Page 62 of Pining for the Prince
“Here’s the ancient lift shaft to enlightenment, I see,” drawled Gwil as he followed Hyax inside.
The lift doors closed and there was one single button on the wall with the wordsSeek the truthwritten underneath. He pressed it and the lift started to descend with a judder. “I’m assuming Goya gave you a contact name as well?”
“Said we should ask for Duncan, he’s the warlock in charge. I don’t know him but apart from the ones who work with the Vampire Council, most warlocks don’t have a high opinion of vampires.”
“Duncan?” Hyax groaned, remembering dealing with a warlock of the same name as a contact for his security council business. “Oh, I hope it’s not who I think it is. The man’s as skeevy as they come. You’re going to have to go all alpha male and protective if it is him.”
“I thought you’d not been to this oracle.”
“I haven’t but magic users tend to run in similar circles and our paths cross regularly with warlocks. I suppose Duncan is a relatively common name, I might be lucky.”
The lift opened to reveal a man whose outward appearance was mid-twenties, not that it meant anything when it came to warlocks, wearing a long robe, his red hair falling over his shoulders.
Hyax had not been lucky.
“Welcome to the Oracle at Moorgate.” He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. “Prince Hyax, isn’t this a pleasure.”
“Duncan, I didn’t realise you were on duty here.”
“I’m on rotation—looking to broaden my skill set with a customer-facing role.”
Gwil stepped forwards, and Hyax would be all for rewarding him if he played dutiful boyfriend. “Goya contacted you on our behalf.”
Duncan wrinkled his nose. “He did say a Gwilym Hilt would call. He didn’t mention your dark odiousness.”
“I’ve been called a lot worse, and since I’m here escorting my betrothed, Prince Hyax, I would like you to feign a modicum of courtesy.”
“His Highness is welcome, but your aura may obscure the purity of the oracle.”
“Pull the other one, Duncan, the murky puddle has no beef with vampires. It’s your prejudice, so be a good lad and move it along.” Gwil flashed his fangs. “I’d hate to have to get bitey.”
“There’s no need for violence.”
Hyax took his hand, the first time he’d done so in public, something he thought he could get used to. “Let’s go. I’m sure Duncan is happy to assist the fae crown,” Hyax said.
They were in a little lobby which was more akin to a waiting room than the site of a significant paranormal cultural landmark, but the atmosphere changed as Duncan led them through a door and into a cavern where a shimmering circle sat at its centre appearing to glow with an ethereal light. Hyax realised the effect was due to hundreds of fairy lights and, with his excellent night vision, he spotted a couple of extension cords and a multi-plug adaptor.
“Are they human Christmas tree lights?” he asked.
“Good for tourists. Most people who come down here have a two-for-one ticket with the Tower of London’s blood pit,” Duncan said with a sniff.
“Is this place even magical?” Gwil asked.
Hyax chuckled. “Very much so, but that there’s not the oracle. It must be a decoy.”
“His Highness’s intelligence is even greater than his beauty.”
Duncan shuffled off and they followed him through a series of archways and into another cavern, although smaller this time, and lit by sconces on the wall. In front of them was an alcove. “The Oracle of Moorgate. First discovered in 1121 and has been in constant use since. The Warlock Ruling Committee has granted you three questions. Use them wisely.”
The power and history was undeniable. He could feel the echo of a thousand years seep over his skin, and it called to him, but he was surprised by what he’d been offered.
“Three questions. I wasn’t expecting that. I should only need one but I would need to immerse my hands.”
“I’m going to have to check. That’s not on the sheet I was given.”
Hyax grimaced but slunk up to Duncan and placed his arms around his neck. “I thought I was one of your favourites.”
Gwil bristled and Hyax suspected he felt the ripple of Hyax’s projection being directed at someone other than him. Duncan looked confused then smiled. “Who am I to deny such a wonderful man as you?”
