Page 10 of Between Two Kings

The next day they headed to breakfast together. Meals were held in the banquet hall, an enormous room where hundreds of basilisks gathered throughout the day. Basilisks ate at any time they pleased, whenever they were hungry. The lack of schedule was disorienting for Tem. Even their sleeping schedules were completely random—Tem only just now realized that Caspen had been catering to hers. If anything, basilisks tended to be nocturnal.

The food was different too. Basilisks primarily ate fish and wild game, which they caught while hunting in their true forms. Meals eaten under the mountain were similar to the dinners Caspen had served her during the training process—cured meats and cheeses, nuts and dried fruits, the occasional loaf of bread. Basilisks were partial to chocolate, she learned quickly.

“It is bitter,” Caspen said. “But also sweet.”

“You could describe a basilisk that way.”

“Yes,” he said. “You could.”

At first, Tem had assumed that the banquet hall would be the one place where she wouldn’t witness any sex. But she’d been utterly wrong. Not only did basilisks have sex at mealtimes, they incorporated anything and everything on the table within arm’s reach. Chocolate was spread on and licked off various body parts. Utensils were used to stimulate all manner of erogenous zones. When it became too much, Tem simply closed her eyes.

We do not have to eat here, Caspen’s voice came to her, amused. It is not required.

I’m fine.

You look as if you might faint.

I won’t.

Your eyes are closed.

I’m just resting.

At the dining table?

Yes.

A rather odd place to rest, my love.

Maybe for you. For me, it’s necessary.

It is all the same to us, Tem: eating and sex. There is no difference. Both are basic needs. Both must be met.

Do they have to be met right now?

We do not believe in delaying our gratification.

Tem thought back to last night, when she’d made Caspen wait for it.

You do.

She felt another wave of his amusement.

Only when it comes to you.

And why am I so special?

Because with you, the reward is worth the wait.

Tem opened her eyes just so she could roll them. But she was no coward; this was her life now, and she had better get used to it.

The woman beside her was pleasuring her partner. Tem watched them for a while, observing the way they both moaned in unison. Eventually, the woman mounted the man. But to Tem’s surprise, she did not begin to ride him. Tem turned to Caspen.

What are they doing?

The woman was sitting on the man’s lap. They were clearly involved, but her body was completely still. He didn’t thrust, and she didn’t move.

They are simply experiencing each other.