way down to the altar, his arm still around her waist. They stood in front of the statue, looking up at Kora’s peaceful face.
“She’s beautiful,” Tem said, almost despite herself.
“Like you.”
Just then, the double doors opened, and people began to file in. Caspen pulled her closer.
“I love you,” he murmured in her ear. “You do not have to do this.”
“Please stop saying that.”
Caspen didn’t reply. He only held her tighter as the auditorium filled. Tem had expected a crowd full of snakes, but all the basilisks wore their human forms.
It is so that no one accidentally kills you.
Tem supposed that made sense. Still, it was unnerving to see so many naked people at once—it wasn’t something Tem was used to. And they were so beautiful . The women all had soft curves and the men were all tall, imposing presences. It was hard not to feel woefully inferior when she was surrounded by so many stunning bodies.
Tem looked up at Caspen. His eyes were narrowed; she had never seen him so tense. She had no idea what to do when he was like this. Usually he was the calm one—it was always Tem who was spiraling about something. Now he was holding onto her like she was the last person alive, his fingers twisting into her skin so tightly that she winced. He couldn’t continue like this. The last thing she needed was for him to snap at his father when his energy was so unpredictable.
“Caspen,” she said softly, pressing her lips to his chest, then his collarbone, then his jaw. “Calm me down.”
He leaned into her touch, relaxing his grip ever so slightly. “As you wish.”
A soothing wave flowed from his mind to hers, slowing her scattered heart rate. Somewhere along the way, their lips touched. They kissed slowly, and Tem knew everyone would be watching.
“I love you,” Caspen whispered when Tem finally pulled away. “You do not have to do this.”
The problem was she loved him too. And in order to be with him, she had to do this.
A sudden hush fell over the crowd. Tem followed their gaze to the double doors, where a tall figure was standing.
The Serpent King had arrived.