Page 33 of Split or Swallow

“You lost a bet.”

He cocked his head.

“I beg your pardon?”

Rather than explain herself, Tem turned back to the skull.

“Seems like a morbid thing to keep around, doesn’t it?”

“It’s a family heirloom,” the prince explained. “My father considers it his prized possession.”

Tem felt a bristle of anger.

“What kind of family keeps a skull as an heirloom?”

“Mine, I suppose.”

Tem shook her head. It was despicable. The prince seemed to read her mind because he said:

“We’re not all bad, you know.”

She had a hard time believing that. The visions Caspen just sent her flashed through her mind again—pain and bloodshed and suffering. All at the hands of his family. Maybe the prince didn’t fight in the war, but he was descended from people who did. And he clearly supported their actions.

Just when the silence became precarious, the prince extended his hand. On his wrist was a shiny gold cuff, etched with a snake that matched the one on his lapel.

“Thelonius. Although I prefer Leo.”

Tem took his hand. It was warm, and completely enveloped hers.

“Temperance. Although I prefer Tem.”

He held her hand a moment too long.

“Temperance,” he said the syllables slowly. “It certainly is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Thanks,” she said, because she didn’t know what else to say. It wasn’t exactly a pleasure to meet him.

A slight smile twisted his lips, as if he knew she was being evasive.

“Are you enjoying the party?” he asked.

“It’s…impressive.”

“That wasn’t a yes.”

“Oh,” Tem blinked, surprised again by his bluntness. “I just mean…I’m not used to these types of events. Parties, I mean. I…haven’t been to many.”

At her reply, he smiled fully and Tem saw that his lateral incisors were sheathed in gold, and tapered to points.

“I suppose it is a little stiff, as these things generally are.”

Tem shrugged.

“It’s better than being at home.”

“Is it?” he arched an eyebrow. “I can’t imagine being in your position.”

“What do you mean?”