Page 24 of Pining for the Prince
“As far as we can tell. It’s not something we’ve encountered before.”
“What has Goya been told?” Wavel asked. “How much does he know?”
“Just that it is a precious stone and we would like it back.”
Goya was many things, stupid wasn’t one of them. Hyax didn’t think he’d have fallen for that explanation given he was rumoured to be part fae himself, but Goya may have had to accept he wasn’t going to be told much more.
“Surely you should have asked Hyax,” Wavel said. “Hyax and his business partner no doubt have a different reach to what we or Goya’s official channels would have.”
“We’d be delighted to help,” Hyax said. “We’ve specialist communication agents we can call on.”
Hyax made a mental note to remind Gwil about asking his dirt devils for information. The sewer dwellers weren’t the easiest to get hold of but they were able to find out things like no others.
“Hyax, you know we have no issue with you being friends with Gwil, but as a vampire we could not condone including him in something so sensitive.” She paused and he thought she’d guessed it might be too late for that. “Something for us to discuss between the two of us later. In fact, why don’t you stay behind?”
“Okay. As I said, we’d be honoured to help.”
Talia went on to explain the investigation reports would be sent to them all, but at this moment there was little more she could add and they would meet as normal at the weekly family gathering where she would answer any questions she could. As the others were dismissed, he remained seated, keen to get Talia to agree to let him and Gwil investigate on behalf of the Fae Crown.
“Before you say anything, I know Gwil is a vampire, but we’ve worked together for years now and I trust him with my life.” Life yes, his heart was a different story. “I am positive we’d be a lot more useful than Goya, who will have to work within the Met’s rules.”
“Maybe, and we can discuss it later. There’s something else we need to talk about now. It’s a timely coincidence that you arrived when you did.”
Hyax didn’t believe in coincidences, not when his mother was smiling at him in a way he’d seen when she was about to reprimand an aide who’d been pissing her off. “I can’t imagine what you need to talk to me about.”
“Hyax, there comes a time in every young royal fae’s life where you have to accept certain responsibilities and do your duty.”
“I’ve never shirked my duty. I’ve been a liaison to the security council for years helping track down suspects and wanted criminals in the human realm.”
“Hardly the most onerous task.”
On the surface it would look to most that he had a string of expensive dates and nights out at the expense of the tribe’s treasury, but his mother knew better than that. “But not something I’d do unless I had to. I give up a substantial amount of time to help support the Crown.”
“Yes, I know you do and I am grateful. But now you’d be able to stop that.” She steepled her fingers and stared at him coolly. “It’s time Hyax.”
“Time for what?”
“For you to get betrothed. You’ve reached this age without finding a special someone, so it’s time for you to accept a political marriage—and you’ve a long list of approved suitors to choose from. The rite of Relmain cannot be ignored.”
This could not be happening. He thought he’d have decades before his mother pulled that particular trigger. Ancient rites related to being part of the succession were not something he could deflect. She was doing this to distract him from the investigation, but he wasn’t going to let her do that. He needed to think. Royal protocol couldn't be fought off once unleashed,and if he didn’t want his parents to force him into choosing who to marry from their approved list he would need to stop it now. And unfortunately there was only one sure way to do that.
“I hadn’t wanted you to find out this way. But I am already betrothed.”
Talia raised an eyebrow. “Really? To whom?”
“Gwil.” His name was out before he could stop himself. It was a stupid idea, and Gwil would very likely hit the roof when he found out.
Talia got to her feet and put her hands on her hips. “You’re engaged to Gwilym Hilt. The vampire?”
“Yes.” He sat straight, refusing to be cowed. Just because it wasn’t true didn’t mean he wasn’t going to defend his life choices. “So you see, me and my fiancé would be perfectly placed to investigate.”
“Hyax, you have some serious explaining to do.”
“It’s pretty simple. We became close after working together. But he’s a good man… er… vampire. You’ve nothing to worry about.”
She huffed, and Hyax knew, that at least for now he’d averted a matrimonial disaster. Telling Gwil his mother thought he was his fiancé and the fallout from that, was a different clusterfuck.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
