Page 59 of Between Two Kings

“Ah,” Apollo whispered. “Are you surprised he would seek sustenance without his bride?”

“Of course not. It’s just…”

But it was a surprise. There was no denying it. Tem had always hunted with Caspen—ever since she’d come under the mountain. It was their routine, and it was special to do it together. But considering how dinner had ended, she couldn’t exactly blame him for going off alone. She’d gone to the village to see Gabriel, after all. It was only fair that Caspen unwound in whatever way he saw fit.

“You are hurt,” Apollo said quietly, interrupting her thoughts.

Tem blinked. “What?”

“You have a bruise.” He raised his fingers and touched them gently to her cheek. “Just here.”

Tem hadn’t even noticed—it was probably a remnant of the rowdy crowd. She swatted his hand away. “Don’t touch me.”

Apollo dropped his hand. “Bruises are complex,” he said with a smirk. “Like you.”

Tem rolled her eyes. It wasn’t the first time a Drakon brother had tried to compliment her, and it certainly wasn’t the most flattering. To say she was complex was like saying the sun was bright. It was hardly a groundbreaking analysis, and it would not soften her to Apollo.

“Your observation skills leave something to be desired,” she said.

“Do they?” Apollo arched an eyebrow, stepping even closer. His smile grew so wide, it looked as if it might split his face. “And what do you know of desire?”

Not for the first time, Tem deeply regretted the words she’d just said. Apollo took everything as a challenge. Everything was a taunt and a tease, and Tem was tired of it.

Or was she?

The night had been a heavy one. But for some reason, this moment wasn’t. For some reason, she felt oddly at ease with Apollo, as if she were playing a game that she was good at. So instead of recoiling when Apollo’s mind brushed hers, Tem savored the feeling, noticing how similar his presence was to Caspen’s. Both were overbearing, yet they were not the same. Whereas Caspen was rigid, Apollo was loose. As if he existed in the space between what was right and what was possible.

Anything is possible, Temperance.

And just as quickly, her resistance returned. Not for us.

We are meant to sleep together. Surely, my brother told you.

He told me you would try.

And what would you do if I did? It is mating season, after all.

I’d tell you no.

I am trying right now.

They were standing a foot apart. They weren’t even touching. Yet Tem knew what he said was true. This was Apollo’s first flirtation. He was testing the waters to see how she would react. What happened next was up to her.

Well. You’re failing.

Am I?

Yes. Miserably.

That got a laugh from Apollo.

Is it such a crime to wonder what you think of me?

I don’t think of you at all.

His face twisted into a smile. You wound me.

Nobody could wound you.