Page 119 of Split or Swallow

It seemed like a stupid thing to ask. But she had no idea what else to say to him, especially considering their circumstances.

“I am well. And yourself?”

She could only nod. It felt like something was compressing her lungs, making it impossible to breathe.

“Can I get you a drink?” he asked quietly.

“Yes, please,” she managed. He disappeared, reappearing a moment later with a delicate flute of champagne.

He held it out to her.

“I hate champagne.”

Caspen smiled, and her heart skipped a beat.

“Forgive me,” he said. “I did not know.”

“Well. Now you do.”

His smile widened.

“What would you prefer to drink, Tem?”

“Whiskey.”

She didn’t know why she’d said it. But for some reason, in that moment, she’d thought of Leo. Caspen disappeared again, and when he reappeared, he handed her a whiskey.

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

He stepped closer.

“You are not wearing the dress I sent.”

Not a question. Simply a statement.

“The prince sent me one too.”

Caspen tilted his head. She couldn’t read his expression.

“I see,” he said quietly. “And you could not choose.”

Another statement.

“I could,” Tem clarified. “But I didn’t want to.”

“I see,” he said again, his eyes traveling over her body, taking in the humble white linen. In the silence, Tem felt her heart hammer in her chest. She needed to ask Caspen about Jonathan and Christopher—needed to hear the confession straight from his lips. But there was one issue that was more pressing.

“I’ve been hearing a voice,” she said before she could stop herself. Caspen’s eyes snapped back to hers. He frowned.

“A voice?”

“Yes. In the castle. Well, in my head. But it’s coming from the castle.”

Tem figured this announcement would be met with confusion, or at least incredulity. Instead, Caspen looked over his shoulder, as if to ensure no one else was listening. He stepped closer.

“We cannot discuss this here.”