Between Two Kings Summary, Characters and Themes

Between Two Kings by Lindsay Straube is a fantasy novel that delves into the emotional and physical struggles of Tem, a Hybreed caught between two powerful men and two vastly different worlds. She is married to Caspen, a basilisk, and must navigate the complexities of her new life, identity, and her feelings for Leo, her former love who is now a human king.

The story is filled with intense relationships, political intrigue, and personal discovery, as Tem grapples with the challenges of reconciling her human emotions with her basilisk nature. Themes of love, sacrifice, power, and duty drive the narrative, as Tem learns what it truly means to belong and choose her path. It’s the 2nd book in the Split or Swallow series.

Summary

Tem is a Hybreed, a human-basilisk hybrid, who is married to Caspen, a basilisk. As the story unfolds, Tem struggles with the transformation she has undergone, trying to accept her basilisk nature while dealing with emotional and physical challenges.

Tem’s transition into the basilisk world has been far from smooth. Though she shares a strong and intense relationship with her husband, Caspen, she struggles with controlling the basilisk side of herself.

Unlike Caspen, who has fully embraced his basilisk form, Tem finds herself frustrated by her inability to shift completely into her basilisk state. Her journey of self-acceptance is further complicated by her lingering feelings for Leo, a human king with whom she once shared a romantic bond.

As their marriage progresses, Tem finds herself torn between two worlds and two men.

Despite the intense bond she shares with Caspen, Tem cannot help but feel emotionally conflicted when she is called to the castle by Leo. He is now married to Evelyn, and they are working to annul their previous marriage.

Although Tem has moved on physically, her heart still clings to Leo, making the annulment process difficult for her. After signing the divorce papers, Leo proposes that they continue meeting for regular dinners with him and his wife to discuss the political union of their kingdoms.

Tem, still emotionally tethered to Leo, returns to Caspen, who tries to reassure her of his love and commitment. Yet, Tem struggles to reconcile her human side with the realities of her basilisk marriage.

Caspen, recognizing Tem’s inner turmoil, continues to assert his claim over her, even as she becomes more attuned to the customs of the basilisk world, including mating season, where basilisks express their sexuality openly. Tem is introduced to the concept that it may be acceptable for her to sleep with other basilisks, which adds to her internal conflict.

Her father, Kronos, offers her guidance on her love for both Leo and Caspen, prompting Tem to consider whether she can love both men at once without betraying either one.

Tem also confides in Gabriel, her best friend, sharing the truth about her identity and the complexities of her relationships. Gabriel listens patiently and assures her that he will stand by her no matter the consequences.

This conversation helps ease some of the emotional burden that Tem has carried alone. Yet, despite her conversations with Gabriel, Tem’s journey becomes more complicated when she is exposed to the basilisk mating season.

She is caught in a world where privacy is scarce, and her position as queen forces her to witness and approve of sexual unions, an act she finds uncomfortable but necessary.

As time passes, Tem learns of her considerable power as a Hybreed, especially her ability to channel the power of Kora, a goddess. This realization fills her with unease, particularly when she discovers that the Seneca, a faction of basilisks, disapprove of her marriage to Caspen and view her as an outsider.

Tensions rise as Caspen’s brothers, Apollo and Damon, enter the scene. Apollo becomes infatuated with Tem, leading to an uncomfortable dynamic between the brothers.

Caspen’s father informs her that if Caspen were to die, Apollo would have the right to court her, which disturbs Tem. She refuses to entertain this idea, but Caspen assures her that she can reject any advances from Apollo.

Amidst the turmoil, the basilisk kingdom is forced to hold a tournament to determine who is worthy of Tem’s hand. The Seneca faction presents Rowe, a basilisk with a grudge against Caspen, as one of the contenders.

The outcome of this tournament will decide not only Tem’s future but the political balance of power within the basilisk society. Tem, caught between her loyalty to Caspen and her lingering feelings for Leo, faces a challenge she never expected.

As the tournament approaches, she grapples with the realization that her fate is tied to a complicated political and emotional web that she cannot easily escape.

Simultaneously, Tem struggles with the consequences of her own powers. In a moment of uncontrolled emotion, she petrifies a man, an act that haunts her and fills her with guilt.

Caspen’s jealousy and frustration come to a head when he learns that Apollo helped Tem explore her sexuality, and their relationship becomes strained. As the tension between Caspen and Tem grows, Tem becomes more aware of the difficult choices she must make in order to fulfill her responsibilities as queen and to navigate the complex dynamics between her two loves.

The stakes are raised when tragedy strikes and Caspen dies in an unexpected turn of events. Tem is left reeling from the loss of her husband, and his death shatters her emotionally.

Caspen’s passing is followed by a painful ritual in which Apollo siphons Caspen’s power, ultimately severing the blood bond between Tem and Caspen. With her basilisk side now gone, Tem is forced to confront her identity and the loss of everything she once knew.

She decides to leave the basilisk world behind, with Leo waiting for her in the human kingdom.

Before she departs, Tem has emotional farewells with the people who were once part of her life on the mountain, including Apollo and Damon. Apollo, acknowledging her autonomy, waives his claim to her, while Damon is more focused on his own future.

Tem, though grieving, resolves to begin anew with Leo. As she leaves behind her past, she embarks on a journey to the human kingdom, where Leo awaits her.

Upon reaching the castle, Tem and Leo share an intimate reunion, reaffirming their love for one another. Their marriage is soon to follow, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Despite the pain of losing Caspen, Tem feels ready to embrace her future with Leo. Her basilisk powers, though still lingering, no longer define her.

She finds peace in her love for Leo and the possibility of a new life, as she reflects on the lessons of sacrifice, love, and personal growth that have shaped her journey. The story ends with Tem ready to face the future, knowing that she is free to define her own path.

Characters

Tem

Tem is the central character in Between Two Kings, embodying the complexity of being a Hybreed caught between two worlds. Her journey revolves around reconciling her human emotions with her newly awakened basilisk nature.

Tem’s struggles with identity and love are central to the narrative, as she is torn between her past love for Leo, the human king, and her current marriage to Caspen, a powerful basilisk. Throughout the book, she faces an intense emotional conflict, where her loyalty to Caspen and her deep connection to him as a partner in both life and duty constantly clash with her lingering affection for Leo.

As the story unfolds, Tem is forced to navigate the expectations and customs of the basilisk world, which include practices that challenge her comfort and beliefs, particularly in matters of sexuality and power. Her transformation, both physically and emotionally, is a central theme, as she learns to accept her basilisk side, manage her complex desires, and ultimately embrace her power.

Tem’s grief over Caspen’s death marks a pivotal point in her evolution, leading her to a new beginning with Leo. Her character demonstrates growth, resilience, and the painful process of letting go of the past to create a new future.

Caspen

Caspen is a powerful and intense basilisk who serves as Tem’s husband. His role as her partner in both the intimate and political sense plays a significant part in the narrative.

Throughout the story, Caspen is portrayed as a strong, protective figure, deeply connected to Tem. Their relationship is marked by both a deep sexual bond and an emotional one, though it is complicated by Tem’s internal conflict between her human past and her basilisk present.

Caspen’s belief in the basilisk traditions, including their views on sexuality and power dynamics, creates tension in their marriage, particularly when it comes to the customs surrounding mating seasons and the idea of Tem potentially sleeping with other basilisks. Despite this, Caspen remains steadfast in his support of Tem, frequently reassuring her of her importance and value in their world.

His tragic death marks a turning point for Tem, as she must navigate the loss of the life they had planned together. Caspen’s legacy is a mix of love, duty, and the dark realities of the basilisk blood bond, and his passing leaves a profound impact on Tem’s identity and the choices she makes moving forward.

Leo

Leo is Tem’s former love and the human king with whom she shares a complicated and unresolved connection. Although Leo has moved on from their past relationship and married Evelyn, Tem’s lingering feelings for him add to the emotional tension throughout the book.

Leo’s role is particularly significant in the moments where Tem grapples with her loyalty to Caspen and her desire for Leo. Despite his initial dismissal of their past, Leo remains a central figure in Tem’s journey, embodying the human side of her identity that she cannot fully forsake.

His willingness to engage in discussions with Tem about their kingdoms’ coexistence, even after their annulment, reflects his desire to maintain a connection with her, albeit in a new, more distant way. Leo is a symbol of the love that Tem feels she cannot fully possess, representing a life she once had and could potentially have again, should circumstances change.

His presence in the story highlights the ongoing tension between Tem’s dual identities and the difficulty of reconciling her human side with her basilisk nature.

Apollo

Apollo, Caspen’s brother, plays a crucial role in the story as both a source of tension and temptation for Tem. His flirtations and increasing obsession with Tem add to the emotional turmoil that she already feels due to her divided affections for Leo and Caspen.

Apollo’s actions are often unpredictable, ranging from playful teasing to more intense interactions, particularly when he introduces Tem to the art of petrification, something Caspen had kept from her. Apollo’s dynamic with Tem is marked by a mixture of attraction, respect, and rivalry, as he is aware of her internal struggles and desires.

Despite his advances, Apollo’s respect for Tem’s autonomy is evident, particularly when he acknowledges her independence after Caspen’s death and waives his claim to her. His character embodies both the danger and allure of the basilisk world Tem must navigate, as well as the complex relationships that arise from their shared history.

Gabriel

Gabriel, Tem’s best friend, offers a supportive and grounding presence in her life. Unlike the other characters who are directly involved in Tem’s romantic and political struggles, Gabriel serves as a confidant and a source of emotional support.

His unwavering belief in Tem’s strength and courage helps her navigate the chaos of her relationships and the pressures of her basilisk nature. Gabriel’s acceptance of Tem’s complex identity as a Hybreed is one of the few uncomplicated aspects of her life, as he is unfazed by her revelations and offers reassurance rather than judgment.

He represents a voice of reason and comfort amidst the turmoil of Tem’s emotional and physical transformations. His friendship provides her with a sense of stability, especially as she faces the more challenging aspects of her relationships with Leo and Caspen.

Gabriel’s role as a constant and supportive friend highlights the importance of platonic relationships in a narrative that is largely driven by romantic and political conflicts.

Kronos

Kronos, Tem’s father, provides wisdom and guidance as she struggles with her feelings for both Leo and Caspen. His role in the story is that of a protector and advisor, as he questions whether Tem’s love for both men can coexist and encourages her to reflect on her actions.

Kronos represents the older, wiser generation in the basilisk world, offering Tem a perspective grounded in experience. His advice helps Tem navigate the complexity of her emotions and make decisions about her relationships, even when they conflict with her personal desires.

Kronos’ character is integral to Tem’s emotional development, as he challenges her to confront the reality of her situation and embrace her power as a Hybreed. His role as a father figure adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, as he provides both support and a sense of responsibility for Tem as she matures and faces the consequences of her choices.

Evelyn

Evelyn, Leo’s wife, plays a subtle but important role in the narrative. She represents the life that Leo has chosen to build after Tem, and her presence further complicates Tem’s feelings of longing for the life she could have had with Leo.

Though she does not play a major role in the unfolding events, Evelyn’s character is a reminder to Tem of the choices she must make in order to move forward. Evelyn’s relationship with Leo is one of stability and practicality, in contrast to the emotional intensity that Tem experiences with him.

Her role is mainly defined through her interactions with Leo and her connection to the kingdom, as she, like Tem, represents the politics of uniting two distinct worlds. Evelyn’s role underscores the choices Tem must make, as she navigates the complex landscape of love, power, and duty.

Themes

Identity and Transformation

Tem’s journey is heavily shaped by her struggle with her evolving identity as both a Hybreed and a basilisk. Throughout the story, she must navigate the complex transformation from a human to a being of immense power and significance within the basilisk world.

This duality presents a constant internal conflict for Tem as she tries to reconcile her human emotions with her new basilisk nature. Her inability to fully embrace her basilisk form, as well as the difficulties in controlling her powers, are constant reminders of her fragmented sense of self.

Her relationship with Caspen further complicates this transformation, as their intense bond is rooted in their differences—Caspen is a fully realized basilisk, while Tem remains caught between her human origins and her newfound basilisk abilities. This struggle is not only physical but emotional, as she grapples with her duties as a queen and her lingering affection for Leo, her past love.

Tem’s inability to easily control her basilisk abilities represents the larger theme of self-discovery, where the process of becoming someone new involves moments of doubt, frustration, and gradual acceptance. The narrative explores how Tem ultimately learns to integrate both sides of her identity, embracing her dual nature despite the complexities it introduces into her relationships and her role within basilisk society.

Love, Loyalty, and Betrayal

At the heart of Between Two Kings is the exploration of love, loyalty, and betrayal, especially as experienced by Tem in her complicated relationships with both Caspen and Leo. Tem’s love for Leo, which once seemed pure and uncomplicated, is overshadowed by the political and social ramifications of their relationship.

Her connection with Caspen, although rooted in a deep and passionate bond, brings about an entirely different set of emotional challenges. As the queen of the basilisk world, Tem is forced to confront the political duties and expectations placed upon her, including those surrounding her marriage to Caspen.

Yet, her lingering love for Leo creates a rift in her emotional stability. This conflict intensifies as she faces the societal pressures that demand her loyalty to Caspen, a loyalty which is tested when she is reminded of her history with Leo.

The theme of betrayal comes into play as Tem feels she is betraying one love while trying to remain loyal to another, forcing her to make difficult decisions. As the story progresses, Tem must navigate these emotional tensions, learning that love can be both a source of strength and a vulnerability, and that loyalty can sometimes feel like a form of emotional imprisonment.

Ultimately, betrayal is not just an external action but an internal struggle as Tem is torn between her heart’s desires and her obligations.

Power and Control

The theme of power and control is intricately woven into the political landscape of the basilisk world. Tem’s hybrid nature grants her extraordinary potential, particularly the ability to channel the power of Kora, a goddess.

However, this power also comes with significant responsibility, and Tem is not always prepared for the weight of it. As she navigates her new life, she is confronted with the ways in which her power can be manipulated by others, especially by those who wish to control her destiny.

Caspen’s possessiveness over her and his insistence on maintaining control over their relationship clash with Tem’s growing awareness of her own strength and autonomy. The competition for her hand, particularly the tournament orchestrated by the Seneca, is symbolic of the broader struggle for control over her life.

While Tem desires to maintain her independence, the structure of basilisk society and the expectations placed upon her push her into a position where she must often relinquish control. The tournament, which is framed as a contest to prove worthiness, forces Tem into the role of a prize to be won, highlighting the tensions between her autonomy and the political pressures she faces.

At its core, this theme examines the balance between power and submission, and how power dynamics shape both personal relationships and political structures, leaving Tem to question who truly controls her future.

Sacrifice and Consequences

Tem’s journey is one marked by sacrifice, both personal and emotional, and the consequences that follow those sacrifices. Her marriage to Caspen, while rooted in love, is also a political alliance that requires her to give up parts of herself, both emotionally and physically.

The traditions of the basilisk world, including the ritualistic events and customs, demand that she make choices that are not always in line with her desires. Tem’s internal struggle grows as she feels increasingly disconnected from her human self while being bound to the expectations of her basilisk role.

Her emotional sacrifice is made clear when she gives up her relationship with Leo, acknowledging that their love cannot coexist with the truce between their species. The loss of her human side and the painful rituals she must endure highlight the personal costs of her involvement in the basilisk world.

Caspen’s death serves as the ultimate consequence of the sacrifices she has made, marking the end of an era in her life and forcing her to confront the true cost of her choices. The aftermath of his death brings another layer of sacrifice, as Tem must navigate her grief while also coming to terms with the emotional and physical toll of her past decisions.

This theme underscores the complexity of love and duty, showing how each action has far-reaching consequences, and how the weight of sacrifice shapes Tem’s growth and eventual path forward.

Community and Belonging

The theme of community and belonging is central to Tem’s journey as she grapples with her place within the basilisk world. Initially, Tem feels alienated, unsure of where she fits in as both a Hybreed and a queen.

Her entry into the basilisk society introduces her to a complex set of customs, many of which clash with her human sensibilities. The mating season, a communal event where basilisks freely express their sexuality, is an overwhelming experience for Tem, as she navigates her role within a society that values collective expression over individual privacy.

Her discomfort with these customs highlights her struggle to find a place where she truly belongs. However, as the story progresses, Tem begins to accept her role as queen and her responsibilities within the basilisk world, recognizing the importance of her presence in maintaining order and unity among her people.

The relationships she builds, particularly with Caspen, Apollo, and Damon, represent different facets of her growing sense of belonging. Even in the face of political unrest and emotional turmoil, Tem finds that her bonds with others help anchor her as she moves through an uncertain world.

Ultimately, the theme of community emphasizes the importance of connection, both personal and communal, and how the search for belonging can shape one’s identity and purpose, particularly when one is caught between two worlds.