Page 57 of Searching for the Prince
Simon grimaced. “One small mercy. Do I drink it?”
“No, submersion. You’ll bathe in it, might need a prolonged exposure but we’ll have to see. It might not be the most pleasant of experiences.” Hyax wouldn’t fancy sitting in the concoction, but needs must and they didn’t have an alternative.
“No shit, it’s got elf blood in it.”
“Ashley said he can prepare a lotion to use afterwards… and Robin volunteered to apply it.”
Simon laughed. “I don’t know if he’s a cheeky bastard, or I’d be annoyed if he didn’t.”
Robin hadn’t wanted anyone else’s hands on Simon, and no one had opposed him. They’d also kept Simon’s parents informed, and King James had sent some insights.
“There is one more thing, your father thinks the cuffs are also impeding your fangs from coming through.”
“That makes sense, as without them I can’t transition to my vampire-fae form, and so my magic is in perpetual flux, which would make it easier to siphon. Somehow, the lich must’ve known.”
Simon would have a lot to digest and would need time to do so. Hyax stood. “I’ll let Robin know you’re awake. Are you hungry? You’ve been out a few days.”
Simon’s stomach growled, answering for him. “I guess that’s a yes.”
“I’ll visit again, we can talk some more.” He had other things he wanted to ask Simon, but those could wait until Simon was fully recovered. “I was hoping you’d be able to show me how to adapt the portals to use with Gwil. Robin said he can use yours.”
“I’m part vampire, so that might make a difference, but you can use a biphasic transference spell, and it stops the molecule superheating. You’ll need to tune it to Gwil.”
He might need to cast through Gwil for that to work, but now they had done similar magic together he was no longer concerned he’d be doing more harm than good. “I’ll give himsome time to recover from his last trip and try it, I think I’ve the idea now.”
“My father figured it out, I’ve just built on his ideas.”
“I’ll leave you to rest for now. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to contact me.”
“That goes the same for me. Thank you, Hyax. I won’t forget this.”
Hyax left. Alex would be in touch if he needed anything, and he was more interested in Gwil. He wouldn’t let the vampires forget how pivotal Gwil had been to the success of returning Simon, and he wouldn’t be subtle about it either.
It was to his great surprise he found Gwil sitting up and a healer on their way out. “You’re awake.”
“Yes, I see your observational skills are improving. The new healer tried a different idea, a magically infused blood which can expedite healing from the inside.”
Hyax would have to follow up on that, he would love to know what they’d used. “Did they give you more details?”
“None I understood. Something about magic antibodies that would be tackling the inflammation and some other stuff that was to speed up the repair of my tissues. Seems to be doing the job.”
“I should say so, when I left you were recovering but still out of it.” Hyax took Gwil’s hand and he could feel the treatment working. Gwil’s body was repairing, and unlike the last time, Hyax thought he might be up and about soon. Hours even. “The effect is quite something. How are you feeling?”
“Bit dopey, hungry for food, not blood. I’d love a ham and cheese toastie.”
Hyax was amazed, and beyond relieved. “I’ll get Karl to bring you something.”
“I feel so well that I should make sureallof me is in working order.”
Hyax knew they’d been apart but Gwil had to have a screw loose if he thoughtthatwas going to happen.
“No, you need your rest. Once you’re home and confirmed out of danger, then I’ll fuck your brains out, but not before.”
“Please,” Gwil whined, but Hyax would not be coerced.
“I’ve said no once, don’t make me put my foot down.”
Gwil grumbled and Hyax made peace by sliding into bed for a cuddle. Curled up here he could forget what was waiting for them once they left Crofton Hall. Robin and Simon might have got their happy ending but for Hyax he was facing the start of having to publicly deal with Metra. He held Gwil tighter, trying not to think about what would happen, he wasn’t going to give up Gwil without a fight.
