Page 210 of Split or Swallow

“Adelaide does not believe basilisks should mate with humans. As a whole, the Senecas do not support it. She has…reservations…about our union.”

“She hates me.”

Caspen rolled his shoulders. “She does not know you well enough to hate you. But yes, she…is not fond of you.”

“She is fond of you.”

“No. I promise you, Tem. It was not like that between us.”

“Like what?”

“Like how it is with you and me. It was never real.”

“But it was physical.”

For what felt like the hundredth time, Caspen sighed. “Yes, Tem. It was physical. But it did not matter. She did not matter. If you choose to be upset over everyone I have ever slept with, there will be no end to your jealousy.”

Tem recoiled. At her reaction, regret flashed across Caspen’s face.

“I do not say that to hurt you. It is merely the truth. You…” he paused, and his thumb brushed over her hip bone. “...know who I am.”

Yes. Tem knew who he was. He was a prince: the future king, and the most desired prospect under the mountain.

“She’s a better match,” Tem whispered.

“No. She is not.”

“She’s a basilisk.”

“That does not make her a better match.”

“But—”

“Tem,” his hand squeezed her hip. “Would you mate with a man simply because he is human?”

“We don’t call it mating.”

Caspen let out an exasperated breath. “I am making a comparison. Just because she is a basilisk does not mean we are compatible.”

They both fell silent. His words made logical sense. But there was no logic in her emotions, and it was impossible for Tem not to feel insecure.

“What can I say to make you believe me?” Caspen whispered.

Now Tem sighed. There was nothing he could say, and they both knew it.

“Tem,” he continued. “You have the king’s blessing.”

She gave him a look.

“And you have mine,” he pressed his lips to her shoulder. “I am in awe of you.”

Tem allowed a small sliver of pride to slip through her. She knew her body would bear the consequences of last night for a long time. But it had been worth it.

“Will your quiver accept me?”

Caspen kissed her skin again.

“If they know what is good for them.”