Page 38 of Between Two Kings

Should I be insulted?

It’s a compliment to her, not an insult to you.

In that case, I will allow it.

It’s not up to you to allow. But good to know.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Tem continued: Adelaide said you used to be insufferable before me.

Is that so? How kind of her.

She said it with love.

I very much doubt that.

She also said you had a big ego.

Now that…might be true.

Tem was getting sleepy. Caspen seemed to sense this, because he said, “We do not have to stay.”

“Are you sure?” The last thing she wanted was to leave early, especially if it might cause insult.

“Yes.”

“I don’t want to offend anyone.”

“You have done the opposite of that tonight, Tem.” He kissed her temple. “You did well. They will all be pleased.”

Tem smiled at his words. It was all she wanted, really—to please the basilisks, to please Caspen, to please herself. If pleasure was at the forefront of basilisk culture, then what could be a nobler goal?

I’m ready to go.

Very well. Let us go.

He lifted her into his arms. It was only once they returned to their chambers and Tem collapsed onto the bed that she realized how exhausted she was. She dearly wished to sleep. But there was something on her mind. “Caspen,” she said quietly. “How did your mother die?”

He shifted her in his arms but didn’t answer.

When the pause drew on, Tem leaned in close. “You never talk about her. Why?”

The last time Caspen had withheld information about a death, she’d learned he’d crested Rowe’s father. It stood to reason she was slightly anxious for his answer. Caspen was silent for a long time. Tem was used to waiting him out, and she did so now.

Eventually, he answered. “She died right before my father came into power.” His tone was matter of fact. Removed.

Tem contemplated the significance of that timing. “But how did she die?”

Caspen sighed, and Tem watched the sharp rise and fall of his chest. “My father killed her.”

Tem sat up straight. “What? Why?”

Caspen sat up too, and they looked at each other in the flickering firelight. “She betrayed him.”

“How?”

“She slept with another.”