CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX #3
“You are here to help Kronos win the Ranking,” Rowe said smoothly. “An unfortunate fact.”
Despite herself, Daphne asked, “Why is it unfortunate?”
“Because I wish to win the Ranking.”
“Well…that’s…” She was at a loss for words. This basilisk was dangerous.
“And you,” Rowe continued as if she hadn’t spoken, “are making it rather difficult.”
“Maybe you should talk to Kronos about that.”
Anything to get him away from her—to halt his advance.
“Now why would I talk to Kronos when you are right in front of me?”
He was far, far too close. Daphne’s chest was tight.
“You share a connection with him,” Rowe said.
It was a statement of fact. “He’s my teacher,” Daphne said carefully.
“I think he is much more than that.”
Daphne wondered whether perhaps it was time to panic. “If you think that,” she said as steadily as she could, “then you can imagine what he will do if you harm me.”
Rowe’s eyes narrowed. By the way he was looking at her, that was exactly what he’d planned on doing. Yet her words gave him pause. And in that pause, he stepped even closer.
“Imagine what I will do,” he whispered, “if I do not win the Ranking.”
Daphne was out of options. Just as she was about to cry out for help, a deep voice cut between them. “What is the meaning of this?”
Daphne turned, hope rising in her chest. The hope vanished immediately as she saw who was walking toward them.
Caspenon. The last time she’d spoken to the son of the Serpent King, he’d ordered Agnes to escort her out.
He did not like humans, and he certainly did not like her.
Daphne could have cried. Now she was alone with two dangerous basilisks.
“Caspenon,” said Rowe smoothly. “How nice of you to join us.”
To Daphne’s complete surprise, Caspenon stepped between her and Rowe, angling his body to shield hers. He was several inches taller than Rowe, and this comforted her.
“You did not answer my question,” he said sharply.
Rowe dropped the act. “Our business is our own,” he said just as sharply.
“You have no business with her. She is here as a guest.”
Rowe’s expression darkened into something sinister. He had been restrained before, but his rage was seeping out now. “She is a human,” he spat.
“That does not matter. Guests are not to be harmed.”
“And who will stop me? You?” He said the last word with complete disdain.
Caspenon straightened. “Yes,” he said simply.
Rowe seethed, his gaze flicking from Caspenon to Daphne, then back again. Something passed between the two basilisks—something deadly. Daphne could not remember a time when she was ever in the presence of such dark, potent tension.
Without another word, Rowe turned and disappeared into the darkness.
“Thank you,” Daphne breathed.
Caspenon turned to look at her, his brow furrowing. “I did not do it for you.”
“Then… Why did you do it?”
His gaze slid down her body. Despite the heat, Daphne shivered beneath it. “I saw you protect my sister at the Passing of the Crown.”
Daphne could feel her apprehension begin to lift. Caspenon had a moral compass. It didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous. But it meant he knew what was right—possibly it meant she could trust him.
“Now come with me,” Caspenon said, gesturing toward the courtyard. “I shall escort you back to your host.”
They walked together back to the courtyard, and the moment Daphne saw Kronos, she ran toward him. He lifted her in his arms before his eyes slid to Caspenon’s.
“Caspenon,” he said. “What did you do?”
“I did nothing,” Caspenon said. “Rowe cornered her.”
Shock passed over Kronos’s face.
Caspenon continued. “You should not have left her alone.”
Kronos shook his head. “I left her with Agnes. She—”
“She is your responsibility, Kronos.”
“I am well aware of that, Caspenon. How is this any of your concern? Last week you bite me, and this week you look out for my guest?”
Daphne could have sworn she saw hurt flash over Caspenon’s face.
“Of course I looked out for her. I am not a monster.”
Kronos snorted. At his reaction, Caspenon swept away without another word.
Kronos turned to Daphne. “Are you hurt?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“What did Rowe say to you?”
“Nothing important.”
“Daphne.” Kronos took her face in his hands. “If he did something to you, I will—”
“He did nothing to me.” She placed her hand over his. “He just wants to win the Ranking. Caspenon intervened; we should both be thanking him. Now can we please go to bed? I’m tired.”
Kronos pursed his lips. Clearly he knew she was trying to change the subject. But she was tired. The next day was a challenge she knew nothing about, and no doubt it would test her in ways she couldn’t begin to imagine. The only thing she needed now was rest.
At last, Kronos relented. He picked her up once more, carrying her through the passageway and all the way to his chambers. They lay on the bed, their bodies intertwined, her head on his chest.
“Can you keep it until the morning?” Daphne murmured.
Kronos brushed a curl from her face. “Keep what?” he murmured back.
“What you took from me. My…anxiety.”
Kronos placed a tender kiss on the top of her head. “For you I will keep it forever.”