Page 59 of Searching for the Prince
“I’ll be there directly,” Robin said.
“I’ll be checking in regularly to check his progress and contain the cuffs once the release mechanism works.” Alex dematerialised with a polite nod.
“Off you go,” Sebastian said. “Speaking to James, he believes that once the cuffs are off, Simon’s fangs will come in and he can feed.”
“I thought he’d be here?”
“He has a kingdom to run, and knows Simon is in the best hands. But he has been receiving constant updates and has suggested that Simon transitions back in the fae realm so James can be available for support, given Simon’s recent memory loss.”
“I’ll need to make sure I don’t turn into vampire beef jerky again when we travel through the portal,” Robin said.
“Simon can do that once his magic returns,” Hyax said, it was only natural Robin might be a bit put off from using the portals. “He explained how I can protect Gwil in the future.”
Sebastian cocked his head to one side. “You are actually taken with him. I thought it might be an act of rebellion against your mother.”
Hyax bristled. Sebastian’s opinion was not his concern but he didn’t like the inference. “We are betrothed, that’s not something I would have entered into for the sake of pettiness.”
Sebastian snorted. “I can tell you some marriages are built on foundations much shakier than that.”
Robin excused himself. “I best go to Simon.”
Sebastian waved Robin away with an instruction to enjoy applying the after-bath cream and to be diligent, which Hyax thought was a little creepy. “I have heard, Your Highness, that Gwil might not be your betrothed for much longer.”
He should have known Solivatus wouldn’t have been able to keep his mouth shut. “It is a political matter. I remain no less dedicated to Gwil.”
“I did wonder, but if you’re as smitten with him as you appear, I’m sure you’ll be able to overcome the situation one way or another.” Sebastian glanced at Solivatus. “Given the help Gwilhas provided, and the sacrifices he made to do so, I wouldn’t like to see him too upset.”
“Neither do I.”
“Good, I think I’ve made myself clear. Please don’t let me detain you.”
Hyax didn’t think Sebastian gave a shit about Gwil but didn’t want the fae pissing on vampires in general terms. “I’ll keep in touch with Simon, he can contact me if he needs anything.”
He’d already been dismissed and didn’t wait to be told twice. Gwil was ready to go when he returned to their room. “Karl says there’s a car on standby whenever we’re ready.”
“The sooner we leave the better.”
“Did you manage to speak to Simon about the portals?”
Gwil’s miraculous recovery had distracted him. “Yes, I have an idea. We’ll try in a few days, I’m sure you’re sick of them for now.”
“I was hoping that we could have some us time when we get back. I suspect your mum will know what went down already and that Simon’s home.”
Hyax nodded. “I imagine the royal proclamation will have already been drafted, and it’ll only be a matter of hours before I get called back.”
“Do you need to make a statement in person?”
Hyax shook his head. “No, but there’ll be a gathering, and I’ll need to show my face. I don’t think you’ll be allowed to attend that one, but I’ll try and ensure you’re always invited to any official engagement I’m being rolled out for.”
“Won’t your husband object?”
“He can throw a fucking tantrum for all I care, as far as I’m concerned you are the Prince’s Beloved and I will have you at my side at any chance I can. I can’t call you my husband, but I won’t let anyone think you’re not my choice.”
The title wasn’t used often, but its existence couldn’t be overlooked. He wanted to spend as much time as he could curled up with Gwil until the inevitable happened.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Gwil had known the announcement was coming, but it didn’t make it any easier to deal with. Hyax had returned to the fae realm and within the hour Gwil had received over twenty messages from his friends asking if he was all right. Cikla had sent him the wording, it spoke of the union of the two tribes, and other bullshit around harmony and cementing the special relationship. He’d been mentioned, his title of Prince Hyax’s Beloved didn’t have the same ring to it as husband, but what had been the absolute kicker was there was a date for the ceremony. In less than a week, Hyax would be married to Metra, and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it.
