Page 172 of Split or Swallow

“You’re being awfully vague.”

But Caspen only shook his head. At his reaction, Tem tried to pull away again. This time he grabbed her wrists and held her still.

“Tem,” he said, his voice low, his face centimeters from hers. “I am ashamed that my people allow this.”

“Allow what?”

When he didn’t answer, she pushed him away, crossing her arms and staring into the fire. This was beyond infuriating. Her heart was pounding; her shoulders were tense. All she wanted was to run from this room. But more than that, she wanted Caspen to be transparent with her. And she knew it would only happen if she stayed. So Tem stood there, stubbornly, waiting him out.

Eventually, Caspen spoke.

“Basilisks are sexual creatures,” he said slowly.

“Yes,” Tem nodded. “Obviously.”

“The ritual is ancient,” he continued. “It is the one way humans can prove themselves to us, in the one language we understand.”

She turned to face him.

“But what does it entail?”

His next words were barely a murmur:

“Our culture revolves around our king.”

Again, he paused, and the fire crackled.

“So?” Tem insisted.

“So,” Caspen said, and she knew they were coming to the crux of the issue. “In order to earn my quiver’s favor, you would need to prove yourself to him.”

“And how would I prove myself to him?”

Caspen closed his eyes, as if he couldn’t bear to look at her.

“The same way you proved yourself to me.”

His words sank in slowly, then all at once.

Finally, Tem understood:

“I would have to have sex with your father?”

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

For a single, static moment, time stood still.

Then Tem cried:

“That’s barbaric.”

Caspen opened his eyes. There was nothing but remorse in them.

“It is tradition, Tem. You will find they are often one and the same.”

“I can’t believe you expect me to—”

“I do not expect you to do anything.”