Filed To Story: Between Two Kings: A Split or Swallow Book PDF Free
“I do not know what you mean.”
“I mean, what’s with you two? Are you…on good terms?”
Caspen rolled his shoulders. “We are not on bad terms.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“We are not on bad terms,” Caspen said again, harsher this time.
Tem gave him a look. She didn’t believe that for a second. Another question was on the tip of her tongue: “Was he flirting with me?”
Caspen sighed. In that sigh Tem heard the burden of brotherhood and the weight of their past together. “He was.”
“He shouldn’t be doing that.”
“He has every right to flirt with you, Tem.”
“Well. I’m not going to flirt back.”
Caspen finally looked at her. “I cannot stand in your way if you did.”
Tem frowned. “Seriously?”
He nodded. “Yes. My brother has first rights to you.”
“And what are those, exactly?”
“They are an ancient basilisk custom.”
Tem rolled her eyes. The last thing she needed was another ancient basilisk custom. “But what does that mean?”
“It means if I were to die, Apollo would be given the option to court you first, before anyone else. He would be expected to marry you in my stead.”
Tem blinked in disbelief. “That seems like it shouldn’t be allowed.”
Caspen gave her a small smile.
“Everything is allowed here, Tem.”
It was then that Tem remembered the ritual. Did she really expect siblings to respect one another’s relationships when she had slept with Caspen’s father to prove her worth to his quiver?
“I would never marry your brother.”
“That is your choice. But you should know he will expect you to sleep with him.”
“Why?”
Caspen’s lips twitched into a smile. “To ensure your compatibility in the event that I die and he has to exercise his first rights.”
“Well. You’re not allowed to die.”
The smile widened. “I shall endeavor not to.”
“And I won’t be sleeping with your brother.”
“It is not mandatory, Tem. I am simply telling you that he will expect it.”
“He can expect nothing from me.”
The smile widened. “That is your choice,” he said again. Then he kissed her on the forehead. “But he will pursue you unless you tell him not to.”
Tem shook her head. “Can’t you just tell him for me?”
“It would have to come from you. That is the only way he will respect it. Otherwise he will think I am trying to keep you from him.”
“But you are trying to keep me from him.”
“No.” Caspen shook his head. “I am not. You say you do not want him now, but you may change your mind in the future. And if you do, I cannot stand in your way.”
Tem turned his words over in her mind. She knew that Caspen liked it when she adhered to basilisk traditions. But she was having a very difficult time wrapping her head around how it could possibly make no difference to Caspen were she to sleep with his brother. The concept of first rights was completely foreign to her. It was almost as if siblings were considered interchangeable.
“Tem,” Caspen said gently. “Do not let this overwhelm you. You have many things to learn.”
His words only made her feel worse. Because he was right. There was so much to learn-so much that Tem was bound to get wrong. She lived in a constant state of terror, afraid that she was going to offend someone or insult Caspen by refusing to do something. It was like learning an entirely new language in just a few days. Her brain hurt from trying to process so much information, and she was tired of feeling out of step in her own body.
Do you wish to return to our chambers?
Tem looked up at Caspen, who was looking down at her with his brow furrowed. He was worried about her. He wanted her to adjust, and she wasn’t adjusting quickly enough. Even Caspen, with his seemingly endless patience, would surely grow weary of playing teacher.
I do not mind teaching you, Tem. It is not a burden to me.
Of course he would say that. But even if it was, he wouldn’t tell her. And Tem would always wonder whether he would secretly tire of her. There were a thousand things to remember and no hope of remembering them all. Tem was overwhelmed, and she was tired. But she was also determined.
“Do you wish to return?” he asked again, this time murmuring the words against her cheek.
“No,” she said firmly. “I want to stay.”
She recognized the flash of pride in his eyes. “Good.”
They kissed. This, at least, she did not need to be taught.
“Caspenon,” a voice bloomed beside them. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your wife? Or is that honor reserved only for Apollo?”
They pulled apart to see a man watching them. Unlike most of the other male basilisks Tem had seen, who were built like warriors, this one was slim and wiry. He was also tall, his height only accentuating his thinness, as if he had been stretched.
“Tem,” Caspen said. “My youngest brother, Damon.”
Tem raised her eyebrows. She couldn’t believe she was meeting so many members of Caspen’s family tonight.
“Oh,” she said. “Nice to meet you.”
Damon took her hand and kissed it. Unlike Apollo, his lips didn’t linger.
“Nice indeed.” He tilted his head at Caspen. “She is beautiful.”
Tem almost laughed. Did these brothers know any other compliments? “You’re beautiful too,” she said without thinking.
Damon raised his eyebrows in delight. “Am I? How kind of you to say.”
It was true; Damon was stunning. Tem decided right then that she liked him. She could tell this interaction pleased Caspen too; he was almost smiling.