Split or Swallow

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

Tem understood her punishment would continue—that Leo would favor the other two girls over her, possibly indefinitely, until she came to him herself.

More torture. Lucky her.

She sequestered herself in her room for the rest of the day. A servant brought her meals, and she ate without tasting them. At some point, she felt Caspen’s presence leaning on her mind once more. Out of pure desolation, she let him in, speaking before he could:

I’m still angry with you.

Then come be angry in my arms. I must see you.

I’m at the castle, Caspen. I can’t just leave.

Find a way.

Why don’t you come here if it’s so easy?

It wasn’t a real suggestion. They both knew he couldn’t come here.

Be reasonable, Tem.

Tem rolled her eyes. Then she sighed. The truth was she wanted to see Caspen. It didn’t matter that she was angry with him. She missed him dearly; it felt as if a part of her were incomplete.

If I come, it will have to be at night.

Then I will await you with—

His sentence cut off. Tem frowned.

Caspen? Are you there?

Tem. I—

But he cut off again.

Their connection was spotty; she could barely hear him—it was as if someone was opening and shutting the door between their minds. Tem couldn’t understand why this was happening. Their connection had always been crystal clear no matter how far apart they were from one another. All the more reason to see him.

By the time night fell, Tem had made up her mind.

As soon as the servant cleared away her dinner tray she flung open her bedroom window, hoisting herself over the balcony and climbing down the trellis until her feet were firmly on the ground. She looked up at Leo’s window, wondering who he would be sleeping with tonight.

It didn’t matter. It wasn’t Tem.

She took the backstreets through the village, winding around shadowy corners so that nobody would see her. The last thing she needed was someone spotting the prince’s future wife on the streets after dark. When she reached the forest, Tem allowed herself to relax. The cave was just as she’d left it—dark and deep, its entrance beckoning to her like an open mouth.

There he was.

It had only been a short time since she’d seen Caspen, but also an eternity. He was just as gorgeous as he always was—if not more so—and Tem wondered what chance she possibly stood against such beauty.

“Tem.”

“Caspen.”

He stepped forward, gathering her in his arms. As soon as his skin touched hers, Tem felt her resolve fade. He smelled good, and he felt even better. Her body had missed him, even if her brain was furious with him. By the time they got to his chambers, Caspen’s hands were already sliding her dress from her shoulders, and Tem didn’t tell him to stop.

Caspen threw her on the bed the second she was naked, pulling her legs open and sliding his cock deep inside her. His thrusts were relentless—she could barely catch her breath.

Tem rolled so that she was on top, forcing him to look at her.

“Caspen,” she whispered. It was neither a prayer nor an admonition.

“What do you want, Tem? Name it.”

In answer, Tem pushed Caspen down, his broad shoulders hitting the mattress as he stared up at her. She moved her hips lazily, as if she had nowhere to be but here.

“Tell me you love me,” she whispered as she rode him.

“I love you.”

“Tell me I’m everything you’ve ever wanted.”

“You are everything I have ever wanted.”

“Tell me I fulfill you.”

“You fulfill me,” he cupped her ass with both hands, pulling her all the way down his cock. “ Kora, do you fulfill me.”

She fucked him slowly, savoring every word. The affirmations were nearly better than the sex—hearing how he felt about her turned her on beyond anything he could possibly do with his body.

“This is it for me, Tem,” Caspen moaned. “ You are it for me. ”

“I’m going to come,” she whispered.

“You had better.”

Tem’s orgasm built slowly, corresponding directly with the self-assured movements of her hips. She was pleasuring herself— giving to herself—making sure Caspen knew she was not to be taken for granted. The moment she reached her summit, Caspen grabbed her hips, angling himself so he could thrust into her from below.

His hips jerked once—twice—and on the third time he pulled out suddenly, slapping his cock up against her stomach, finishing on her skin.

Without missing a beat, Tem grabbed his shaft, gripping him tightly and coaxing every last drop of cum from the tip. Just when she was sure he was done, she leaned down, cupping her mouth over his sensitive head, sucking hard— just once—before looking at him.

He was a mess for her. His eyes were black, his expression utterly devoted.

“Tem,” he whispered. “Do that again.”

She smiled.

“Say please.”

He didn’t even hesitate.

“Please.”

Who was she to deny him?

She lowered her head, tracing her tongue along the tip of his cock. Already, she could feel him becoming hard again. Such was the basilisk way.

“All of it, Tem. Put me in your mouth. I know you can do it.”

His words were a broken gasp. She savored his desire. It was incredible to hear him need her so much. It was always her needing him. Now their roles were reversed, and Tem found she liked it.

“Beg,” she whispered. “Beg me, Caspen.”

“A king does not beg.”

“He does for his queen.”

He groaned, and his hand went to the back of her neck.

“Suck my cock, Tem. Please. I beg of you.”

Tem traced the tip of him with her tongue. Still teasing him—still refusing to yield.

“What would you forsake for me?” she whispered.

“Everything.”

She nipped her teeth over the smooth curve of his head, cupping his balls in her palm. She squeezed.

“Your title?”

“Yes.”

Another squeeze.

“Your father?”

“ Yes. ”

She allowed herself to look at him. His eyes were shut tight, the muscles in his jaw clenched to the point of exertion.

“Do you mean that?” she whispered.

His eyes flew open.

“You know I cannot lie.”

It was enough for her.

Tem took his cock in her mouth, pulling his full length down her throat. From the way he groaned, she knew he was watching her do everything he’d begged her to do. It was exhilarating to have him like this—defenseless—completely at her mercy. Caspen was a powerful creature. And he belonged to her.

“ Tem ,” he moaned, his fingers twisting in her hair.

When he came, she swallowed every last drop of him.

She released his cock, positioning herself above his body so they were face to face.

“What am I to you?” she whispered.

Caspen lifted his lips to hers, whispering a single word into her mouth:

“Everything.”

They lay together afterward, content to do nothing but touch each other.

Tem knew eventually she would have to return to the castle. But that meant returning to Leo, and she wasn’t ready to do that yet. Besides, she hadn’t come here just for sex.

“I saw my father,” she said quietly.

Caspen was gently fingering her. He paused before murmuring:

“How was he?”

“Barely alive.”

His fingers went deeper.

“I told you not to go.”

“You can’t tell me what to do.”

His mouth twitched.

“That I know.”

He was still touching her. But the time for sex had passed. There was business to attend to now.

“Caspen,” Tem pushed his hand away. “Adelaide said our engagement was bound by blood. What does that mean?”

Caspen’s eyes went to the golden claw around her neck. He touched it.

“It means that when I gave you this, my blood bound our lives together,” he said. “It is an ancient magic, and it is irreversible.”

Tem absorbed this information in shock.

“So if I die…?”

Caspen finished quietly:

“I die.”

She was floored by his admission—shocked by the lengths to which he would go in order to be with her and her alone. Tem should be angry that he’d done this—and so many other things—without asking. But for once, she couldn’t seem to muster any rage. The risk of the blood bond was far greater for Caspen than it was for her. There was little chance he would die, from natural causes or otherwise. Tem, on the other hand, was a Hybreed. She was a weapon; she would always have a target on her back. She had not yet mastered her basilisk side; she was vulnerable.

“Tem,” Caspen said. “Are you angry?”

She shook her head.

“No. But…it seems like such a risk.”

He nodded.

“It is a risk. Many basilisks choose not to bind their engagements in blood for that very reason.”

“But you chose to bind ours.”

“Yes,” he said quietly. “I did.”

“Why?”

Caspen looked at her for a long moment. His answer was simple:

“Because I need you.”

It was a familiar sentiment. Tem had seen it in his mind the very first time he’d let her in, and it was one that she shared. Still, the gesture was staggering. It was not lost on Tem that Caspen had given her the little golden claw shortly after they’d met. He’d bound himself to her—using his blood—long before they knew anything about each other. His love had been that strong—that sure. Tem couldn’t conceptualize such clarity. It was flattering, to say the least. But it was also a problem. If anything happened to either of them, the other would be affected. The oth?er would die. Adelaide was right. They had to be careful.

“Caspen,” she said. “I need you to do me a favor.”

He brushed a curl off her shoulder.

“Anything.”

“I want to talk to Adelaide.”

Caspen frowned. “Tem,” he said quietly. “I told you I—”

“It’s not about the engagement.”

He tilted his head.

“Then might I ask why you wish to speak with her?”

“You can ask,” Tem said firmly. “But I won’t answer.”

“So stubborn,” he murmured, brushing his thumb over her bottom lip.

Tem didn’t reply. She wasn’t ready to name the gnawing seed of doubt that hung heavy in her heart. Not yet. Not until she had proof.

“Very well,” Caspen said finally, and she heard the worry in his voice. “Will you be able to return tomorrow night?”

He asked it as if he were actually asking something else—as if he wanted to know how things were going with her and Leo. Tem didn’t know what to tell him. She settled on:

“I’ll try.”

It was the truth, at least.

Caspen nodded before pulling her into a deep kiss. Tem kissed him back with everything she had, trying to soak up some final remnant of joy before she returned to the castle. When the kiss ended they simply laid there, peacefully, seeking solace in each other’s embrace.

Eventually, it was time to go back.

Caspen held Tem’s hand until the very last moment, only letting her go when they reached the head of the trail. When his fingers fell from hers, she felt cold.

The walk back was lonely. By the time she reached the castle, dawn was imminent.

It had been a good deal easier to climb down the trellis than it was to climb back up. But somehow Tem made it back into her bedroom, pulling the window shut just as the sun began to rise.

She slept all day. There was nothing else to do.

When she woke, it was dusk. Tem tried to reach for her bond with Caspen, but she could barely sense it. She had to talk to Adelaide, and soon. She was about to climb out her window again when there was a knock at the door.

It was Leo.

She answered it, and there was a heavy pause in which they stared at one another. Then Leo said:

“Tem.”

“Leo,” she offered in return.

“My father is throwing a dinner party tonight, and I must attend.”

“How nice for you.”

“I’d like you to come as my date.”

That wasn’t what Tem had expected at all.

“But why? ”

Leo ignored her surprise, answering smoothly:

“Because I am in the mood to anger my father. Do we not share that interest?”

He had a point there.

“I…” Tem started, but stopped. She needed to see Adelaide. It was imperative that she confirm her suspicion. But she couldn’t tell Leo that. Before she could decide how to answer, the prince continued:

“I will have a dress brought up for you. Meet me in the foyer in twenty minutes.”

He swept away without another word.

Tem stood with her mouth hanging open, shocked at this turn of events. Was Leo manipulating her? Was this just another ploy to sway her heart in his direction? Tem was never sure with him. Regardless, she was starving. And she was certainly in the mood to anger Maximus.

So when the dress arrived, she pulled it on.

It was far too tight and low cut to be appropriate for dinner. But Tem wore it anyway, willing to appease Leo if only for tonight. The golden claw still rested between her breasts, framed by the significant cleavage afforded her by the dress.

Leo was waiting in the foyer.

He watched her walk down the stairs with his hands clasped behind his back, as if to prevent himself from touching her. Tem stopped on the bottom step so they were eye to eye.

“This dress is ridiculous,” she said.

His mouth twitched.

“That’s the idea.”

“You’re depraved.”

“I’m taking that as a compliment.”

“That’s your prerogative.”

Leo extended his hand, palm-up, and Tem took it. He guided her down the hallway into the same room where the girls had waited for the Frisky Sixty to occur. A circular table was set with gold cutlery and crystal glassware. They were the last to arrive. Leo pulled Tem’s chair out and she took it gingerly, trying to sit in a way that wouldn’t accentuate her neckline. Leo’s arm rested on the back of her chair. Maximus sat directly opposite Tem, his slate gray eyes searing into hers.

“Your father is staring at me,” Tem whispered.

At her words, Leo’s eyes flicked to her dress.

“He has good reason to.”

“I highly doubt he’s as influenced by this dress as you are.”

“I should hope not.”

Maximus was still staring at her. It was becoming rather uncomfortable.

Leo murmured in her ear:

“I apologize in advance for anything you might be subjected to tonight.”

“And what might I be subjected to?”

Leo paused, then said simply:

“Unpleasantness.”

From the way Maximus was looking at her like she was a bug on the bottom of his shoe, Tem could guess what kind of unpleasantness might be imminent. Then again, it couldn’t be anything worse than what she’d already been subjected to her entire life. Maximus may be cruel, but he had nothing on Vera.

The only other person Tem recognized was Lilly, who was sitting next to her father, watching the proceedings with a sympathetic expression. The other chairs were filled with people Tem didn’t recognize—she assumed they were Leo’s extended family, here for the wedding.

“Aren’t you going to introduce your guest to the table, Thelonius?”Maximus said coldly.

Leo smiled.

“Certainly. Everyone—” he stood, grabbing Tem’s hand and pulling her upright with him, “—please welcome my lovely date, Temperance Verus.”

To Tem’s horror, everyone at the table looked right at her. Before she could figure out whether they expected her to say something, Leo was already speaking:

“She’s one of the lovely women in the running for my hand in marriage. As you can see, she’s already got a head start.”

He raised his arm so everyone could see their hands clasped together.

A murmur of laughter rippled across the table. With a single line, Leo had not only explained Tem’s presence at the dinner, but legitimized it. Where just moments ago she’d been the recipient of discerning stares, now everyone was smiling at her. He’s good at that , Tem realized. Disarming people was a talent of Leo’s. He did it easily, with nothing but his words. She made a mental note to remember that about him.

As they sat back down, Maximus said:

“How are you finding the castle, Temperance?”

“Oh,” Tem said, surprised he was addressing her directly. “It’s…something.”

“It must be quite different from what you’re used to in the village.”

Tem was smart enough to spot an insult when she saw one. She refused to take the bait.

“It’s certainly eventful around here.”

Maximus’s eyes narrowed. He wasn’t pleased that she refused to play his game.

“And what does your father do, Temperance?”

The question made her blood run cold. Was Maximus aware that Tem was a Hybreed? Or was he simply making dinner party conversation? Surely he couldn’t know that one of the basilisks deep beneath their feet was her father. Or could he?

“My mother runs a chicken farm,” Tem said pointedly.

There was a bated silence as everyone at the table glanced at Maximus, who was glaring at Tem like he wanted to throw his wine at her.

“Chickens,” he sneered. “How charming.”

Before she could defend herself, someone else did it for her:

“Don’t speak to her like that,” Leo snapped.

It was the first time Tem had ever heard Leo raise his voice, and a chill went down her spine at the sound. He was staring at Maximus with pure, vivid loathing, his hands clenched into fists under the table. His reaction was so disproportionate to Maximus’s comment that Tem knew there was no way this was only about her.

Tem reached for him.

She touched Leo’s hand under the table, uncurling his fingers gently from a fist. Then she pulled his hand into her lap, holding it with both of hers. Leo didn’t look at her while she did it. But when Tem squeezed his hand, he squeezed hers back, and his voice was steady again when he said:

“Forgive me, father. Too much wine.”

Nervous laughter spread across the table, and a moment later the chatter resumed. But Maximus didn’t move, staring at his son with utter contempt in his eyes.

“Leo,” Tem said, pulling his attention to her.

He turned, and the second their eyes met, his expression softened. He leanedin.

“What can I do for you, Tem?”

“I’m starving,” she said, her tone purposefully light.

Leo smiled, if a little stiffly.

“Then we had better feed you.”

No sooner had he said the words than a butler appeared and began serving them from a golden tray.

The food was exquisite: tender roast beef, crispy potatoes, and herby green sal?ad. It reminded Tem of the food she’d eaten on her very first date with Leo, where they’d sat on the patio before walking through the maze. It was strange to sit here with him now—in the same room she’d sat in before the Frisky Sixty. They had come a long way together, her and Leo. And the journey had not been all bad.

The next hour was spent making pleasantries and exchanging small talk. Tem learned that the other guests were indeed Leo’s extended family, in town for the wedding. The thought made her nervous, but she didn’t show it. Instead she laughed and smiled and charmed herself into their good graces, pretending she was playing a part. And maybe she was.

The woman next to Tem was on her fourth red wine.

“I’ve never seen one before, you know,” she purred, swirling her glass.

“Seen what before?” Tem asked.

“A snake.”

“Oh,” Tem said. Then she frowned. “They look just like humans.”

“ Attractive humans, I’ve heard. What’s it like to fuck one?”

Tem’s eyebrows flew upward. She glanced at Leo, who was mercifully engaged in conversation with the man on his left. She cleared her throat.

“It’s…life changing,” Tem said honestly.

“Oh, I’m sure it is,” the woman crooned, leaning even closer. “Maybe I’ll get lucky at the wedding.”

Tem blinked. “Will the basilisks be attending?”

“They should be. At least, that’s what my sister says. Did I tell you about the time she—”

But Tem was no longer listening. If the basilisks were attending the wedding, that meant they would seize power the moment she performed the crest . It meant there would be no time to ensure a smooth transition from one king to the next—no time to ensure things happened in an orderly fashion. The change would be immediate. Lawless. And possibly dangerous.

When the main course was cleared, a butler served dessert.

A white ceramic dish containing a chocolate soufflé was set in front of Tem. It was covered in powdered sugar. She touched it with her fork, disturbing its pristine surface.

Leo watched as she took the first bite.

“And?” he said.

“Pretty good.”

“I suppose that’s better than pretty bad.”

“Marginally.”

Leo laughed, and at the sound, Tem chose to do something she shouldn’t. She leaned closer, lowering her voice so only Leo could hear:

“Do you really want to make your father angry?”

He arched an eyebrow. “Always.”

At his reply, she whispered:

“Feed me.”

For a moment, Leo did nothing. Then the familiar smirk returned to his face.

He took the fork, scooped up a bite of the soufflé, and held it out to her. Tem leaned even closer, taking the bite slowly, keeping her eyes on Leo’s while she did it.

Maximus watched the entire time, his expression irate.

When Tem finished the bite, she pressed her lips to Leo’s cheek, leaving a smudge of powdered sugar on his skin. She smiled at him, and he smiled back.

“And you thought I was depraved,” he whispered.

She wiped the sugar gently from his cheek.

“Takes one to know one.”

Dinner was followed by cocktails in the parlor, where thankfully, Maximus left them alone. It was only when the fire was dying down and the guests were starting to leave that Maximus shot Tem a pointed glance, which she returned.

Leo’s arm encircled her waist as they ascended the stairs together, and when they reached the landing, he stopped in his tracks. Tem thought he might say something, or perhaps make a move on her. Instead he closed his eyes, leaning his head back so it was resting against the wall.

He let out a deep sigh.

Tem stared at him, unsure what to do. It felt like a moment that should be private, and despite herself, she felt bad for Leo. Tem wondered suddenly if he decompressed like this after every dinner party.Growing up with a father like Maximus couldn’t have been easy on him.

She touched his chest.

Leo’s eyes opened. He placed his hand over hers, holding them together. They stared at each other for a long moment. Then Leo raised his other hand, brushing the tips of his fingers underneath Tem’s chin. Perhaps she’d had too much wine. Perhaps she was simply overwhelmed by the events of the last few days. But for some reason, his touch felt so good that Tem couldn’t help but close her eyes as he traced his fingertips along her jaw. She tilted her head so his palm could cup her cheek.

“Come to my room,” he whispered.

She shook her head.

“Why not, Tem?”

“Because you’re just going to try to have sex with me.”

Even though her eyes were closed, she knew Leo was smiling.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

She opened her eyes. He was smiling.

“Promise?”

Leo smiled wider. “Having sex with you requires your consent, Tem. And you essentially just revoked that. There would be no point in trying. But if you insist, then yes. I promise.”

Together, they entered his room.