Page 54 of Pining for the Prince
He was in no mood to continue this conversation. “I’ve already made it clear that I don’t care what you say. Now, I’ve asked you to leave as nicely as I’m going to.”
Metra walked back towards the door, calling over his shoulder as he left: “Whatever happens you’ll still be a vampire, and not worthy of touching him.”
Unfortunately that was something he couldn’t change. He finished packing and was zipping up the bag when Hyax arrived.
“I need to stay tonight, but I should be good to leave tomorrow.”
“Have you some babies to kiss? Hospitals to open? Other royal pursuits?” he asked with a grin, deciding best not to bring Metra up for now.
“No, they want to discuss the situation with the elves, but not with you. I have no idea why not as I’ll be filling you in when I see you at home.” Hyax sighed and sat on the bed. “I’m sorry for dragging you into this.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll head back, see if Copperpipe’s come up with anything and when you come home tomorrow, I’ll get us a takeaway and a bottle of wine and we can get pissed and worry about something else for a while.”
“Thanks, Gwil. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You’ve come to mean a lot to me.”
As a friend. As a business partner. But not a lover, and Gwil was going to have to accept he’d never be more, and that would be all right as long as he could keep Hyax close. However, from what he’d seen, Queen Talia might be trying everything she could to prevent that from happening.
Back underground, Gwil found he preferred the sewers to the fae castle. At least down here the only shit was in the water and not members and guests of the royal family. He trudged through the tunnels, having sent word to Copperpipe that he’d be here, and he hoped he had answers and a sample of Stardust.
A grate was dragged to one side. The potato on legs wriggled out and landed at his side with a splash. “How wereyour adventures in fairyland, Fangface? Romantic break to visit the future in-laws?” Copperpipe made a number of disturbing kissing noises.
He didn’t think the news about his pretend love life would have reached down here. “How’d you know about that?”
“Not much I don’t know or can’t find out, otherwise I’d be a bit of a useless informant.”
“True, I suppose. But it’s none of your business. I asked you about the Stardust.”
“Seems like the elves have got themselves a new supply route. No one knows much, but the goods aren’t as clean. Been customer complaints and well, punters aren’t keen on risking their sparkly bits for a high. Bad for business.”
“I wouldn’t have thought the elves would’ve cared if it allowed them to make a bigger profit.”
“Too many whispers. Goya can’t turn a blind eye anymore. Not when the last one to end up having their lungs vacuumed was the mayor’s niece.”
“Ah.”
Copperpipe nodded vigorously. “You see now? Poor merch makes for bad deals. Elves are getting jumpy, and the last thing you want are them lot flipping out.”
“Elves are bastards whatever.” He wasn’t going to agree outright with Copperpipe, but he had a point. “Did you get me the sample I asked for?”
“I did.” He scrunched up his features in distaste, and it made him look even more like an old potato. “I am still not sure this is a good idea. Your pretty fairy might go bananas.”
“We appreciate your concern, but Hyax is adamant that he knows what he’s doing, and he’s a stubborn bastard.”
“Makes two of you.” Copperpipe dug around inside the sacking he was wearing and Gwil thought it best not to think where the little plastic bag that emerged had been hidden.“Here. If anyone asks, it wasn’t from me. I don’t want no angry fae coming my way.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll remain my anonymous source. You’re too useful to me to lose your services if you’re vaporised into sparkly dust.”
“Fuck you, Fangface.” He held out his hand. “Payment now.”
He handed over the bag of lemon pear drops and a flask of ambrosia. He’d never get used to Copperpipe’s random requests for payment. Last time it had been smoked almonds, and the time before, saag aloo.
Gwil trudged out of the sewers and home, and had been able to have a shower long enough to remove the residual pong before Hyax arrived. “Released from your royal duties, I see.”
Hyax landed next to him on the sofa. “For now. My parents are being unreasonable. They’ve never insisted I do this meet and greet shit before, but now I’m expected to help entertain visitors. Not just the suitor bollocks.”
“Must be a hard life having a family who can tolerate your presence for whole hours at a time.” He waved his phone at him. “I’ll order dinner. What you fancy?”
“Korean, pork bibimbap with extra sesame oil and bao buns.”
