Kiss of the Basilisk (Split or Swallow, #1)

by Lindsay Straube

“This is not just a necklace,” he said softly. “Then what is it?” Caspen paused, his fingers stroking the charm. “It is…a gesture of intent.” Tem frowned. “Intent to what?” His eyes found hers. “To marry you.”

“Mother,” Tem said quietly. “How do you know if someone loves you?” Her mother met her eye. “When they would sacrifice their happiness for yours.”

Clearly, he hadn’t been willing to sacrifice his happiness for theirs. Perhaps all men were built that way. Perhaps it was women who bore the burden of sacrifice.

“A king does not beg.” “He does for his queen.”

Love demands to be felt.”