Page 286 of Split or Swallow

“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.