Between Two Kings (Split or Swallow, #2)

by Lindsay Straube

Tem had chosen Caspen. But it wasn’t because she didn’t love Leo. It was because she wanted more for Leo. And in doing so, she had accepted less for herself.

With Caspen, her desire was primal and raw, visceral, consuming her like a hungry animal. With Leo, it was slower—a glowing coal that smoldered deep within her chest.

“The heart is a curious thing, Temperance,” Kronos said carefully. “It cannot be reasoned with.” “What do you mean?” “We cannot choose who we love. Our hearts choose for us.”

“Temperance. You must be careful. Basilisks are free with their bodies but not with their hearts. It is a dangerous thing to love two people. You need to prepare yourself.”

“It does not matter what you did wrong, Temperance. It is how you choose to fix it that defines who you are.”

“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.”

“How can you always think the best of me?” “Because you are the best of me,” he said simply.

Caspen. You can’t hurt her. She’s the queen. Caspen turned to her, looking straight into her eyes. You are the only queen I answer to.

Finally, Apollo whispered, “Do not come to me for comfort, Temperance. Come to me when you want me to fuck you the way my brother will not.”

“I would do anything you asked, Tem,” he whispered. “Whether I am bound to you or not.”

“You may belong to my brother, but I will protect you as if you are mine.”