Page 279 of Split or Swallow

Tem stepped closer too, looking defiantly up at him as she asked again:

“Does Leo know?”

Maximus stared down at her. She could almost see the gears turning in his brain, deciding how to react. When he spoke, it was through gritted teeth:

“He will learn when he becomes king.”

At last, Tem had confirmation that Leo was innocent. She crossed her arms.

“And how do you think he’ll react?”

“He will understand he must do what is necessary to protect the balance of our kingdom.”

“Torture is necessary?”

“I already told you, Temperance,” Maximus said as if she were a child. “The basilisks provide a service. Their place is beneath us.”

Tem hadn’t realized when he’d said those words to her all those weeks ago that he’d meant them literally.

“You would do well to remember your place,” he continued. “Or you may find it is decided for you.”

You may find that your choice is made for you.

Tem raised her chin.

“I decide my place. And as of now, it is right here. In this castle. With your son.”

Maximus’s nostrils flared. He leaned in, and Tem smelled cigars on his skin.

“You will never have him.”

She looked straight at him as she said:

“He told me he intends to marry me.”

The lie came easily, and as soon as she said it, rage flitted across Maximus’s face.

“That will not happen as long as I am alive.”

“You can’t stop us.”

“Can’t I?” Maximus leaned in too. “Do you think you are the first unworthy girl my son has fallen for? The first whore? Thelonius has a type. And you, Temperance, are exactly his.”

Tem would not be wounded by petty insults.

“Leo deserves to choose his own future.”

“My son has proven himself incapable of that task.”

It was then that Tem realized their conversation ran far deeper than just her courtship with the prince. Maximus was referring to Leo’s pattern of behavior—how his son consistently chose love over duty. It was one of Leo’s finer qualities. To Maximus, there could be nothing worse.

“There’s nothing you can do,” Tem snapped. “He has already decided.”

Maximus laughed cruelly.

“I have corrected my son’s mistakes before. I will not hesitate to do so again.”

Tem froze.