Page 20 of Between Two Kings

Considering what happened at council meetings, Tem wasn’t at all surprised that a kiss on the lips was on par with a handshake. Now the man’s familiarity made sense. Tem had seen him before…when his head had been between her legs. The memory made her blush.

Thankfully no one else tried to kiss her as they continued their lap of the courtyard. Everywhere they went, people parted for them, sometimes bowing, other times simply staring. More than once, basilisks fell to their feet before them, having sex right in the middle of their path. It was becoming somewhat of an obstacle; every time it happened, they had to step around.

“What are they doing?” Tem asked after the third couple fucked in front of them.

“They are hoping you will join them.”

“What? Why would they want that?”

“Because it would be an honor.”

Tem looked up at him. “An honor?”

Caspen’s hand, which had been resting on the small of her back, brushed up her spine. “You are the highest-ranking woman in our society. It is a revered position.”

Tem wrinkled her nose. She hardly felt worthy of that position.

As usual, Caspen read her mind. “You survived the ritual, Tem. The king gave you his blessing, as did my quiver. You have earned your place. If you wish to join them, you are free to do so.”

Tem couldn’t believe that.

“You are the queen, my love. You are entitled to anyone you want, at any time.”

Her eyebrows shot upward. “Entitled?”

“Yes.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

Caspen let out a small sound of amusement. “You are reacting like a human.”

“I am a human.”

“You are part human, Tem. You must remember that basilisks do not share the same customs.”

“What customs?”

Caspen’s head tilted slightly to the side, as if considering what to say. Finally, he settled on “Consent.”

Tem looked at him in disbelief. He let out a soft laugh.

“I know what you are thinking. And it is not what I am saying.”

“Then what are you saying?”

“I am saying that it is normal for us to touch one another without asking permission first. Consent is assumed unless stated otherwise.”

It was the exact opposite of how humans navigated sex. She knew basilisks were different—that their culture revolved around sex in a way she was still getting used to—but assumed consent was a foreign concept to her.

“So is everyone going to assume that I want to…”

“No.” Caspen shook his head. “You are the queen. It is different for you. And for me.”

“How so?”

“Our status means we are expected to initiate. We are allowed anyone we want, at any time. We need only make our desires known, and they will be fulfilled.”

“But that’s unbelievable.”