Page 45 of Pining for the Prince
Hyax could tell he was no more willing than himself. “You know that not to be the case. I fear for both our sanities, that while I will always think of you with the highest regard that is with the caveat that we remain friends. Nothing more.”
“Perhaps you are being a bit harsh,” Talia said. “It has been some time since you were together.”
“I seem to recall you were not happy that we dated.” The words notgood enoughandfine for fun, orcould be a harem member but not suitable for morehad been used several times. Maili’s political status wasn’t the reason they hadn’t worked.
“I am capable of admitting when I am wrong.”
“So am I, but in this instance I’m not. While being a past partner is not a justification in itself to remove someone from the list, concerns over long-term compatibility is.”
Unfortunately, he couldn’t find a way to get rid of the next two, a prince and a duke from different tribes, who he didn’t know much about beyond polite conversations at social gatherings. He knew his mother would push for follow-up sessions, but he could worry about them later. His bigger problem was the next man, Metra. The beautiful bastard glowed as he stood between his parents.
Their families hadn’t known they were together. It had been part of the attraction—not getting caught adding extra layers of excitement. They’d been sexually compatible, Metra a decent and generous lover, pity that he’d not been able to limit his generosity only to Hyax.
“Prince Metra,” Talia said, after the formal introductions had been got out of the way, “I must say we were surprised but elated to see you had agreed to be placed on the suitor’s list as part of the successful peace agreements.”
“It was an honour to do so. I am sure Prince Hyax would make a worthy spouse for anyone. We do need to get to know each other first, it would be imperative to ensure we can stand each other for extended periods.”
Hyax had known of arranged marriages where the couple had barely tolerated each other, where the match had nothing to do with them but the political games their parents wantedto play. Of the ones on the list so far, Metra would have been his parents’ favourite, and there wasn’t much Hyax could say to change that without giving away their secret.
“I would like to be able to more than tolerate my partner,” Hyax replied.
“You are not alone in wanting that,” Metra replied. “I am sure we will have much in common, can learn to accommodate each other’s ways and pass the time in pleasing activities.”
It was as if the bastard thought this could work. Hyax hadn’t given him any indication since they’d split that he’d been willing to forgive and forget. Quite the opposite.
“There are other traits beyond holding an interesting conversation and playing chess. I care about honesty—trust is an important factor that is hard to earn and easy to lose.”
“I know. And if I am found worthy I will do all in my power to prove to you I am capable of being just that.”
He couldn’t hold back the snort.
Talia tutted. “Hyax, your manners.”
“Apologies, but I am aware of Metra’s reputation. I would ask if he was such a perfect match for anyone, why he is not already betrothed elsewhere?”
Metra’s mother, Queen Vaness of the Elementa tribe, placed a hand on her son’s shoulder to stop him from answering. “It is the tradition in our lands to let our children grow up and leave behind their childish traits before they are wed. You are not the only one we have allowed to have the honour of being considered by our family.”
He needed to tread carefully here. A misplaced word would be an insult too far even though she’d insinuated that he was a childish brat. “I am sure he is comforted that he has alternatives if we find ourselves unsuitable.”
Metra looked pained, and Hyax couldn’t believe his gall. “I think we will be. I ask you to give me the opportunity to prove that to you.”
Bastard. He would not dignify him with a response, and he sat back in his chair and crossed his arms and legs. The message couldn’t be clearer if he’d shouted it from the rooftops.
Talia smiled, but she was not happy. “As per tradition, there are several steps to allow the choosing of a suitor. There will be plenty of time for you to get to know each other.”
“I should make it clear, that while tonight Metra is being presented as someone being worthy of Prince Hyax, it is by no means yet established that he is suitable for Metra,” Vaness said, her gaze penetrating. “There have been some interesting rumours about the company Hyax keeps that will need to be further discussed.”
Hyax had wondered if his connection to Gwil might raise itself. It would not be addressed but it would not take too long before it became widespread knowledge.
“You are not the only one who has that sentiment,” drawled Talia. “But rest assured Hyax will do his duty.”
“Very well. We will wait and see how things progress.”
Hyax huffed a sigh of relief as they moved on. The final option was a member of the security council, twice his age and Hyax was sure he was only included as a threat of what could happen if he didn’t pick someone suitable. But for now he was going to stick to the declaration he’d made about Gwil.
As the last of the formal greetings ended, Hyax couldn’t maintain his impatience. “I have done as requested. As I said at the beginning, I do not accept any of the suitors and move to strike six from the list, meaning only five remain. As per protocol, a minimum of eight suitable candidates are required in order for me to have a worthy pool to choose from.”
“I will not let you play games,” Talia warned.
