Filed To Story: Spit or Swallow: Kiss Of The Basilisk
“I saw the invitation.” She pointed at the letter on the table. “Are you ready for tonight?”
Tem sighed. Nothing could possibly prepare her for the ball. “I don’t know,” she said.
Sympathy creased her mother’s forehead. “My dear.” She crossed to Tem, placing a hand on her cheek. “You have made it this far. What’s a little further?”
Tem sat numbly, staring at Leo’s note.
It was true. She had made it this far.
Tem ate her breakfast in silence before retreating to the yard to do her chores. The day passed slowly. Tem spoke to Caspen only once, snapping a single sentence at him before slamming their connection shut again.
Don’t bother sending me a dress.
She knew Leo would send one. And sure enough, when she returned from the chicken coop, a package was on the porch. Tem unwrapped it in the privacy of her bedroom, laying the dress out on her bed so she could see its full length.
It was far more formal than the other dresses Leo had sent her, and Tem knew this was a direct reflection of the type of event she’d be attending tonight. Unlike the tight, revealing dresses she’d worn previously, this one was closer to a gown. It was sky blue and made of soft, expensive silk. There was a matching shawl made of delicate, sheer fabric with golden stars woven into it. It was surely handmade; Tem had never seen something crafted with such meticulous care.
She took a bath, cleaning every inch of her body and washing her hair. She waited until her mother was busy making dinner before slipping into her room and spraying salt water on her curls. Then she pulled on the dress and the shawl. At the last minute, Tem slipped the claw between her legs. Even though she was angry with Caspen, the thought of leaving it in her bedroom when she might never return was too much for her to handle. The moment she inserted it, a gentle, tentative pulse nudged against her. Despite herself, Tem bit her lip. It felt so good. And she knew Caspen knew it too.
The pulse built slowly, and Tem grasped the edge of her bedside table. She understood the message: Caspen might not have sent her a dress, but he didn’t need to. He had this connection with her, this profound bond that nothing-not even an argument like the one they’d had last night-could break. Tem let out a soft moan as the pulses grew stronger.
Then they stopped.
Her eyes flew open. He was testing the waters, reminding her what he could do, enticing her to return the favor. Tem was sorely tempted to open their mental connection and send him a pulse back.
But she would not give in. Not yet.
From then on, there was nothing left to do but wait. The carriage arrived on time, and when the footman knocked on their door, her mother pulled her into a tight hug.
“I am so proud of you, my dear,” her mother said, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“Thank you, Mother,” Tem said back.
In the safety of her embrace, she remembered everything that was at stake, every reason why she was doing this. It wasn’t about Caspen or Leo. It was about her family-the one person who had sheltered her and raised her and made sure she had a soft place to fall. There was nothing Tem wouldn’t do for her mother.
By the time the carriage arrived at the castle, Tem was resolved to her fate.
She entered the foyer with her chin held high, ready for whatever the evening would bring. The ballroom was breathtakingly decorated. Flowers hung in great bunches from the ceiling; gorgeous crystal glassware was stacked in sparkling towers around the room. To her disappointment, Gabriel was nowhere to be found. Instead, Lilly appeared suddenly at her side, pushing a glass of champagne into her hands.
“Long time no see, Tem. Are you ready for tonight?”
Tem stared down at the champagne, half contemplating drinking it. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“My brother has been talking about you all week. It’s a bit pathetic actually.”
The information made Tem feel warm. She wanted to see Leo. Badly. “Is he here?” she asked.
“Should be,” Lilly chirped, taking a sip of her champagne. “Probably discussing important, kingly things with our father.”
At the mention of Maximus, Tem’s stomach twisted into a knot. She wanted to ask Lilly if the king would contest Leo’s choice, if he would stand in the way of a wedding. But she didn’t want to get Gabriel in trouble. And she didn’t want to assume Leo would choose her. So instead she said, “I’m going to find him.”
“Suit yourself.” Lilly gave her a little wave before flitting away.
Tem traded her champagne for a whiskey before making a lap of the ballroom. The royals were out in full force tonight; everywhere she turned, she saw necks, ears, and fingers dripping in gold. The sight made her feel sick. Tem leaned against the closest column, trying to catch her breath. She lowered the barrier in her mind but didn’t reach for Caspen. Instead, she searched for another connection-one she knew was close by. When she found it, she said, Can you hear me?
The words disappeared into the void. Seconds passed. Tem tried again. Do you know who I am?
A long pause. Tem stared at her whiskey, her heart pounding against her ribs. Then her father’s voice replied, Yes.
Hope rushed through Tem. I’m going to get you out. I’m going to fix this.
Her announcement went unacknowledged. Instead, she heard the same words she’d heard once before: Do not trust the king.
Tem frowned. Something occurred to her for the first time, and she couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought to ask it sooner. Which king?
But the connection was closed.
Tem downed the rest of her whiskey in an attempt to calm down. Truth be told, she didn’t trust either king. Before she could think on it further, she felt another pulse.
This time, against her better judgment, she let Caspen in.
And just what do you think you’re doing? she asked.
Missing you.
Tem rolled her eyes. You’re not forgiven.
Another pulse. I know.
Are you going to apologize?
If that is what you wish.
Tem crossed her legs, trying not to gasp as he sent a pulse so strong her clitoris throbbed. You never fight fair.
I see no reason to.
Tem couldn’t reply. She was too focused on resisting the orgasm that desperately wanted to break free. Caspen was relentless, sending her pulse after pulse until she was so turned on, she almost didn’t feel the hand on her waist.
“Tem.”
It was Leo. The pulses suddenly ceased.
She turned to face him.
“Kora,” he breathed, his wide eyes taking in the silk dress and golden shawl. “You look…” He seemed to be at a loss for words, finishing quietly with “Celestial.”
“You’re getting better at compliments,” Tem said.
His face broke into a grin. “I’m certainly glad to hear it.”
Tem smiled too, and for a moment, her worries disappeared. She looked up at Leo, taking in his velvet suit and the jeweled snake pinned to his cloak.
“Are you enjoying the ball?” Leo asked.
“No,” Tem answered honestly. She’d been enjoying other things, but certainly not the ball.
His smile widened. “I thought as much. Shall we venture elsewhere then?”
“I’m not going to your room,” Tem said curtly.
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.