Page 39 of Pining for the Prince
He didn’t answer. Hyax was getting agitated, and he thought it best not to poke the bear as he guessed he’d have been worried if he were bringing home a boyfriend for the first time, and he was a member of the undead.
For some reason he thought it would be just the two of them and his parents, but as he entered the Tithur room he realised why Hyax was acting as he was. In front of him Queen Talia and King Ryol were seated on high-backed wooden chairs which, while not thrones, were doing a good impression and they were accompanied by eight extravagantly dressed fae and at least double that number of soldiers.
Hyax bowed to his parents, and Gwil copied him.
“Mother, Father. Is there any reason half the Ruling Council are here? I rather hoped you meeting Gwilym would be a bit more informal. It is, after all, a personal matter.”
Queen Talia was a beautiful woman, and Hyax got his colourings from her, King Ryol was as stunning and had gifted his youngest son his build, but neither of them seemed happy to see them.
“I’m not sure why you would have thought that, given you’re bringing a non-fae to meet us. There are security protocols in place for a reason,” Talia said. “And we were informed of some additional information that might be pertinent to the discussion.”
“The discussion about my new partner or the stone of Ljin?”
“The former.” She turned to Gwil. “Mr Hilt, tell me how you met my son?”
He glanced sideways at Hyax who looked as if he were chewing a wasp. This was not going to plan and it was beginning to feel like an ambush. “We’re business partners. A friend of Hyax introduced us when I was in need of a spellcaster to remove an incantation.”
“Oh, so you weren’t part of the Vampire Council escort to the fae?”
“Er… no. I’m not what you’d call that well-connected.”
“I see.”
Hyax now had his gaze fixed on the ceiling.
“Therefore I assume you’re not part of the Jyndarin Society.”
“Not yet, but potentially one day I could be. I do have the right sire to qualify.” The fact he didn’t have the money or political clout meant he’d have no chance to gain access to one of the most elite groups in vampire society was left unsaid. Even Penelope hadn’t managed it yet, although her husband was. “But my sister is a Dark Countess.”
“But you’re not a Dark Earl.”
“No.”
Hyax crossed his arms over his chest. “I might have bolstered Gwil’s credentials, but only because I knew you’d act like this.”
Ryol gave Gwil a considered look. “Is Solivatus even your sire?”
“Yes.” One thing he could say, that his sire hadn’t meant to turn him was neither here nor there.
“Well, that’s something I suppose.”
“Please, don’t do this. You agreed I should be allowed to marry who I choose.”
“Up to a point.” Ryol rolled his eyes. “You marry for status, producing an heir, and for connections. You can choose who you like for your concubines or a harem.”
“Gwil’s people don’t have that practise. If I want him, then I don’t get to have the harem, and as far as I’m concerned that’s an acceptable trade-off.”
Talia was horrified. “There are traditions to be upheld.”
“You’ve several other sons and daughters who will do that. I am so far down the succession it does not matter. As I have said several times, I wish to marry for love.”
Talia and Ryol whispered something he couldn’t understand but Hyax’s expression told him it wasn’t good. Several minutes passed, including Hyax hissing back like a cat who’d had its tail stood on. The councillors were muttering among themselves as well, and Gwil thought he might be about to be escorted from the realm. If he was lucky they wouldn’t stake him first and chop off his head.
“Enough.” Talia leant forwards in her seat and Gwil fought hard not to cower. “Seeing as you are here, and there is no mistaking that your involvement could at least be helpful for the location of the missing jewel, we will monitor the situation regarding your betrothal. But I have one question, if I may, Mr Hilt?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
“When Hyax cast the protection spells on you, how did it feel?”
