Filed To Story: Spit or Swallow: Kiss Of The Basilisk
The context of their circumstances couldn’t be ignored. Tem would never forget the secret she now knew about the royals, how deep their cruelty truly ran. She had to believe that Leo didn’t know what was in his mouth-that princes were indoctrinated into this horrifying tradition only once they were crowned king.
Tem needed a way to bring the two sides together: a way to protect Leo and everyone she loved. If Tem had a foothold in basilisk society-if she had some influence in Caspen’s world-she could enact change. Or at the very least warn Leo of what was to come.
Tem waited until the prince was safely in his carriage and on the way back to the castle before opening the door to Caspen’s mind. She spoke just a single sentence before severing their connection:
I will do the ritual.
Her mother retired to her bedroom, and Tem did the same.
The visual of Leo being swarmed onstage ran repeatedly through her mind, and she knew she would never forget the stab of fear she’d felt at the sight. But there was no use in fixating on it tonight. All she could do for now was try to sleep and prepare herself for what was to come.
So Tem slept.
The next morning brought little relief. Tem awoke to the crowing of the roosters, as she always did. She hated the sound, as she always had. Her chores were completed without complaint, and she took only enough breaks to eat her meals. Her mother didn’t ask about the prince’s visit-it seemed their shared moment of intimacy had passed. Tem wondered whether there was a similar distance between Leo and Maximus today. Would father and son discuss what had happened at the Passing of the Crown? Had Leo noticed the king’s hesitation before setting the golden crown on his head? Tem dearly hoped he hadn’t. It was a difficult thing to face the rejection of a parent. She wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
Before Tem knew it, evening had arrived.
She walked slowly through the woods, noticing the way the birds were barely chirping. Autumn was rapidly turning to winter; soon the mountain where the basilisks dwelled would be covered in snow. The temperature rose the moment she entered the cave.
Caspen was already waiting for her.
Without a word, he tilted his head, and she knew to follow him. When they reached his chambers, Caspen turned to face her. His expression was a mixture of caution and reverence. It was no surprise to Tem that the first words out of his mouth were “May I ask what prompted your decision?”
Tem didn’t reply. She found it quite telling that Caspen didn’t try to talk her out of her decision. Only further confirmation of what she already knew: he secretly wished for her to do it.
She said the same thing she’d said to Leo: “I changed my mind.”
Caspen looked like he wanted to ask another question, but he didn’t. Instead, he said, “Thank you, Tem.”
He was grateful to her for agreeing to the ritual-for deciding to put her body on the line for him. But Tem wasn’t ready to be benevolent just yet. “When will it happen?” she asked.
Caspen splayed his broad, graceful hands. “Whenever you choose.”
Tem looked up at him. “I want to do it before I move into the castle.”
She said it confidently, as if it were a guarantee. Caspen knew as well as she did that according to tradition, the ball was when the prince would choose the final three girls. Of course, Leo might not choose her. But considering the way he’d so clearly feared for her well-being last night, the way he’d shown up at her doorstep just to make sure she was unharmed, Tem knew in her soul that he would.
Caspen interrupted her thoughts. “In that case,” he said slowly, “I will make the arrangements for tomorrow night.”
Tomorrow night. Twenty-four hours from now.
Tem swallowed her fear, remembering why she was really doing this-remembering what was at stake if she failed.
“I need to know more,” she said.
Caspen tilted his head. “More?”
“About the ritual,” Tem insisted. “I need to know everything.”
“Very well,” Caspen said. “What do you wish to know?”
Her first question came easily. “Where will it take place?”
“There is an auditorium specifically for its purpose.”
The fear threatened to return. “So it’s public?”
“Yes.”
Tem couldn’t help but blush. Imagining that many people-that many basilisks-watching her have sex was enough to make her weak. “How many basilisks will be there?”
“Everyone in my quiver will attend.”
“But is it…more than a hundred? Two hundred?”
“I do not know the exact number. But yes. Hundreds.”
Tem closed her eyes.
Hundreds.
When she opened her eyes, Caspen was watching her.
“And what of your father?”
“What of him?”
“You need to teach me how to-“
Caspen held up his hand. “Do not speak of it.”
“I need to know what he-“
“I do not wish to discuss-“
“Well, I do.”
They stared at each other. The topic was uncomfortable for them both. But Tem was right. If the future of the kingdom hinged on her excelling at the ritual, she needed to know exactly what to expect. Caspen knew his father better than anyone; he was the only one who could prepare her for this.
“It’s just another lesson,” Tem whispered. “That’s all.”
Caspen shook his head.
She touched his arm gently. “You taught me everything else. So teach me this.”
Caspen turned to the fire, staring at it for so long that it actually began to dim. Finally, he spoke. “You will be on top,” he said, still not looking at her, “to signify you have come to the ritual willingly.”
“The whole time?” Tem asked, her voice small.
“Yes. He will not kiss you or touch you more than necessary.”
Tem looked up at him. “I know I made you promise never to alter my feelings,” she said. “But will you make me calm during it?”
Caspen shook his head. “I cannot interfere. My father will hold it against you.”
Tem nodded.
“But I will make you calm before and after,” he said. “You have my word.”
She nodded. “Will you be watching?”
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.