Page 52 of Searching for the Prince
“His what?” Robin asked, and Gwil was also in the dark.
“It’s a protective amulet that links him back to this realm. We can in theory kill him, but if we don’t destroy the amulet that encases his anchoring spells, then he can come back, and start again and we won’t know where.”
Gwil knew they would have to prevent that at all costs. If the lich were to return, it wouldn’t just be Simon in danger, and Gwil didn’t think the Vampire Council would be happy with that outcome.
“Do we know what it looks like?” Robin asked.
Jack shook his head. “Not exactly, it’s likely to be some sort of jewellery that he can keep on him at all times. I haven’t seen anything obvious, so I suspect it’s on a chain under his clothes.”
“Should I tell Simon? I haven’t said anything about Mettle being a lich, just that he’s the one who is behind him being here.”
“I don’t think it would help. Simon’s memory is already fragmented, it might be better to explain it as an after-effect rather than give him something else he’s supposed to be keeping secret,” Jack said.
“But he might have seen the amulet,” Gwil said, he thought it likely if it had been used on him, but he might not have to clear a memory. “If we know where it is, surely that’s an advantage?”
“He would have used the amulet for certain spells, so Simon might have seen it, but I wouldn’t bet on it.”
“I don’t think I should ask him. Let’s assume Mettle has it on him.”
“Agreed.” Jack headed to the door. “Now, get out of here. And I’ll try and find a way for us to talk tomorrow.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Hyax should have expected the invite, but he was still surprised by the gall of Metra to ask for a meeting to speak and move things forward as adults. The insinuation that Hyax might act up for no reason was unspoken but clear, and he would not let Metra get the upper hand. He couldn’t refuse, as that would prove Metra right, however, he would pick the time and place and ensure this was as swift and non-combative as he could make it.
He wouldn’t trouble Gwil over this—he was deep undercover and the last thing Hyax wanted was to make him lose concentration. He could deal with Metra, especially with a tenement stone sitting in the inside pocket of his jacket ready for use. Which was why he’d chosen an Indian restaurant in human Old Street, London—somewhere Metra wouldn’t want to linger, and where no one would believe two fae princes would meet to talk. He was sipping on a mango lassi when Metra arrived. He’d been here early, booking the table and telling Metra a later time so he could sit where he wanted, order and show Metra he was in charge.
“Charming place,” Metra said, without a hint of a sneer. “I love Indian food.”
“I’ve ordered a selection. You’ve the time I take to eat my fill to talk, I suggest you use it wisely.”
“You’ve great taste, I’m sure you’ve selected the best they have to offer, and I’m willing to try anything once.”
A plate of appetisers was delivered alongside several main dishes and rice.
Hyax speared a chicken pakora. “You contacted me, Metra. What is it you want?”
“We’re going to be married, I know you don’t want to, and I thought if we could spend some time together it would make things easier. I didn’t push for this either, but my parents were adamant, and I am in no position to refuse.”
Metra wouldn’t go against his parents—that much was true. “So, we have a couple of nice chats, I forget what you’re really like and we skip hand-in-hand to the celebrant and proclaim our unending devotion?”
“I was hoping you could at least move to indifference from outright contempt.”
“I’m here, I’ve not thrown my drink in your face, and I’m willing to listen, I think you’re getting more than you deserve. You know I have Gwil, you knew I wanted to marry him, and yet here we are about to be declared betrothed.”
Metra was arrogant, self-serving and in reality, if he hadn’t been so good in bed, they wouldn’t have lasted past the first assignation.
“It is our duty, I am doing so because my parents insisted, they have made it clear that our tribe’s future is brighter if we make stronger links, and fully leave behind the shadows of the past. We should do the same.”
“We have not been at war for over a decade, we are at peace, so I don’t see the need to suddenly cement a deeper relationship.”
Metra pulled apart an onion bhaji and Hyax helped himself to portions of lamb balti, aloo chat and rice. “My family are looking to the future, we want to ensure there is no chance of another war and a marriage between our peoples is an age-old way of doing so. We aren’t a love match, and I know our past situation means this is difficult for you, but it isn’t coming from a place of retribution or hate.”
“But why the Tasharick tribe? You can make alliances with the other tribes.”
“We have those already—it is only your tribe we have yet to forge a partnership with. And I am the only unmarried child of my parents.”
“You do not have to marry me, though.”
