Page 32 of Searching for the Prince
Gwil knew he wasn’t the only one with contacts, and Solivatus would have people all over waiting to act once he had something to go on, Copperpipe’s early insights would have allowed Solivatus to send out his dogs.
“How are we going to make him do that?” Robin asked.
“Then we’ve luck on our side,” Sebastian said. “I’ve been thinking about this. While I accept they do cure people of their ailments, I can’t believe a lich would do anything for purely altruistic reasons.”
Gwil didn’t know much about liches but what he did know wasn’t good and he didn’t think they’d do anything for nothing.
“He must want something in return,” Robin said.
“Oh yes. My theory is he’s invited individuals from the meetings who can be of use to him, a vampire’s blood is worth a lot on the black market, as are the bark scrapings of naiads.”
Robin’s top lip curled into a sneer. “I suppose there’s use for anyone, darker potion ingredients or spell work often have a sacrificial or biological aspect.”
“Exactly. I’ve a business generating an income based on those principles, but I don’t go around kidnapping innocent people. I pay for donations—and I pay bloody well—but I’d bet one of my houses Mettle is harvesting from his patients without their consent. To be honest, I wouldn’t give a flying fuck, but he crossed the line when he took Simon, and he will have to pay.”
“I’m not sure how we’re going to make him pick me and Gwil,” Robin said. Gwil didn’t think he’d be of interest, theymight want his blood, but they probably wouldn’t need both him and Robin.
“We need to make you look like a decent prospect… or if he doesn’t pick you, replace you with ones he does.”
“How are we going to do that?” Robin was holding back his frustration, but Gwil saw it was a lot of effort.
“Some sort of rare condition might be a good start. We need to think about this, if it were a sexually communicable disorder then both you and Gwil could have it… set you up as lovers who need to get rid of the vampire pox.”
He’d agreed to go undercover but not this, and he could see Hyax losing his shit. “I don’t think Hyax would be in favour of that idea.”
Solivatus grunted. “You’d just be acting, and it wouldn’t even look like the real you. He’ll be fine… or I will speak to him about his trust issues.”
“I can speak to Prince Hyax,” Robin said. “He is already aware of the bond I share with Simon and would know I would have no interest in Gwil.”
If he were being honest, Gwil didn’t think Robin would have fucked him even if he’d been single. He wasn’t sure that would make Hyax any happier though.
“The Invigilators should be able to build a trail if they check backgrounds… a police report about the spell use, medical records showing they hadn’t been cured, with some flavour to make you even more interesting,” Sebastian said. “They’ll want to be seen to help with the return of Simon.”
“This all does depend on whether the magic is possible,” Robin said.
“I have every faith, Robin. You’ll see. Ashley, Alex and Hyax all bring distinct flavours to the mix and the lich won’t realise what’s going on until it’s too late.”
Gwil hoped Hyax wouldn’t take afront at all the assumptions being made, Gwil had no clue about the level of power or what type of magic was needed and, if this hadn’t involved another fae, he could’ve seen Hyax flouncing off, spraying holy water as he went.
Robin still didn’t seem fully convinced. “Are we certain there’s no way to do an extraction? Go in get Simon and get out?”
“I’ve already explained once, Robin, I’m not one for repeating myself. Now, if you’re not keen on helping us get your Eternal home, I’m sure I can find someone else to help and it would be a shame if your lack of engagement were to get back to Simon and his family.”
Gwil held his breath, then remembered he didn’t breathe. Sebastian was a scary bastard and Robin tensed at the rebuke. The threat was clear, and Robin wasn’t stupid.
“I’m completely committed to bringing Simon home, and to Simon.”
“Correct answer, Robin.” Sebastian’s smile had no warmth to it. “Now you should go rest. Leave the planning to me and Solivatus.”
“I am grateful for your guidance.” Robin turned to Gwil. “Come on, Gwil, let’s go and inform your fiancé of the plan and start to work on our backstory.”
Robin took Gwil firmly by the arm and they left. Gwil was not looking forward to having to explain to Hyax that he wasn’t going to pretend to have caught something due to getting down and dirty from sex magic with Robin.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Hyax stood with arms crossed over his chest in a reception room at Crofton Hall. He’d returned from visiting the fae realm to find Karl waiting for him with a message that Gwil had been collected and would he be so kind as to join them at his earliest convenience. Meaning immediately.
He’d arrived through a portal into what he’d describe as an ambush as Alex was waiting for him, alongside a warlock of exceptional calibre. He could taste his magic, and a good measure of his capability even though he’d never met him before. Not to mention he wasn’t bad-looking, with black hair and bright eyes behind wire-framed glasses.
